Yunnan

Northwest Yunnan is one of the most bio diverse regions in China and one of the most biologically diverse temperate regions on earth. With 25 different ethnic minorities, Yunnan is also the most culturally diverse province in china. Yunnan has a unique array of fascinating outdoor activity resources, including year-round snow-capped mountains and glaciers, lakes and hot springs, highland landscapes, primitive forests, and tropical rain forests. Between the rich heritage and natural elements, Yunnan provides endless opportunities to explore and learn.

Tiger Leaping Gorge -  Just 60km north of Lijiang city, Tiger Leaping Gorge is a canyon dissected by the Yangtse river, and is recognised as a World Heritage Site. The Gorge stretches 15km in length, and the river forms the border between Yulong Naxi Autonomous County of Lijiang and Shangri La County of Diqinq. Our school programs offer students the chance to engage in leadership, teamwork and communication excercises while on a multi day trek through stunning scenery. Our aim is to provide students with the neccesary knowledge and skills, and progress towards a completely student led, self managed final few days.

Lijiang -  Situated in northwest Yunnan, Lijiang borders Sichuan province. Lijiang's 'Old Town' is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has a history going back more than 800yrs when the town was an important trading point along the old tea horse road. The architecture of the Old Town reflects the unique hostory and culture of its residents, the Nakhi people. Our School programs provide students with an up close insight into the history of the town and the culture of its inhabitants.

Shangri La/Zhongdian - The town is split between Tibetan and ethnic Han residents, as well as a fair smattering of Naxi, Bai, Yi and Lisu, with the surrounding countryside entirely Tibetan. While the crass name change in 2001 was a sign of the desire for increasing mass tourism in the style of Lijiang, the town has got nowhere near Lijiang's crowds, and it's still possible to experience the area's Tibetan heritage and see gorgeous countryside in near isolation.

Dali - Dali is the ancient capital of the Bai kingdom Nanzhao, which rose to prominence in the 8th and 9th centuries. The Kingdom of Dali, which lasted from 937-1253, has a fascinating history and culture. In 1856-1863 it was the center of the Panthay rebellion against the reigning imperial Qing Dynasty, it is famous for the production of marble and hosts a historic Old Town, built between 1368–1398 during the reign of Emperor Honqwu in the Ming Dynasty. It is also experiencing a rise in the development of traditional rock climbing routes in the surrounding area, making it a great outdoor adventure destination.

Activities In Yunnan:

Multi day trekking and camping
Biking
Horse Packing
Rock Climbing
Cultural immersion
Home stay experience
Hot Springs
Monastery visit
Rock Climbing