Water-splashing Festival

The Water-splashing Festival of the Dai commemorates Sakyamuni (the Buddha). This originates from the legend of “spraying fragrance and sprinkling rain onto the Buddha at his birth.” As both his birth and enlightenment are related to water, Buddhist followers believe water is no longer a common object, but a holy sweet dew and a symbol of good luck. Goodwill and blessings are passed on in the water splashed onto one another during the festival.

To enact the legend, the Dai people have built a dragon pavilion that resembles the home of Syakyamuni’s parents. To prepare for the festival, the elders move the statue of Buddha to the pavilion, and young people go to the local hills to pick flowers and mix them with water from the clear spring wells. This fragrant mixture is poured into the dragon channel. Glittering water sprays out of the dragon’s mouth, flows into the water umbrella and splashes onto the statue of Buddha. At this sight, the crowd cheer and throng to the statue. Wetting flowers and twigs in the holy water and sprinkling water onto one another, they give their best wishes.

At the same time, Dai men set off firecrackers and beat an Elephant Foot Drum, creating a vibrant and animated atmosphere. Spontaneously, the crowd fetch water in buckets and splash to people around them.

Itinerary

Day 1, Arrive in Kunming.

Day 2, Fly to Lijiang and drive to Lake Lugu with visits to Yi villages along the way.

Day 3, Boat trip on Lake Lugu, visits to Mosou villages near the lake to learn about the fascinating Mosou people.

Day 4, Drive to Lijiang and visit the old town.

Day 5, Visit the Black Dragon Pool, Puji Monastery and Yuhu village at the foot of Mt. Jade Dragon.

Day 6, Day trip to the Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Day 7, Drive to Dali and take a boat trip on Lake Erhai to see the village on the other side.

Day 8, Visit Xizhou morning market, traditional Bai architecture, the Three Pagodas and the ancient city of Dali.

Day 9, Cable car ride up to Mt. Cangshan to have great views and pleasant walks.

Day 10, Drive to Tengchong via the Salween and Mekong rivers.

Day 11, Visit Heshun village built by returned overseas Chinese and hot springs.

Day 12, Drive to Ruili via rainforests.

Days 13 & 14, Take part in the Water-Splashing Festival in Ruili.

Day 15, Fly to Kunming, overnight hotel and tour ends.

Departures:
Apr.2nd – Apr.16th, 2011

Price:
US$ 1,510.00 Per person
US$ 390.00 Single Supplement

The price includes:
Flights:
Kunming/Lijiang
Mangshi/Kunming
Hotels with breakfasts
Sightseeing Programs & entry fees
English Speaking Guides
Transfers and transportation by private vehicles

Group Size: 06 - 12

You may prefer a different date and time frame for this tour, or wish to adjust the itinerary to suit your interests. We will do all we can to meet your preferences. Please note that tours of less than six persons may cost more per person, and other expenses may increase as a result of customization of your tour. In all cases, however, we are committed to providing the best value for your experience.