Company/School Retreat Proposal for Yunnan – Dali Proposal

I.          General Information

Program Dates: TBD

No. of participants: 16 - 20

Contact: jolieadventure@gmail.com

II.        Location Introduction:

The proposed retreat will take place in the surrounding areas of Dali in Yunnan province, located in southwest China. Nestled below the snow capped Cang Shan Mountain range on the shores of the beautiful Er’hai Lake, it once served as the capital to the Bai and Nanzhao Kingdoms between the 8^th to the 11th centuries. The people of the Dali region have blended Han and Bai culture alongside other migratory and regional traditions to strike a relatively peaceful balance between indigenous values and external influences. The rich cultural heritage of the region is evident in all aspects of the people’s lives.

The outer-worldly beauty of this region combined with year round mild temperatures makes it one of the most popular tourist desitinations in China. It is a place to witness the colorful cultures of Yunnan and be in intimate contact with nature. Despite the big draw towards mass tourism, it is still very easy to get away from the crowds, and be completely alone while medidating in nature. Therefore, we consider it an ideal retreat destination in China.

III.      Program Outline

Optional Post-retreat extension programs:

After the retreat, for those who’d like to take more time to explore more of what Yunnan has to offer, we offer the following private tours as extensions to the retreat. Please contact us separately for the cost of the extensions or other destinations in China not mentioned below.

1.       2 Days in Lijiang

2.       4 Days Lijiang and Tiger Leaping Gorge Trek

3.       6 Days Lijiang, Tiger Leaping Gorge and Shangri-la

IV.      Activity Overview

Artjamming –

How it works: It is all about being creative and letting ideas flow, so no art skills are required other than being able to hold a paintbrush! With funky music playing in the backgroup, everyone will be able to express themselves freely and discover their artistic talents. Duration 2 – 3 hours.

Objective: allows everyone to express themselves creatively, in full colors, and in a non-competitive way.

Kayaking on the Er’hai Lake –

How it works: Kayaking instructions will be given by a professional instructor to the group. Everyone will have a chance to paddle in the calm waters of the beautiful Er’hai Lake. What a great way to be in close contact with nature! 

Objective: Good outdoor exercise and relaxation for some, but can also be a physical challenge to others.

Pot Luck Event-

How it works: The group will be broken into small groups and then will draw from a hat on the dish that they are to make for the group. Then each group will be given a budget and then go to the local market to shop for ingredients for the dishes that they are to make. Upon return to the hotel, the groups will work together to prepare the dishes, and then the group will enjoy a meal with full of tasty surprises！

Objective: The process of deciding the dishes, shopping, cooking and serving together as a small group helps to bring people together in a relaxed manner. Everyone will be able to enjoy the tasty fruits of their labor as a result.

Organic Farm Visit –

How it works: take half a day out to a farm where organic vegetables are harvested. Take a walk in the vegetable patches, talk to the farmers, or help with harvesting if the season is right.

Objective: Everyone will be able to learn about the ins and outs of organic farming and the impact it has in our lives. Afterall, we are what we eat!

V.        Service Items:

Included Items：

All event management costs

Full service of trip leader and local activity facilitator

Accommodation based on double occupancy with breakfasts

Main meals with tea and coffee

Fully liscensed chartered vehicle

All entry fees and activity fees mentioned on the program

Outdoor adventure insurance coverage

Excluded Items:

Single room supplement @ 1600/person

Post-retreat extension tours (please inquire separately)

Personal expenses

Beverages other than coffee and tea during meals

Cost of activities not mentioned in this program

VI.     Retreat Overview

Retreat Center in Xizhou – Hidden within the traditional Bai village of Xizhou is this elegant Bai style courtyard structure serves not only as a boutique hotel but also a center for traditional art preservation. Owned and operated by Brian and Jeanee Linden from the US, this house was originally the most prestigious property in the village, and had been restored to the full elegance of traditional Bai style at the same time renovated to Western modern standards. The complex is graced with four exceptional courtyards and gardens. Lush water ponds, mature bamboo, and blooming flowers and greenery abound, with indigenous centuries-old statues and accenting cherished spots throughout the compound.

Xizhou is conveniently located about 20 minutes from Dali old city, and 60 minutes from the Dali airport by car. The property sits quietly amidst rice paddy fields and looks out to the Er’hai Lake in the distance which is totally separated from the tourist crowds that floods Dali old city on a daily basis. 

Retreat Images:

Court Yard                                                  Outdoor Terrace

Twin Room                                                            Washroom

Multi-purpose Room                                    Dinning Room