Atulie’ercun (阿土列尔村))
The remote Atulie’ercun is located in the Zhi'ermo Township (支尔莫乡)of Zhaojue County. For hundreds of years, it was never discovered, simply because of its seclusion. Thus, it is often dubbed as the cliff village. Perched like the seat of a chair with near-vertical cliffs both above and below, the young children use a series of handmade ladders to scale the 2,625 feet (800 m) cliff in order to travel to the school via the foot of the cliff.
In 2015 journalist from The Beijing News photographed children on the ladder and these pictures went viral on the internet, prompting local authorities to construct infrastructure up to the Atulie’ercun. Some of you may have heard of Atulie’ercun few years back and thought the same as me … how do I visit this place? Google and Baidu search for Atulie’ercun tour, you might have a hard time finding a tour operator to organise a tour there. That is because there is no working cable car nor hotel built at Atulie’ercun yet. Save the trouble of racking your brain to piece up information like accommodation, guide and food supply at Atulie’ercun. We have these plans in place and recced the site earlier this year.
Explore Atulie’ercun with us, immerse yourself with the cultural differences between the cliff village and the rest of China, do a homestay here, enjoy your meals with the Atulie’ercun villagers, and visit scenic landmarks during our road trip around Liang Shan.
The remote Atulie’ercun is located in the Zhi'ermo Township (支尔莫乡)of Zhaojue County. For hundreds of years, it was never discovered, simply because of its seclusion. Thus, it is often dubbed as the cliff village. Perched like the seat of a chair with near-vertical cliffs both above and below, the young children use a series of handmade ladders to scale the 2,625 feet (800 m) cliff in order to travel to the school via the foot of the cliff.
In 2015 journalist from The Beijing News photographed children on the ladder and these pictures went viral on the internet, prompting local authorities to construct infrastructure up to the Atulie’ercun. Some of you may have heard of Atulie’ercun few years back and thought the same as me … how do I visit this place? Google and Baidu search for Atulie’ercun tour, you might have a hard time finding a tour operator to organise a tour there. That is because there is no working cable car nor hotel built at Atulie’ercun yet. Save the trouble of racking your brain to piece up information like accommodation, guide and food supply at Atulie’ercun. We have these plans in place and recced the site earlier this year.
Explore Atulie’ercun with us, immerse yourself with the cultural differences between the cliff village and the rest of China, do a homestay here, enjoy your meals with the Atulie’ercun villagers, and visit scenic landmarks during our road trip around Liang Shan.
Dragon Head Cliff (龙头断崖)
HIGHLIGHTS
- Huang Long Xi (黄龙溪)
- Climb up tp the peak of Le Shan (乐山)
- Explore Ermei Shan (峨眉山)
- Ma Hu (马湖)
- Jinsha Bend (金沙江)
- Climb up to Atulie’ercun (阿土列尔村) via the steel ladder (dubbed "Stairway to heaven")
- Homestay at Atulie’ercun (阿土列尔村)
- Hike further to Dragon Head Cliff (龙头断崖)
- Qionghai (琼海)
- Hot springs (九十九里温泉)
- Explore Lugu Lake (泸沽湖) e.g. Da Luo Shui Village (大落水) , Xiao Luo Shui Village （小落水)， Grass Lake (草海), Walking Marriage Bridge (走婚桥), Lover's Beach (情人滩), Lige Village (里格)
Ermei Shan (峨眉山)
It is a mountain in Sichuan Province, China, and is one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China. At 3,099 metres (10,167 ft), Ermei Shan is the highest of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China. You may come across temple at the Golden Summit, statue of Samantabhadra at the summit of Ermei Shan, macaque and sea of clouds during sunrise.
It is a mountain in Sichuan Province, China, and is one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China. At 3,099 metres (10,167 ft), Ermei Shan is the highest of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains of China. You may come across temple at the Golden Summit, statue of Samantabhadra at the summit of Ermei Shan, macaque and sea of clouds during sunrise.
Le Shan (乐山)
Lugu Lake (泸沽湖)
The lake is surrounded by mountains and has five islands, four peninsulas, fourteen bays and seventeen beaches. It's shores are also inhabited by many minority ethnic groups, such as the Mosuo, Norzu, Yi, Pumi and Tibetan. Most of them are the Mosuo people, said to be a sub clan of the Naxi people. Lugu Lake is called the "mother lake" by the Mosuo people.
Home of the Mosuo Tribe
Lugu Lake is home to the Mosuo Tribe (摩梭). A small ethnic group of around 40,000, the Mosuo people had resided in this mountainous region between Yunnan/Sichuan for generations. The Mosuo Tribe is widely recognized as the last matriarchal society in the world. Thus earning them (and Lugu Lake) references such as “The Kingdom of Women” (女人国) and “Home of the Matriarchal Tribe”. Being matriarchal, the Mosuo society and families are headed by women. The women have absolute ownership of family properties and their children. The family lineage is also continued via the female line.
Walking Marriage
The most unique aspect of the Mosuo culture is their practice of “walking marriage”. In a walking marriage, couples do not get into a formal marriage or relationship. Rather, the women have the rights to select and change their partners. During the day, the women and their partners would stay with their respective (maternal) families. During the night, the women would give permission for the partner to visit and stay till sunrise. As such, both sides officially belong to separate households. And have no formal relationships nor shared properties. Children born from a walking marriage are raised by the women and carry the mother family name.
The lake is surrounded by mountains and has five islands, four peninsulas, fourteen bays and seventeen beaches. It's shores are also inhabited by many minority ethnic groups, such as the Mosuo, Norzu, Yi, Pumi and Tibetan. Most of them are the Mosuo people, said to be a sub clan of the Naxi people. Lugu Lake is called the "mother lake" by the Mosuo people.
Home of the Mosuo Tribe
Lugu Lake is home to the Mosuo Tribe (摩梭). A small ethnic group of around 40,000, the Mosuo people had resided in this mountainous region between Yunnan/Sichuan for generations. The Mosuo Tribe is widely recognized as the last matriarchal society in the world. Thus earning them (and Lugu Lake) references such as “The Kingdom of Women” (女人国) and “Home of the Matriarchal Tribe”. Being matriarchal, the Mosuo society and families are headed by women. The women have absolute ownership of family properties and their children. The family lineage is also continued via the female line.
Walking Marriage
The most unique aspect of the Mosuo culture is their practice of “walking marriage”. In a walking marriage, couples do not get into a formal marriage or relationship. Rather, the women have the rights to select and change their partners. During the day, the women and their partners would stay with their respective (maternal) families. During the night, the women would give permission for the partner to visit and stay till sunrise. As such, both sides officially belong to separate households. And have no formal relationships nor shared properties. Children born from a walking marriage are raised by the women and carry the mother family name.
If you are looking for an itinerary that incorporate the cultural, adventure and photography aspect, the ‘Atulie'ercun 2019’ gives you the best of not just both but three worlds. We have customised the package in a way that you will get to experience the ruggedness of the hike and also get your fair share of ‘Instagram superstar moments’ during the road trip.
WHY JOIN US?
- Till date, we are the first and only Singapore tour agency that organise a tour to Atulie’ercun. Do a quick Google or Baidu search, you may not find any tour package on Atulie’ercun. Grab this opportunity to be part of the first Singapore group visiting Atulie’ercun.
- Visit 4 peaks in 1 trip: Le Shan (乐山) , Ermei Shan's Golden Summit (峨眉山金顶), Atulie’ercun (阿土列尔村) and Dragon Head Cliff (龙头断崖)
- We leave no man behind! Our event host will be hiking behind the last participant.
- 3-in-1 combo: Hiking + Photography + Cultural Tour
- Have a peek into the daily life of the Atulie’ercun villagers via homestay
Last but not least, what is even better than making new friends during the trip? You only live once, if not now, then when? Relive your youth and join us today!
THE ITINERARY
D1
D2
D3
D5
D6
D7
D8
D9
D10
The event host will endeavour as far as possible to adhere to the programme of the event as advertised. The event host however, reserve the right to alter routes, time-tables, itineraries and accommodation as they deem fit.
The return hike to Atulie'ercun requires moderate degree of fitness due to it's height and distance. Participant should not have acrophobia (fear of height). It would be advisable to seek a doctor opinion should you have any pre-existing medical conditions e.g. heart disease.
- Depart Singapore in the afternoon
- Arrive at Chengdu in the evening
- Airport transfer
- Free and easy
D2
- Road trip to Huang Long Xi (黄龙溪), Le Shan (乐山) and Ermei Shan (峨眉山)
- Hike at Le Shan (乐山)
D3
- Ermei Shan (峨眉山) day tour and visit popular attractions such as the Golden Summit (金顶)
- Road trip: Ma Hu (马湖) and Jinsha Bend (金沙江)
- Hike up to Atulie’ercun (阿土列尔村)
- Homestay at Atulie’ercun (阿土列尔村)
D5
- Hike down from Atulie’ercun (阿土列尔村)
- Road trip to Dragon Head Cliff (龙头断崖) located at Dragon Head Mountain (龙头山)
- Proceed to Xi Chang (西昌)
D6
- Visit Qionghai (琼海)
- Experience hot springs at 九十九里温泉
D7
- Road trip from Xi Chang (西昌) to Lugu Lake (泸沽湖)
- Explore Da Luo Shui (大落水)
D8
- Continue to explore Lugu Lake (泸沽湖) e.g. Da Luo Shui Village 大落水, Xiao Luo Shui Village 小落水， Grass Lake 草海, Walking Marriage Bridge (走婚桥) and Lover's Beach (情人滩)
D9
- Road trip back to Chengdu
- Free and easy at Chengdu e.g. Shopping at Chun Xi Road 春熙路
D10
- Airport transfer
- Depart Chengdu in the morning
The event host will endeavour as far as possible to adhere to the programme of the event as advertised. The event host however, reserve the right to alter routes, time-tables, itineraries and accommodation as they deem fit.
The return hike to Atulie'ercun requires moderate degree of fitness due to it's height and distance. Participant should not have acrophobia (fear of height). It would be advisable to seek a doctor opinion should you have any pre-existing medical conditions e.g. heart disease.
Still not convinced? This aerial video may change your mind.
LAND COST
Cost: SGD 2,200/person
1) Early Bird (Deposit made by 15 June 2019): SGD 2,000/person (SGD 200 discount)
2) Group Signup (3 participants and above): SGD 2,050/person (SGD 150 discount)
(Promotions above are non-stackable.)
Group Size: Min 8 to go (excluding host)
SGD 500 deposit will be collected to confirm your slot.
Balance to be made latest by 20 Aug 2019.
What does your package include?
Package Excludes
Step 2: Whatapp proof of payment receipt to 91020550 (IMPORTANT: PLEASE INDICATE "Atulie'ercun 2019")
Step 3: Receipt for payment will be issued and further instruction will be provided.
Step 4: Pre trip briefing will be arranged and you will be added into a dedicated whatsapp chat for this trip 2 months before the trip.
Step 5: Balance payment to be made latest by 20 Aug 2019.
Refund Policy
Deposit (non-refundable)
Until 12 weeks prior to departure – 100% Refund of balance paid
10 weeks prior to departure – 50% Refund of balance paid
8 weeks prior to departure – 0% Refund of balance paid
Recommended flight
Details will be given to confirmed participants.
Others:
1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.
2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:
– they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.
Note that this is a recce trip by Adventures Unlimited.
Cost: SGD 2,200/person
1) Early Bird (Deposit made by 15 June 2019): SGD 2,000/person (SGD 200 discount)
2) Group Signup (3 participants and above): SGD 2,050/person (SGD 150 discount)
(Promotions above are non-stackable.)
Group Size: Min 8 to go (excluding host)
SGD 500 deposit will be collected to confirm your slot.
Balance to be made latest by 20 Aug 2019.
What does your package include?
- Airport transfer (For group arrival and departure)
- Chinese-speaking guide
- Double/triple sharing accommodation for all days except for Day 4 (hotel)
- Atulie’ercun homestay on day 4
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner for D2 to D9 (Note that meals for D4 and 5 are either Atulie’ercun home-cooked food or packed meal)
- Le Shan (乐山) entrance fee
- Ermei Shan (峨眉山) entrance fee
- Ermei Shan (峨眉山) tourist bus fare
- Ermei Shan (峨眉山) return cable car fare to the Golden Summit (金顶)
- Onsen (九十九里温泉) entrance fee and towel rental
- Lugu Lake (泸沽湖) entrance fee
- Pig Trough Boat ride at Xiao Luo Shui (小落水)
Package Excludes
- Single supplement
- Return flight to Chengdu
- Seperate airport transfer
- Meals that are not stated above
- Personal travel insurance
- Gratuities/Tips
- Personal expenses
- Laundry
- Visa entry if required
- Anything else not mentioned in inclusion list.
Step 2: Whatapp proof of payment receipt to 91020550 (IMPORTANT: PLEASE INDICATE "Atulie'ercun 2019")
Step 3: Receipt for payment will be issued and further instruction will be provided.
Step 4: Pre trip briefing will be arranged and you will be added into a dedicated whatsapp chat for this trip 2 months before the trip.
Step 5: Balance payment to be made latest by 20 Aug 2019.
Refund Policy
Deposit (non-refundable)
Until 12 weeks prior to departure – 100% Refund of balance paid
10 weeks prior to departure – 50% Refund of balance paid
8 weeks prior to departure – 0% Refund of balance paid
Recommended flight
Details will be given to confirmed participants.
Others:
1. This event is organised by Adventures Unlimited (TA02844), a licensed travel agent registered with the Singapore Tourism Board.
2. Insurance
From 15 July 2015, a travel agent is required to inform and ask attending participants if it is their wish to purchase travel insurance that includes coverage for business insolvency of travel agencies when:
– they are buying a leisure travel product/package; or
– their travel product/package costs at least S$1,000 (including GST) per person; or
– they are paying a deposit or payment of at least S$500 per person.
Note that this is a recce trip by Adventures Unlimited.
