Tigerair has expanded its fast growing network with direct flights between Singapore and Lijiang, China.
The airline will operate three flights every fortnight to the 800-year old city located in the Yunnan Province. Lijiang is reputed for its pristine landscape that comprises breathtaking snow-capped mountains and crystal clear streams. It is also home to the enchanting Old Town, China?s most well preserved ancient town and Lijiang?s former city-centre during the Warring States period, which is today an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Air traffic demand to and from Greater China has grown significantly in recent years as a result of increasing business and tourism links between Chinese cities and the Asia Pacific.
With this latest Singapore-Lijiang route, Tigerair today serves a total of seven Greater China destinations, namely, Guangzhou, Haikou, Hong Kong, Lijiang, Macau, Shenzhen and Taipei.
For centuries, Lijiang has been native to the Naxi ethnic group, whose rich heritage and Dongba culture are still evident today through their music, language as well as hieroglyphs painstakingly recreated on buildings by skilled artisans. Lijiang has played host to a steadily growing domestic and foreign tourist pool that is drawn to its relics, deep-seated sense of history and enduring architectural landmarks since opening its doors to visitors in the 1980s. Some ancient icons of Lijiang include the Mu Palace, Old Town, Jade Spring Park, Yu Feng Temple and Baisha Town.
Outside the city, Lijiang also boasts a composition of impressive natural attractions that adds splendor to its charm. Perhaps most famous of these is the imposing Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which towers 5,500-metre above sea level, and the accompanying White Water River birthed from the meandering run-offs from the mountain. Visitors can also bike or hike up the Dry Sea Meadows, Yunshan Plateau and Lugu Lake. For the truly adventurous, Lijiang offers a majestic visual treat of the three parallel rivers running through the Yunnan Protected Areas ? Stone Drum, Tiger Leaping Gorge and First Bend of the Yangtze River.
To tantalise taste buds, Naxi cuisine offers a host of traditional local treats including Baba flat wheat breads, Fried Yak meat, Naxi-style fried white cheese, and Yak?s milk yoghurt. Traditional Chinese, Western and French cuisine are also available at a variety of restaurants across the city.
?Beyond the usual destinations, we also want to take our customers to stunning destinations less visited,? said Mr Alexander Knigge, Chief Commercial Officer at Tigerair, ?Lijiang is one such paradise, and we are proud to be the first and only airline in Southeast Asia to be calling at this historic city.?
The return fare for the new Singapore-Lijiang route is Sin$254, exclusive of taxes and other charges.