While traveling this tour with us, you can visit some important villages on the ancient Tea Horse Road and you will immerse into the diversity of Yunnan. Indeed, we will vary between the famous highlights, some of the must-see places, and remote sites which will give you a unique experience and insight of Yunnan.
While traveling this tour with us, you can visit some important villages on the ancient Tea Horse Road and you will immerse into the diversity of Yunnan. Indeed, we will vary between the famous highlights, some of the must-see places, and remote sites which will give you a unique experience and insight of Yunnan.
Arrive in Dali
Dali Ancient - Upon arrival at the airport or railway station, a guide holding a nameplate will greet you and escort you to your hotel via private car (check-in is after 14:00). You will explore Dali Old Town, once the imperial capital of Nanzhao and Dali. As a national-level scenic area, it is a must-visit destination in Yunnan….
Arrive in Dali
Dali Ancient - Upon arrival at the airport or railway station, a guide holding a nameplate will greet you and escort you to your hotel via private car (check-in is after 14:00). You will explore Dali Old Town, once the imperial capital of Nanzhao and Dali. As a national-level scenic area, it is a must-visit destination in Yunnan. Additionally, you can visit a small Catholic church featuring ethnic architectural styles within the ancient town.
Dali - Xizhou - Weishan
Xizhou Town - Your driver will collect you from the hotel at 09:00 and take you to the Xizhou Morning Market (19 km, approximately 30 minutes). Xizhou is renowned for its well-preserved Bai culture folk houses. It is not only a historical city but also a typical commercial hub for the Bai Ethnic Nationality. The vibrant Morning Market is an excellent place to experience the daily life of the Bai, who continue to live traditionally, selling fish, meat, vegetables, fruits, spices, and local handicrafts.
Donglianhua Village - Next, travel to Weishan (90 km, about 2 hours). En route, visit Donglianhua village, a Hui minority settlement. Here, you can explore the Tea and Horse Museum and a local mosque.
Weishan Ancient City - Upon arrival in Weishan, enjoy leisure time wandering through Weishan Old Town, exploring the wooden houses, small stalls, and a museum with unique artifacts.
Weishan - Nuodeng
Nuodeng - Shaxi
Yunnan Shaxi Ancient Town - Your driver will pick you up at the hotel at 10:00 and drive you to Shaxi (210 km, about 4-5 hours). Along the way, you will encounter some ancient bridges. Upon arrival in Shaxi, you can stroll around the old town, the Shaxi River, Xingjiao Temple, the square stage, and some ancient local courtyards. Shaxi was once a significant courier station on the Ancient Tea and Horse Road. With the decline of this route, it was gradually forgotten, making it the only surviving market on the Ancient Tea and Horse Road.
Shaxi
Shibaoshan Town - In the morning, enjoy a magical walk between Shibaoshan Caves and Baoxiang Temple, which is perched on a cliff and houses magnificent colorful Buddha statues. After the visit, you can hike from Shibaoshan Caves to Shadengqing Valley (2 hours), then drive to Shaxi (15 minutes). Alternatively, take the shuttle bus back to the parking lot to meet your driver. The hiking path from Shibaoshan Cave to Shaxi Village is beautiful and relatively easy, but it is not recommended for those with knee issues due to the steep stairs.
Yunnan Shaxi Ancient Town - In the afternoon, explore the countryside surrounding Shaxi village by bike or horseback.
Shaxi – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Shangri-la
Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia) - Your driver will pick you up at your hotel at 09:00 and take you to Tiger Leaping Gorge (120 km, about 2 hours 30 minutes).
Here, you will visit the breathtaking Tiger Leaping Gorge, a scenic canyon on the Jinsha River, a primary tributary of the upper Yangtze River, which flows between Mount Yulong (5,596m altitude) and Mount Haba (5,396m altitude). You can admire the impressive landscape above the roaring waters of the Jinsha River.
Hutiao Rock View: For those wishing to venture deeper into the gorge for a view from Hutiao Rock, a path leads closer to the Yangtze River. From here, enjoy a splendid panoramic view. The descent takes about 30 minutes, and the ascent takes about 40 minutes. Please note there are many stairs leading to and from the gorge. Your driver will wait for you in the car park.
Shangri-La County - From Tiger Leaping Gorge, your driver will take you to Shangri-la (100 km, about 2 hours 30 minutes). Upon arrival, stroll through Shangri-la Old Town and visit Guishan Temple, home to a massive prayer wheel.
In the evening, you can watch or, for the more adventurous, join in the Old Town’s spontaneous Tibetan dances.
Shangri-la – Lijiang
Songzanlin Scenic Area - Your driver will pick you up at your hotel at 09:00 and take you to visit a local Tibetan market. Afterward, visit the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan, often called “Little Potala.”
Shuhe Ancient Town - After Shangri-la, travel to Lijiang (180 km, about 4-5 hours).
Lijiang
Lijiang Mural in Baisha Village - Later, visit the authentic Jade Lake (Yuhu) Village, where you can enjoy a fantastic view of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Finally, visit Naxi Baisha village and Shuhe village.
Lijiang – Departure
Lijiang - Your driver will pick you up at your hotel and take you to Lijiang airport or the railway station for your departure.
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Breakfast
- An English-speaking guide
- Accommodation
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Breakfast
- An English-speaking guide
- Accommodation
- Tips for driver and guide (highly appreciated)
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Flight tickets
- Chinese visa fee (China requires visa for most travelers)
- Personal expenses
- Tips for driver and guide (highly appreciated)
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Flight tickets
- Chinese visa fee (China requires visa for most travelers)
- Personal expenses
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.