Explore Dali & Lijiang’s rich culture and stunning landscapes on a 2-day tour. Discover ethnic customs, cruise Erhai Lake, and visit historic sites.
Explore Dali & Lijiang’s rich culture and stunning landscapes on a 2-day tour. Discover ethnic customs, cruise Erhai Lake, and visit historic sites.
- Xizhou Town - On the first day, in the morning, the Dali tour guide will be ready to take visitors to the historic market town of Xizhou, located just 19 kilometers north of Dali Old Town. Here, guests can explore the morning market, where locals in traditional minority attire trade local fruits, freshly cut meats, aromatic spices, livestock, and…
- Xizhou Town - On the first day, in the morning, the Dali tour guide will be ready to take visitors to the historic market town of Xizhou, located just 19 kilometers north of Dali Old Town. Here, guests can explore the morning market, where locals in traditional minority attire trade local fruits, freshly cut meats, aromatic spices, livestock, and more. Visitors can also experience a traditional Three Course Tea ceremony and admire a stunning example of Bai-style courtyard homes.
- Zhoucheng Village - Later, the tour continues to Zhoucheng Village, known as the “Hometown of Bai’s Tie-Dye Culture.” Here, guests can immerse themselves in the tie-dye culture at a traditional workshop, where grandmothers pass down this centuries-old tradition to mothers and daughters.
- Erhai Lake - After the tour, enjoy a brief boat ride on Lake Erhai to Tianjing Tower Island, taking in the breathtaking views of the lush and cloud-covered Cangshan Mountain Range towering over Dali’s landscape, while flocks of birds peacefully soar above the serene lake.
- Dali Ancient - After the tour, return to Dali Old Town, the heartland of the thriving Bai people, known for their vibrant costumes and traditional way of life. Dali embodies the image of ancient China, with its wooden houses featuring ornate eaves and stone streets worn smooth by centuries of use. Dali has long been a cultural crossroads, where visitors can observe the Bai, Yi, and Hui people in their traditional attire going about their daily lives. The tour guide will then assist with hotel check-in. In the evening, guests can enjoy a drink at one of Dali’s many cozy bars or charming coffee shops, or explore the bustling main streets where local artists sell beautiful handicrafts.
- Ancient City Zhongyi Market - On the second day, after hotel pickup, the driver will transport guests from Dali to Lijiang (approximately a 2.5-hour drive). Upon arrival at Lijiang Old Town, the tour will visit the Zhongyi Morning Market, another vibrant local market where the Naxi people sell food, goods, and livestock.
- Black Dragon Pond Park - Visit the Black Dragon Pool, offering one of China’s most iconic views with the impressive Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as a backdrop to a beautiful traditional Chinese garden. Nearby, the Dongba Museum is a hidden gem where visitors can learn about the Naxi minority, the Shamanic Dongba culture, and the unique matriarchal Naxi sub-branch of the Mosuo Minority living around Lugu Lake.
- Yuhu Village And Joseph Rock’s Residence - At Jade Lake Village, a small village without a lake, nestled in the southern valley under the shadow of the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
- Dongba Cultural Museum - Before returning to Lijiang Old Town, the tour stops at the Dongba Culture Museum, exploring the unique culture of the Naxi people, with a focus on their Dongba traditions. The museum features ancient Dongba scriptures, ritual items, folk art, and traditional clothing, providing insight into the history and spiritual practices of this ethnic group.
- Old Town of Lijiang - China - Later, return to The Old Town of Lijiang, renowned as one of the most romantic spots in China. Its charming streams meander through a maze of enchanting back alleys, part of an ancient water-supply system that still functions effectively today. Lijiang was a key stop on the Tea Horse Road and has long attracted traders, merchants, bandits, and slavers. The town is set in a truly remarkable mountain landscape that will leave a lasting impression.

- Entrance tickets to the attractions listed in the itinerary
- Private transportation and transfers, including pick-up and drop-off, with skilled driver
- 1 night 4-star accommodation including breakfast (based on twin-bed room for 2 pax)
- 24/7 English speaking customer service
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Meals as listed in the itinerary:…
- Entrance tickets to the attractions listed in the itinerary
- Private transportation and transfers, including pick-up and drop-off, with skilled driver
- 1 night 4-star accommodation including breakfast (based on twin-bed room for 2 pax)
- 24/7 English speaking customer service
- All taxes, fees and handling charges
- Meals as listed in the itinerary: 1 breakfast per person
- 2 bottles of drinking water per day
- Supplement for the meals and accommodations for the tour guide and driver
- English speaking tour guide
- Accommodation (if you choose accommodation excluded version)
- International and domestic flights
- Chinese visa
- Transportations back from Lijiang to Kunming
- Meals not listed in the program
- Personal travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips for tour guide and driver (not requested, but highly appreciated)
- Surcharges for upgrades from standard…
- Accommodation (if you choose accommodation excluded version)
- International and domestic flights
- Chinese visa
- Transportations back from Lijiang to Kunming
- Meals not listed in the program
- Personal travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Tips for tour guide and driver (not requested, but highly appreciated)
- Surcharges for upgrades from standard twin-bed rooms to double-bed rooms
- Attractions not in the itinerary
- Additional days caused by unexpected nature disasters. e.g. landslides etc.
- Single room supplement if the guest requests a private room in the hotel
- Anything not listed in inclusions
This tour highlights some unique scenic locations in Dali and Lijiang, with dependable transportation provided throughout your journey from one place to another. Explore Xizhou and Zhoucheng, both close to Dali, to experience genuine ethnic minority traditions and everyday life, along with a delightful cruise on Erhai Lake. In Lijiang, the enduring Naxi…
This tour highlights some unique scenic locations in Dali and Lijiang, with dependable transportation provided throughout your journey from one place to another. Explore Xizhou and Zhoucheng, both close to Dali, to experience genuine ethnic minority traditions and everyday life, along with a delightful cruise on Erhai Lake. In Lijiang, the enduring Naxi culture is a must-see aspect of the region. Visit Yunhu Village, renowned for its distinctive architecture and culture found nowhere else. You are sure to enjoy it!
Day 1: Dali, Xizhou Village, Zhoucheng Village, traditional Tie-Dye factory, Erhai Lake cruise
Day 2: Dali – Lijiang: Zhongyi Morning Market, Black Dragon Pool, Jade Lake Village, Dongba Museum, Lijiang Old Town
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
- Full payment will be collected in advance, including all admission fees, fuel, and equipment rental.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.