Shangri-La. O/N Shangri-La

Shangri-La County - The tour guide will register your name and meet you at your hotel lobby at 09:00 am or at Shangri-La airport.

Sumtsaling Monastery - Begin your day with a visit to Ganden Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan province, also known as ‘the little Potala Palace.’ Established in 1679, it is situated in the capital of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and is the most significant monastery in southwest China.

Napa Hai Nature Reserve - Next, explore Napa Hai Lake, the largest grassland in Shangri-La. Located 8 km northwest of Shangri-La County, it is a seasonal mountain lake and one of the few thermal alpine swamps and swamp meadows in Yunnan province.

Yila Grassland - Napa Hai Lake and Yila Grassland are essentially the same location. During winter and spring, the lake’s surface recedes, transforming into a vast swamp meadow—Yila Prairie, the largest spring pasture in Yunnan province.

Guishan Park - Afterwards, travel by private car to the city center to visit Guishan Park. Climb to the top of Guishan Hill or Tortoise Hill to see the world’s largest prayer wheel and enjoy a panoramic view of Shangri-La County and Dukezong.

Dukezong Ancient Town - After lunch in Dukezong Ancient Town, enjoy an hour of shopping and exploring. Then, return to your hotel in Shangri-La.

Shangri-La - Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking. O/N Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Shangri-La County - At 9 am, your guide will meet you at the hotel lobby and transfer you to Tiger Leaping Gorge, a 2.5-hour drive covering 120 km.

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia) - Known as one of China’s best hikes, Tiger Leaping Gorge is not overly strenuous except for the initial climb along switchbacks near the entrance. With a slow pace and good accommodations, the trail is manageable. Today, hike from Qiaotou to Halfway Guesthouse, covering about 17 kilometers in six hours. The Halfway Guesthouse is truly at the midpoint on the High Trail. First, hike for two hours to Naxi Family Guesthouse for lunch. Then, continue for another two hours up the steep switchback called 28-bends before the next break. The views are unforgettable. After a break, hike another one or two hours to reach Halfway Guesthouse, offering a stunning view of Yulong Snow Mountain and the Jinsha (Golden Sands) River Valley.

Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking - Lijiang. O/N Lijiang.

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia) - Today, hike down to Tina’s Guesthouse (about 2 hours), passing beautiful waterfalls and canyons. The driver will pick you up at Tina’s house and drive 2.5 hours (100 km) back to Lijiang.

Shuhe Ancient Town - Afterwards, take a private car to Shuhe Old Town for lunch. Enjoy a leisurely walk in Shuhe Ancient Town. Shuhe, or ‘Shaowu’ in Naxi language, means the village at the foot of the high mountain. Historically, a high mountain named Jubao stood behind the village, giving it its name. Shuhe Ancient Town is located 4 km northwest of Lijiang Ancient Town, covering about 5 square kilometers with a population of around 3,000. In 1997, Shuhe was recognized as an important part of Lijiang Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

Old Town of Lijiang - China - Finally, take a private car to your hotel in Lijiang and check in. The rest of the day is free for you.

Lijiang - Shaxi. O/N Shaxi

Old Town of Lijiang - China - Your tour guide will meet you at your hotel lobby at 09:00 am and transfer you to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a 50-minute drive covering 25 km.

Yulong (Jade Dragon) Mountain - Today, visit the Snow Mountain via cable car to Spruce Meadow or White Water River first, depending on the Impression Lijiang Show schedule, which varies based on daily visitor numbers from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm and lasts 60 minutes. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is easily accessible via cable cars that take visitors to different parts of the mountain. The 13 peaks, home to several glaciers, are snow-covered year-round. Different altitudes offer changing landscapes, with peaceful meadows giving way to snow-covered paths and glaciers. Spruce Meadow is chosen for its lower altitude (3300M) and fewer visitors compared to Glacier Park, offering a beautiful view.

Lijiang Impressions Show - Next, attend the Lijiang Impression show, an outdoor performance featuring traditional songs and dances by local ethnic people from villages around Lijiang, held at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Blue Moon Valley - Afterwards, take a private car to White Water River (Blue Moon Valley). The Blue Moon Valley is a strikingly blue river winding through a lush valley of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. From a distance, it resembles a blue crescent moon at the mountain’s base, hence its name. However, the river’s color changes; if it rains, the white mud and limestone rubble at the riverbed swirl up, turning the water milky white. Locals call it White Water River (Baishui River).

Yunnan Shaxi Ancient Town - After completing the Lijiang tour, head to Shaxi Old Town, a 2-hour drive covering 100 km. Check in first, then explore Shaxi Old Town, Shaxi River, Xinjiao Temple, the square stage, and ancient courtyards with locals.

Shaxi once played a vital role as a bustling trade station on the Tea and Horse Caravan Road, a significant branch of the Silk Road. Over a thousand years ago, this ancient trade route connected Tibet with Eastern China. In exchange for Yunnan teas, Tibetans traded their renowned horses to Song Dynasty officials in eastern China, who were defending their territory from northern invaders. Thus, the Tea and Horse Caravan was born, with Shaxi as the main trade station along this route.

Shaxi - Dali. O/N Dali.

Yunnan Shaxi Ancient Town - In the morning, your guide will meet you at 8:30 am at your Shaxi hotel, then head to Dali Old Town, a 3-hour drive covering 130 km.

Xizhou Town - First, visit Xizhou, another excellent place to observe typical Bai Minority folk culture and architecture, aside from Dali. A characteristic Bai courtyard residence consists of rooms on three sides and a decorative screen wall on the south side. These residences generally feature carved beams, turned-up eaves, and splendid green, gold, blue, and white paint.

Xizhou is a quiet, uncrowded town, preserving itself from mass tourism. One can observe real local life, especially around the main square where families gather and children play until after dark. Sit in a restaurant or cafe around the square, enjoy fresh local beer, and watch life unfold around you.

Chongsheng Three Pagodas - Next, visit the Three Pagodas facing Erhai Lake. The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple in Dali form a tripartite confrontation with a large pagoda and two smaller ones. As one of the oldest and most magnificent architectures in South China, it is a famed place of interest and a symbol of Yunnan Province’s ancient history and culture. Built amid the former Chongsheng Temple by the Nanzhao Kingdom, a local regime of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the pagodas were named after the temple. Though the temple was damaged in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the pagodas were preserved through numerous natural disasters and manmade incidents. The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple were designated as an important heritage site protected under the state in 1961 and inscribed as an AAAAA grade scenic area in 2011.

Erhai Lake - After lunch, transfer to Erhai Lake to enjoy the lake view or cycle around it. The Erhai Lake (Ear-shaped Sea), known as the “Pearl of Plateau,” is the second-largest highland lake in Yunnan.

Dali Ancient - After completing the Dali tour, you will be dropped off at your Dali hotel. In the evening, explore Dali Old City. Dali Ancient Town is one of China’s most famous ancient towns. As a major stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, or Southwest Silk Road, it is rich in historic sites and traditional culture. Compared to Lijiang’s Old Town, Dali Ancient Town is smaller, less crowded, and more elegant. Spend a few hours leisurely wandering the paved streets, admiring the traditional architecture of the Bai ethnic minority, sampling local food and snacks, and buying souvenirs.

Dali - Kunming. O/N Kunming

Dali - In the morning, your guide will meet you at your Dali hotel at 8 am, then transfer to Kunming West Hill, a 5-hour drive covering 320 km.

Kunming West Hill (Xishan Forest Park) - The Western Hill is a forest park offering beautiful views. Overlook Dian Lake from the Western Hill, and explore wonderful temples. The most amazing part is the Dragon Gate at the top of Western Hill.

Kunming Dragon Gate - Take the cable car to reach the Dragon Gate and spend 30 minutes there. The Dragon Gate is the essence of Western Hill Forest Park. The scenic spot is located at the end of the Western Hill scenic area, next to Dian Lake – the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan, known as the “Pearl on the Plateau.” Standing on the Dragon Gate, travelers can enjoy a panoramic view of Dian Lake, which is magnificent and gorgeous, attracting many visitors to Western Hill. An old saying about the Dragon Gate states that once you enter, you will become famous and successful, symbolizing good luck.

Kunming - After completing your tour of West Hill, return to your Kunming hotel, marking the end of services for the day.

Kunming. O/N Kunming.

Kunming - Your tour guide will meet you at your hotel at 09:00 am, then transfer to Stone Forest, a 2-hour drive covering 100 km.

Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park - Begin your day by visiting the renowned Stone Forest, a bizarre rock formation created by rain and weather over millennia. The stones’ unique formations make you feel as though you’ve entered a “stone world.”

Green Lake (Cui Hu) - Next, visit Green Lake to enjoy fresh air and the morning life of local citizens. The Green Lake Park is one of Kunming’s most beautiful parks. The water is green, the bamboos around the lake are green, and the willows in summer and spring are green, hence the name. It is known as the emerald of Kunming City.

Kunming - After lunch, return to your hotel in Kunming, marking the end of services for the day.

Kunming - Guizhou Xingyi. O/N Xingyi.

Kunming - Today, your guide will meet you at 8:00 am and transfer you to Guizhou Province’s Xingyi Wanfenglin area, a 5-hour drive covering 300 km.

Xingyi Geopark - After lunch in Xingyi city, head to Xingyi Geopark, but this afternoon only visit the Thousands of Hills Scenic spot.

Wanfenglin Scenic Area - Spend 2-3 hours in the Wanfenglin area, using the local shuttle bus to walk around the villages and enjoy the stunning natural views. Wanfenglin (Forest of Ten Thousand Peaks) is divided into east and west peak forests, each with different scenery, and is a classic Karst landform. Wanfenglin is a key component of the national scenic area Maling River Canyon. The east peak forest features a Karst peak cluster landform, while the west peak forest is a highland Karst landform. With its grand and beautiful scenery, Peak Forest feels like a wonderland. It is as if you have stepped into a scroll painting of green-grey peaks and golden fields, entering a paradise.

Xingyi - After the visit, return to Xingyi city center, check in to the hotel, and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Xingyi - Anshun. O/N Xingyi.

Xingyi - At 9:00 am, your guide will meet you and transfer you to Malinghe Gorge.

Malinghe Scenic Area - The Malinghe Gorges are located in the northeastern part of the scenic area. Waterfalls cascade from the hilltops along the valley, with various Karst caves behind the falls or in the cliffs. Lush, subtropical plants cover the riversides. The Malinghe River, a tributary of the Nanpanjiang River, runs through the gorges. Along the river, scenic spots include the Chelang Hot Spring, the Colourful Corridor, the Tianxing Gallery, and the Zhaojiadu ferry crossing. The winding river roars through the gorges, making it a perfect place for white-water rafting.

Anshun - Guiyang. O/N Guiyang.

Huangguoshu Water Falls - Huangguoshu Waterfall, a miniature milky way, is the largest waterfall in Asia. Standing 74 meters (243 feet) high and 81 meters (266 feet) wide, it is a scenic marvel not to be missed in Guizhou Province. The waterfall national park includes three main areas: Waterfalls Cluster, Water-Curtain Cave, and Rhinoceros Pool (Xi Niu Tan). Begin at the Waterfall-Viewing Pavilion (Guan Pu Ting) for a panoramic view of the entire waterfall. From the Water-Viewing Pavilion (Wang Shui Ting), enjoy the grand scene of surging water. The third pavilion is beside the Rhinoceros Pool, offering a marvelous night scene of the grand waterfall that leaves lasting impressions.

Longgong Caves (Dragon Palace) - Next, visit the Dragon Palace Cave (Longgong Cave), the longest water cave in China. Named for its resemblance to a crystal palace where the “Dragon King” lives, Dragon Palace Cave Scenic Spot features the longest water cave, the widest underground waterfall, the largest Buddhist cave, and the lowest natural radiation in China. In 1988, it was designated a national scenic spot. Covering 60 square kilometers, Dragon Palace Scenic Spot comprises four parts: the Rape Lake, the Whirlpool, the Leech Pass, and the Dragon Palace Cave itself. Dragon Palace Cave includes Heavenly Pool, Dragon Palace, Tiger’s Cave, Longmen Waterfall, and other eye-catching landscapes.

Guiyang - After lunch, transfer to Guiyang city and check in to the hotel.

Guiyang - Kaili. O/N Kaili.

Guiyang - At 8:00 am, your guide will meet you at your hotel lobby, then transfer you to Kaili city, a 4-hour drive covering 230 km.

Miao Village - Before checking in to the hotel in Kaili, visit the Lanhua, Jidao, and Langde Miao villages, located just an hour’s drive from Kaili city center. Langde Village is 30 km from Kaili. Surrounded by green mountains, Langde Village is situated beside a crystal-clear stream. Upon arrival, partake in the “block-the-way” wine, a local custom for welcoming guests. Twelve tables are placed along the path from the highroad to the village gate. Then, visit traditional Miao-style stilt houses and enjoy sweet Miao folk songs. Afterwards, take a leisurely walk on the cobblestone or bluestone roads and courtyards in the village.

Kaili - After lunch, transfer to your hotel in Kaili city center.

Kaili - Zhaoxing. O/N Zhaoxing.

Xiaohuang Village - At 9:00 am, transfer to Congjiang, stopping first at Shiqiao Village. Shiqiao Miao Village, located about 2.5 km southeast of Danzhai County, is known for its traditional paper-making. The Miao Ethnic there still lives a self-sufficient lifestyle. It is an excellent place for travelers, especially calligraphers, to experience and learn traditional paper-making.

Zhaoxing DongZhai - Tonight, stay at Zhaoxing Village, one of the largest Dong Villages in the Qiandongnan area of Guizhou. Entering Zhaoxing Dong Village feels like stepping back in time. All the buildings are wooden-stilt houses. This picturesque village is noted for its beautiful natural sights and unique ethnic flavor. It is surrounded by verdant mountains with a crystal stream running through.

Zhaoxing Dong village. O/N Zhaoxing.

Zhaoxing DongZhai - Today, your guide will meet you at 9:00 am to first visit Tang’an Village.

Dong Nationality Style Village of Zhanli - Next, visit Zhanli Village, about 16 kilometers from Congjiang County. Zhanli Village is a gathering point for the Dong ethnic group, accommodating 836 villagers in 186 households. Ancestors of Zhanli established a rule during the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) to balance the population with the amount of cultivated land. Afterwards, if you wish to explore further, visit Huanggang Village, another Dong ethnic gathering. Huanggang Village celebrates many local festivals, with the most important held on January 7 and June 15 of the Chinese lunar calendar. Located in remote mountains, Huanggang maintains production and living customs that have lasted for thousands of years.

Rest & Drop off at Congjiang/Kaili train station or Guiyang airport.

Congjiang County - Today, there are no tour activities. You will be dropped off at Congjiang/Kaili train station or Guiyang airport, marking the end of your services.

• Private car and guide
• Entrance tickets
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• The hotels & food

• Can add more days if you want

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.