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 - In reality, Napahai Lake and Yila Grassland are the same location. During winter and spring, the surface of Napa Lake 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) - Tiger Leaping Gorge is renowned as one of China’s premier hikes. It is not overly strenuous except for the initial climb along a series of switchbacks near the entrance at Tiger Leaping Gorge Town. By walking the trail at a leisurely pace, utilizing accommodations, and being in good physical condition, the trail is manageable. Today, hike from Qiaotou to Halfway Guesthouse, covering approximately 17 kilometers over six hours. Halfway Guesthouse is indeed at the midpoint on the High Trail. First, hike for two hours to Naxi Family Guesthouse for lunch. Then, continue hiking for another two hours up the steep switchback known as 28-bends before taking a break. The views are breathtaking. After a break, hike for another one or two hours to reach Halfway Guesthouse, which offers a stunning view of Yulong Snow Mountain and overlooks 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 through beautiful waterfalls and canyons along the way. The driver will pick you up at Tina’s house and drive 2.5 hours (100 km) back to Lijiang.

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

Lijiang. O/N Lijiang

Old Town of Lijiang - China - Your tour guide will meet you at your hotel lobby at 09:00 am, and you will first visit Lijiang Old Town.

World Heritage Park, Lijiang - Your visit route includes: Lijiang Old Town through the South Gate, with stops at Mu’s Residence (pay locally if entering), Lion Hill (pay locally if entering), and Wangu Tower. Wander through the old streets and lanes to enjoy the leisurely atmosphere of the old town. This exploration will take a couple of hours. Lijiang Old Town is one of Yunnan’s most charming ancient cities. Although largely destroyed in 1996 by an earthquake, it was quickly rebuilt, partly due to its UNESCO World Heritage designation. Lijiang is the center of the Naxi minority, with its unique culture, including a religion and writing system of over 1,000 pictograms. The culture of Lijiang and its old town is a delightful place to relax and spend a few days.

Lijiang Mural in Baisha Village - Next, visit Baisha Village, where you can see the Dongba pictograms, mural paintings in Dabaoji Palace, and the ‘ten thousand camellia blossoms’ tree. Baisha means ‘white sands.’ The town was the first settlement of the Naxi people after migrating south from the Tibetan plateau. It was once the political, commercial, and cultural center of the powerful, yet mysterious, Naxi Kingdom. The region became part of the Yuan Empire in the late thirteenth century. The Mu family, which administered Lijiang from the late fourteenth to the early eighteenth century, originated in Baisha. The area also played a significant role in the strategic commercial network known as the Tea Horse Road.

Black Dragon Pond Park - Afterwards, take a private car to Black Dragon Pond Park. Here, enjoy a panoramic view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Lijiang Ancient Town. This park is a landmark of Lijiang. The pool is listed in the Collections of Famous Pools of China due to its exquisite beauty. Its surroundings are lush with grass and shaded by swaying willow trees. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is reflected in its waters. At the far side of the pool, there are renovated buildings used for art exhibitions, such as the Moon-Embracing Pavilion with its own white marble bridge across the water, and the Five-Phoenix Temple built during the Ming Dynasty.

Shuhe Ancient Town - After lunch, enjoy a leisurely walk in Shuhe Ancient Town. Shuhe, or ‘Shaowu’ in the Naxi language, means the village at the foot of the high mountain. In the past, 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. Its central part covers about 5 square kilometers with a population of around 3,000. In 1997, Shuhe was recognized as an important part of Lijiang Ancient Town, which was already designated a World Cultural Heritage site by UNESCO.

Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain - 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, you may visit the Snow Mountain with the cable car to Spruce Meadow first or visit White Water River first, depending on the Impression Lijiang Show, as the show time varies with the daily number of visitors from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, lasting 60 minutes. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is easily accessible via a system of 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. The choice is to visit Spruce Meadow with the cable car due to its lower altitude (3300M) and fewer visitors than the route to Glacier Park, along with its beautiful view.

Lijiang Impressions Show - Next, attend the Lijiang Impression Show. This outdoor performance, featuring traditional songs and dances by local ethnic people selected from villages around Lijiang, is held at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, just outside the main building, at pre-determined times.

Blue Moon Valley - Afterwards, take a private car to White Water River (Blue Moon Valley). The Blue Moon Valley is an extremely blue river winding through a lush valley of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. From a distance, it resembles a blue crescent moon at the foot of the mountain, giving it its beautiful name. However, blue is not the only color of the river. If it rains, the white mud and limestone rubble at the riverbed will be stirred up, making the water as white as milk. Therefore, local Naxi people call it White Water River (Baishui River).

Yunnan Shaxi Ancient Town - After completing the Lijiang tour, drive 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 some ancient courtyards with local people.

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 the 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 very quiet and uncrowded town. It has preserved itself from mass tourism, allowing one to 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 some fresh local beer, and watch the life 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 standing gracefully and forcefully in South China, it is a famed place of interest and a symbol of the ancient history and culture of Yunnan Province. Built amid the former Chongsheng Temple by the Nanzhao Kingdom, a local regime of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the three pagodas were named after the temple. Though the temple was damaged in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the three pagodas were preserved after 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 the lake. 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, you can explore Dali Old City. Dali Ancient Town is one of the most famous ancient towns in China. As a major stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, or Southwest Silk Road, it is a town full of historic sites and traditional culture. Compared to the Old Town of Lijiang, 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, trying their local food and snacks, and buying some souvenirs.

Dali - Kunming by train. The tour ends.

Dali - Today, take the early train to Kunming and visit the Stone Forest Park.

Kunming - Your driver will meet you at the Kunming train station arrival exit and head directly to the Stone Forest.

Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park - After a 2-hour drive, reach the Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park, where you will spend 2 hours. The Stone Forest, known as Shilin in Chinese, is a spectacular set of limestone formations and a representative of south China’s karst landscape. Known since the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) as the ‘First Wonder of the World,’ it is one of Yunnan’s most important attractions. A local saying goes that if you visit Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted your time.

Kunming - Finally, you will be taken to the Kunming airport/train station, marking the end of your 7-day tour services.

• Private car and guide
• Entrance and train tickets (Dali to Kunming, second class)
• Lunch included
• Air-conditioned transportation

• The hotels and Breakfast and Dinner

• Can add more days if you want

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.