Lijiang– Tiger Leaping Gorge–Shaxi Old Town. Overnight in Shaxi

Old Town of Lijiang - China - The tour guide will greet you in the hotel lobby at 09:00 am and escort you to Tiger Leaping Gorge, a journey of 1.5-2 hours covering 100KM. Note: Pickup can also be arranged from Lijiang train station/airport, with flexible departure times.

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia) - The visit today includes the first section of the Gorge, located near Lijiang. The Tiger Leaping Gorge, renowned for its stunning rapids and the powerful flow of the Jinsha River, was formed by the river’s erosion between Jade Dragon Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain.

Spanning approximately 16 kilometers, the gorge descends around 300 meters through a series of 18 rapids. The water surface is about 1,800 meters above sea level, while the Snow Mountains on either side rise to 5,600 meters.

Yunnan Shaxi Ancient Town - Next, travel directly to Shaxi, a 2-hour drive covering 120KM. Upon arrival, the guide will assist with hotel check-in before exploring the old town. Stroll through Shaxi Old Town, along the Shaxi River, visit Xinjiao Temple, the square stage, and ancient courtyards with locals.

Shaxi was once a vital trade station on the Tea and Horse Caravan Road, a significant Silk Road branch. Over a thousand years ago, this ancient trade route linked Tibet with Eastern China. In exchange for Yunnan teas, Tibetans traded their renowned horses to Song Dynasty officials in eastern China, who were defending against northern invaders. Thus, the Tea and Horse Caravan emerged, with Shaxi as a key trade station.

Although Tibet and China no longer trade along this route, Shaxi retains its border-town charm. Cobblestone alleyways remain unchanged from a thousand years ago. Various minorities, including the Yi and Bai, gather every Friday at the Sideng Market, where mountain villagers descend to trade goods.

Shaxi–Shibaoshan Mountain–Dali Old Town. Tour Conclusion.

Yunnan Shaxi Ancient Town - In the morning, the tour guide will meet you at 9 am or any time before 12:00 pm to transfer to the Shibaoshan Mountain area, a 30-minute drive covering 20KM.

Shibaoshan Town - At Shibaoshan Mountain, explore the Shibao Shan rock carvings and Baoxiang Temple. The Shibao Shan rock carvings, over 1300 years old, showcase the spread of Mahayana Buddhism into Yunnan from Tibet. Carvings of the bodhisattva Guanyin and other Buddhist figures adorn the rocky mountainside. Spend the day at the grottoes or hike around the temples through the lush forest — you might even encounter a group of monkeys.

Dali - Afterwards, travel by private car to Dali, a 2-2.5 hour drive. The guide will assist with hotel check-in, and the remainder of the day is free, marking the end of the services.

Dali is the heart of the Bai minority region and the ancient capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom. Situated at the crossroads of highways to Myanmar and Tibet, and globally between Kunming and Lijiang, it is famous for its white marbles with gray patterns. Despite its 1900m altitude, the region enjoys a mild climate year-round, attracting many Chinese city dwellers seeking to escape urban pollution, as well as Chinese artists, giving the area a bohemian vibe. Nestled between Cangshan Mountain to the west and Erhai Lake to the east, its location is exceptional, making it a prime destination in Yunnan for relaxation and leisure.

• Private transportation with air conditioning
• Expert guidance from a private guide
• Main entrance tickets included
• Delightful lunch experience

• The Shaxi hotel and dinner

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.