Tour Type:
Private tour – fully customizable, and every part of the itinerary can be tailored to your interests, travel style, and pace.
Guide & Driver:
English-speaking local guide and an experienced driver with a clean, air-conditioned private vehicle throughout the journey.
Highlights:
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Lijiang Old Town, known for its ancient streets, Naxi culture, and unique architecture.
Visit the breathtaking Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and admire the turquoise waters of Blue Moon Valley.
Discover the mystical highlands of Shangri-La, including Dukezong Old Town and the famous Songzanlin Monastery.
Experience the serene beauty of Lugu Lake, home of the Mosuo people and the fascinating “Walking Marriage” culture.
Enjoy the peaceful lifestyle of Dali, stroll through Dali Ancient Town, and take in the scenic views of Erhai Lake.
Immerse yourself in Yunnan’s rich minority cultures: Naxi, Bai, Tibetan, and Mosuo communities.
Itinerary
Day 1 Lijiang Airport Transfer
Upon arrival in Lijiang, you will be transferred to your hotel. After checking in, you are free to explore the charming Lijiang Old Town, including the famous Sifang Street. Stroll through the lively streets, savor the local flavors, and experience the unique ancient town scenery where “streams wind around every house, and willows line every street,” reflecting the town’s enchanting blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and timeless charm of Sifang Street.
Travel Tips:
Lijiang is located on a high plateau. Upon arrival, please avoid strenuous exercise and excessive alcohol. Rest well after checking in to conserve your energy. The temperature in Lijiang can vary greatly between day and night, so be sure to dress in layers.
Day 2 Sunrise at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain / Spruce Meadow Cable Car (Choose 1) – Lashi Lake – Blue Moon Valley – Shuhe Ancient Town – Lishui Jinsha
After breakfast, drive to [Lashi Lake] to experience the slow-paced lifestyle of Lijiang, or retrace the ancient Tea Horse Road and feel the journey of the traditional caravan.
(Note: Lashi Lake is a self-paid entertainment area. There are multiple horseback riding routes through the wetlands, please choose on-site.)
Note: The Sunrise at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain / Spruce Meadow Cable Car (Choose 1) itinerary can be selected in advance by coordinating with your travel assistant.
After lunch, continue to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, located 15 km north of Lijiang City on the east bank of the Jinsha River. The mountain is magnificent and imposing, resembling a powerful jade dragon from afar. Along the way, pass Ganhaizi Meadow, then take an eco-bus to Baishui River and Blue Moon Valley.
Afterward, drive to visit Shuhe Ancient Town, one of China’s charming historical towns. Here, you can enjoy the traditional tea-making experience around the hearth, awakening your senses with a cup of tea and enjoying a leisurely moment. Experience the Naxi culture along the ancient Tea Horse Road, including three special gifts: hearth tea-making, hand-ground coffee, and Dongba hand drum experience. Escape the city’s rush and let the sunshine in Shuhe teach you the art of slow living.
After a free dinner, enjoy a complimentary large-scale performance “Lishui Jinsha” (valued at RMB 280), then return to your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 3 Lijiang – First Bend of the Yangtze River – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Yi Ethnic Village – Pudacuo National Park – Tibetan Tusi Banquet
Today, you will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the legendary Shangri-La, often described as a paradise on earth. Along the way, stop at the First Bend of the Yangtze River for about 15 minutes to take photos. Continue along the Yunnan-Tibet Highway, gradually ascending in altitude, and arrive at Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s most spectacular canyons.
(Note: Touring time approx. 90 minutes. Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest canyons in China and is renowned worldwide for its dramatic and rugged scenery.)
After the visit, proceed to a local restaurant for lunch. Afterward, continue the journey and stop at a Yi Ethnic Village for about 15 minutes to take photos and experience local culture.
Next, drive to Pudacuo National Park.
(Note: Touring time approx. 180 minutes. Pudacuo National Park is an untouched fairyland with crystal-clear lakes, blue skies, flowing streams, singing birds, and fragrant flowers. Each season offers a unique scenery. Visit Bita Hai Lake, stroll through meadows of flowers and grasslands, explore pristine forests, and admire the beautiful highland lakes, including Shudu Lake.)
In the evening, enjoy a Tibetan Tusi Banquet, a special cultural experience showcasing Tibetan cuisine and traditional performances.
(Note: Duration approx. 90 minutes. Enjoy local specialties such as barley wine, butter tea, barley, tsampa, and cheese, accompanied by authentic Tibetan songs and dances.)
After the performance, return to your hotel for overnight stay.
Day 4 Dukezong Old Town – Tanka Temple / Printing House / Blue Glazed Tile Hall (Choose 1, Randomly Arranged) – Napahai – Return to Lijiang
After breakfast, visit [Dukezong Old Town] and explore Guishan Park. Together, spin the world’s largest prayer wheel to bless your family. During your free time, you can try on traditional Tibetan clothing and experience life as a local Tibetan woman (Zhuoma).
Next, visit Tanka Temple, Printing House, or Blue Glazed Tile Hall to learn about Tibetan culture. These sites showcase the depth of Tibetan Buddhism and the integration of ethnic culture, offering a diverse perspective on Tibetan heritage. This provides an immersive cultural experience, tracing history and spiritual life, and is currently one of the most comprehensive places to understand Tibetan culture in the region.
(Note: The Tibetan Cultural Experience Centers may occasionally close, so the visit will be arranged randomly among Tanka Temple, Printing House, or Blue Glazed Tile Hall.)
After lunch, drive to the Yila Grassland “Napahai” scenic area. Napahai Nature Reserve is an ideal habitat for the rare and protected Black-necked Crane, which inhabits the area from September to March each year. Yila Grassland is the largest grassland on the Yunnan Plateau, where Tibetan herders ride horses and tend to their herds of cattle and sheep, living a serene and picturesque lifestyle.
Finally, drive back to Lijiang and return to your hotel.
Day 5 Lijiang – Lugu Lake – Liwubi Island – Lover’s Beach – Lige Viewpoint – Xiao Luoshui – Mosuo Walking Marriage Banquet – Mosuo Bonfire Night
Depart for the “Kingdom of Women” – [Lugu Lake] (one of the most popular attractions in Yunnan according to travelers).
Along the way, enjoy the scenic views of the Jinsha River Valley and the Xiaoliang Mountains, passing through pristine Naxi villages and Yi ethnic villages. Stop for lunch in the county seat of Ninglang Yi Autonomous County.
Upon arrival at Lugu Lake, visit the observation deck to admire the breathtaking panoramic views of the lake. Take a traditional pig trough boat to explore Lugu Lake and disembark at Liwubi Island to visit Liwubi Temple. Continue the 180° circular lake tour by private vehicle, discovering one of China’s most beautiful lakes.
The first stop is Lige Viewpoint, where you can take in the full panorama of Lugu Lake. Here, even without photography skills, you can capture stunning photos of this ancient and picturesque lake.
After sightseeing, enjoy a Mosuo Walking Marriage Banquet (Xiao Luoshui), a traditional feast used to welcome honored guests. Following the banquet, participate in the lively Mosuo Bonfire Night, celebrating with local Mosuo people. After a fun-filled evening, your guide will take you back to your hotel for rest.
Day 6 Lugu Lake – Sunrise Viewing – Mosuo Village – Return to Lijiang
After breakfast, visit a Mosuo family home, where you can learn about the unique matriarchal traditions and daily lifestyle of the Mosuo people. Then continue to explore the beautiful Grass Sea and walk across the iconic Walking Marriage Bridge, a symbol of Mosuo culture and their traditional “walking marriage” customs.
After lunch, drive back to Lijiang. Upon arrival, check in to your hotel and enjoy a restful evening.
Dinner is at your own arrangement.
Day 7 Lijiang – Dali – Shuanglang Ancient Town – The Most Beautiful Erhai Ring Road (Luwo Mountain, Xiaoputuo, California Sunset Coast) – Ideal State Community – Check in to Dali Hotel
After breakfast, head to Shuanglang Scenic Area.
Shuanglang Town is located at the northeast end of Dali City, on the northeast shore of Erhai Lake. It is a Yunnan Provincial Historic and Cultural Town and is known as “the No.1 Town of Cangshan & Erhai Scenery.”
Then drive along the Most Beautiful Erhai Ring Road, passing by Luwo Mountain, Xiaoputuo, and the picturesque California Sunset Coast.
Continue to visit the “Santorini of Dali”, where blue romance and pure white elegance intertwine to create Dali’s signature charm.
The gentle breeze, soft clouds, and dreamy colors make everything feel warm and poetic—just like the refreshing, sun-washed shade of blue that defines this beautiful place.
Here, you can fully experience the exotic Mediterranean-style atmosphere.
Day 8 Dali Old Town (Includes Complimentary Qiaoxiangyuan Crossing-the-Bridge Rice Noodles) – Xizhou Wheat Field Train – Check in to Lijiang Hotel
After breakfast, visit Dali Old Town, where you can appreciate its unique layout of “a river encircling Cangshan Mountain, and Cangshan embracing the ancient city.”
Dali Old Town was founded by the descendants of the Dali Duan family, and its distinctive “three-drops-of-water” architectural style represents the highest level of Bai ethnic architecture.
Inside the old town, the east–west Huguo Road is famously known as “Foreigner Street.”
Then drive to Xizhou, where the vintage Wheat Field Train runs through golden fields like a fairytale time-travel train filled with springtime poetry and dreamy charm.
On this journey, you not only immerse yourself in the gentle rhythm of swaying wheat but also receive 3–5 complimentary professionally retouched photos and a 15-second drone video, capturing your moments of dancing with the wheat fields from a stunning aerial perspective—like stepping into a Hayao Miyazaki animation.
After the train experience, hop aboard the artistic Music Dining Car, sip handcrafted coffee, and enjoy soft folk music.
During this picnic-style moment where the scent of wheat blends with the melody in the air, every casual snapshot becomes a cinematic, relaxing scene. Whether you choose to daydream, enjoy the music, or take photos, it is the perfect slow-living experience.
After the tour, drive to Lijiang and check in to your hotel.
Day 9 Lijiang Airport Transfer
Lijiang Airport/Train Station Drop-off – End of Your Yunnan Journey
Inclusions:
Accommodation Arrangements
Lijiang Section:
Lijiang Star, Muren Lange, Baiyu Yunlong, Jixiang Garden, Daanman, Longjingxuan, Jindao, Jinheng.
If the listed hotels are fully booked, a hotel of the same standard will be arranged.
Shangri-La Section:
Ziwei, Maoyuan, Balagezong, Riyue Xingcheng, or hotels of the same standard.
Lugu Lake Section:
Lakeside Dream, Peach Blossom Wonderland, Qingchen Holiday / Beautiful Stay, or hotels of the same standard.
Dali Section:
Litu Hotel, Chuanyugui, Harbor Hot Spring Hotel, Seaside International Hot Spring Hotel, Manwan Licheng Hotel, Jinsha Peninsula.
If the listed hotels are fully booked, a hotel of the same standard will be arranged.
Transportation
Small-group tour for 2–8 guests, one seat per person.
Entrance Tickets
Includes first-entry tickets to all listed attractions.
Meals
Breakfasts provided by hotels.
The tour includes 8 breakfasts and 10 lunches/dinners, with a meal standard of 30 RMB per person.
(Meals not consumed are non-refundable and will not be rearranged.)
Exclusions:
Single-room supplement, travel accident insurance, and personal entertainment expenses.
Optional activities not included in the itinerary and voluntarily joined by guests.
Additional costs incurred beyond the standard service scope.
The following items are self-paid and optional depending on personal needs:
Blue Moon Valley electric cart: 50 RMB/person
Lashi Lake horseback riding: 260–360 RMB/person
Clothing/oxygen: 60 RMB/person
Tiger Leaping Gorge sightseeing elevator: 70 RMB/person
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