Yunnan 5-Day Tour – Lijiang & Lugu Lake

Tour Type:
Private tour – fully customizable, any part of the itinerary can be tailored to your preferences
Guide & Driver:
English-speaking guide and experienced driver with an air-conditioned vehicle

Highlights:

Witness the spectacular Sunrise at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain or ride the Spruce Meadow Cable Car.
Explore Lashi Lake and experience horseback riding along the scenic wetlands.
Visit Shuhe Ancient Town and Dali Ancient Town to immerse yourself in traditional architecture and local culture.
Enjoy the Lishui Jinsha large-scale performance showcasing local traditions.
Discover the serene Lugu Lake, ride a pig trough boat, and explore Liwubi Island.
Relax at Lover’s Beach and take in the stunning views from Lige Viewpoint.
Experience Mosuo culture with a Walking Marriage Banquet and join a lively Mosuo Bonfire Night.
Watch the sunrise over Lugu Lake for a truly unforgettable moment.

Itinerary

Day 1 Lijiang Airport Pickup

Upon arrival, check in to your hotel in Lijiang. Then you are free to explore Lijiang Old Town on your own. Stroll along Sifang Street and immerse yourself in the endless charm of Lijiang. Admire the unique layout of the ancient town, described as “streams surrounding every household, and weeping willows like Jiangnan,” showcasing its distinctive architectural style. Experience the special atmosphere of Sifang Street at your leisure.

Travel Tip: Lijiang is located at a high altitude. Please avoid strenuous exercise and excessive alcohol consumption on arrival. After checking in, rest well to acclimate. The temperature difference between day and night can be significant, so remember to add or remove clothing accordingly.

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 pace of life in Lijiang, or retrace the historic Tea Horse Road and learn about the journey of the ancient horse caravans.
(Note: Lashi Lake is a self-paid attraction with multiple horseback riding routes available; please choose on-site.)

Remark: The Sunrise at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain / Spruce Meadow Cable Car (choose 1) itinerary can be selected in advance with your tour assistant.

After lunch, drive to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, located 15 km north of Lijiang on the east bank of the Jinsha River. The mountain is majestic and magnificent, resembling a powerful jade dragon from a distance. Along the way, pass Ganhaizi and then take an eco-friendly shuttle to Baishui River and Blue Moon Valley.

Afterward, drive to visit the charming Shuhe Ancient Town, one of China’s most attractive historic towns. Experience the traditional tea-roasting ceremony, an intangible cultural heritage experience. Take a cup of tea to awaken your senses, enjoy a brief moment of leisure, and feel the essence of Naxi culture at this ancient Tea Horse Road post town. Special gifts included: tea-roasting ceremony, hand-ground coffee, and Dongba hand drum experience. Escape the urban clock and let the sunlight of Shuhe teach you the art of slow living.

After a self-arranged dinner, enjoy the Lishui Jinsha large-scale performance (valued at RMB 280). Later, return to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 3 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] (rated as one of the most popular attractions in Yunnan by 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.

Around 2:30 PM, arrive at the Lugu Lake observation deck to admire the picturesque panoramic views. Take a traditional pig trough boat to explore Lugu Lake, disembark at Liwubi Island, and visit Liwubi Temple. Then embark on a 180° circular lake tour by private vehicle to experience one of China’s most beautiful lakes.

The first stop is Lige Viewpoint, where you can see the full panorama of Lugu Lake. Even without photography skills, you can capture stunning photos here—the lake has been waiting for you for millions of years!

After sightseeing, enjoy a Mosuo Walking Marriage Banquet (Xiao Luoshui), a traditional feast used to welcome honored guests. After a satisfying meal, join the lively Mosuo Bonfire Night and celebrate with the local Mosuo people.

After an exciting day, your guide will escort you back to the hotel for rest.

Day 4 Lugu Lake – Sunrise Viewing – Mosuo Village – Return to Lijiang

After Breakfast – Mosuo Family Visit – Grass Sea – Walking Marriage Bridge – Return to Lijiang

After breakfast, visit a Mosuo family home to learn about the unique matriarchal traditions and daily life of the Mosuo people. Then explore the scenic 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 5 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.

Lugu Lake Section:
Lakeside Dream, Peach Blossom Wonderland, Qingchen Holiday / Beautiful Stay, or hotels of the same standard.

Transportation

Small-group tour for 2–8 guests, with one seat per person.

Entrance Tickets

Includes first-entry tickets to all listed attractions.

Meals

Breakfasts provided by hotels. The tour includes 4 breakfasts and 4 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 and travel accident insurance.

Personal entertainment or self-paid activities outside the itinerary.

Additional costs beyond the standard service level.

Optional self-paid items (based on personal preference):

Blue Moon Valley electric cart: 50 RMB/person

Lashi Lake horseback riding: 260–360 RMB/person

Clothing/oxygen for Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: 60 RMB/person


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