8 Days Yunnan Highlights & Zhangjiajie Avatar Mountains Tour

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Lijiang Arrival, Lijiang Ancient Town Tour
   Experience the Charm of Lijiang’s Nature and Culture

   Welcome to Lijiang, a city with charming scenery and a long history. Your guide and driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to the hotel in Lijiang Ancient Town.

   After a short rest, begin to explore Lijiang Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit Mufu Palace, one of the iconic attractions of Lijiang Ancient Town. There are numerous majestic architectures with exquisite carvings, reflecting the excellent architectural art of ancient times. Wander along the Sifang Street Square, the center of Lijiang Ancient Town. It is a great place to buy beautiful souvenirs, taste delicious Yunnan cuisine and watch Naxi traditional performances

   Then move to Dongba Culture Museum. Here observe various introductions about the Dongba culture, as well as physical materials such as scriptures, paintings, and ritual artifacts. At Black Dragon Pool Park, wander around the spring water and admire the reflections of the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the pool.

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Lijiang

   

2. Day 2: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Tour
   Enjoy Diverse Views of Snow Mountains and Explore Naxi Culture

   After breakfast, continue your Lijiang tour. Drive to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, known for its magnificent natural scenery and rich cultural heritage. Its snowy landscape is located at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level and boasts of treacherous, fantastic and beautiful scenery.

   

   Take a cable car to ascend to Spruce Meadow, one of the best places to admire Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. At the meadow, capture the spectacular views of the snow mountain and lush forest.

   Optional activity: Watch the large-scale live performance Impression Lijiang Show. The show is set against the backdrop of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and shows the ancient Dongba culture and local Naxi folklore.

   Explore Blue Moon Valley, where the lake is blue and the valley is shaped like a crescent. Admire the picturesque picture of the blue lake with the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance. Also observe precious wildlife and plants around the lake.

   Later head to Baisha Village, one of the birthplaces of the Naxi people. The architecture of the village is distinctive, blending cultural elements of Chinese Buddhism, Tibetan Buddhism and Taoism. Witness the most famous Baisha Mural Paintings here, which portray the religious culture and social life of the ancient Naxi people.

   You can choose to learn the art of Baisha embroidery with a local master, known for its intricate patterns and vibrant colors (optional).

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Lijiang

   

3. Day 3: Lijiang to Shangri-La Tour by Private Car
   Marvel at the Canyon Scenery and Experience Tibetan Culture

   In the morning, your driver and guide will drive you to Shangri-La. On the way, you will pass by the First Bend of the Yangtze River. Admire the spectacular view of the Yangtze River with the rolling hills, lush forests, and fancy Danxia landform.

   

   Continue to proceed to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in the world. Walk along the trestle, you will marvel at the breathtaking canyon views that surround you. Hike the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge to admire the roaring rivers, towering cliffs, as well as the famous Tiger Leaping Rock, a large boulder in the middle of the river.

   Upon arrival in Shangri-La, check in at the hotel and have a short rest. Then visit Dukezong Old Town, the ancient city of Tibet with 1300 years of history. Stroll along the streets of the old city to admire the traditional architecture and experience Tibetan customs.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Shangri-La

   

4. Day 4: Shangri-La Exploration Tour
   Profound Culture and Diverse Natural Landscapes

   Start today’s Shangri-La tour from Songzanlin Monastery. The architectural style here is a blend of Tibetan and Chinese architecture. The roof of the main hall is gilded with copper tiles and gold. Inside the hall, the murals are exquisite and colorful. There are many precious Buddhist artifacts such as Buddha statues, thangkas, and scriptures.

   

   The next site is Pudacuo National Park, which boasts a rich natural landscape and ecosystem. Shudu Lake and Pita Lake are the famous attractions here. Wander along the shores to capture the vivid pictures of crystal lakes, magnificent mountains and lush forests. You can explore the park by sightseeing buses and boat trips and immerse yourself in the charm of nature.

   Finally, visit a local Tibetan family. Learn more about their culture and daily life. Taste delicious Tibetan cuisine such as yak butter tea, barley wine, and tsampa.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Shangri-La

5. Day 5: Shangri-La to Kunming Tour
   Admire the Cityscape of Kunming

   Today you will take a morning flight to Kunming, also known as the “Spring City”. The local guide and driver will meet you at the airport and escort you to your hotel downtown.

   In the afternoon, head to Western Hills for your Kunming tour. The park consists of Huating Mountain, Taihua Mountain, and Luohan Mountain. Take a cable car to the top of the hills to admire the panoramic views of Dianchi Lake and Kunming City. Explore the Dragon Gate to admire the ancient caves, temples and exquisite stone sculptures.

   Meal: Breakfast + Lunch

   Accommodation: in Kunming

   

6. Day 6: Kunming to Zhangjiajie Tour by Flight
   Observe the Landscape of Strange Stones in Different Forms

   In the morning, drive to Stone Forest. Wander along paths and bridges to observe rocks in various shapes and sizes. Admire the Dashilin consisting of dense stone peaks. Explore the scenery of the Xiaoshilin consisting of stone pillars with ponds and lawns.

   After the visit, your driver and guide will transfer you to Kunming Changshui International Airport for your flight to Zhangjiajie. Upon arrival, the local guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to the accommodation in Wulingyuan Scenic Area for rest.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Zhangjiajie

   

7. Day 7: Zhangjiajie Nature Exploration Tour
   Immerse in Fantastic Forest Parks and Canyon Views

   After breakfast, proceed to Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the first national forest park in China. It is known for its stunning sandstone landscapes and rich natural scenery. There are more than 3,000 strange peaks of various shapes and sizes, which are formed by sandstone landform.

   

   Take the cable car to Huangshi Village, one of the core scenic spots here. Stand on the viewing platform and admire a panoramic view of the forest park. Take a leisurely stroll along the circular walkway to see the strange rocks, gurgling streams and wonderful waterfalls. You can also observe a variety of animals traveling through the forest.

   Next head to the stunning Golden Whip Creek, a 7.5-kilometer long stream. With its clear water and picturesque scenery, Golden Whip Stream is a good place for hiking and photography. Golden Whip Rock, a rocky peak over 380 meters high, is one of the highlights of Golden Whip Stream. You can also see rocks in the form of eagles guarding the Golden Whip Stream.

   Afterwards, leave the forest park and proceed to Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon. It is famous for its deep canyons and Danxia landforms. There is the longest and highest glass bridge in the world. Standing on the glass bridge, you will marvel at the spectacular canyon view with an exciting experience.

   Take the elevator and fun Nuokeli Slideway down to the valley’s bottom and observe the different canyon landscapes. On the way, capture the views of rushing waterfalls, hidden caves and strange rock formations.

   After the visit, return to your hotel in Wulingyuan.

   Meal: Breakfast +Lunch

   Accommodation: in Wulingyuan

   

8. Day 8: Zhangjiajie Highlights Tour, Zhangjiajie Departure
   Experience Exciting Activities and Capture the Wonders of Nature

   Continue your nature tour of Zhangjiajie. After breakfast, take a sightseeing bus to reach the thrilling Bailong Elevator. This is the highest outdoor elevator in the world, which can lift 50 people simultaneously to 326 meters in two minutes. Overlook the fascinating view of the deep canyon and rolling mountains from the high place. And you will enjoy the diverse views of the canyon in different seasons.

   

   Yuanjiajie Scenic Area is one of the core scenic spots of Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and one of the shooting locations of Avatar. Stand on the viewing deck to marvel at the fantasy world created by the spectacular rock pillars. The First Bridge under Heaven, a natural stone bridge, is the iconic attraction of Yuanjiajie. Stand on the viewpoint to overlook the Avatar Hallelujah Mountain, where each peak has a characteristic shape. Also admire the dreamy picture created by the clouds and the strange peaks of the Hallelujah Mountains.

   Finally, take a sightseeing bus to Tianzi Mountain, the highlight of the Wulingyuan Scenic Area. Observe different landscapes at different times, including the four major views of clouds, sunset, sunrise and snow. Take the cable car to the top for a breathtaking panoramic view. You can also explore the many historical sites, including Helong Park and Dianjiang Terrace.

   The 8-day Yunnan and Zhangjiajie tour ends here. Your driver and guide will accompany you to the airport for your departure.

   Meal: Breakfast +Lunch

   Accommodation: N/A