7 Days Yunnan Tour of Dali Shangri-La Lijiang

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Dali

   Welcome to our 7-day Yunnan Group Tour! When you arrive at Dali, the local guide will pick you up from the airport/train station and transfer you to downtown hotel. You can decide what to do in the rest of the day on your own.

   In the evening, you can spend a relaxed night walk in Dali Ancient Town. As lanterns light up the old streets, the town will be soaked in a lively yet unhurried vibe. You can join the locals in small bars and cafés, and there are a lot of fruit wines, craft beers, and live folk music which can all show a typical Yunnan style. Sitting down for a drink is a pleasant way to unwind after the journey and feel Dali’s laid-back rhythm.

   Note: No English-speaking guide or any tour activity for today.

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   4-Star Hotel in Dali
2. Day 2: Dali Ancient Town Tour
   Experience Bai Culture and Enjoy a Boat Tour of Erhai Lake

   After breakfast, your driver and guide will meet you at your hotel at 9 am, then head to Xizhou Old Town. Much less touristy than Dali Old Town, Xizhou Old Town is small yet with a strong cultural atmosphere of the Bai Minority. The bustling morning market is a bonus for you to meet locals in traditional minority clothing when they stroll around stalls selling local fruits, fresh meat, piles of spices, livestock, etc.

   

   Wander more of the town to observe the exquisite architecture and enjoy the pleasant countryside view. Have a stop at the Zhoucheng Village in Xizhou, where your eyes will be excited by many fascinating handmade tie-dye products and embroideries.

   

   Then, relax on a cruise to Jinsuo Islet of Erhai Lake. It is a small fishing village with more than 200 Bai households. Wandering through the Bai minority houses here will bring you into fertile fields, lush green trees, and the beautiful scenery of Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake.

   Our last destination is Dali Ancient Town, here you can experience over a thousand years of history. The town is enclosed by ancient city walls and backed by the Cangshan Mountains. And it will amaze you with things like stone-paved streets or traditional courtyard houses, in other words, all sites and details that is born in their unique culture.

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   4-Star Hotel in Dali
3. Day 3: Drive from Dali to Shangri-La
   Take a Cable Car to Cangshan Mountain for a Stunning View of Erhai Lake

   After breakfast at the hotel, we are going to head to the first destination, Cangshan Mountain, one of Dali’s most impressive natural landmarks. After getting to the top (by cable car), we’ll enjoy a gentle hike along a walkway (about 40 minutes). Prepare layers as it can be really cold on the top of the mountain (even in summer). Clear days allow you to embrace sweeping views over Erhai Lake, and you can also expect wildlife and seasonal wildflowers to join this grand picture.

   

   Later we’ll drive to Shangri-La (~ 4 hours), a sacred land that is immersed in Tibetan culture. Along the way, landscapes gradually get shaped by the contrast between snow-capped mountains and traditional Tibetan villages. Upon arrival, we shall first go to Dukezong Ancient Town and explore its unique beauty. You may also feel like walking up to Guishan Hill to enjoy a panoramic view of Shangri-La County and Dukezong Ancient Town (don’t miss the giant prayer wheel standing here).

   Tips:

   1. It’s likely for travelers to experience mild altitude sickness in Shangri-La (altitude: ~3,400 meters)
   2. To get yourself better, avoid running or strenuous activity (especially on the first day). Take good rest and consider preparing altitude-sickness medication in advance if needed.

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   3-Star Guesthouse in Shangri-La
4. Day 4: Shangri-La's Essences
   Discover Shangri-La's Cultural and Natural Treasures

   Shangri-La is a rather different place where you will start to meet Tibetan elements. We’ll first meet Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan (also known as the “Little Potala Palace”). It’s built on a hillside with features like golden roofs, red-and-white walls, and grand prayer halls. Inside, expect to see vivid murals and statues of Buddhist deities. It allows you to get a deeper understanding of Tibetan Buddhism and the spiritual life of monks.

   

   In the afternoon, drive about 30km to the picturesque Pudacuo National Park. The park is definitely a priceless gift from nature. Its high altitude ( between 3,500 meters and 4,159 meters) allows it to collect rich natural resources including geology and landforms, lake wetlands, meadows, rivers and valleys, and rare plants and animals. The amazing scenery here will make you can't stop the camera in your hands and marvel at this wonderland.

   Tips:

   • When visiting Pudacuo National Park, wear non-slip walking shoes.
   • Sunglasses also help as there can be strong plateau sunlight.
   • Bring high-energy snacks such as chocolate or nuts in case you can’t find dining options inside the park

   Last, you will get a chance to experience the process of making a Thangka. A dedicated teacher will be arranged to teach you how to make a Thangka from the basics.

   

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   3-Star Guesthouse in Shangri-La
5. Day 5: Shangri-La to Lijiang
   Hike China's Deepest Canyon and Stroll around the Lijiang Old Town

   After breakfast, you will drive about 150 km to marvel at the First Bend of the Yangtze River. Then move on to the Tiger Leaping Gorge where you will enjoy imposing gorge scenery. One of the deepest gorges in the world, it measures 3,900 meters from the waters of the Jinsha River to the Haba Mountain. Enjoy a gentle hike in the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge for about an hour, suitable for families, even the elderly and children. In the river, you will see a huge rock. It is said that a tiger stepped on this rock and jumped over the roaring Jinsha River. Therefore, it is called Tiger Jumping Rock.

   

   After that, we will drive around 1 hour to Lijiang. Follow your guide to explore Zhongyi Market. At this largest food and vegetable market in Lijiang, you will find fresh produce, dry goods, street food, and a glimpse into the old Lijiang.

   Next, visit the Black Dragon Pool in Jade Spring Park which is an iconic site in Lijiang. Sit beside the pool bank are arbors, pavilions, swaying willow trees, a white marble bridge, and ancient temples. Reflected in the water is the marvelous Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

   

   Last, explore the Lijiang Old Town leisurely, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the famous towns on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. As you wander through the town, you will encounter traditional Naxi courtyard houses, small arched bridges, and lively public squares. This site is known for its typical ethnic heritage. With your guide’s in-depth explanations, you will gain a clearer understanding of Naxi culture, local customs, and the relaxed daily life that continues in this historic town today.

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   4-Star Hotel in Lijiang
6. Day 6: Lijiang Highlights
   Ascend the Snow-capped Yulong Snow Mountain for the Magnificent Snow View

   Today we’ll have to get up early as we’re driving to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a sacred mountain of the Naxi people. This mountain is covered by the perpetual white snow, so that here you can see how nature turns this place into a world built by ice and snow. We will take the cable car up to Spruce Meadow (altitude: 3,250 meters), which is hidden among primitive spruce forests. This vast site is surrounded by magnificent peaks, and its peaceful landscape changes gracefully with the seasons.

   

   Then, go to visit Ganhaizi Meadow and Blue Moon Valley, which is a clear river formed by the melting of ice and snow, flowing down the steep cliffs and converging into streams and valleys. Besides, you will watch the Impression Lijiang, an outdoor song and dance performance set against the backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, showing the lives of local ethnic minorities.

   Follow your guide to Shuhe Ancient Town which boasts a history as long as Lijiang Ancient Town but sees fewer tourists. Combining beautiful natural scenery and unsophisticated Naxi folk customs, it is a world cultural heritage site in China. Another local market can be visited before your driver drives you to the hotel.

   Notes:

   • It is difficult to book cableway tickets for Glacier Park. If you are fortunate enough to visit Glacier Park, be prepared to queue for 2 hours.
   • Lunch options are limited in the park. You can bring some snacks or have a meal in the city after the visit.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Lijiang
7. Day 7: Departure from Lijiang

   This morning is free on your own. At the confirmed time (according to your flight), the driver will pick you up from the hotel lobby and see you off at Lijiang Sanyi Airport for your departure flight. Your 7-day Yunnan group tour comes to an end. Thank you for choosing China Xian Tour!

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