5 Days Lijiang Tour with Lugu Lake & Matriarchal Mosuo

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive in Lijiang, Lijiang Old Town Tour
   Explore the Architecture of the Naxi Ethnic Group On Your Own

   Meet your driver at the airport and check into your hotel in Lijiang Ancient Town. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features the traditional culture and architecture of the Naxi ethnic group.

   

   Please explore the charming old town at your own leisure. Mufu Palace, the former mansion of the Naxi ruler, is highly recommended. you’ll be amazed by its remarkable architectural design and exquisite murals. Next, wander along Sifang Street Square, the center of the old town, and you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped back in time.

   Accommodation: in Lijiang

   

2. Day 2: Lijiang Culture Highlights Tour
   Experience Naxi Culture, Murals, Views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

   After breakfast, your guided Lijiang tour takes you out of Lijiang Old Town to Yuhu Village, a typical Naxi village located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This village offers beautiful natural scenery and a glimpse into traditional Naxi residential buildings and traditional farming methods.

   

   Next, transfer to the Baisha Village, another ancient Naxi village especially known for its well-preserved Baisha mural paintings. The mural paintings are found in some temples of the Ming Dynasty and are primarily focused on Buddhist stories and local Naxi beliefs.

   Optional experience (at your own expense): Learn to make Baisha embroidery (a traditional handicraft of the Naxi people) with a local master. Get to know the basic techniques and create your own souvenir.

   In the afternoon, you will be guided to visit the Shuhe Ancient Town, one of the best-preserved ancient towns on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Here you will experience a quieter and more rustic atmosphere than Lijiang Old Town.

   Then, take a guided tour of the Dongba Culture Museum. Learn more about the history and culture of the Naxi people and see their unique pictographic writing system.

   Before going back to your hotel, we will stop by Black Dragon Pool Park, one of the most popular spots to catch stunning views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The garden itself is charming enough, boasting clear waters, beautiful natural views, exquisite ancient pavilions and bridges.

   Accommodation: in Lijiang

   

3. Day 3: Lugu Lake Tour from Lijiang
   Immerse in Pristine Lake Views and Mosuo Culture

   Today is a Lijiang day tour to Lugu Lake.  The scenic Lugu Lake is famous for its unspoiled natural beauty and untouched minority cultural diversity. In the local Naxi Mosuo language, “Lu” means ravine, and“Gu” means in, therefore Lugu Lake is a lake in the ravine.

   Featuring serene waters, fresh air, verdant surroundings, and distant snow-capped mountains, Lugu Lake, the “Mother Lake” of local Mosuo people (one of the last matriarchal societies in the world), is a “Penglai Fairyland”. Check in at your hotel after arrival. Then take a canoe on the lake for an amazing lake view.

   

   We will visit Liwubi Island, located in the central southern part of Lugu Lake. On the island, there is a winding path that leads directly to its top, with many azaleas and wild cherry trees along the way. There is a Tibetan Buddhist temple and a white pagoda at the top of the island.

   After the boat tour, enjoy a leisurely walk around Lugu Lake. Watch the sunset over the lake from Luoshui Village, the main Mosuo village on the lakeshore. Then, transfer to Lige Village, another Mosuo village for views of the lake and the mountains.

   In the evening, join the locals in a Mosuo Bonfire Party. Sing, dance, and play games and experience their culture.

   Accommodation: Near Lugu Lake

   

4. Day 4: Lugu Lake Nature & Culture Tour, Back to Lijiang
   Witness Beautiful Sunrise, Explore Mosuo Traditions in a Local Family

   Get up early and watch the sunrise over Lugu Lake.

   Drive to Zhamei Monastery after breakfast. It is the largest existing Tibetan Buddhist temple in the Mosuo region. The temple gate with the golden roof is particularly dazzling in the sunlight. Perhaps you can happen to see the daily rituals of monks and nuns.

   

   Next, you will be transferred to the famous Sweetheart Trees, the most popular tourist attraction in Lugu Lake. The trees are like an intimate partner. The tour guide will also take you to visit a local Mosuo family in Little Luoshui Village. You will understand their matrilineal clan system. Under this system, women make decisions and men take care of children. You have the opportunity to taste local cuisine and fine wine.

   The last stop of the Lugu Lake tour is the Mosuo Museum, the only museum in China that reflects the customs of matrilineal society. Here you can see the clothes, jewelry, tools, and musical instruments of the Mosuo people.

   After the tour, drive back to Lijiang for the night.

   Accommodation: Lijiang

5. Day 5: Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour, Lijiang Departure
   Be Amazed at River Bends, Hike Majestic Gorges

   After breakfast, drive to the First Bend of the Yangtze River, where the mighty Yangtze River makes a sharp turn and forms a V-shaped bend.

   

   Continue your Lijiang tour package to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most magnificent gorges in the world. We will hike the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge and you can get a challenging but rewarding hiking experience. During the hiking, you’ll encounter majestic snow mountains, the roaring Jinsha River, and deep gorges along the way.

   After that, your guide and driver will escort you to the airport or train station for departure. Your 5-day private Lijiang tour with Lugu Lake comes to an end here. We hope you have enjoyed your time with us and wish you a pleasant journey home.