6 Days Yunnan Dali and Lijiang Tour with Shaxi Ancient Town

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Dali

   Welcome to Dali, the starting point of this 6-day Yunnan adventure! Upon arrival, your private driver will pick you up at the airport or railway station and escort you to the hotel near Dali Old City! After check-in, you are free for the remaining time.

   You may enjoy a relaxing evening stroll around Dali Old Town to soak up the historic atmosphere and see ancient Bai-style architecture at dusk. Heading down to the lakeshore to catch a beautiful sunset over Erhai Lake is also a good idea, and this can add a peaceful sense to your journey. Afterwards, try some of Yunnan’s local specialties for dinner — perhaps a hearty bowl of “crossing the bridge” noodles (guoqiao mixian) or a warm mushroom hotpot, perfect for warming up after your travels.

   Vehicle

   4-Star Hotel in Dali
2. Day 2: Dali Highlights
   Hike Scenic Mountain Trails and Explore Ancient Town

   After breakfast, start your Dali tour with the Gantong cable way up to Cangshan Mountain, an awe-inspiring natural stunner of Dali. Off from the cable ride, you will have a 4-hour hiking journey along the plank walkway to soak up the breathtaking landscape of some temples, waterfalls, caves, and shrines. In good weather, you can overlook the whole of Erhai Lake, with plenty of bird life, the odd squirrel, and colorful flowers alongside the path.

   Trip Notes:

   • It is recommended that you bring some water and food, as you are going on a 4-hour hiking trip.
   • You can take the Ximatan Cableway up to the highest point of Cangshan Mountain in spring when azaleas are in full bloom.

   

   Then, you will be transferred to visit an important cultural symbol and iconic landmark of Dali - the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, with Erhai Lake in the east and Cangshan Mountain in the west. Learn about the history of the Three Pagodas and Chongsheng Temple.

   Last, end your today's trip at the Dali Old Town. Located at the foot of the scenic Cangshan Mountain, Dali Ancient City has a history of more than 2,000 years, dating back to the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Once an important political, cultural and commercial center, it has preserved many exquisite ancient Bai buildings and cultural heritages. There are many stores in the ancient city dealing with local specialties such as marble carvings, ethnic costumes and local specialty foods. Enjoy the time of strolling in this leisurely old city.

   After the visit, escort you back to your hotel.

   

   Optional activity today: If you are interested, we can arrange a course for you to learn how to make Flower Cake, a famous Yunnan snack. Created in the Qing Dynasty more than 300 years ago, it is mainly made from flour, roses, magnolias, chrysanthemums, and other ingredients.

   Vehicle

   B,L

   4-Star Hotel in Dali
3. Day 3: Dali to Shaxi Ancient Town
   Cycle Erhai Shores, Learn Bai Tie-dye, Explore Ancient Shaxi

   In the morning, we will visit one of the highlights of Dali - Erhai Lake. This beautiful lake is recognized as the cradle of Dali culture. Except for the incredible scenic treasures, it has rich historical and cultural relics, and villages surrounding it are also worth-visiting . Visitors can explore its highlights through boat trips, walking, or cycling. However, among all the activities, renting a bike and cycling around the lake is the most popular. This short journey would take 2 hours, and it normally costs CNY 50 per person. And if you feel like taking a lake boat trip to explore the lake, then you should also prepare 2-3 hours. You can enjoy the Three Pagodas and Cangshan Mountain from afar. (from CNY 145 per person)

   

   Then, move to Zhoucheng Village and visit the local Bai people's tie-dying cloth workshop which is a distinct feature of this minority. It's a good place to select some souvenirs with the Bai ethnic elements if you are interested in that.

   Optional (about 1 hour): you can learn to make your works dyed into different colors with beautiful designs from the local Bai people)

   

   After that, transfer you for 2.5 hours to the slow-paced Shaxi Ancient Town, once an important post on the ancient Tea Horse Road. Nowadays it is quieter and more quaint, and has better preserved the look of Tea Horse Town back then, making it perfect for a stroll. Upon arrival, you will see over 20 pieces of Buddhism themed frescos in Xingjiao Temple. Then, enjoy your leisure time.

   Vehicle

   B,L

   4-Star Hotel in Dali
4. Day 4: Shaxi Ancient Town to Lijiang
   Explore Shaxi Streets & Market, and Lijiang's Rich Naxi Culture

   Today, continue your Shaxi Ancient Town tour after breakfast. You will visit the main street - Sideng Street - one of the core areas to look into local's daily life and the past prosperity of Shaxi. Walking on the street is like stepping back to the time of thriving caravans and prosperous trade along the Ancient Tea Horse Road.

   If it happens to be Friday, you can attend the vibrant Friday Market. Dating from the days of the Ancient Tea Horse Road, the Friday Market is the only surviving marketplace along this historic trading route. As a unique event in Shaxi, the market offers a rare chance to experience the local vibrant culture and daily life.

   

   After the visit, you will be transferred to Lijiang (2 hours of driving). After check-in, we will go to visit Yuhu Village. Located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yuhu Naxi Minority Village is the birthplace of the Naxi ethnic group and has a rich history and culture. The Austrian-American scholar Joseph Rock lived here for a long time, and his former residence is now an attraction.

   Next, head to the Dongba Culture Museum, which houses more than 12,000 artifacts that fully demonstrate the mysterious Dongba culture of the Naxi people.

   Then, take a stroll in Black Dragon Pool Park, also known as Jade Spring Park, located at the foot of Elephant Mountain. It offers calm water pools that reflect the silhouette of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on clear days. Walking there, visitors can pass through a lot of elegant architectures, such as pavilions, ancient bridges, and leafy path, creating a lively atmosphere where the old town’s wooden houses blend with mountain reflections and willow shadows, perfect for relaxed photos or a quiet evening stroll.

   

   Last, drive back to Lijiang Old Town, a World Cultural Heritage, home to Naxthe i Ethnic Minority. Wander the streets, lanes, and bridges to discover traditional wooden courtyards, Naxi heritages, and small boutique shops and also have the opportunity to learn about Naxi people’s traditional dress, customs, ancient Naxi music, and murals.

   Vehicle

   B,L

   4-Star Hotel in Lijiang
5. Day 5: Lijiang's Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
   Discover Majestic Mountain Views and Traditional Culture

   Today you’ll journey to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a dramatic, snow‑capped massif whose highest peak rises to 5,596 meters above sea level. From the base you’ll travel via cable car up to alpine pastures and glacial vantage-points. The mountain’s 13 peaks stretch majestically against the sky, and the air becomes crisp and cold as you ascend, offering sweeping panoramas of pine forests, meadows, glaciers and — on a clear day — views for miles across Yunnan’s highlands.

   You will reach Ganhaizi Meadow first. Then take a sightseeing bus to visit the Baishuihe River. Afterward, take cable car to Spruce Meadow, hike about 30 minutes in the forest, and then take a battery cart to Blue Moon Valley where you will see pearl-like lakes scattering on the land and marvel at the great scenery here.

   

   After lunch, you will enjoy the Impression Lijiang Show directed by Zhang Yimou (a very famous director in China). It is held in Ganhaizi Meadow about 3,100 meters above sea level. Later on, come to visit Baisha Old Town, a beautiful traditional Naxi-style old town. Baisha Murals here are the must-see sites that have been enrolled in the World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO 1997. Transfer you back to your Lijiang hotel after the tour.

   Notes:

   • If you want to go to Glacier Park (4680 meters above sea level), please inform your travel consultant in advance so that you can adjust your itinerary. Different cable cars have different prices. Usually, the cable car to Glacier Park requires 1-2 hours of queuing time.
   • Today's lunch is not included. Please bring some snacks or dine at the restaurant within the scenic area.

   Vehicle

   B,L

   4-Star Hotel in Lijiang
6. Day 6: Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour from Lijiang, Departure
   Embark on An Exciting Hike through a World-renowned Gorge

   After breakfast, drive about 60 km from Lijiang to the First Bend of the Yangtze River with breathtaking gorge scenery. Walk through the Iron Chain Bridge on the river, which is a thrilling experience. And then visit the Red Army's Long March Memorial Monument at the Shigu Old Town to learn about the suffering but great history of new China. Shigu means stone drum in Chinese. There is a large, cylindrical marble tablet shaped like a drum in the town, hence the name.

   

   Next, continue into Tiger Leaping Gorge, and this is one of the deepest river canyons on earth. Usually, visitors will start with a hike on the Upper Gorge’s plank trail from the entrance. Nature’s magical skill has been presented in an awe-inspiring way. While the canyon narrows dramatically, the water then surges through a gap often only 20–30 meters wide, pounding against a massive mid-river rock. According to local legend, a tiger once leapt across at this point, giving the gorge its name — and the roar of the river still echoes down the cliff walls as if the story continues today. The steep cliffs rising thousands of meters on either side make this hike a breathtaking — and humbling — experience. Please wear sturdy shoes and watch your footing on the narrow paths.

   After the tour, we drive back to Lijiang. Your tour guide and driver will escort you to the airport or railway station to catch your flight/train (after 5:30 pm) to your next destination.

   

   Vehicle

   B