7 Days Yunnan Tour to Lijiang, Lugu Lake, Shangri-La

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive in Lijiang, Ancient Town Visit
   Observe the the Ancient Naxi Architectures

   Welcome to Lijiang, one of the most treasured towns in Yunnan. Your local guide and driver will see you at airport or train station and transfer you to your hotel which lies exactly in Lijiang Ancient Town. This city is incredibly rich in history and culture, and while it’s well-developed for tourism, it also earns the reputation as one of China’s most celebrated historical cities.

   

   The rest of the day can be spent exploring Lijiang Ancient Town. After that, visit the Mufu Palace to admire its elegant traditional architecture. Here you can also learn about the unique customs and history of the Naxi people. Next, climb Lion Peak to have a panoramic view of the entire ancient town. It’s a perfect spot for photography. Here you can fully embrace the harmonious layout of everything in the town. Lastly, stroll along Sifang Street Square and shop for delicate ethnic handicrafts and sample authentic Yunnan cuisine.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Lijiang
2. Day 2: Lijiang Highlights
   Explore the Diverse Ethnic Cultures and Enjoy the Scenic Landscapes.

   After breakfast, we’ll spend a full-day to have a cultural journey through Lijiang. The first stop is going to be Yuhu Village, and we can meet it at the southern base of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. One of the most distinctive things you may notice here is their stone-built homes with traditional Naxi design. These unique buildings are set against the backdrop of the mountain and clear blue skies.

   Next, we’ll go to Baisha Village to further discover the Naxi culture. You are likely to first catch a part of the village’s essence in its architecture. And indeed, its unique construction was influenced by Chinese, Tibetan, and Taoist styles. The Baisha Mural Paintings also vividly depict the religious practices and daily life of the Naxi people.

   For those who are really interested in the Naxi cultural heritage, you may want to join an optional workshop (at your own expense) to learn Baisha embroidery.

   

   Later, we shall move on to Shuhe Ancient Town. Except for walking along its centuries-old buildings, the town square also hosts cultural performances. By seeing these shows, you can further study the local culture through their customs and traditions instead of just architectural discovery.

   In the afternoon, let’s go visit the Dongba Culture Museum. While immersively exploring the site, you’ll encounter things like Dongba texts, ritual objects, and paintings. Each piece’s history is telling you more about the heart of their culture. In the end of the day, we’ll go to the Black Dragon Pool Park. On the water surface, you’ll see clear reflections of the distant Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This is a perfect spot for photography.

   

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   4-Star Hotel in Lijiang
3. Day 3: Lijiang to Lugu Lake
   Admire the Stunning Lake View and Learn about the Mosuo Culture

   In the morning, drive 4-5 hours from Lijiang to Lugu Lake, which is famous for its beautiful natural scenery and rich ethnic customs. Upon arrival, the local guide and driver will take you to the hotel for a rest.

   Then take a canoe ride on the Lugu Lake to enjoy the serene scene of the sparkling lake and blue sky. And explore Liwubi Island, the largest island in Lugu Lake. Admire the stunning lake views and observe the rocks in various forms. At the top of the island is Liwubi Temple, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Here visit traditional Tibetan architecture and learn about the rich religious culture.

   After that, we can take time to visit some Mosuo villages which just sit nearby the lake. At Luoshui Village, you may get to embrace one of the most wonderful sunsets of your life. It can feel like a dream when the surface of Lugu Lake shimmers with golden light under the setting sun. As the sunshine gradually fades away, the color of the sky also shifts from golden to a cool darkness. At Lige Village, you can then enjoy the charming night view of Lugu Lake. And the nightlife can be even more beautiful at a Mosuo Bonfire Party. Immerse in the traditional customs, dance with others and listen to the locals share their stories.

   

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   3-Star Guesthouse in Village
4. Day 4: Lugu Lake Exploration
   Spectacular Sunrise and Unique Mosuo Culture

   Today, wake up early to watch the sunrise over Lugu Lake. As the sun rises, the lake turns vivid orange and red. You can quietly enjoy the beauty of the lake and take wonderful photos.

   

   After breakfast, visit Zhamei Monastery, established during the Ming Dynasty. The monastery features striking Tibetan-style architecture, with the main Great Hall hosting religious rituals. Wander through the temple to admire intricate murals and Buddha statues in various forms.

   Then witness the Sweetheart Trees in Nisai Village, the most famous legend of Lugu Lake. These trees grow in pairs, symbolizing intimate couples. Enjoy the view of Lugu Lake and take interesting photos with these trees.

   

   Move to Little Luoshui Village, the last Mosuo tribe in China’s matriarchal society. The population here is very small, retaining the original Mosuo style. Stroll through the village to experience the ancient civilization. You will also visit a local Mosuo family. Interact with the local people to learn about Mosuo's lifestyle, history, and customs.

   Finally, explore the Mosuo Museum, where ancient artifacts, texts, and cultural exhibits illustrate the rich history, art, and rituals of the Mosuo people. See the folk exhibition hall and the photo exhibition hall for a complete cultural experience.

   After the visit, the guide and driver will drive you back to the hotel in Lijiang.

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   4-Star Hotel in Lijiang
5. Day 5: Lijiang to Shangri-La by Private Car
   Marvel at the Masterpiece of Nature

   This morning, our main focus will be the First Bend of the Yangtze River at Shasongbi Village in Shangri-La. Witnessing the river’s rare V-shaped turn in front of your eyes will give you a totally different experience from seeing on films or pictures. Next, let’s go to the Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world. And after hiking through the Upper Gorge section, you may be surprised by nature’s incredible work: take your time to experience the rugged terrain and feel the grandeur of the canyon.

   

   After the hike, we’ll be transferring to Shangri-La. And check into your hotel, you can freely spend the rest of the day to relax or explore the town.

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   3-Star Guesthouse in Shangri-La
6. Day 6: Shangri-La Discovery
   Splendid Tibetan Culture and Diverse Natural Scenery

   After breakfast, visit Songzanlin Temple, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. This temple is strikingly built on a hill, and it's in the form of an ancient castle complex. Another ineresting thing is Songzanlin Temple is actually modeled after Tibet’s Potala Palace, so that people often call it "The Little Potala Palace". Insiede, the colorful murals and sacred artifacts are still vividly presented, which allow you to explore the Buddist culture and history in a more immersive way.

   

   Then explore Pudacuo National Park, a scenic area spanning forests, wetlands, and alpine meadows. Walk along the clear Shudu Lake, which has its surrounding hills reflected on its water. And also stroll through Militang Pasture, home to wildflowers and herds of yaks. Don’t miss Bita Lake, another serene spot perfect for photography enthusiasts.

   Tips:

   • Park elevation ranges from 3,500 to 4,159 meters; avoid running or jumping to prevent altitude sickness.
   • Recommended: wear anti-slip shoes, sunglasses, and carry high-energy snacks such as chocolate and nuts; dining options inside the park are limited.

   In the afternoon, visit a local Tibetan family. Taste their homemade food like butter tea, yak cheese, and barley wine. And explore their traditional costumes, jewelry, and handicrafts.

   

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   3-Star Guesthouse in Shangri-La
7. Day 7: Dukezong Ancient Town, Shangri-La Departure

   Our final stop on this 7-day Yunnan tour is Dukezong Ancient Town – a place that truly feels like stepping into the heart of Tibetan culture. This isn’t just any historic quarter – it's the largest and most authentic Tibetan community even in all of China. Be surrounded by classic Tibetan architecture, with carved wooden windows and sturdy stone walls. Keep an eye out for traces of the ancient caravan routes, too – you might spot worn horseshoe marks on old stones. Then go up Guishan Hill before you leave. There, you’ll come face-to-face with the world's largest prayer wheel – a massive, golden cylinder that locals turn with devotion.

   After the visit, the guide and driver will transfer you to the airport or train station for your departure.

   

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