8 Days Yunnan Tour to Lijiang, Shangri-La, Meili Snow Mountain Sunrise

Day-by-day Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrival in Lijiang

   Upon arrival in Lijiang, your private driver will pick you up at the airport and escort you directly to your comfortable hotel. For the rest of the day, you can explore this UNESCO-listed ancient city at a relaxed pace.

   During the night, you can take a tour of the Lijiang Old Town by yourself, which is the most preserved historical town in China. Get lost among its winding paths made of stones, the canals, and the wooden houses which are the unique heritage of the Naxi people as you get deeper into the old town. One of the features of the town is the old Tea Horse Road, a major route that connected Tibet and Yunnan and made their influence through the markets, old inns, and mixed cultures throughout the town.

   You can head to the bustling central square, Sifang Street, which was once a gathering place for ancient merchants. Step into the quaint coffee shops and exquisite handicraft stores, and at the same time listen to the traditional music reverberating in the alleys. History enthusiasts should not miss the Mu Palace (extra fee required), which was the former government residence of the Mu family of the Naxi ethnic group. It features elegant courtyards and skillful carvings. Before returning to the hotel, slow down and feel the gentle light cast by the lanterns.

   

   Vehicle

   4-Star Hotel in Lijiang
2. Day 2: Lijiang City Sightseeing
   Explore Vibrant Markets, Naxi Traditions, Ancient Crafts

   In the morning, your guide will arrive to pick you from the lobby of your hotel. The first place to visit on today's schedule is the only surviving farmers' market in the ancient city, namely Zhongyi Market which is beside the Mu Palace. It plays a significant role in the Naxi ethnic group's market culture so here you can know the real local life here. More than 200 vendors are dressed in traditional Naxi ethnic costumes, and their stalls were filled with fresh agricultural products, spices, snacks, mushroom specialties, handicrafts and so on.

   After that, it takes a drive of roughly ten minutes to arrive at the picturesque Black Dragon Pool Park. Aka Yuquan Park, it forms the water system of Lijiang Old Town and is widely known for the postcard-like image mirrored of Yulong Snow Mountain. You will have time for the visit in a way that you can go leisurely around the lake, take pictures of the arched bridge and the iconic De Yue Tower, with three floors in an octagonal shape and distant snow mountains as the background. If you happen to come here in summer or late autumn, you will encounter the most beautiful scenery.

   Nearby, explore the culture and history of the Naxi people at Dongba Museum. Here you’ll learn about Dongba’s ancient rituals, and the only living pictographic writing system in the world. Exhibits of manuscripts and traditional clothing provide insights into Naxi heritage.

   

   Later, you’ll go to Yuhu Village, a stone-made village right at the base of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This spot, surrounded by Naxi houses and nature, gives you some of the best close-up views of the snowy peaks. You’ll even get to visit a local Naxi family in their home. Here, you can experience cultural exchange. Learn to make Dongba paper from local tree bark and try to write simple Dongba characters.

   

   Vehicle

   B,L

   4-Star Hotel in Lijiang
3. Day 3: Drive from Lijiang to Shangri-La
   A Journey through Breathtaking Gorges, Sacred Towns, Highland Landscapes

   It's time to say goodbye to Lijiang after breakfast. We will experience the wilderness of Yunnan during our car ride to Shangri-La. First spot will be the awesome First Bend of Yangtze River wherein the longest river in China, the Yangtze makes a 180-degree "V" turn. Get a panoramic view of the river and the verdant fields lying far away.

   Drive one more hour north from here, and you will arrive at Tiger Leaping Gorge - one of China's deepest gorges at approximately 23 km long and with a drop of 213m. Tiger Leaping Gorge is divided into three parts and today’s emphasis is, on the Upper section. From the viewing platform you can see a rock 13 meters high in the center of the river. It is said that a tiger once leaped across the gorge by using this stone, and thus it got its name - Tiger Leaping Rock. Additionally enjoy a close sight of the thundering Jinsha River beneath.

   Tip: Those with limited mobility can take the escalator up and down the gorge. An additional fee will be required.

   After exploring the gorge, it's about a 1.5-hour drive to Shangri-La. Check in at your hotel and chill for a bit. Later, take a walk through Dukezong Ancient Town – it's a Tibetan town kept in great shape. Wander around the little stone streets with the wooden houses, prayer flags, and shops selling handmade stuff. Make your way up to Guishan Hill to see the world's biggest prayer wheel. You can spin it with the locals – it's a Tibetan thing they believe brings good luck.

   

   Vehicle

   B,L

   4-Star Guesthouse in Shangri-La
4. Day 4: Shangri-La Highlights
   Pristine Lakes and Authentic Tibetan Hospitality

   Kick off your day by visiting Songzanlin Monastery. People call it the Little Potala Palace because its buildings are huge and grand built on a hill. It's the biggest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. Inside, you'll see old mural paintings, gold statues, and maybe monks chanting in the prayer rooms. Walk around the twisty hallways, go up to the top areas for awesome views, and find out about the spiritual traditions that shape life in Shangri-La.

   In the afternoon, embark on a 40-minute journey to Potatso National Park, the first national park in China and a protected area of alpine forests, wetlands, and crystal-clear waters. Shudu Lake is one of the largest plateau lakes in the area. Its surface is clear and it is surrounded by primeval forests and birch forests. In autumn, the forest is ablaze with colors, which is a golden landscape. Take an easy walk along the wooden walkways inhaling the fresh and clean air. The next destination is Bita Lake, which is often called the "pearl of the plateau." Its still and mirror-like waters reflecting the mountains covered with forests. Depending on the time of year, you might see the migratory birds or the wildflowers on the shores.

   After exploring the park, visit a local Tibetan family house to experience a warm cultural encounter. Taste homemade snacks and enjoy a cup of special butter tea, an essential part of Tibetan daily life. After all visits, return to your hotel in Shangri-La.

   

   Vehicle

   B,L

   4-Star Guesthouse in Shangri-La
5. Day 5: Shangri-La to Feilaisi
   Discovere Sacred Monasteries and Breathtaking Himalayan Landscapes

   After breakfast, drive for 4–5 hour to Deqin, a remote county surrounded by dramatic valleys and towering Himalayan peaks. Your first stop is the Great Bend of Jinsha River, in the shape of “Ω.” Here the river carves a loop through steep mountains, one of Yunnan’s most striking natural landmarks.

   Next up, we're going to Dongzhulin Monastery. It's a pretty big deal for Tibetan Buddhists and was set up way back in the 1600s. At an altitude of 3,000 meters, it is located in the leeward side of Baima Snow Mountain. Here, there is no cold in winter and no scorching heat in summer. Admire the colorful wall paintings and all the prayer flags waving around. It's a cool peek into how the locals live and their beliefs.

   

   Heads up, the road gets steeper, but you'll catch some unreal views of Baima Snow Mountain. The white mountain looks amazing against the super blue sky. By late afternoon, we'll get to Feilaisi Temple. It sits right at the bottom of Meili Snow Mountain. People come here for the amazing wide views of Khawa Karpo, especially when the sun comes up or goes down. Spend the night at Feilaisi.

   Vehicle

   B,L

   4-Star Guesthouse in Feilsisi
6. Day 6: Meili Snow Mountain Tour
   Meili Snow Mountain’s Golden Sunrise, Hike to the Mingyong Glacier

   To begin your day with a fantastic natural wonder in Yunnan, you should approach Meili Snow Mountain which is one of the most beautiful mountains in this region. This snow Himalayan range has the highest peak, Kawakarpo (6,740m), which is not only one of the hardest climbs but also the most mystical. At the viewpoint, the mountains will be in their most majestic golden hue when you observe the sunrise alpenglow. Month-wise November to May witnesses this enchanting moment, with a prime viewing time of 7:30 - 8:30 a.m.

   The breathtaking experience will be followed by a nice hotel breakfast and then a drive to Mingyong Village which is the entrance to the lowest glacier in China. You will walk from the village through a mountain path for around 4 kilometers to meet the magnificent Mingyong Glacier which is also the most visible glacier of Meili Snow Mountain as it descends steeply. On your way, you will encounter thick woods, tumbling brooks and finally, the ice tongue enveloping the valley with its radiance.

   Tip: Should you want to save your energy, there is a horse rental service that is on your own expense.

   

   Continue your hike until reaching the final viewpoint near Feilai Temple. Here, absorb the sight of the snowy peaks rising sharply above the deep Lancang River canyon. Marvel at the contrast between the glacier-fed mountains and the roaring river below. After this, go back to your accommodation.

   Vehicle

   B,L

   4-Star Guesthouse in Feilsi
7. Day 7: Feilaisi Back to Shangri-La
   Temple Visit and Journey Back through Majestic Snow Mountains

   Catch the sight of Meili Snow Mountain’s sunrise, when the first rays of light cast a golden glow across the sacred Himalayan peaks. After that, visit Feilai Temple, an important pilgrimage site facing the Meili range. Explore its quiet courtyards, prayer flags, and viewing platforms, where monks and travelers alike come to pay respect to Kawakarpo, the region’s most sacred peak.

   Once your visit is complete, drive back to Shangri-La. Along the way, enjoy views of Baima Snow Mountain, its broad white slopes rising sharply above deep valleys and forests.

   Arrive in Shangri-La by afternoon and the rest of the time is free for you.

   

   Vehicle

   B,L

   4-Star Guesthouse in Shangri-La
8. Day 8: Shangri-La Departure

   This is the end of your 8-day Lijiang Shangri-La Meili Snow Mountain tour after breakfast. Enjoy your leisure time till your driver sends you to the airport for your flight departure.

   If you want to extend your trip to other cities in Yunnan, such as Dali, Kunming, Xishuangbanna, Yuanyang, we can help you with the tour services. Thank you for choosing China Xian Tour. Safe journey!

   Vehicle

   B