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! Upon your arrival at Dali, the local driver will pick you up from the exit gate by holding a welcome board and transfer you to downtown hotel. The rest of the day is at your leisure. You can have a good rest at the hotel or freely explore the city on your own.

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

   Meal: N/A

   Accommodation: in Dali

2. Day 2: Dali 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. Last, come to Dali Ancient Town, walk around Foreigner Street, and enjoy a relaxing time with local people.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Dali

3. Day 3: Dali to Shangri-La Tour
   Take a Cable Car to Cangshan Mountain for a Stunning View of Erhai Lake

   After hotel breakfasts, head to Cangshan Mountain an awe-inspiring natural stunner of Dali. A Round-trip cable car is arranged for an easier ascending and descending. Off from the cable ride, you will launch a 40-minute hiking journey along the plank walkway to soak up the breathtaking landscape of some temples, waterfalls, caves, and shrines. In good weather, views of the mountain take in the whole of Erhai Lake, with plenty of bird life, the odd squirrel, and colorful flowers alongside the path.

   

   Drive for 4 hours to Shangri-La, a holy land rich in Tibet culture where you can encounter the grand monastery, snow-capped mountains, barley fields, yaks, and ancient Tibetan dwellings. You will get a chance to walk around Dukezong Ancient Town. Explore cobbled streets and traditional Tibetan architecture, gaining insights into local customs. The Old Town Square offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

   Besides, you can walk up to the top of Guishan Hill to appreciate the typical Tibetan-style view - Prayer Wheel. From there, you will have a bird-view of Shangri-La County and Duzekong Ancient Town.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Shangri-La

   

4. Day 4: Shangri-La Tour
   Discover Shangri-La's Cultural and Natural Treasures

   Shangri-La has a different appearance from the last places where you will start to meet Tibetan elements. The first site will be Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan. Marvel at the intricate architecture, vibrant prayer flags, and peaceful courtyards as you explore the various halls and temples within the complex.

   

   In the afternoon, drive about 30km to the picturesque Pudacuo National Park. The park is definitely a priceless gift from nature: with an altitude between 3,500 meters and 4,159 meters, it collects 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.

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

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Shangri-La

   

5. Day 5: Shangri-La to Lijiang Tour
   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.

   

   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 explore the ancient town, you'll encounter traditional Naxi courtyard houses and bustling bazaars. With an in-depth explanation from your private tour guide, you will get a real insight into the local way of life.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: in Lijiang

6. Day 6: Lijiang Tour
   Ascend the Snow-capped Yulong Snow Mountain for the Magnificent Snow View

   Get up early and drive to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain for the magnificent snow view on this always-snow-capped mountain. It is a sacred mountain of Naxi people highlighting varied and beautiful natural scenery. Besides, you would also have a chance to enjoy the amazing Impression Lijiang Show which leads you more about the local culture. Visit Ganhaizi Meadow, which is well-known as the Blue Moon Valley from the glacier of the snow mountain.

   

   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.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: 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.

   Meal: Breakfast

   Accommodation: N/A