Highlights of Northwest Yunnan | Classic 7-Day Tour of Dali, Shangri-La, and Lijiang

Day 1: Arrival in Dali

Meals: On your own

Accommodation: Dali

Welcome to Dali, the home of the Bai ethnic minority, a major ethnic group in China. Our driver will meet you at the airport/train station reception and transfer you to your hotel for check-in and rest. If you have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also consult your tour guide for professional travel advice.

Day 2: Dali Day Trip: Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas + Erhai Lake + Dali Old Town

Meals: Breakfast Included

Accommodation: Dali

This morning, you will visit Dali's landmark attraction, the Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas. The Three Pagodas consist of one large pagoda, two smaller pagodas, and the grand Chongsheng Temple behind them. Built during the Nanzhao Kingdom period, over a thousand years ago, the pagodas are typical Tang Dynasty architectural styles and are believed to have both protective and aesthetic value. Chongsheng Temple was once the royal temple during the Nanzhao and Dali periods, enjoying the reputation of being a Buddhist capital, offering a chance to learn about and experience Buddhist culture. Don't forget to take beautiful photos at the reflection pool in front of the pagodas.

Afterwards, visit Erhai Lake, known as the "Pearl of the Plateau." Located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain, Erhai Lake boasts azure waters and is world-renowned for its scenic beauty. You can cycle along the ecological corridor on the west bank of Erhai Lake, immersing yourself in the beautiful scenery and the rustic Bai ethnic minority dwellings.

In the afternoon, you are free to explore Dali Ancient City, stroll along its cobblestone streets, and experience the still bustling ancient city gate towers, Wuhua Tower, and Foreigners' Street, which have stood the test of time for thousands of years. Alternatively, you can head to Renmin Road in the ancient city to experience the lively and vibrant daily life of the local Bai people and fully enjoy this comfortable and relaxing time.

Day 3: Dali to Shangri-La Day Trip: Xizhou Ancient Town + Zhoucheng Village

Meals: Breakfast Included

Accommodation: Shangri-La

This morning, you will visit Xizhou Ancient Town, stroll through the bustling morning market, and experience the local lifestyle. Afterwards, you can wander along the ancient town's paths, visiting various traditional houses to learn about Bai ethnic architecture and experience the Bai Three-Course Tea Ceremony, immersing yourself in local folk culture.

Afterwards, you will travel to Zhoucheng Village, renowned as the "Hometown of Tie-Dyeing." Zhoucheng Village is a Bai ethnic village famous for its exquisite tie-dyeing techniques. Here, you can admire various beautiful handicrafts and even learn to create tie-dye works under the guidance of artisans.

In the afternoon, travel to Shangri-La, located northwest of Dali City (approximately 300 kilometers, about a 4-hour drive). Upon arrival in Shangri-La, check into your hotel and rest.

Day 4: Shangri-La Day Trip: Pudacuo National Park + Songzanlin Monastery + Dukezong Ancient Town + Visit to a Tibetan Family

Meals: Breakfast Included

Accommodation: Shangri-La

This morning, you will travel (approximately 40 minutes) to Pudacuo National Park, China's first national park. Pudacuo National Park boasts diverse natural landscapes including forests, grasslands, lakes, and historical sites. Upon entering the park, you will transfer to an eco-friendly bus to first visit Shudu Lake, the largest lake in the park, renowned for its beautiful scenery. You can stroll along the lakeside boardwalk and enjoy the surrounding views. Afterwards, take an eco-friendly bus to Bita Lake, famous for its pagoda-shaped hills and clear, tranquil waters. Tall trees surround the lake, their reflections creating stunningly beautiful scenes.

Afterwards, you will visit Songzanlin Monastery, known as the "Little Potala Palace." It is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province, built against a mountainside with unique five-story Tibetan-style carved architecture, showcasing the pinnacle of Tibetan art and earning it the title of "Tibetan Art Museum." Here, you can experience Tibetan Buddhist culture and climb to the top of the mountain for panoramic views of Songzanlin Monastery and Lake Lhamoyangcuo.

After the monastery visit, you will visit Dukezong Ancient Town, a town with over 1300 years of history. Dukezong Ancient Town is the best-preserved and largest Tibetan residential area in China and a key town on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Here, you can admire various Tibetan-style houses, temples, pagodas, and learn about Tibetan culture. You can also climb Turtle Mountain and spin the world's largest prayer wheel with the locals to pray for yourself or your loved ones, or find a good spot to overlook the entire ancient town.

In the evening, visit a local Tibetan family to learn about their daily life, chat with them, and try butter tea and local snacks. Afterward, return to the hotel, concluding a day of cultural and scenic exploration.

Day 5: Shangri-La to Lijiang Day Trip: Tiger Leaping Gorge + First Bend of the Yangtze River + Lijiang Old Town + Black Dragon Pool Park

Meals: Breakfast Included

Accommodation: Lijiang Old Town

This morning, you will travel from Shangri-La to Lijiang, enjoying the scenic views along the way. First, you will visit the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world. Here, you can admire the breathtaking scenery of the roaring Jinsha River rushing down, or descend along the boardwalk/elevator (additional fee applies) to experience the surging river and the powerful force of nature up close.

Afterwards, you will visit the First Bend of the Yangtze River, admiring the magnificent V-shaped bend of the Yangtze River formed by the mountains. Climb to the viewing platform for a panoramic view of the spectacular 100-degree bend.

After the visit, continue to Lijiang. Upon arrival, explore Lijiang Old Town, a World Heritage Site with over 800 years of history, once a vital town on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. You can stroll along the cobblestone streets of the ancient city, admiring the traditional flying eaves and bracketed architecture, and experiencing the lively yet leisurely atmosphere. You can also climb to a high viewing platform to enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the ancient city against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Alternatively, you can walk to Sifang Street to explore Naxi handicrafts and local specialties.

Finally, head to Black Dragon Pool Park, located north of Lijiang Ancient City, to admire the surrounding beautiful scenery and the magnificent reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on the water. Overnight in Lijiang Ancient City.

Day 6: Lijiang Day Trip: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain + Blue Moon Valley + Baisha Murals + Shuhe Ancient Town

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch Included

Accommodation: Lijiang Ancient Town

This morning, you will visit the famous Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a sacred mountain of the Naxi people, named for its winter resemblance to a jade dragon. You can take a cable car to Spruce Meadow at an altitude of 3240 meters, enjoying the magnificent scenery along the way. This vast meadow hidden in the primeval spruce forest offers the best view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

After the visit, take the cable car down the mountain and transfer to a sightseeing bus to Blue Moon Valley. Blue Moon Valley has 4 lakes and 1 river, among which Jade Liquid Lake and White Water River are the most worthwhile sights. When the sun shines brightly, the water of Jade Liquid Lake is crystal clear and azure, like a precious mirror, while White Water River is named for the white color of the water flowing over white stones.

Enjoy a sumptuous local hot pot lunch, then depart from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and head to Baisha Ancient Town, the former capital of the Naxi people. Admire the historically significant Baisha Murals, mostly created during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Their most unique feature is that a single mural can depict images from Han Chinese Buddhism, Taoism, and Tibetan Buddhism, making it exceptionally rare.

Finally, return to Lijiang. If you still have energy, you can stop at Shuhe Ancient Town (optional, at your own expense) along the way to explore the tranquil town and sample local delicacies.

Day 7: Departure from Lijiang: Airport/Train Station Transfer

Meals: Breakfast Included

Accommodation: /

After breakfast, we will conclude our classic 7-day Yunnan tour. Our guide or driver will transfer you to the airport or train station for your next destination. If you would like to extend your trip to explore more popular tourist destinations in Yunnan or other popular tourist destinations in China, please contact us to make arrangements. We are happy to assist you.