Greater Shangri-La | Vacation

Day 1 Lijiang★Meeting Day

All day

Itinerary presentation

丨Free gathering day/ We sincerely welcome you

[Yeshebang VIP Privileges] 24-hour free airport pick-up service, worry-free arrival

Today, tourists from all over the country can go to Lijiang Sanyi Airport according to their own transportation methods. Upon arrival, a 24-hour free pick-up service will be provided, and then they will be driven to the hotel for check-in.

Lijiang Old Town, nestled against the mountainside, with streets and alleys shaped by the water, was once a trading market along the ancient Tea-Horse Road. Shops selling regional specialties, including ethnic jewelry, tea, silverware, and shawls, abound throughout the town. There are also numerous restaurants offering everything from local specialties to Western-style pizzas.


Accommodation presentation

Stay in a high-end hotel/ Hyatt Regency Lijiang, the Unlimited Collection by Hyatt Regency Lijiang ◆◆◆◆◆ Altitude: 2400M

The hotel skillfully blends modern chic with ethnic charm, allowing you to experience the beauty and cultural heritage of Lijiang. Inspired by local residences, all guest rooms feature traditional Chinese wooden furniture, colorful hand-woven tribal rugs, and tactile fabrics and wall hangings. They offer ample space and rain showers. Surrounded by majestic mountains and clear waters, the fitness center features a 25-meter heated indoor swimming pool.

Driving time: about 35 kilometers, about 1 hour

Note: Note 1: Airport/station pick-up service is arranged separately and only provides transportation from the airport/station to the hotel. We are unable to accommodate additional itinerary requests. Please note.

Day 2 Lijiang → Lugu Lake

All day

Itinerary presentation

丨Visiting Mosuo People/Exploring the Mosuo People's Walking Marriage

After breakfast, depart from Lijiang along the Lining Highway, passing the Jinsha River to Lugu Lake. After passing Ninglang, you'll soon arrive at the Lugu Lake Observation Deck, overlooking the lake with a view of the Goddess Gemu Mountain. China-TravelNote also discovered a historic Mosuo grandmother's house, which epitomizes Mosuo customs and culture, and bears witness to the entire process of life, aging, illness, and death. We've invited a renowned local scholar to give a Mosuo Lecture to better understand the culture of this remote kingdom of women.

丨Tour around Lugu Lake/360° panoramic tour with an experienced driver

We'll then embark on a classic lakeside tour, stopping at the Caohai Walking Marriage Bridge, a wooden structure spanning over 300 meters across the lake. This bridge serves as a romantic path for the shy first encounters of the Mosuo Axia people, who adhere to the custom of "men not marrying, women not marrying," and is a key route for Axia walking marriages. We'll continue our lakeside tour, passing by famous and lesser-known check-in spots such as the Lige Viewing Platform, Lover's Beach, and Luyuanya, offering a glimpse into the dreamlike beauty of Lugu Lake.


Accommodation presentation

Stay at Lugu Lake: Lugu Lake Qianshanji Hotel / Lugu Lake Qieman Ruyingsong Banshan Hotel

[Yeshebang VIP Privileges] Select a lake view room and receive afternoon tea in the hotel

Enjoy breathtaking views of Lugu Lake and Gemu Mountain from the hillside. Enjoy a private garden with a large lawn overlooking the entire Lugu Lake. Blending environmentally friendly practices with Mosuo culture, this hotel features premium amenities and family-friendly service, ensuring a delightful Lugu Lake vacation where you can explore the mountains and explore the surrounding landscape.

Driving time: about 195 kilometers, about 4 hours

Day 3 Lugu Lake (Pig Trough Boat) → Shangri-La Town Riwa Township [Daocheng County, Sichuan]

All day

Itinerary presentation

丨Pig Trough Boat Tour/Experience the must-see experience at Lugu Lake

[Yeshebang VIP Privileges] Upgrade to a private boat tour and enjoy the pleasure of your own

Wake up early in the morning and enjoy your own leisurely schedule. Stroll to the lakeside pier to witness a breathtaking sunrise over Lugu Lake, a sight not to be missed. We'll quietly wait for the sun to slowly rise from behind the golden-rimmed clouds. We'll then board the Mosuo people's unique water transport, the "pig trough boat," and admire the lake's ripples amidst the azure waters, accompanied by the boatmen's ballads. We'll then ascend to Liwubi Island and follow a winding path to the island's summit, offering panoramic views of the lake.

丨Crossing Yunnan and Sichuan/From primeval forest pastures to the snow-capped mountains of Yading

Leaving Lugu Lake in the afternoon, we continued along the original Lu-Yadong Line towards Daocheng Yading. The opening of the G277 Muli to Daocheng Yading section has significantly improved travel comfort. The road weaves through primeval forests and pastures, with towering fir trees lining the highway. We passed by the Muli Grand Temple, the political and religious center of the "Muli Kingdom" described in Locke's travelogue. Numerous images have been left behind, showcasing this enclosed place.

We then continued our journey, crossing the Baheng Pass to the Mana Chajin Viewing Platform. Looking west on a clear day, the three sacred mountains of Yading appear together, with the other large and small peaks lined up in a spectacular formation. We arrived in Shangri-La Town (Riwa Township), Sichuan, near dusk, and checked in to prepare for our next visit to the Yading Scenic Area.


Accommodation presentation

Stay in a high-end hotel/Crown Plaza Yading Risong Gongbu ◆◆◆◆◆Altitude: 2800M (three consecutive nights)

[Yeshebang VIP Privileges] Free cured pork ribs soup pot and Yunnan-Tibetan special dinner

The hotel cleverly incorporates Tibetan architectural features. Guest rooms are designed with unique decor and comfort in mind, offering a modern living experience amidst the sacred mountain landscape, allowing guests to enjoy both stunning views and the comforts of home. Nestled against the mountainside, the hotel's stepped, trapezoidal design ensures that 80% of the rooms offer views of the surrounding landscape. As one of the most sought-after luxury hotels in Ganzi Prefecture, we are committed to providing you with exceptional service!

Driving distance: about 280 kilometers, about 6-7 hours

Note: Note 1: If the Jinsha River is affected by the flood season and the Tingkuang ferry is suspended, the team's driving time will be extended by 2-4 hours. Please be advised!

Day 4 Riwa → Daocheng Yading Scenic Area → Riwa

All day

Itinerary presentation

丨 First experience of short-term trading / Fortunately, I met Zhuoma La and saw Xiannairi

[Yeshebang VIP Privileges] Guided tour and upgraded electric car round trip

After breakfast, we'll depart for Daocheng Yading Scenic Area. Today's Daocheng Yading Short Tour will feature a scenic bus to the final stop, Zhaguanbeng. From there, we'll walk ten minutes to the Chonggu Temple Service Station. Then, we'll follow a 2km wooden plank road to Zhuoma Lacuo, also known as Pearl Lake, at an altitude of 4,100 meters. Pearl Lake is an ideal vantage point for photographing Xiannairi, where melted snow converges to form the Pearl Lake. Snowcapped mountains, lakes, trees, sunlight, and reflections paint the autumn landscape a vibrant world, reflected in the water. The shimmering waters exude an infinite beauty, while the lake reflects the majestic beauty of Xiannairi. Afterwards, we'll return to Chonggu Meadows to admire the distant sacred mountain, Xiannuo Duoji.


Accommodation presentation

Stay in a high-end hotel/Crown Plaza Yading Risong Gongbu ◆◆◆◆◆Altitude: 2800M (three consecutive nights)

The hotel cleverly incorporates Tibetan architectural features. Guest rooms are designed with unique decorative tastes and comfort in mind, offering a modern living experience amidst the sacred mountain landscape, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery while experiencing the comforts of home. As one of the most sought-after luxury hotels in Ganzi Prefecture, we strive to provide guests with exceptional service.

Optional upgrade: Songtsam Yading Mountain Residence (3900m above sea level, within Yading Village, upgrade price not included)

Songtsam Yading new branch will open in July 2024. Follow Songtsam to explore a new journey in Ganzi, enter the outdoor hiking paradise of Yading, encounter sacred mountains, and immerse yourself in nature.

Nestled deep within the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area, Yading Village inherits the classic stone architecture of Songtsam while also paying homage to local culture through details like door and window materials and color schemes. Each guest room offers a view of the snow-capped mountains. From the hotel windows, the view reveals Xiannairi, resembling a lotus throne, and the steep peaks of Xiannuoduoji, resembling pyramids.

Driving time: about 45 kilometers, about 1.5 hours

Hiking: The round trip distance is about 4 kilometers, and the round trip time is about 3 hours. The altitude rises from about 3800m to 4080m.

Day 5 Riwa → Daocheng Yading Scenic Area (Luorong Cattle Farm → Five-Colored Lake → Milk Lake) → Riwa

All day

Itinerary presentation

丨Long-term challenge again / Five-color milk sea, meet the twin sacred mountains

[Yeshebang VIP Privileges] Guided tour and upgraded electric car round trip

After breakfast, we'll continue to the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area. Today is a relatively free day, but if you're physically fit, you can explore the stunning Five-Colored Lake and Milk Lake on your own, a strenuous journey. From the Jing Transfer Station, take an electric car to Luolong Cow Farm, the heart of the Yading Scenic Area, where you can get up close to the sacred mountains of Yangmaiyong and Xialuoduoji. Milk Lake and Five-Colored Lake are over 4,600 meters above sea level, and the weather is unpredictable. The entire journey involves walking at high altitude, so please exercise caution.


Accommodation presentation

Stay in a high-end hotel/Crown Plaza Yading Risong Gongbu ◆◆◆◆◆ Altitude: 2800M (three consecutive nights)

The hotel cleverly incorporates Tibetan architectural features. Guest rooms are designed with unique decorative tastes and comfort in mind, offering a modern living experience amidst the sacred mountain landscape, allowing guests to enjoy the scenery while experiencing the comforts of home. As one of the most sought-after luxury hotels in Ganzi Prefecture, we strive to provide guests with exceptional service.

Optional upgrade: Songtsam Yading Mountain Residence (3900m above sea level, within Yading Village, upgrade price not included)

Songtsam Yading new branch will open in July 2024. Follow Songtsam to explore a new journey in Ganzi, enter the outdoor hiking paradise of Yading, encounter sacred mountains, and immerse yourself in nature.

Nestled deep within the Daocheng Yading Scenic Area, Yading Village inherits the classic stone architecture of Songtsam while also paying homage to local culture through details like door and window materials and color schemes. Each guest room offers a view of the snow-capped mountains. From the hotel windows, the view reveals Xiannairi, resembling a lotus throne, and the steep peaks of Xiannuoduoji, resembling pyramids.

Driving time: about 45 kilometers, about 1.5 hours

Hiking: The round trip distance from Luorong Cow Farm to Milk Sea is about 10 kilometers, which takes about 4-6 hours. The altitude rises from about 4150 to 4600 meters.

Notes: Note 1: In case of snow or other weather conditions, the [Five-Color Lake] and [Milk Lake] may not be open, and the itinerary will be adjusted according to the specific situation today;
Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake are more than 4,600 meters above sea level, and the round-trip hike up the mountain is about 10 kilometers, which takes about 4-6 hours; you can also choose to go up the mountain on horseback (horseback riding costs 300-500 yuan per person one way, and some roads on the mountain require dismounting and walking, and riding back is not allowed).

Day 6 Riwa → Songzanlin Temple → Dukezong Ancient Town

All day

Itinerary presentation

丨Visit Songzanlin Temple/Pilgrimage to the Little Potala Palace in Western Yunnan

Departing from Riwa this morning, we'll embark on the newly constructed Sichuan-Yunnan Highway, enjoying scenic views all the way to Shangri-La. Upon arrival, we'll visit Songzanlin Temple, Yunnan's largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery. Nestled against the mountainside, Songzanlin Temple resembles the Potala Palace in appearance. Its unique five-story carved Tibetan architecture embodies the essence of Tibetan plastic arts and is known as the "Tibetan Art Museum." We'll circle the lake at Lhamoyangcuo, the temple's entrance, before entering the temple to experience the profound Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Strolling through Dukezong/Shangri-La's Moonlight City

After checking in, you can freely stroll through the Dukuzong Ancient Town. With over 1,300 years of history, this ancient town is home to a well-preserved cluster of Tibetan settlements and served as a hub for the tea-horse trade between Yunnan, Sichuan, and Tibet. At Guishan Park, high above Dukuzong, you'll find a 21-meter-tall, 60-ton gold-plated copper prayer wheel. Join us for a chance to turn it and chant prayers.


Accommodation presentation

Stay at Moonlight City/Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City ◆◆◆◆◆ Altitude: 3300M

The hotel is situated at the highest point of Dukezong Ancient Town, offering panoramic views of the ancient city. The lobby bar and restaurant on the first floor feature floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a backdrop for dining in the ancient city. The "Moonlight City" themed rooms draw inspiration from Tibetan culture, creating a space that blends ethnic charm with modern comfort.

Driving time: about 200 kilometers, about 5 hours

Note: Note 1: If you arrive late, you can visit Songzanlin Temple in the morning of the following day.

Day 7 Shangri-La → Shangri-La Airport → Lijiang Sanyi Airport ★ Dismissal Day

All day

Itinerary presentation

丨Farewell on the disbanding day/Looking forward to seeing you again

Today is the end of the tour. We will transfer you to either Diqing Shangri-La Airport or Lijiang Sanyi International Airport, depending on your flight time. If you need to return to your home city from Lijiang that day, we recommend booking a flight after 2:00 PM. If you are staying in Lijiang, we will transfer you to your hotel.

Shangri-La-Diqing Shangri-La Airport is about 12 kilometers away, about 20 minutes;

Shangri-La-Lijiang Sanyi International Airport is approximately 210 kilometers away and takes about 3 hours.

Driving time: about 210 kilometers, about 3 hours