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 is the gathering day. We will go to Lijiang Sanyi Airport on our own. Upon arrival, we will provide a 24-hour free pick-up service by special car, and then drive to the hotel for check-in.
Friendly reminder: This day includes a welcome dinner, usually scheduled around 7 PM. It is recommended that you arrive before 5 PM. If you arrive after dinner time, the meal fee will be refunded.
After checking in at your hotel, you'll have free time to explore Lijiang city. Built into the mountains, with streets and alleys woven along the water, Lijiang Old Town was once a trading market along the ancient Tea-Horse Road. The old town is dotted with shops selling local specialties, including ethnic jewelry, tea, silverware, and shawls. There are also numerous restaurants offering everything from local specialties to Western pizzas.
Accommodation presentation
Stay at a high-end hotel: Lijiang Jinmao Retreat Hotel, a Hyatt Collection Hotel ◆◆◆◆◆ Altitude: 2400M
The hotel cleverly blends modern elements with ethnic characteristics, allowing you to experience the beauty and cultural heritage of Lijiang. All rooms are inspired by local residences and feature traditional Chinese wooden furniture, colorful hand-woven tribal rugs, and tactile fabrics and wall hangings.
Day 2 Lijiang → Tiger Leaping Gorge → High Road Hike → Secret Mountain
All day
Itinerary presentation
Tiger Leaping Gorge in Jinsha: A magnificent symphony of mountains and rivers
We'll journey along the Jinsha River to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of China's deepest canyons. The gorge is divided into three sections: Upper, Middle, and Lower. We'll then visit the Upper Tiger Leaping Scenic Area Observation Deck. Here, the Jinsha River cuts through the Haba and Yulong Snow Mountains, creating a 3,900-meter drop in vertical drop. The Yangtze River narrows dramatically, its waters surging and surging, a truly breathtaking sight.
丨High Road Light Hiking / One of the world's classic hiking routes
[Yeshebang VIP Privileges] Exclusive private hiking guide, free trekking pole rental
Next, head to Zhonghutiao Gorge for a light hike on the high road. This entry-level hike offers breathtaking scenery. Haba Snow Mountain stands to the left, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the right, and the surging Jinsha River flows beneath your feet. The river's surface is 1,800 meters above sea level, yet the canyon is over 3,500 meters deep. Between the snow-capped mountains, the river narrows, its waters roaring and surging.
We'll select a section of the trail from the Tea Horse Inn to the Midway Inn (approximately 5 km/2 hours/approximately 2,400 meters above sea level, entry-level difficulty ★★), offering breathtaking views of the canyon. You can also choose to continue the second section (from the Midway Inn to Teacher Zhang's home: approximately 6 km/2.5 hours, intermediate difficulty ★★★).
丨Canyon Coffee/Visiting the legendary Halfway Inn
The hike concludes at the Midway Inn, a legendary inn with breathtaking views that has been renowned in the global outdoor community for over 40 years. From the canyon-view balcony, gaze out over a corner of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, sip a cup of coffee, and enjoy a quiet post-hike getaway.
Accommodation presentation
Stay in the canyon: Shangri-La Secret Resort Half Mountain Hotel ◆◆◆◆ Altitude: 2000M
[Yeshebang VIP Privileges] Arrange a canyon view hotel and enjoy the holiday atmosphere by opening the window
Nestled within Tiger Leaping Gorge, nestled within the heart of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites and nature reserves, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, the Secret Land Mountain Hotel offers breathtaking views of Tiger Leaping Gorge from your bed. As an outdoor campsite located along the high-altitude hiking route, it offers a premium accommodation experience.
Day 3 Tiger Leaping Gorge → Haba Hiking → Baishuitai → Shangri-La
All day
Itinerary presentation
丨Light hike on the middle route/Jinsha River at the bottom of the canyon
After breakfast, depart for Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge. This light hike will take you directly to the bottom of Tiger Leaping Gorge, allowing you to experience the majestic Jinsha River up close. Depending on your physical fitness, you can choose to return by the same route (approximately 5 kilometers/2 hours at an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters, intermediate difficulty ★★★) or return via Yixiantian (approximately 7-8 kilometers/3 hours).
Recorded itinerary: Tiger Leaping Gorge Middle Road, temporarily closed due to policy issues (from April 22, 2025), adjusted to [Haba Snow Mountain Light Hike]
After breakfast, depart for Haba Snow Mountain for a light hike (approximately 5 km/2 hours/3000 meters above sea level) to experience the Haba Primitive Forest Pasture. This is a hidden gem, yet to be explored by mass tourism. From forests to meadows, from streams to lakes, the leisurely grazing of cattle and sheep against the backdrop of the plateau's deep blue sky and white clouds, you'll experience its pristine tranquility and vast beauty.
丨Eastern Pamukkale/Nature's geological wonders
Depart at the right time for Baishuitai. Located at the foot of Haba Snow Mountain, Baishuitai is a natural wonder formed by calcium carbonate dissolved in spring water. Its terraced appearance has earned it the nicknames "Immortal's Fields" and "China's Pamukkale." In the Naxi language, Baishuitai is called "Shibuzhi," meaning "growing flower." It is also the birthplace of the Naxi Dongba religion. Hike to the observation deck to marvel at this breathtaking natural wonder.
丨Dukezong Ancient Town/Wandering in the Moonlight City
Afterwards, we'll travel to Shangri-La. After checking in, we recommend exploring the ancient city of Dukezong. "Dukezong" is a Tibetan name meaning "Moonlight City" and "Castle Built on Stone." Built into the hillside, the ancient city's pavement follows the natural undulations of the terrain. The city's architectural layout resembles an eight-petal lotus, with Moonlight Square at its center. To the west of the square lies Turtle Mountain Park. Atop Turtle Mountain stands the world's largest prayer wheel, a Guinness World Record-winning site. Join travelers from around the world as they spin it and pray for blessings.
Accommodation presentation
Stay in the Moonlight City: Shangri-La Hotel ◆◆◆◆◆ 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.
Day 4 Shangri-La → Thangka Experience → Benzilan → Deqin
All day
Itinerary presentation
丨Tibetan Cultural Experience/Intangible Cultural Heritage Tibetan Incense & Thangka Painting
After breakfast, depart for a Thangka painting session or Tibetan incense experience. Thangka is a unique art form in Tibetan culture. It features distinct ethnic characteristics, rich religious overtones, and a unique artistic style, depicting the sacred world of Buddha with vibrant colors.
Retracing the Tea Horse Road/ The confluence of the Hengduan Mountains and the Jinsha River
We will pass through Benzilan, an important town on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Continue on to Moon Bay, the first bend of the Jinsha River. We will stop for a short rest before continuing up the Baima Snow Mountain section of National Highway 214.
丨First sight of Mount Meili / Probably the most beautiful snow-capped mountain in China
We'll continue on to the Wunongding Snow Mountain Observation Deck, nestled against the Baima Snow Mountain. This location offers the most expansive views in Deqin County, offering breathtaking views of the majestic rolling snow-capped mountains, Feilaisi Village at its foot, and the Lancang River valley. Continuing on, we'll reach the Feilaisi Snow Mountain Observation Deck, facing Kawagebo, the main peak of the Meili Snow Mountain, making it a prime photo spot. We'll then check into our hotel, where we'll be provided with a room offering a view of the Meili Snow Mountain.
Accommodation presentation
Stay at the foot of the snow-capped mountains: Meili Snow Mountain Jianglu Hotel·Wu Nong Ding (diffuse oxygen supply) ◆◆◆◆◆ 3400M above sea level
[Yeshebang VIP Privileges] Upgrade to a deluxe snow-view room and enjoy the view from the window
Select the newly opened landscape hotel in Meili Snow Mountain, Deqin, with the center position of the Wunongding Observation Deck, upgraded snow view rooms, and enjoy the view of the snow-capped mountains just by opening the window.
Day 5 Feilai Temple → Shangri-La → Napa Lake
All day
Itinerary presentation
丨Lie down and watch Jinshan / Open the window and enjoy the wild luxury holiday
Get up early, depending on the weather, to admire the Meili Snow Mountain, where the golden light casts a dazzling brilliance on Kawagebo and Mentsum. This morning, leave enough time for you to visit the Feilai Temple Observation Deck again to admire the Meili Snow Mountain.
丨 Tour around Napa Lake/ Grasslands in autumn and winter, lakes in spring and summer
We'll then drive to Shangri-La. Upon arrival, we'll first visit Napahai and take a short drive around the lake. In spring and summer, you'll see vibrant plateau meadows and lakes. In autumn and winter, Napahai is a habitat for migratory birds, offering a chance to observe these plateau birds from afar. Afterward, we'll check into our hotel and enjoy afternoon tea at our leisure.
Accommodation presentation
Stay in the Moonlight City: Songtsam Retreat Shangri-La ◆◆◆◆◆ Altitude: 3300M
The hotel is located at the foot of Songzanlin Monastery. Green Valley is located in Kena Village and Linka is built on the mountain. It adopts Tibetan watchtower architecture with a strong Kham style. The buildings are staggered and shaded by flowers, plants and trees.
Day 6 Shangri-La → Songzanlin Temple → Shangri-La Airport → Lijiang Sanyi Airport ★ Dismissal Day
All day
Itinerary presentation
丨Pilgrimage to Songtsen Monastery/Shangri-La's "Little Potala Palace"
[Yeshebang VIP Privileges] Arrange for a tour and gain an in-depth understanding of Tibetan culture
After breakfast, we'll depart for the Tibetan Buddhist monastery, Songzanlin Temple. Built into the mountainside, the 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 have a guided tour and explore the temple's profound Buddhist culture.
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 on the same day, we recommend booking a flight after 3:00 PM. If you are staying in Lijiang, we will transfer you to your hotel.
Shangri-La-Diqing Shangri-La Airport is about 8 kilometers away, about 15 minutes;
Shangri-La-Lijiang Sanyi International Airport is approximately 210 kilometers away and takes about 3 hours.
