Day 1 Various locations - Lijiang★Assembly Day
All day
First visit to Lijiang
We won't be taking part in any planned activities today, leaving you ample time to fully experience Lijiang's culture and charm. You can stroll around Dayan Old Town and acclimate to the plateau climate, or enjoy a sunset at Qingxi Reservoir. After dark, the vibrant life of the ancient city is also worth anticipating. We recommend resting early to recharge your batteries and prepare for tomorrow's itinerary.
Day 2 Lijiang → Shangri-La
·morning
The world's wonder, Tiger Leaping Gorge, feels the heart-wrenching rush of the river at the bottom of the valley
After breakfast, we'll drive to Tiger Leaping Gorge. The Jinsha River, originating in the Tanggula Mountains of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, travels thousands of miles to this point. Suddenly blocked by the Yulong and Haba Mountains, the once peaceful river becomes a raging rage. We'll visit the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge observation deck and experience the striking power of the Jinsha River up close. This narrow section of the gorge is home to a massive rock, lying midstream like a cascading waterfall, splitting the rapids in two. The torrent is deafening.
·afternoon
Ancient temples on the snowy plateau, seeking inner love and peace
After arriving in Shangri-La, we'll head to Songzanlin Monastery. 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 circle the lake around Lhamoyangcuo in front of the temple, then enter the temple to experience the profound culture of Tibetan Buddhism.
·night
Traditional Tibetan family banquet, experience Tibetan customs
Upon arrival in Shangri-La, we'll visit a local Tibetan home, where we'll enjoy a family dinner. Upon arrival, our hosts will briefly explain Tibetan dwellings, daily life, and other aspects of life. We'll then take a seat in the elegant living room, where we'll watch and experience the making of butter tea and savor some milk residue and tsampa. We'll also learn a few Tibetan phrases and choose a Tibetan name. Afterward, we'll dine together, enjoying beautiful Tibetan music and toasting to an unforgettable evening.
Dream of Shambhala, free stroll in Dukezong Ancient Town
Returning to downtown Shangri-La, tourists will explore Dukezong Ancient Town on their own, enjoying dinner and a leisurely stroll through the area. This ancient town boasts over 1,300 years of history. High atop Dukezong, visitors will visit Guishan Park, home to a massive, gilded copper prayer wheel (21 meters tall, weighing 60 tons, and a Guinness World Record). Join the group in chanting and praying.
Day 3 Shangri-La → Tiger Leaping Gorge
·morning
Visit Pudacuo and experience the natural beauty of the national park
After breakfast, we'll depart for Pudacuo National Park, located in the heart of the Greater Shangri-La Scenic Area and a key component of the Three Parallel Rivers World Heritage Site. At the ticket office, we'll transfer to a scenic shuttle bus and journey deep into the heart of Pudacuo. Scenic area staff will provide a brief overview of the scenery along the way. After a 20-minute drive, we'll reach Shudu Lake, the core area of Pudacuo. We'll then hike along wooden plank paths to explore the tranquil and secluded plateau. Along the way, we'll admire lakes, wetlands, forest meadows, river valleys, and rare flora and fauna. We might even spot playful squirrels wandering right before our eyes, a delightful sight.
Special note: The scenery of Pudacuo in winter is slightly inferior to that in summer. The plank roads may be covered with snow or ice. Please pay attention to your footing when visiting.
·afternoon
Baishuitai geological wonder, Pamukkale of the East
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.
·night
Tiger Leaping Gorge View B&B, directly facing the B side of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
In the evening, we were specially arranged to stay at the Tiger Leaping Gorge View Hotel, where we could gaze at the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on the opposite bank across the Jinsha River Valley, and calm down to feel the beauty of the world.
Day 4 Tiger Leaping Gorge → Jade Dragon Snow Mountain → Lijiang
·morning
Experience the unique charm of the silver dragon at the Naxi sacred Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
After breakfast, we'll enter the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area from Side B by car, avoiding the tourist throngs at the main entrance. We'll take a small cable car to Yunshanping (3,240 meters above sea level). Yunshanping, known in Naxi mythology as the "third country of love suicides," sits at the waistline of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It boasts a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, and pristine forests. After disembarking from the cable car, we'll follow a winding wooden plank road into a lush, ancient spruce forest. Half of the route will be spent in the spruce forest, while the other half will offer views of the snow-capped mountains from the meadow plank road.
Special note: If the Yunshanping cable car tickets are limited during the peak tourist season and you are unable to go, you will be directed to Yaoniuping instead. The fare will remain unchanged. Thank you for your understanding.
·afternoon
Sapphires scattered across the world, the vast expanse of Blue Moon Valley
After lunch, take a scenic shuttle bus to Blue Moon Valley. Formed by the confluence of snow from Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Blue Moon Valley, commonly known as the "White Water River," gets its name from the azure blue waters and crescent-shaped valley. It's said to be the inspiration for the Blue Moon Valley in British author James Hilton's "Lost Horizon." Strolling along the lakeside, you'll see the water shift from light blue to dark blue and then to emerald green, layer upon layer, in a breathtaking array of colors, depending on the light and perspective.
·night
Explore Naxi culture and learn about Dongba culture, a world heritage site
Dongba culture, the core of Naxi culture, derives its name from the Dongba religion, and boasts a history of over 1,000 years. It encompasses Dongba scriptures, Dongba paintings, and various sacrificial rituals. The Dongba script, more primitive than oracle bone script, offers a comprehensive record of historical events and is a registered World Heritage Site. We'll visit a Naxi family near Lijiang and experience the art of handmade Dongba paper (a rare and precious ethnic minority paper). Gathering around a traditional fire pit, we'll listen to a Dongba teacher share Naxi history, learn some basic Dongba script, and create a unique card to take home as a gift for friends and family, or for yourself. We'll then try on Naxi clothing. Traditional Naxi women wear distinctive shawls and headdresses, known as "wearing the stars and the moon." This immersive experience will allow us to immerse ourselves in Naxi culture through our attire. We'll also learn the Naxi Leba dance, dancing to the beat of the drums and experiencing Naxi culture with our bodies.
A Naxi specialty dinner is specially arranged for you to enjoy the delicious food and double the happiness.
Day 5 Lijiang → Shibaoshan → Shaxi
·morning
Visit the guardians of the caves and listen to the story of the Buddhist connection from Nanzhao to Dali Kingdom
After breakfast, we will depart for Shibao Mountain in Shaxi. The grottoes within Shibao Mountain were listed as one of the first batch of national key cultural relics protection sites, along with the Mogao Grottoes in Dunhuang, the Yungang Grottoes, the Longmen Grottoes, and the Maijishan Grottoes. They were excavated between the 11th year of the Tianqi reign of the Nanzhao king Quan Fengyou (850) and the 4th year of the Shengde reign of Duan Xingzhi in Dali (1179). Sixteen grottoes remain, distributed in locations such as Shizhong Temple, Shiziguan Pass, and Shadengqing. They depict the three generations of Nanzhao kings, Xinuluo, Geluofeng, and Yimouxun, presenting the grand scenes of the Nanzhao court. Other carvings include images of Sakyamuni Buddha, Maitreya Buddha, Ganlu Guanyin, and the Vimalakirti Sutra. During the Tang and Song dynasties, Jianchuan became a cultural intersection between Nanzhao, Han and Tibetan cultures, Southeast Asia, and West Asia, and images of Persians and Indians appeared in the grottoes.
Visit a family with intangible cultural heritage and enjoy a Bai ethnic group family banquet
Afterwards, we visited Shilong Village, the "hometown of Baiqu," where we visited the home of a Bai ethnic minority inheritor of the Shibaoshan Song Festival, enjoying an authentic Bai ethnic group family feast. In the past, Shilong Village was relatively isolated due to transportation and other factors, less exposed to foreign cultural influences and thus preserved the intact Bai ethnic group's original ecological culture. Bai folk songs and dances, such as the Bawang Whip, the Sanxian (three-stringed instrument), Bai ethnic tunes, Dongjing music, and rural opera, have been well-preserved, earning it the reputation of a living fossil of Jianchuan Bai culture. While enjoying the Bai ethnic group family feast, the host will perform Baiqu, an intangible Bai ethnic heritage, accompanied by the rhythm of the Bai ethnic group's dragon-headed Sanxian (three-stringed instrument), welcoming guests from afar with songs. If you're interested, you can also learn a piece of Baiqu from the teacher.
·afternoon
Shaxi CityWalk, looking for a windy place
After arriving in Shaxi, take the Shaxi City Walk. Walk along Sideng Street, see the ancient opera stage, pass through the ancient city gate, and step over Yujin Bridge to soak in the lingering breath of history. The crumbling stone pavement beneath your feet quietly recounts the bustling market life of yesteryear. Visit the century-old Xingjiao Temple and hear the echoes of a millennium of culture.
Day 6 Shaxi → Dali ★ Dismissal Day (Airport Transfer)
·morning
Stroll through Xizhou Ancient Town and experience the Bai ethnic customs
Depart for Xizhou Ancient Town at the right time. Xizhou Ancient Town is the soul of Dali, nestled against Cangshan Mountain to the west and bordering Erhai Lake to the east. Rich in Bai ethnic customs and steeped in millennia of history, it is one of the birthplaces of Dali culture. Known as "Dali City" during the Sui and Tang dynasties, it was one of the "Ten Eyes" of the Nanzhao period. This ancient town, weathered by time, resembles a fresh and elegant ink painting. In his "Travels in Yunnan," Lao She compared Xizhou to Cambridge, describing it as a marvel. Its quaint and tranquil beauty can only be experienced in person.
We will leave some free time for everyone in Xizhou Ancient Town. There are many experiential activities in Xizhou Ancient Town. You can go there to experience Bai ethnic group tie-dyeing, Jiama rubbing, and tile cat making. You can rent a bicycle to go cycling along the Haixi Ecological Corridor, or find a cafe to have a cup of coffee and lie down to while away the time (during the free time period, the relevant experience project expenses are borne by the individual).
·afternoon
We will then transfer to Dali Airport and Dali Railway Station for drop-off. The tour will be disbanded at Dali Airport at approximately 16:30 and at Dali Railway Station at 17:30. Returning tourists from Dali on the same day are advised to book flights departing after 18:00 or trains departing after 18:30. Please allow extra time on holidays to avoid delays. Those wishing to continue their tour in Dali may disembark at Xizhou Ancient Town.
