12-Day Jianshui, Yuanyang, Dali, Lijiang & Shangri-La Tour

After breakfast, visit a local tofu workshop (approx. 30 minutes). Jianshui tofu is unique as it is produced with local spring water from the ancient wells that you see around the town. Learn about the process of producing tofu in the traditional way and try making your own.

Visit the Confucius Temple, which is the second largest in China. Built in 1285 and well preserved, this temple is an architectural and cultural relic.

Continuing back to Kunming (approx. 3 hours) and visit Green Lake Park, an urban oasis where locals gather to dance, sing, and practice Tai Chi. The willow-lined paths and pavilions bridging the water create a serene atmosphere, offering a glimpse into the city’s leisurely pace of life. Stroll through the restored Kunming Old Street and pick up souvenirs from the shops.

Take a high-speed train for a scenic journey to Dali. Upon arrival, visit the renowned Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, which have stood at the foot of Cangshan Mountain for over a thousand years, reflecting their perfect symmetry in the surrounding pools.

From there, you will step back in time as you enter Dali Ancient Town. This historic town was once the capital of the Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms. Wander through its cobblestone streets, admire the traditional Bai minority architecture with its elegant, grey-tiled roofs and ornate marble decorations, and soak up the vibrant, bohemian atmosphere as the town lights up for the evening.

In the morning we stop off at the ancient market town of Xizhou, just 19 kilometers north of Dali Old Town. Here we will visit the morning market, where locals dressed in traditional minority clothing sell and buy local fruits, freshly cut meat, piles of fragrant spices, livestock and anything else you can think of. You can visit a traditional three-course tea ceremony and an exquisite example of a traditional Bai-style courtyard home.

Then visit Zhoucheng Village, the largest Bai village in the region and famous for its tie-dye traditions. Stroll through the village streets and witness local artisans crafting batik fabrics with intricate tie-dye techniques. You’ll have the chance to visit a workshop where you can observe the entire tie-dye process, from dyeing to drying.

The highlight of the afternoon is an Erhai Lake Cruise. You’ll set sail upon the wide, ear-shaped lake that gives the area its name. From the water, you are treated to panoramic views of the Cangshan Mountain Range and the surrounding villages, offering a peaceful and majestic perspective on the region’s natural beauty.

After breakfast, you will depart Dali for the next leg of your adventure: the ancient city of Lijiang. Upon arrival, your first stop is the picturesque Black Dragon Pool Park located at the foot of Elephant Hill. This park is famed for its classic Chinese garden landscape, where you can capture the iconic photograph of the elegant Snow Dragon Bridge framing the distant, snow-capped peak of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflected in the tranquil pond.

A few kilometers from the park is the Dongba Museum, a fascinating institution dedicated to the culture of the Naxi people. Here, you can learn about the Dongba script – the world’s last living hieroglyphic writing system – and explore exhibits on Naxi rituals, music, and history.

As evening falls, you will lose yourself in the enchanting, maze-like alleyways of Lijiang Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Follow the gentle sound of flowing canals, cross over centuries-old stone bridges, and discover a vibrant town filled with charming shops, cozy cafes, and the warm, welcoming spirit of the Naxi people.

Start your day with an early rise and embark on an exciting journey to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

First, indulge in the breathtaking Impression Lijiang show, choreographed by the famous film director Zhang Yimou, at Ganhaizi, nestled at the mountain’s base. Later, take a cable car up to Spruce Meadow, a perfect spot for a leisurely walk, where you can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the landscape.

Afterwards, visit Blue Moon Valley at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, another destination of natural splendor and known for its turquoise rivers and lakes. Stroll along scenic paths and enjoy the views of snow-capped peaks reflected in the crystal-clear waters.

Following this adventure, head to Baisha Village, where you’ll find intricate Baisha murals, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Naxi minority.

Rounding off your day, make a pitstop at Shuhe Old Town before returning to your hotel, allowing you to soak in the charm and tranquility of this ancient settlement.

Shortly after breakfast, your driver will drive you up to the First Bend of the Yangtze River at Stone Drum Town (1.5 hours), where the third longest river in the world makes a sudden V-turn. This area is part of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas.

Continue north to Tiger Leaping Gorge, where the Yangtze surges far below the snow-capped peaks of Haba Snow Mountain to the north, and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the south. This is one of the deepest gorges in the world, a 16-kilometer stretch of river with a sheer 3900 meters between the wild waters of the Yangtze River below, to the top of the Haba Snow Mountains rising up right next to it.

The inhabitants of the gorge are primarily the indigenous Naxi people, who live in a handful of hamlets scattered along the trails. Your new tour guide will meet you here. You will have a strenuous hike for 1.5 hours, climbing up and down over a thousand steps. The path goes down to the river and then back up. If you prefer to avoid the stairs, there is an escalator available as an alternative.

Later in the afternoon the tour continues to the Tibetan city of Shangri-La at an altitude of well over 3,000 meters (10,000 feet). On the way you might get tingling feelings in your stomach as you continue your way up the Tibetan plateau, populated by robed monks and indigenous plateau nomads. You will notice gradual changes in the landscape and architecture, with barley fields and yaks scattered across the valleys and the year-round snow-capped mountains always towering above you.

Arrive at your final destination: Dukezong Ancient town, the ancient town center in Shangri-La. Here, the locals still preserve the old Tibetan way of life, crafting traditional jewelry made of silver or horn, instruments, earthen-ware and daggers. Let this lovely mountain town welcome you and spend your free time wandering through the narrow alleys and cobbled winding lanes or relaxing from the day’s adventures.  

After a sumptuous Tibetan breakfast, your driver and guide will take you to the restored Songzanlin Monastery. It is also known as ‘Little Potala Palace’, as this 17th century monastery is modelled after the Potala Palace in Lhasa. It is the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan with over 700 monks actively practicing Tibetan Buddhism. The huge golden roof is a bright shining beacon that attracts Buddhists from all over Asia. There will be a chance to visit a local family and experience the life of a herdsman in the high steppe.

Later in the day, embark on an exploration of Potatso National Park, where you’ll be immersed in the natural beauty and ecological diversity of this fragile high-altitude conversation area.

This is your last chance to sample a Tibetan nomad’s breakfast of prime yak steak and fried mushrooms, before your driver takes you to Shangri-La airport. This is also your last chance to do some gift shopping for folks back home, and Shangri-La definitely has some of the best markets in Yunnan.

We hope this trip has been an enriching experience, full of natural beauty and cultural diversity – and not to mention, great food! We look forward to welcoming you again one day, but for now we wish you are safe onward journey.