Shangri-La. O/N Shangri-La

Shangri-La County - An English-speaking driver will greet you at your hotel lobby at 09:00 am or at Shangri-La airport.

Sumtsaling Monastery - Begin your day with a visit to Ganden Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan province, also known as ‘the little Potala Palace.’ Established in 1679, it is situated in the capital of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and is the most significant monastery in southwest China.

Napa Hai Nature Reserve - Proceed to Napa Hai Lake, the largest grassland in Shangri-La. Located 8 km northwest of Shangri-La County, it is a seasonal mountain lake and one of the few thermal alpine swamps and swamp meadows in Yunnan province.

Yila Grassland - Napa Hai Lake and Yila Grassland are essentially the same location. During winter and spring, the lake’s surface recedes, transforming into the expansive swamp meadow known as Yila Prairie, the largest spring pasture in Yunnan province.

Guishan Park - Next, travel by private car to the city center to visit Guishan Park. Climb to the top of Guishan Hill or Tortoise Hill to see the world’s largest prayer wheel and enjoy a panoramic view of Shangri-La County and Dukezong.

Dukezong Ancient Town - After lunch in Dukezong Ancient Town, enjoy an hour of shopping and exploration. Then, return to your hotel in Shangri-La.

Shangri-La–Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking. O/N Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Shangri-La County - At 9 am, your English-speaking driver will meet you at the hotel lobby and drive you to Tiger Leaping Gorge, a 2.5-hour journey covering 120 km.

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia) - Known as one of China’s premier hikes, Tiger Leaping Gorge is not overly strenuous except for the initial climb along switchbacks near the entrance. With a leisurely pace and good accommodations, the trail is manageable. Today, hike from Qiaotou to Halfway Guesthouse, covering about 17 kilometers in six hours. The Halfway Guesthouse is truly at the midpoint on the High Trail. Start with a two-hour hike to Naxi Family Guesthouse for lunch, then continue for another two hours up the steep 28-bends switchback. The views are breathtaking. After a break, hike for another one to two hours to reach Halfway Guesthouse, offering stunning views of Yulong Snow Mountain and the Jinsha (Golden Sands) River Valley.

Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking–Lijiang. O/N Lijiang.

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia) - Today, hike down to Tina’s Guesthouse (about 2 hours), passing beautiful waterfalls and canyons. Your driver will pick you up at Tina’s house and drive 2.5 hours (100 km) back to Lijiang.

Shuhe Ancient Town - Then, take a private car to Shuhe Old Town for lunch. Enjoy a leisurely walk in Shuhe Ancient Town. Shuhe, or ‘Shaowu’ in Naxi language, means the village at the foot of the high mountain. Historically, a high mountain named Jubao stood behind the village, giving it its name. Shuhe Ancient Town is located 4 km northwest of Lijiang Ancient Town, covering about 5 square kilometers with a population of around 3,000. In 1997, Shuhe was recognized as an important part of Lijiang Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

Old Town of Lijiang - China - Finally, take a private car to your hotel in Lijiang and check in. The rest of the day is free for you.

Lijiang. O/N Shaxi

Old Town of Lijiang - China - Your English-speaking driver will meet you at your hotel lobby at 09:00 am and transfer you to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a 50-minute drive covering 25 km.

Yulong (Jade Dragon) Mountain - Today, visit the Snow Mountain via cable car to Spruce Meadow or White Water River, depending on the Impression Lijiang Show schedule, which varies daily between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm and lasts 60 minutes. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is easily accessible via cable cars that take visitors to different parts of the mountain. The 13 peaks, home to several glaciers, are snow-covered year-round. Different altitudes offer changing landscapes, with peaceful meadows giving way to snowy paths and glaciers. Spruce Meadow is chosen for its lower altitude (3300M) and fewer visitors compared to Glacier Park, offering a beautiful view.

Lijiang Impressions Show - Next, attend the Lijiang Impression show, an outdoor performance featuring traditional songs and dances by local ethnic people from villages around Lijiang, held at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Blue Moon Valley - Afterwards, take a private car to White Water River (Blue Moon Valley). The Blue Moon Valley is a strikingly blue river winding through a lush valley of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. From a distance, it resembles a blue crescent moon at the mountain’s base, hence its name. However, the river’s color changes; if it rains, the white mud and limestone rubble at the riverbed swirl up, turning the water milky white. Thus, locals call it White Water River (Baishui River).

Yunnan Shaxi Ancient Town - After completing the Lijiang tour, drive to Shaxi Old Town, a 2-hour drive covering 100 km. Check in first, then explore Shaxi Old Town, Shaxi River, Xinjiao Temple, the square stage, and some ancient courtyards with locals.

Shaxi once played a vital role as a bustling trade station on the Tea and Horse Caravan Road, a significant branch of the Silk Road. Over a thousand years ago, this ancient trade route connected Tibet with Eastern China. In exchange for Yunnan teas, Tibetans traded their renowned horses to Song Dynasty officials in eastern China, who were defending their territory from northern invaders. Thus, the Tea and Horse Caravan was born, with Shaxi as the main trade station along this route. Though Tibet and China no longer trade along this route, Shaxi retains its border-town feel. Old cobblestone alleyways remain unchanged from a thousand years ago, and different minorities, including the Yi and Bai, still gather every Friday during the Sideng Market when mountain villagers descend to trade their goods.

Shaxi - Dali. O/N Dali.

Yunnan Shaxi Ancient Town - In the morning, your English-speaking driver will meet you at 8:30 am at your Shaxi hotel and head to Dali Old Town, a 3-hour drive covering 130 km.

Xizhou Town - First, visit Xizhou, another excellent place to observe typical Bai Minority folk culture and architecture aside from Dali. A characteristic Bai courtyard residence consists of rooms on three sides and a decorative screen wall on the south side. These residences generally feature carved beams, turned-up eaves, and splendid green, gold, blue, and white paint.

Xizhou is a quiet and uncrowded town, preserving itself from mass tourism. One can observe real local life, especially around the main square where families gather and children play until after dark. Sit in a restaurant or cafe around the square, enjoy fresh local beer, and watch life unfold around you.

Chongsheng Three Pagodas - Next, visit the Three Pagodas facing Erhai Lake. The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple in Dali form a tripartite confrontation with a large pagoda and two smaller ones. As one of the oldest and most magnificent architectures in South China, it is a famed place of interest and a symbol of Yunnan Province’s ancient history and culture. Built amid the former Chongsheng Temple by the Nanzhao Kingdom, a local regime of the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the three pagodas were named after the temple. Though the temple was damaged in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), the three pagodas were preserved through numerous natural disasters and manmade incidents. The Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple were designated as an important heritage site protected under the state in 1961 and inscribed as an AAAAA grade scenic area in 2011.

Erhai Lake - After lunch, transfer to Erhai Lake to enjoy the lake view or cycle around the lake. The Erhai Lake (Ear-shaped Sea), known as the “Pearl of Plateau,” is the second-largest highland lake in Yunnan.

Dali Ancient - After completing the Dali tour, you will be dropped off at your Dali hotel. In the evening, explore Dali Old City. Dali Ancient Town is one of China’s most famous ancient towns. As a major stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, or Southwest Silk Road, it is rich in historic sites and traditional culture. Compared to the Old Town of Lijiang, Dali Ancient Town is smaller, less crowded, and more elegant. Spend a few hours leisurely wandering the paved streets, admiring the traditional architecture of the Bai ethnic minority, sampling local food and snacks, and buying souvenirs.

Dali - Kunming. O/N Kunming

Dali - In the morning, your English-speaking driver will meet you at your Dali hotel at 8 am and transfer you to Kunming West Hill, a 5-hour drive covering 320 km.

Kunming West Hill (Xishan Forest Park) - The Western Hill is a forest park offering beautiful views. Overlook Dian Lake from the Western Hill, and explore the wonderful temples. The most amazing part is the Dragon Gate at the top of Western Hill.

Kunming Dragon Gate - Take the cable car to reach the Dragon Gate and spend 30 minutes there. The Dragon Gate is the essence of Western Hill Forest Park. The scenic spot is located at the end of the Western Hill scenic area, next to Dian Lake – the largest freshwater lake in Yunnan, known as the “Pearl on the Plateau.” Standing on the Dragon Gate, travelers can enjoy a panoramic view of Dian Lake, which is magnificent and gorgeous, attracting many visitors to Western Hill. An old saying about the Dragon Gate states that once you enter, you will become famous and successful, symbolizing good luck.

Kunming - After completing the West Hill tour, transfer to your Kunming hotel, concluding today’s services.

Kunming. O/N Kunming.

Kunming - Your English-speaking driver will meet you at your hotel at 09:00 am and transfer you to Stone Forest, a 2-hour drive covering 100 km.

Yunnan Stone Forest Geological Park - Begin your day by visiting the renowned Stone Forest, a bizarre rock formation created by rain and weather over millennia. The stones’ unique formations make you feel as if you’ve entered a “stone world.”

Green Lake (Cui Hu) - Next, visit Green Lake to enjoy fresh air and the morning life of local citizens. The Green Lake Park is one of Kunming’s most beautiful parks. The water is green, the bamboos around the lake are green, and the willows in summer and spring are green, hence the name. It is known as the emerald of Kunming City.

Kunming - After lunch, transfer back to your hotel in Kunming, concluding today’s services.

Kunming - Guizhou Xingyi. O/N Xingyi.

Kunming - Today, your driver will meet you at 8:00 am and transfer you to Guizhou province’s Xingyi Wanfenglin area, a 5-hour drive covering 300 km.

Xingyi Geopark - After lunch in Xingyi city, head to Xingyi Geopark, but this afternoon, only visit the Thousands of Hills Scenic spot.

Wanfenglin Scenic Area - Spend 2-3 hours in the Wanfenglin area, using the local shuttle bus and walking around the villages to enjoy the amazing natural views. Wanfenglin (Forest of Ten Thousand Peaks) is divided into east peak forest and west peak forest, each with different scenery, and is a classic Karst landform. Wanfenglin is an important component of the national scenic area Maling River Canyon. The east peak forest is characterized by Karst peak cluster landform, while the west peak forest is a highland Karst landform. Due to its grand and beautiful scenery and perfect style, Peak Forest has a sense of wonderland. It feels like stepping into a scroll painting of green-grey peaks and golden fields, as if entering a paradise.

Xingyi - After the visit, return to Xingyi city center, check in to the hotel, and enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.

Xingyi - Anshun. O/N Anshun.

Xingyi - At 9:00 am, your driver will meet you and transfer you to Malinghe Gorge.

Malinghe Scenic Area - The Malinghe Gorges are located in the northeastern part of the scenic area. Waterfalls cascade from the hilltops along the valley, and various Karst caves are found behind the falls or in the cliffs. Lush, subtropical plants cover the riversides. The Malinghe River, a tributary of the Nanpanjiang River, runs through the gorges. Along the river, scenic spots include the Chelang Hot Spring, the Colourful Corridor, the Tianxing Gallery, and the Zhaojiadu ferry crossing. The winding river roars through the gorges, making it a perfect place for white-water rafting.

Anshun - Guiyang. O/N Guiyang.

Huangguoshu Water Falls - Huangguoshu Waterfall, a miniature milky way, is the largest waterfall in Asia. Standing 74 meters (243 feet) high and 81 meters (266 feet) wide, it is a scenic marvel not to be missed in Guizhou Province. The waterfall national park includes three main areas: Waterfalls Cluster, Water-Curtain Cave, and Rhinoceros Pool (Xi Niu Tan). Begin at the Waterfall-Viewing Pavilion (Guan Pu Ting) for a panoramic view of the entire waterfall. From the Water-Viewing Pavilion (Wang Shui Ting), enjoy the grand scene of surging water. The third pavilion is the Water-Viewing Pavilion (Wang Shui Ting) beside the Rhinoceros Pool. The marvelous night scene of the grand waterfall leaves lasting impressions.

Longgong Caves (Dragon Palace) - Next, visit the Dragon Palace Cave (Longong Cave), the longest water cave in China. Named for its resemblance to a crystal palace where the “Dragon King” resides, Dragon Palace Cave Scenic Spot boasts the longest water cave, the widest underground waterfall, the largest Buddhist cave, and the lowest natural radiation in China. In 1988, it was designated a national scenic spot. Covering an area of 60 square kilometers, Dragon Palace Scenic Spot comprises four parts: the Rape Lake, the Whirlpool, the Leech Pass, and the Dragon Palace Cave itself. Dragon Palace Cave includes Heavenly Pool, Dragon Palace, Tiger’s Cave, Longmen Waterfall, and other eye-catching landscapes.

Guiyang - After lunch, transfer to Guiyang city and check in to the hotel.

Guiyang - Kaili. O/N Kaili.

Guiyang - At 8:00 am, your driver will meet you at your hotel lobby and transfer you to Kaili city, a 4-hour drive covering 230 km.

Miao Village - Before checking in to the hotel in Kaili, visit the Lanhua, Jidao, and Langde Miao villages, located just an hour’s drive from Kaili city center. Langde Village is 30 km from Kaili. Surrounded by green mountains, Langde Village is situated beside a crystal-clear stream. Upon arrival, partake in the “block-the-way” wine, a local custom for welcoming guests. Twelve tables are placed along the path from the highroad to the village gate. Then, visit traditional Miao-style stilt houses and enjoy sweet Miao folk songs. Afterwards, take a leisurely walk on the cobblestone or bluestone roads and courtyards in the village.

Kaili - After lunch, transfer to your hotel in Kaili city center.

Kaili - Zhaoxing. O/N Zhaoxing.

Xiaohuang Village - At 9:00 am, transfer to Congjiang, stopping first at Shiqiao Village. Shiqiao Miao Village, located about 2.5 km southeast of Danzhai County, maintains a self-sufficient lifestyle. The village is renowned for its traditional paper-making, making it an ideal destination for travelers, especially calligraphers, to experience and learn traditional paper-making.

Currently, Shiqiao Miao Village has over 300 households with a total population of more than 1,300. About 60 households are engaged in paper-making. Most Miao people in the village are skilled in paper-making.

Afterwards, transfer to Yintan Dong Village in Congjiang, similar to Xiaohuang Village. Yintan Dong Village, about twenty kilometers from Congjiang, is one of Guizhou’s most representative Dong villages, showcasing Dong buildings and daily life. Although the houses are relatively recent (50-100 years old), they adhere to Dong architectural rules. The natural environment, houses, drum towers, and pavilions differ from those in the West. The village’s drum tower stands 21 feet high in the center. Wherever you are, you cannot miss the center of Yintan. Travelers feel immersed in time amidst well-preserved buildings.

Zhaoxing DongZhai - Tonight, stay in Zhaoxing Village, one of the largest Dong Villages in the Qiandongnan area of Guizhou. Entering Zhaoxing Dong Village feels like turning back time. All the buildings are wooden-stilt houses. This picturesque village is noted for its beautiful natural sights and unique ethnic flavor. It is surrounded by verdant mountains with a crystal stream running through.

Zhaoxing Dong village. O/N Zhaoxing.

Zhaoxing DongZhai - Today, your driver will meet you at 9:00 am to first visit Tang’an Village.

Dong Nationality Style Village of Zhanli - Next, visit Zhanli Village, about 16 kilometers from Congjiang County. Zhanli Village is a gathering point for the Dong ethnic group, accommodating 836 villagers in 186 households. During the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), Zhanli’s ancestors established a rule to balance the population with the amount of cultivated land. Afterwards, if you wish to explore further, visit Huanggang Village, another Dong ethnic gathering. Huanggang Village celebrates many local festivals, with the most important held on January 7 and June 15 of the Chinese lunar calendar. Located in remote mountains, Huanggang maintains production and living customs that have lasted for thousands of years.

Zhaoxing - Sanjiang - Longji Rice Terraces. O/N Ping’an village

Zhaoxing DongZhai - In the morning, your driver will meet you at 8:30 am and transfer you to Guangxi province, stopping at Sanjiang Chengyang Village, a 1.5-hour drive covering 80 km.

Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge - The Chengyang Wind and Rain Bridge combines the styles of bridge, corridor, and kiosk, reflecting the unique Dong style and the wisdom of the Dong people. Originally built to provide shelter for field workers, it later became a meeting place for young people and a famous attraction for visitors worldwide.

Chengyang Bridge Scenic Resort - As you pass the Chengyang Bridge and walk in Chengyang, you’ll find yourself in a natural Dong Minority Museum. The area comprises eight natural villages, each with a wind and rain bridge, a drum tower, and a stage. Different villages have unique styles in designing these public Dong architectures. If time permits, hire a local villager to explain the differences between each village, which is very interesting.

Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces - After lunch, head to Longsheng to visit the Dragon’s Backbone Rice Terraces. Located 27 kilometers (16 miles) from Longsheng town, the terraces stretch layer upon layer from the mountain base to its summit. Constructed by the local Zhuang people since the 13th century during the Yuan Dynasty, the terraces now cover 66 square kilometers (about 16,308 acres) and span an altitude between 300 meters (about 984 feet) and 1,100 meters (about 3,608 feet). Standing on the mountain, you’ll be amazed by the patches of fields and curve lines around the mountains. Visit the Villages of Zhuang to experience unique Chinese ethnic culture.

Ping’an Village - Upon entering the terraces area, stop at the Long Hair Village, then continue to Ping’an Village. Hike around the village to visit the Nine Dragons & Five Tigers viewpoint and the Seven Stars with Moon viewpoint area.

Ping’an village - Guilin. O/N Guilin.

Ping’an Village - In the morning, your driver will meet you at 9:00 am and transfer you to Guilin city center, a 2-hour drive covering 100 km.

Reed Flute Cave (Ludi Yan) - First, visit the Reed Flute Cave before checking in to the hotel in Guilin. The Reed Flute Cave is a cave-based scenic spot located in the northwest suburb of Guilin, Guangxi, China, 7 km from Guilin city center. It is about 240 meters (787 ft) deep and 500 meters (1640 ft) long. The cave features a great number of exquisite stalagmites, stalactites, stone pillars, and stone curtains, formed over 180 million years ago. It is also known as “the Palace of Natural Art.”

Elephant Trunk Hill (Xiangbishan) - Next, transfer to Elephant Hill, located in the center of Guilin City. It is a popular attraction and landmark of Guilin. Beautiful natural views combined with valuable cultural landscapes make it a fascinating place that captivates tourists.

Guilin - After lunch, your driver will take you to your hotel in Guilin.

Guilin - Yangshuo - Guilin. O/N Guilin

Guilin - In the morning, your driver will meet you at 9:00 am and transfer you to Yangshuo, a 90-minute drive covering 70 km.

Xianggong Mountain - First, stop at Xianggong Hill. Xianggong Hill is located on the west bank of the Lijiang River between Huangbu Shoal and Nine-Horse Mural Hill. Climbing the hill rewards you with a bird’s eye view of the Lijiang River winding through countless peaks. Many photographers frequent this spot.

Li River - Afterward, transfer to Xingping for lunch, then take a small boat from Xingping to Nine Horses Hill and back to Xingping River Pier. The boat tour lasts for 50 minutes.

West Street - Then, transfer to Yangshuo to explore the little town and wander along the walking street (Yangshuo West Street).

Impression Sanjie Liu - At 6:30 pm, your driver will meet you at West Street to watch the Liusanjie show in Yangshuo. The show lasts for 70 minutes. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred to your hotel in Guilin/Yangshuo downtown around 10:30 pm.

Guilin - Finally, your driver will escort you to your hotel.

Rest & Drop off at the Guilin airport/train station. The tour ends.

Guilin - Today, there are no scheduled activities. If you have a later flight, consider staying in Yangshuo for the night, as you can ride a bike and take a Yulong bamboo boat in the Yangshuo countryside.

Guangxi Airport Management Group Guilin Liangjiang International Airport Company - At the end, your driver will take you to Guilin airport/train station, concluding your services.

• In-vehicle air conditioning
• Private car with an English-speaking driver

• The hotels & food
• The entrance tickets around 1600CNY per person

Visit highlights of Yunnan province to Guilin via Guizhou province including the Shangri-La(Diqing),Lijiang,Dali,Kunming,Xingyi,Anshun,Guiyang,Kaili,Zhaoxing, Longji terraces, Guilin and Yangshuo with this Private self-guided 17 days tour from Shangri-La(Diqing).

You will be picked up Shangri-La hotel/airport and dropped off at the Guilin train station/airport.

• Can add more days if you want

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.