Lijiang Old Town–Black Dragon Pool Park–Baisha Village–Shuhe Old Town. Stay at Lijiang

Old Town of Lijiang - China - The tour guide will greet guests at their hotel lobby at 09:00 am or at Lijiang airport/train station, and the first stop will be Lijiang Old Town.

World Heritage Park, Lijiang - The itinerary includes entering Lijiang Old Town through the South Gate. Along the way, visitors can explore Mu’s Residence (entry fee applies), Lion Hill (entry fee applies), and Wangu Tower, while strolling through the charming old streets and lanes. This exploration will take a couple of hours. Lijiang Old Town is one of Yunnan’s most enchanting ancient cities. Despite being largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1996, it was swiftly rebuilt, aided by its UNESCO World Heritage status. Lijiang is the heart of the Naxi minority, known for its unique culture, religion, and over 1,000 pictograms. The culture and ambiance of Lijiang Old Town make it a delightful place to unwind for a few days.

Lijiang Mural in Baisha Village - Next, the tour proceeds to Baisha Village, where visitors can see the Dongba pictograms, mural paintings in Dabaoji Palace, and the ‘ten thousand camellia blossoms’ tree. Baisha, meaning ‘white sands’, was the first settlement of the Naxi people after migrating south from the Tibetan plateau. It was once the political, commercial, and cultural hub of the powerful Naxi Kingdom, which became part of the Yuan Empire in the late 13th century. The Mu family, who governed Lijiang from the late 14th to early 18th century, originated from Baisha. The area was also a significant part of the Tea Horse Road commercial network.

Black Dragon Pond Park - Following this, a private car will take guests to Black Dragon Pond Park. Here, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Lijiang Ancient Town. This park is a landmark of Lijiang, renowned for its exquisite beauty and listed among China’s Famous Pools. The surroundings are lush with greenery and willow trees, and the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is reflected in the pool’s waters. The park features renovated buildings for art exhibitions, such as the Moon-Embracing Pavilion with its white marble bridge and the Five-Phoenix Temple from the Ming Dynasty.

Shuhe Ancient Town - After lunch, there will be a leisurely walk in Shuhe Ancient Town. Shuhe, or ‘Shaowu’ in the 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 integral part of Lijiang Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.

Lijiang–Jade Dragon Snow Mountain–White Water River–Impression of Lijiang Show. Stay at Lijiang.

Old Town of Lijiang - China - The tour guide will meet guests at their hotel lobby at 09:00 am and transfer them to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a 50-minute drive covering 25 km.

Yulong (Jade Dragon) Mountain - The visit may start with the Snow Mountain via cable car to Spruce Meadow or with White Water River, depending on the Impression Lijiang Show schedule, which varies based on daily visitor numbers between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, lasting 60 minutes. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is easily accessible via cable cars that transport visitors to various parts of the mountain. The 13 peaks, home to several glaciers, remain snow-covered year-round. Different altitudes offer diverse landscapes, from serene meadows to snow-covered paths and glaciers. The choice of Spruce Meadow via cable car is due to its lower altitude (3300M) and fewer visitors compared to Glacier Park, along with its beautiful views.

Lijiang Impressions Show - Next, guests will attend the Lijiang Impression Show, an outdoor performance featuring traditional songs and dances by local ethnic people from villages around Lijiang. The show is held at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, just outside the main building, at scheduled times.

Blue Moon Valley - Afterwards, a private car will take guests 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 mix, turning the water milky white. Thus, the local Naxi people call it White Water River (Baishui River).

Lijiang–Tiger Leaping Gorge. Stay at Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Old Town of Lijiang - China - At 9 am, the guide will meet guests at the hotel lobby and transfer them to Tiger Leaping Gorge, a 2-hour drive covering 80 km.

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia) - Tiger Leaping Gorge is renowned as one of China’s best hikes. It is not overly strenuous, except for the initial climb along a series of switchbacks near the gorge’s entrance at Tiger Leaping Gorge Town. Walking the trail slowly, utilizing accommodations, and being in good shape make the hike manageable. The inns and hotels for backpackers along the way ensure a comfortable trek. Today, the hike will be from Qiaotou to Halfway Guesthouse, covering about 17 kilometers and taking approximately six hours. Halfway Guesthouse is indeed at the midpoint on the High Trail. The hike begins with a two-hour trek to Naxi Family Guesthouse for lunch, followed by another two-hour ascent up the steep switchback known as 28-bends before the next break. The views are breathtaking. After a break, the hike continues for another one or two hours, leading to Halfway Guesthouse, which offers stunning views of Yulong Snow Mountain and overlooks the Jinsha (Golden Sands) River Valley. Guests can relax on a deck facing the mountain, with access to hot showers and clean beds.

Tiger Leaping Gorge–Shangri-La (Diqing). Stay at Shangri-La.

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia) - Today, guests will hike down to Tina’s Guesthouse (about 2 hours), passing through beautiful waterfalls and canyons along the way. The driver will pick them up at Tina’s house and drive 2.5 hours (120 km) back to Shangri-La.

Dukezong Ancient Town - After lunch, guests can explore Dukezong Ancient Town, a significant town on the Ancient Tea Horse Trade Caravan route from Yunnan to Tibet and India. Dukezong’s authentic Tibetan dwellings, gilded prayer halls, pagodas, and variously shaped lanterns lighting the narrow, winding lanes exude the grace and mystique of antiquity, captivating visitors upon arrival.

Guishan Park - Climbing to the top of Guishan Hill or Tortoise Hill offers a view of the world’s largest prayer wheel and a panoramic view of Shangri-La County and Dukezong.

Shangri-La County - Afterwards, a private car will take guests to their hotel in Shangri-La for check-in, with the remainder of the day free for leisure.

Shangri-La–Ganden Monastery- Shangri-La Airport.

Shangri-La County - The guide will meet guests at 09:00 am or earlier/later, depending on their flight/train departure time, which can be discussed with the guide the day before. Guests will be dropped off at Shangri-La airport or Lijiang airport/train station.

Sumtsaling Monastery - The first visit will be to Ganden Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan province, also known as ‘the little Potala Palace.’ Built in 1679, it is located in the capital of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and is the most significant monastery in southwest China.

Napa Hai Nature Reserve - Next, guests will visit Napa Hai Lake, the largest grassland in Shangri-La. Napahai is situated in the northwest of Shangri-La County, 8 km away, and is a seasonal mountain lake, one of the few thermal alpine swamps and swamp meadows in Yunnan province.

Yila Grassland - In fact, Napahai Lake and Yila Grassland are the same place. During winter and spring, the Napa Lake surface shrinks, transforming into a large swamp meadow—Yila Prairie, the largest spring pasture in Yunnan province.

Shangri-La County - After lunch, guests will be transferred to Shangri-La airport or Lijiang airport/train station, marking the end of the services.

• The entrance tickets
• In-vehicle air conditioning
• The private car & private tour guide

• The hotel
• The meals

Explore the wonders of Lijiang with a 5-day private tour, taking in the majesty of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the Spruce Meadow cable car ride, the serene White Water River, the cultural extravaganza of the Impression of Lijiang Show, the historic Lijiang old town, the tranquil Black Dragon Pool park, the traditional Baisha village, the ancient Shuhe old town, the mystical Shangri-la (Diqing) region, and an overnight stay at the awe-inspiring Tiger Leaping Gorge.

You will be conveniently collected from and dropped off at your Lijiang/Shuhe hotel, airport, or train station to your destination at the Shangri-la hotel or airport.

If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.