A 16-Day Journey Through Ancient Trade Routes, Mountain Kingdoms & Living Traditions
TEA HORSE ROAD & THE HIDDEN WORLDS OF NORTHWEST YUNNAN
Dali · Weishan · Nuodeng · Shaxi · Jianchuan · Lijiang · Tacheng · Nanjiluo · Cizhong · Meili Snow Mountain · Benzilan · Shangri-La
Follow the ancient Tea Horse Road into the heart of northwest Yunnan, where merchant caravans once carried tea, salt, horses, and stories across some of Asia’s most formidable terrain. This journey moves from the lakeside villages of the Bai people to centuries-old market towns, from the stone lanes of the Naxi and Tibetan communities to the remote valleys of the Hengduan Mountains.
Along the way, discover traditional architecture, mountain monasteries, ancient rock carvings, and family kitchens where regional customs are still part of everyday life. Venture into the forests of the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey, encounter the dramatic landscapes of the Lancang and Jinsha River valleys, and witness the first light of dawn illuminating the sacred peaks of Meili Snow Mountain.
The final days bring a deeper encounter with the Tibetan world: alpine meadows, forested valleys, highland monasteries, and walks through landscapes that reward those willing to travel beyond the familiar.This is Yunnan beyond the usual route—a journey of discovery shaped by ancient trade, cultural encounters, and the extraordinary geography of China’s southwest.
Arrive in Dali, a historic town nestled between the Cangshan Mountains and the broad waters of Erhai Lake. Once the center of the ancient Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms, this region has long been a meeting place for cultures and trading routes.
After arrival, transfer to Dali Ancient Town. Wander through its old streets, traditional courtyards, and lively lanes, where local shops and cafés sit alongside architecture shaped by centuries of Bai ethnic culture.
Take the afternoon at your own pace, absorbing the atmosphere of this mountain town and settling into the rhythm of southwest China.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lan Lin Ge Hotel or Honglongjing Hotel, Dali Ancient Town
Begin the day at the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, one of Dali’s most recognizable landmarks. Rising against the backdrop of the Cangshan Mountains, the ancient pagodas reflect the region’s Buddhist heritage and its historical importance under the Dali Kingdom.
Continue to the Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor, exploring the lakeside stretch between Caicun and Panxi Village. Depending on your preference, enjoy the scenery by bicycle or electric sightseeing cart as you pass waterside villages, fields, and open views across the lake.
In the afternoon, visit Xizhou Ancient Town, known for its elegant Bai residences and traditional streets. Explore the historic Yan Family Compound and browse the local market, where regional produce, snacks, and everyday household goods reveal the character of village life.
The day concludes with a visit to a Bai family. Experience the famous Three-Course Tea Ceremony, a tradition in which each serving carries its own flavor and symbolism. Through tea, conversation, and hospitality, discover the warmth of Bai culture.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lan Lin Ge Hotel or Honglongjing Hotel, Dali Ancient Town
After breakfast, drive approximately one hour to Weibaoshan, one of southwest China’s historic Taoist sacred mountains. Set among wooded slopes and quiet trails, the mountain is home to traditional temples, pavilions, and religious sites that reflect centuries of Taoist practice.
Continue to Weishan Ancient Town, a historic settlement with deep connections to the Nanzhao Kingdom. Its old streets, traditional shops, timber-fronted buildings, and atmospheric courtyards preserve a quieter side of Yunnan’s past.
Take time to stroll through the town, observe local life, and discover the everyday traditions that have endured beyond the main tourist routes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Xiongzhao Hotel, Weishan
Travel approximately two and a half hours to Yunlong County, following the mountain roads into a region once sustained by the trade in salt and other essential goods.
Pause at the Yunlong Taiji Viewpoint, where the meandering course of the river forms a remarkable natural pattern resembling the traditional Chinese yin-yang symbol, or Taichi.
Continue to Nuodeng Ancient Village, a historic settlement whose prosperity was closely connected to the salt trade. Tucked into a green mountain valley, the village is a maze of stone lanes, old wooden homes, ancestral halls, and temples reached by steep paths.
At lunch, sample the village’s renowned Nuodeng Ham, traditionally cured using local salt and time-honored methods.
Spend the afternoon exploring the village on foot, discovering the architecture and stories of a community shaped by the old trading networks of western Yunnan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Nuoyan Courtyard Inn, Nuodeng Ancient Village
Drive approximately two and a half hours to Shaxi Ancient Town, one of the most atmospheric surviving market towns along the historic Tea Horse Road.
For centuries, Shaxi served as a trading and resting point for caravans carrying tea, horses, salt, and other goods between Yunnan, Tibet, and neighboring regions. Its historic center still preserves the distinctive layout of a traditional caravan town.
Explore Sideng Street, the old market square, the historic theater stage, and Xingjiao Temple, a rare surviving Buddhist temple associated with the Bai people. Continue to the old southern gate and Yujin Bridge, which crosses the Heihui River at the edge of town.
Walk through Sanjiaxiang, an old lane lined with traditional residences once associated with caravan merchants. Shaxi’s charm lies not only in its preserved architecture, but also in the unhurried pace of daily life.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lan Lin Ge Hotel, Shaxi Ancient Town
After breakfast, travel toward Lijiang, stopping in Jianchuan, a historic town known for its traditional architecture and long-standing woodworking and carving traditions.
Continue to Shibaoshan, a mountain complex famous for its remarkable Buddhist rock carvings. At Shizhong Temple, examine sculptures carved into the sandstone cliffs, many dating to the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdom periods. These works offer a rare glimpse into medieval Yunnan's religious beliefs, artistic achievements, and cultural exchanges.
Visit Baoxiang Temple, dramatically positioned among the mountain rocks and forested slopes.
Later, continue to Lijiang, the historic heartland of the Naxi people. After arrival, explore Lijiang Old Town, where cobbled lanes, stone bridges, flowing canals, and traditional wooden houses create an intricate urban landscape.
Visit Mufu, the former residence and administrative seat of the Mu family, whose hereditary rulers played a significant role in the history of the Naxi region.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort
Today, venture into the magnificent Yulong Snow Mountain (Jade Dragon Snow Mountain) region, where snow-covered peaks rise above forests, alpine meadows, and glacial terrain.
Take the large cable car to Glacier Park, reaching a viewing area at approximately 4,500–4,680 meters (14,763ft – 15,354ft) above sea level, depending on operating conditions. The high-altitude panorama offers a dramatic perspective on the mountain’s icy ridges and immense scale. The cable car ride and summit access are subject to weather, altitude-related restrictions, and park operations.
If desired, attend Impression Lijiang, a large-scale outdoor performance inspired by the landscapes and ethnic cultures of the region.
Continue to Blue Moon Valley, where mineral-rich waters create striking shades of turquoise beneath the mountain backdrop. Use the included electric shuttle for the return journey.
In the afternoon, travel to Lashihai Wetland, a landscape of lakes, meadows, and mountain views. Enjoy a gentle walk in the surrounding area and visit a nearby Naxi village.
At a local family’s home, learn about Naxi customs and take part in making traditional Naxi Tofu. Discover the distinctive Dongba writing system, an extraordinary pictographic script associated with Naxi religious and cultural traditions.
End the day with a Home-style Naxi Dinner featuring regional specialties such as Naxi hot pot and cured pork ribs.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Wangfu Hotel or InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort
High-altitude note: Glacier Park is at a significant elevation. The visit should be adjusted to individual comfort, health, weather, and the latest park access conditions.
Leave Lijiang and travel north toward Tacheng, entering a landscape of steep mountains, deep river valleys, and scattered ethnic villages.
En route, visit Tiger Leaping Gorge, where the Jinsha River—an upper stretch of the Yangtze—surges through a narrow gorge between towering mountain walls. The contrast between the powerful river and the immense cliffs makes this one of the most dramatic landscapes in northwest Yunnan.
Continue through the mountain countryside and visit a Pumi village, where traditional homes and local customs offer insight into the region's cultural diversity.
The journey then continues toward Tacheng, a quieter valley surrounded by forested mountains and rural settlements.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Local guesthouse near the Yunnan snub-nosed monkey conservation area, Tacheng
Begin the morning at the Yunnan Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey National Park, where protected mountain forests provide a refuge for one of China’s rarest primates.
The Yunnan snub-nosed monkey is adapted to life in the high-altitude forests of the Hengduan Mountains. With its distinctive appearance and specialized habitat, it embodies the region’s extraordinary biodiversity. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and visits should follow local conservation rules.
Continue toward the Lancang River valley, stopping at Tongle Village, known for its traditional wooden architecture and distinctive village setting.
Visit Shouguo Temple, a religious site that reflects the diverse Buddhist traditions of this mountainous region.
Continue toward Badi Township, positioning yourself for the following day’s excursion into the remote alpine landscape of Nanjiluo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Local guesthouse near Badi Township
Today is devoted to Nanjiluo, a spectacular highland landscape of alpine lakes, forested slopes, meadows, and mountain ridges.
After breakfast, drive to the scenic area entrance and start at the Hazhiduo access point, following the local route toward the chain of high-altitude lakes.
The full route from Lake No. 1 to Lake No. 9 is approximately 20 kilometers, with elevations rising from around 3,000 meters to more than 4,000 meters (9,842ft – 13,123ft). Completing the entire route can take seven to nine hours and involves significant physical exertion, uneven paths, and high-altitude exposure.
For most travelers, a shorter out-and-back hike is the more rewarding choice. It gives you time to take in the lakes, mountain reflections, wildflowers, and expansive scenery without turning the day into an endurance test.
After the hike, drive approximately two and a half hours to Cizhong, a village in the Lancang River valley known for its distinctive blend of Tibetan culture and Christian heritage.
If a service or community event is taking place at Cizhong Catholic Church, you may have the opportunity to attend respectfully, subject to the local schedule.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Local guesthouse in Cizhong
Important: Nanjiluo is a remote, high-altitude destination. Access, road conditions, hiking permits, weather, and local restrictions should be confirmed before travel. The full route should only be considered by suitably prepared hikers, with a local guide and appropriate acclimatization.
Begin with a visit to a local Cizhong Winery, learning about the village’s distinctive winemaking heritage and the vineyards that thrive in this mountain valley.
Then follow the dramatic Lancang River Grand Canyon toward Deqin. The route winds between steep slopes, deep valleys, and villages perched above the river, revealing a landscape shaped by powerful geological forces and generations of mountain life.
Stop at Qudeng Pavilion before continuing toward the magnificent Meili Snow Mountain range.
For Tibetan Buddhists, Meili is a sacred mountain landscape, with Kawagebo Peak revered as a spiritual presence. Its towering snow-covered summit is often veiled by clouds, making every clear view feel like a gift.
Arrive at your hotel and take time to rest. If the skies are clear, the evening may offer beautiful views of the mountain range as the light fades.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Songtsam Meili or Alpine Lodge
Rise early for a chance to witness the sunrise over Meili Snow Mountain. When the weather cooperates, the first sunlight can illuminate the snow-covered peaks in shades of gold and rose—a fleeting spectacle that has drawn pilgrims and travelers for generations.
Return to the hotel for breakfast, then visit Mingyong Glacier, one of the best-known glaciers associated with the Meili range. The surrounding landscape reveals the powerful relationship between ice, mountain forest, and the communities living below the peaks. The visit and walking route depend on current access and weather conditions.
Continue to Feilai Temple, a renowned viewpoint for the Meili Snow Mountain range.
Later, travel toward Benzilan, stopping at the Great Bend of the Jinsha River, where the river makes a dramatic turn through the mountains. Visit Dongzhulin Monastery, an important Tibetan Buddhist monastery in the region.
Arrive in Benzilan, a historic settlement along the old Tea Horse Road.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lux Benzilan
After breakfast, drive approximately two hours to Shangri-La, traveling through valleys that have long linked Yunnan with the Tibetan world.
Along the way, visit Muwan Village, known for traditional wooden-bowl craftsmanship, and Nixi Pottery Village, where local artisans preserve the region's distinctive pottery-making traditions.
These encounters offer a different perspective on the Tea Horse Road. Beyond the movement of tea and horses, the old routes connected communities through their skills, materials, and ways of life.
Upon arrival in Shangri-La, explore Dukezong Ancient Town, a historic Tibetan settlement of traditional houses, narrow lanes, and small shops.
Visit Guishan Park, where a monumental Giant Prayer Wheel overlooks the old town. Join local visitors as they circle the wheel, a simple but meaningful expression of Tibetan devotion.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Shangri-La
Today, explore the natural and cultural treasures surrounding Shangri-La.
Begin at Pudacuo National Park, where alpine lakes, spruce forests, wetlands, and mountain meadows form one of northwest Yunnan’s most beautiful highland landscapes. Enjoy the scenery along the designated visitor routes, with opportunities to observe the changing vegetation and mountain environment.
Continue to Songzanlin Monastery, often described as one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist monasteries in Yunnan. Its golden roofs, white walls, prayer halls, and hillside setting evoke the grandeur of traditional Tibetan monastic architecture.
Later, visit Napahai, a seasonal wetland and grassland landscape that attracts birds and supports local pastoral life. Depending on the season, the open meadows may be dotted with grazing yaks and horses.
Complete the day with a Tibetan Family Visit, where you can sample traditional butter tea and learn about local hospitality, food, and daily life.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Today, venture beyond the usual sightseeing route into Ren’an Valley, a landscape of forested slopes, open meadows, mountain paths, and scattered Tibetan settlements.
The day’s hike follows a route from Wufeng Mountain toward Dabao Temple, offering a more intimate encounter with the highland environment.
Suggested schedule
Times are approximate and may change with trail conditions, weather, and the location of the arranged family visit.
8:00 AM
Depart from the hotel
Drive approximately 30 minutes to the trailhead.
8:30 AM
Begin the valley hike
Walk through mountain scenery, starting on established paths before continuing onto narrower trails with uphill and downhill sections.
12:00 PM
Transfer to a Tibetan family home
Meet your driver near the end of the hike and continue to a local household arranged in advance. The exact location depends on the host's availability.
12:40 PM
Tibetan home-hosted lunch
Share a traditional meal, enjoy a cup of butter tea, and learn about family life and local customs through conversation.
3:00 PM
Return to Shangri-La
Enjoy free time for a final stroll through Dukezong Ancient Town or a quiet evening at your hotel.
The hike is approximately 13 kilometers and takes around 3–4 hours, depending on the chosen route and pace. It includes uneven trails and elevation changes, so sturdy footwear and a reasonable level of fitness are recommended.
Meals: Breakfast, Tibetan family lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Shangri-La
The Road Continues
After breakfast, your Tea Horse Road and northwest Yunnan exploration comes to an end.
As you depart Shangri-La, carry with you the memory of ancient market towns, mountain monasteries, quiet villages, and the extraordinary landscapes that connect Yunnan with the Tibetan Plateau.
From the shores of Erhai Lake to the snow peaks of Meili, this journey has followed the traces of a historic trading world while revealing the living cultures that continue to shape it.
Meals: Breakfast
