From the Shores of Erhai to the Sacred Mountains of Shangri-La
From the Shores of Erhai to the Sacred Mountains of Shangri-La
Discover the cultural heart of northwest Yunnan, where ancient trading routes wind through historic towns, traditional villages preserve centuries-old customs, and snow-covered mountains rise above the Tibetan Plateau. From the lakeside beauty of Dali to the timeless lanes of Shaxi and the spiritual landscapes of Shangri-La, this journey brings together extraordinary scenery, living heritage, and authentic encounters with local communities.
Walk through Bai and Naxi neighborhoods, savor regional specialties, learn the art of traditional tea, and discover the spiritual traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Along the way, experience the dramatic power of Tiger Leaping Gorge and the glacial grandeur of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
This is a journey through a remarkable corner of China—where ancient civilizations, mountain landscapes, and the warmth of local hospitality come together.
云南亮点
- 亮点一
- 亮点二
From the Shores of Erhai to the Sacred Mountains of Shangri-La
一个基本形成描述Discover the cultural heart of northwest Yunnan, where ancient trading routes wind through historic towns, traditional villages preserve centuries-old customs, and snow-covered mountains rise above the Tibetan Plateau. From the lakeside beauty of Dali to the timeless lanes of Shaxi and the spiritual landscapes of Shangri-La, this journey brings together extraordinary scenery, living heritage, and authentic encounters with local communities.
Walk through Bai and Naxi neighborhoods, savor regional specialties, learn the art of traditional tea, and discover the spiritual traditions of Tibetan Buddhism. Along the way, experience the dramatic power of Tiger Leaping Gorge and the glacial grandeur of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
This is a journey through a remarkable corner of China—where ancient civilizations, mountain landscapes, and the warmth of local hospitality come together.
Arrival in the Land Between Mountains and Lake
需合并/统一，避免两个入口做同一件事
Upon arrival in Dali, meet your local representative and transfer to your hotel.
Nestled between the dramatic Cangshan Mountains and the shimmering waters of Erhai Lake, Dali has long been a crossroads of cultures and a center of Bai ethnic heritage. After checking in, enjoy time to settle in and relax before beginning your exploration of this beautiful region.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Indigo Dali or Honglongjing Hotel, Dali Ancient Town
Begin the day exploring Dali Ancient Town, where traditional streets, stone lanes, and historic buildings reflect the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Continue to the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, one of Dali’s most iconic landmarks. Set against the Cangshan Mountains, these elegant structures bear witness to the Buddhist traditions and historical importance of the ancient Dali Kingdom. An electric sightseeing cart is included for convenient access around the complex.
Later, enjoy a leisurely walk along the scenic S-shaped Bend of the Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor, where open water, village landscapes, and mountain reflections create a peaceful setting.
In the afternoon, visit the traditional Bai Residences of Xizhou, then join a local Bai family for a cultural encounter centered on the celebrated Three-Course Tea Ceremony. Through tea, conversation, and hospitality, discover the symbolism and customs of Bai culture.
For lunch, savor a selection of Bai specialties, including rushan cheese, rubing cheese, and Bai-style stir-fried dishes.
Meals: Breakfast, Bai-style Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Indigo Dali or Honglongjing Hotel, Dali Ancient Town
After breakfast, depart for Jianchuan, with a scenic journey through the mountain landscapes of northwest Yunnan.
Visit Shibaoshan, a remarkable complex of forested hills, ancient temples, and Buddhist rock carvings. At Shizhong Temple, discover sculptures carved into sandstone cliffs, many dating to the Nanzhao and Dali Kingdom periods. These intricate works offer a rare glimpse into medieval Yunnan's religious beliefs and artistic achievements.
Continue to Baoxiang Temple, dramatically nestled among the rocks and mountain slopes. Allow approximately two and a half hours to explore the Shibaoshan sites.
Later, visit Jianchuan Ancient Town, known for its traditional architecture and woodworking heritage, before continuing approximately 30 minutes to Shaxi Ancient Town.
Once an important market stop along the historic Tea Horse Road, Shaxi preserves the atmosphere of a traditional caravan town. Explore Sideng Street, the Old Theater Stage, Xingjiao Temple, the Southern Gate, and Yujin Bridge. Wander through Sanjiaxiang, where old residences recall the merchants and travelers who once passed through this mountain settlement.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Lan Lin Ge Hotel, Shaxi
After breakfast, drive approximately two and a half hours to Lijiang, the historic heartland of the Naxi people.
Explore Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its cobbled lanes, stone bridges, flowing canals, and traditional wooden houses. The town reflects centuries of cultural exchange between the Naxi people and communities connected by the old trading routes.
Visit Mufu, the former residence of the Mu family, whose hereditary rulers played an important role in the region’s history. Continue to the Dongba Museum to learn about Naxi religious traditions, pictographic writing, and cultural heritage.
Later, visit a Naxi family and take part in a hands-on cultural experience. Learn how to make traditional Naxi Tofu and try writing a few characters in the distinctive Dongba Script, an extraordinary pictographic writing system preserved by the Naxi people.
End the day with a Home-style Naxi Dinner featuring regional favorites such as Naxi Hot Pot and Cured Pork Ribs—a delicious introduction to the flavors and hospitality of the local community.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Naxi Family Dinner
Accommodation: InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort or LUX* Tea Horse Road Lijiang
Today, journey into the spectacular Yulong Snow Mountain (Jade Dragon Snow Mountain) region, where glacial peaks tower above forests, alpine meadows, and deep valleys.
Take the large cable car to Glacier Park, ascending toward the high-altitude viewing area. The cable car ride takes approximately 20 minutes, and the advertised upper viewing elevation is around 4,500–4,680 meters (14,763ft – 15,354ft), subject to current operating conditions. From the mountain, enjoy sweeping views of the rugged peaks and the extraordinary scale of this highland landscape.
Continue to Blue Moon Valley, where brilliant turquoise waters contrast with pale riverbeds and the dramatic mountain backdrop. Electric shuttle transport is included for the return journey.
In the afternoon, travel to Lashihai Wetland, a peaceful landscape of lakes, grasslands, and surrounding mountains. Enjoy a gentle walk and visit a nearby Naxi village, where traditional houses and rural life offer a more intimate perspective on the region.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: InterContinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort or LUX Tea Horse Road Lijiang
High-altitude note: Glacier Park involves significant elevation. The visit should be paced carefully, and access may be affected by weather, park operations, and individual altitude tolerance.
Leave Lijiang and travel north toward Shangri-La, a highland town shaped by Tibetan culture and the mountain landscapes of the eastern Himalayas.
After approximately an hour and a half on the road, arrive at Tiger Leaping Gorge, where the Jinsha River surges through a dramatic canyon between towering mountain walls. Explore the designated scenic area, using the included elevators where available. Allow approximately 1.5 hours to appreciate the powerful river, sheer cliffs, and extraordinary geological formations.
Continue toward Shangri-La, passing through Xiaozhongdian, where broad grasslands and open mountain views provide beautiful opportunities for photographs.
Upon arrival, visit a local Tibetan Family and experience traditional hospitality over a cup of butter tea. Later, explore Dukezong Ancient Town, a historic Tibetan settlement of traditional homes, narrow lanes, and small shops.
Visit Guishan Park to see the monumental Giant Prayer Wheel. Join local visitors in turning the wheel, a simple but meaningful expression of Tibetan Buddhist devotion.
Conclude the day with a traditional Tibetan dinner featuring yak meat, introducing you to the hearty flavors of the highland region.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Tibetan Dinner
Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel or Arro Khampa by Zinc Journey Shangri-La
Begin the day at Songzanlin Monastery, which can offer an additional glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist architecture and spiritual traditions.
Later, transfer to Shangri-La Railway Station for the high-speed train to Kunming. The proposed departure is approximately 5:25 PM, with arrival around 10:05 PM, subject to the confirmed train timetable.
Upon arrival in Kunming, meet your driver and transfer to the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Rail journey: Shangri-La → Kunming, approximately 4 hours 45 minutes
Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Kunming or Cachet Boutique Kunming Artime
After breakfast, transfer to Kunming Airport for your departure.
Over the past eight days, you have traveled through a remarkable range of landscapes and cultures—from the lakeside heritage of the Bai people to the ancient caravan routes of Shaxi, from the artistic traditions of the Naxi to the sacred mountains and monasteries of Shangri-La.
You leave with memories of mountain vistas, historic streets, shared meals, and the people who keep these traditions alive.
Meals: Breakfast
Journey Highlights
