5-Day Yunan Private Tour of Lijiang and Shangri-la

Attractions:  Lijiang Ancient Town, Mufu Palace
Meal: Not Included
Hotel: Overnight in Lijiang

Welcome to Lijiang, a very impressive ancient city! Upon arrival at the airport or railway station, your guide and driver will meet you at the arrival hall and transfer you to the hotel in ancient town area with a private car which is comfortable, air-conditioned and non-smoking. 

After a short rest, you’ll start a memorable tour in Lijiang Ancient Town (Dayan Ancient Town). Established in the Ming dynasty as a commercial center, Lijiang Old Town is a well-preserved 800-year-old town for Naxi ethnic group, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. Walk to the central area of the old town and visit Mufu Palace. A saying goes “there is Forbidden City in the North, Mu’s Residence in the South”. Mu’s Residence was called the miniature Forbidden City. Looked from a far distance, it likes a grand imperial palace and it is famous for the grandness and architectural buildings. Getting into the palace, you can know Tusi’s ruling history and appreciate Naxi people’s brilliant culture and fine arts. Then, wander through the old alleys, old bridges, featured shops and bars to Sifang Street Square, a mingling ground to enjoy lively atmosphere and unwind yourself. If time permits, join the Naxi people and tourists to dance happily in a round. (Optional Activity: Take a leisure walk up to the Lion Hill and climb up the 33-meter-tall Wanggu Tower – the landmark building of Lijiang to enjoy a panoramic view of the whole old town and overlook the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance.)

Attractions: Yuhu Village, Baisha Murals, Shuhe Ancient Town, Dongba Culture Museum, Black Dragon Pool Park
Meal: Not included
Hotel: Overnight in Lijang

Today, be transferred out of Lijiang Old Town to Yuhu Village which is located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Explore leisurely around the village and then go to explore the Former Residence of Joseph Rock. Later, head to Baisha Village and appreciate the ancient Baisha Mural Paintings. (Optional experience: You can have in-depth cultural experience to learn how to make Baisha embroidery instructed by the local masters in Baisha Village.) Then, it is followed by a relaxing trip to Shuhe Ancient Town – one of the earliest settlements of Naxi people as well as the well-preserved stop of the Ancient Tea Horse Route. After that, transfer to Dongba Culture Museum.

Take a gentle walk to Black Dragon Pool Park to enjoy gorgeous view and peaceful surroundings. If weather permits, get to the best spot to overlook the snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and shoot some amazing pictures.

Attractions: First Bend of Yangtze River, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Dukezong Old Town, Guishan Hill
Meal: Not included
Hotel: Overnight in Shangri-la

First, drive from Lijiang to reach the observation deck to catch a panoramic view of the First Bend of Yangtze River, an extraordinary turn nearly about 180 degrees. You’ll have a look at local market and Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument in Shigu Town. Later, be transferred to visit the one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyon in the world – Tiger Leaping Gorge. The whole gorge is divided into three parts: upper, middle and lower gorge and you’ll pay a visit to the maturest section – Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge. After the tour, be driven to Shangri-La (Zhongdian, altitude: 3459meters), the Garden of Eden! Upon arrival, explore Dukezong Old Town. Climb up to the top of Guishan Hill (or Tortoise Hill) to have a panoramic view. Join in the tourists to turn the largest Prayer Wheel in the world in clockwise direction. 

Attractions: Songzanlin Monastery, Lamuyangcuo Lake, Pudacuo National Park, Local Tibetan Family Visiting
Meal: Not included
Hotel: Overnight in Shangri-la

Today, drive to Songzanlin Monastery (Ganden Sumtseling Gompa), the “Little Potala Palace”. Walk 147 steps to get atop of the monastery and pay clockwise visit to the three main lamasery buildings. If time permits, take some quiet time to walk around the peaceful Lamuyangcuo Lake and shoot panorama view of Songzanlin Monastery with reflection in the clear water. Then, drive to Pudacuo National Park. Visit the spots by clockwise and throw yourselves into the lush green forest with diverse species of flora and fauna, walk along the plank road to catch the gorgeous scenery of Shudu Lake. Walk along the wooden plank road to admire the satisfying alpine meadow and immerse into the verdant scenery of the peaceful Bita Lake, which is praised as the “pearl of the plateau”. After the merry time in the park, pay a visit to a local Tibetan family. (Optional Experience: Follow the locals to involve in the process of making butter tea.)

Attractions: No
Meal: Not included
Hotel: No

Free time in the morning, be escorted to the Shangri-La Zhongdian Airport for your flight to next destination. Service ends! 

note: if your departure flight is from Lijiang and you want a ride back to Lijiang, please contact us for options.