A Journey Through Mystical Yunnan
“Yunnan is one of the most diverse provinces in China, due to its mix of people and landscapes. Home to dense jungle sliced by the Mekong River, and stunning rice terraces and snowcapped mountains as you head towards Tibet. This is one destination that’s well worth your time.”
Day 1
Arrival Lijiang
Upon arrival you’ll be met at the airport and privately escorted by car to your accommodation.
The rest of today will be spent at your leisure.
Day 2
Lijiang
Start your day with an early rise and a peaceful morning walk through Lijiang, also known as the ‘Big Inkpot’ due to the network of canals flowing through the village.
Afterwards, you’ll visit Lion Hill, which offers fantastic views over the village.
You’ll then stop by the Mu Palace, named after the Chinese Empire warlords who ruled the region during the Mongol Dynasty (13th century); the local market where the locals still dress in traditional clothing to sell teas, vegetables and fruits; and Black Dragon Pond Park which boasts panoramic vistas of the famous Jade Dragon Mountain.
Day 3
Lijiang
Today you’ll venture up Jade Dragon Mountain, which stands to the north of the city.
Afterward, you’ll see a colorful performance of the show ‘Impression Lijiang’ which demonstrates the traditions and lifestyles of Naxi, Yi and Bai minorities in the Lijiang area.
The afternoon will be spent at Baisha Old Town, one of the oldest towns in Lijiang, featuring ancient buildings built during the Ming Dynasty.
Day 4
Lijiang - Tiger Leaping Gorge
Today you’ll head to Tiger Leaping Gorge, located around 80km/50 miles from Lijiang. One of the deepest gorges in the world, it separates the Jinsha River from the jagged mountains of Northern Yunnan, and this area has become a playground for walkers from around the world. You’ll have the chance to hike in the gorge for about three hours.
You’ll spend the evening at a simple guesthouse atop the gorge. Meet fellow hikers, sip tea as you watch the sunset, and enjoy a good nights’ sleep.
Day 5
Tiger Leaping Gorge - Shangri-La
The morning will be spent hiking in the gorge for about four hours.
In the afternoon, you’ll be transferred to Zhongdian (or Shangri-La), a major trade route between the Tibetans and Chinese in ancient times. To this day the area is beautiful and heavily influenced by the culture of Tibet.
Day 6
Shangri-La
After breakfast you’ll visit Songzanlin, an important location for Tibetan Buddhism. The glittering golden roofs of the monastery, countless prayer flags and scenes of some 600 monks who stay in the houses adjoining the monastery is quite an insight.
You’ll stop by a school for a course on Thangka, an art closely related to Buddhism and meditation.
The afternoon will take you to Napa Lake which is surrounded by mountains and meadow. You’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy a bike tour of the lake.
Day 7
Shangri-La
Following breakfast, you’ll head to the Nixi Village, famous for its pottery. Visit a Tibetan family and try ‘tsampa’, a mixture of yak’s butter, tea and flour.
You’ll continue to Ringha Temple which is 700 years old and partially destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. Today it has been rebuilt and is considered one of the first Buddhist temples in Yunnan Province.
Day 8
Departure
Today you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight home.
- Explore Lijiang’s network of flowing canals and vistas
- Discover Baisha Old Town, one of the oldest towns in Lijiang, which features buildings from the Ming Dynasty
- Witness glittering golden roofs at Songzanlin, prayer flags and scenes of 600 monks
- Hike around Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world
- Visit Ringha Temple which is 700 years old and considered one of the first Buddhist temples in Yunnan Province, China
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AUTHENTICTravel your way with Lightfoot. We’ll take you into the heart of each destination and introduce you to the people and places that reveal the true essence of a country. With our trusted local connections, we create vacations that immerse you in culture, history, and everyday life. Far from the crowds, always deeply authentic.
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