Yunnan's Ancient Trails Expedition
Discovering Dali, Shangri-La & Lijiang Through Ethnic Traditions and Mountain Pathways
Day 1: Arrival in Dali - Ancient Town Immersion
Airport Transfer & Dali Ancient Town Exploration
Upon arrival at Dali Airport, meet our local representative and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore Dali Ancient Town at your leisure, wandering through its historic streets and experiencing the local atmosphere.
Accommodation: Landscape Hotel or Ancient City Courtyard Lirenhua Resort Hotel
Meals: No meals included
Day 2: Bai Culture & Erhai Lake Discovery
Xizhou Old Town, Bai Tea Ceremony & Zhoucheng Tie-Dyeing
Morning visit to Xizhou Old Town, a traditional Bai community and cultural cradle of Dali. Participate in the authentic Three-course Tea Ceremony of the Bai people. Continue to Zhoucheng Village to learn traditional tie-dye techniques and create your own piece at a local workshop.
Afternoon exploration of Erhai Lake along the ecological corridor, followed by comprehensive discovery of Dali Old Town including Foreigners' Street, Ancient City Wall, and The Gate Tower.
Accommodation: Landscape Hotel or Ancient City Courtyard Lirenhua Resort
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Journey to Shangri-La - Tibetan Highlands
Potatso National Park & Dukezong Ancient Town
Morning drive to Potatso National Park, renowned for its pristine landscapes featuring beautiful lakes, primitive forests, vast meadows, and streams. Arrive in Shangri-La and explore Dukezong Ancient Town, a 7th-century Tibetan trading post on the Tea Horse Road.
Visit Guishan Park featuring the world's largest prayer wheel. Climb to the hilltop temple for panoramic city views. Evening opportunity to join local Tibetan dancing in the square.
Accommodation: E-outfitting Boutique Hotel or Holiday Inn Express Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4: Tibetan Buddhism & Tiger Leaping Gorge
Songzanlin Monastery & Upper Gorge Exploration
Morning visit to Songzanlin Monastery, Yunnan's largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery often called "Little Potala Palace." Experience Tibetan Buddhist traditions before driving to Tiger Leaping Gorge, the world's deepest gorge.
Hike along the 2.6-kilometer trail through Upper Gorge, following the Jinsha River on ancient stone paths. Overnight at Tina's Guesthouse amidst spectacular mountain scenery.
Accommodation: Tina's Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Gorge Hiking & Naxi Kingdom Arrival
Tina's to Halfway Guesthouse Trek & Lijiang Transfer
Morning 3-hour hike from Tina's Guesthouse to Halfway Guesthouse, passing towering snow-capped mountains, traditional villages, and winding paths with waterfall views. Experience the raw beauty of the gorge before transferring to Lijiang, the ancient Naxi kingdom.
Accommodation: Jinfu Hotel or Duofu Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain & Naxi Heritage
Glacier Park, Impression Show & Baisha Ancient Town
Full-day exploration beginning with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Take the scenic bus through Ganhaizi Meadow and Blue Moon Valley, then ascend by chairlift to Glacier Park (4500m). Enjoy the spectacular "Impression Lijiang" outdoor show directed by Zhang Yimou.
Afternoon visit to Baisha Old Town, an enchanting Naxi settlement. View the 600-year-old Baisha Murals, recognized as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.
Accommodation: Jinfu Hotel or Duofu Hotel
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Lijiang Departure
Airport Transfer & Journey Conclusion
Free morning to enjoy final moments in Lijiang before shared transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast