Experience a different Yunnan, famous for its stunning natural scenery, including majestic mountains, tranquil lakes, and rolling valleys that provide a picturesque backdrop for exploration and adventure. The region boasts rich cultural diversity, with itineraries showcasing the vibrant traditions of various Nationalities, allowing visitors to experience local customs and savor authentic cuisine. The journey invites travelers to enjoy the tranquility of ancient villages, stroll through charming old towns, and embrace the harmonious beauty that arises from the fusion of nature and spirituality, which is the essence of this unique region. With its mild climate and warm atmosphere, this journey promises visitors an unforgettable experience, highlighting the beauty of nature and deep cultural heritage.
Code of Tour: SZW0000010Length of Travel: 8 Days
Departure City: Dali
Price of Tour: Request
Features of Tour: This Muslim-friendly tour from Dali explores Yunnan's stunning natural landscapes, unique historic culture, and features an ancient Muslim village, Donglianhua Village.
Highlights
- Tie-dye experience: Learn about the Bai Nationality's tie-dye techniques and create your own unique tie-dye piece.
- Donglianhua Village: A historic Muslim village in Yunnan, known for its unique mosque architecture.
- Charming Ancient Towns: experience the charm and rich history of Dali Ancient Town and Lijiang Ancient Town.
- Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: the closest mountain to the equator in the Northern Hemisphere that is covered in snow year-round, where you can feel the ancient glaciers.
- Tiger Leaping Gorge: famous for its "danger," it is one of the world's renowned gorges.
- Pudacuo National Park:explore dense primeval forests and visit high-altitude lakes.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival Dali
- Day 2: Dali
- Day 3: Dali
- Day 4: Dali - Lijiang (by HSR)
- Day 5: Lijiang - Shangri-La
- Day 6: Shangri-La
- Day 7: Shangri-La - Dali
- Day 8: Dali Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Dali
Attractions & Activities: NoneMeals: None
Accommodation: Dali
Upon your arrival at Dali, staff will arrange a vehicle to take you to the hotel where has booked for you. After arriving at the hotel, you can either explore Dali to experience its unique culture or take some time to rest and prepare for the upcoming itinerary.
Day 2: Dali
Attractions & Activities: Fengyangyi Ancient Town, Shuanglang Ancient Town, Dali "Santorini"Meals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
Accommodation: Dali Ancient Town
Start your day with a visit to Fengyangyi (approximately 1 hour visit). Fengyangyi is a small town located near Dali Ancient Town and is an ancient village on the Tea Horse Road. It was also a filming location for the 2023 production "The Place with Wind." After that, visit Shuanglang Ancient Town (approximately 1.5 hours), located at the northeast end of Dali City on the northeastern shore of Erhai Lake. Shuanglang is surrounded by the islands of Jinsuo and Yuji, with Luoshi Mountain to the north and Lianhua Mountain to the south, giving it the name Shuanglang. Next, explore Dali "Santorini" (approximately 2 hours), a tourism and resort town backed by Cangshan Mountain and facing Erhai Lake. Dali "Santorini" is known for its mysterious and romantic architectural style, earning the title of "China's Santorini." You can enjoy afternoon tea here.
Day 3: Dali
Attractions & Activities: Weishan Ancient Town, Dong Lianhua VillageMeals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
Accommodation: Dali Ancient Town
After breakfast at the hotel, head to Weishan Ancient Town (approximately 1.5 hours visit). Weishan Ancient Town, also known as the ancient capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom, has well-preserved architecture and many historical relics with Southwestern characteristics. After that, visit Dong Lianhua Village (approximately 1.5 hours), an ancient Muslim village that integrates traditional Central Plains culture, local Yunnan horse caravan culture, and Islamic culture. The mosque is built in traditional Chinese architectural style, featuring exquisite decorations, and the main hall faces the direction of Mecca.
Day 4: Dali - Lijiang (HSR)
Attractions & Activities: Dali Ancient Town, Photography base (Flower Sea), Xizhou Ancient Town, Zhoucheng Ancient Town with Tie-Dye Experience, Lijiang Ancient TownMeals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
Accommodation: Lijiang Ancient Town
In the morning, explore Dali Ancient Town (approximately 2 hours), which was the capital of the ancient Nanzhao and Dali Kingdoms. The city gates are tall and solid, and you can still sense the ancient charm of bygone homes on the streets. Then head to the Flower Sea Photography Base (Minority Nationality Costume Photography) (approximately 1.5 hours), where you can escape the busy city life and enjoy the perfect combination of plants, flowers, and gardening in a relaxing atmosphere in Dali. Next, visit Xizhou Ancient Town (approximately 1.5 hours), which preserves a large number of Bai ethnic residences, full of rich Bai cultural atmosphere. About 80% of the buildings in Xizhou Ancient Town are ancient structures, with each house having a history of over a hundred years. Proceed to Zhoucheng Ancient Town (approximately 2 hours) for a tie-dyeing experience, known as the "Home of Bai Tie-Dye." The tie-dyeing in Dali mainly features white and indigo colors, where white symbolizes auspiciousness and indigo represents hope, simplicity, and sincerity. Travel to Lijiang by HSR and visit Lijiang Ancient Town (approximately 2 hours), an ancient town with over 800 years of history. It is not only a tourist destination but also an important node on the Silk Road and the Tea Horse Road, carrying the culture and history of the Naxi people. The streets and buildings retain styles from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and the natural scenery of Lijiang Ancient Town is also very beautiful. Check into your hotel in Lijiang.
Day 5: Lijiang - Shangri-La
Attractions & Activities: Jade Dragon Snow Snow Mountain, Glacier Park Cableway, Blue Moon Valley (including electric car), Impression Lijiang, Baisha Murals, Baisha Ancient TownMeals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Depart at the scheduled time for a visit to the Jade Dragon Snow Snow Mountain Scenic Area. Take the Glacier Park Cableway(approximately 3 hours) to fully enjoy the stunning views of Jade Dragon Snow Snow Mountain. Ascend to the snow-capped peaks to overlook the breathtaking scenery and feel the shocking momentum of the Jade Dragon Snow River rushing towards the sea. After that, head to the small Jiuzhaigou Blue Moon Valley (including battery car, approximately 1 hour visit). On sunny days, the water appears blue, and the valley is crescent-shaped, resembling a blue moon embedded at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Snow Mountain, which is why it is named Blue Moon Valley. Watch the performance Impression Lijiang - Snow Mountain Edition (if there are adjustments to the performance schedule at the scenic area that conflict with the itinerary, and you are unable to attend "Impression Lijiang," it will be changed to "Lijiang Eternal Love "Show). Baisha Ancient Town (approximately 1 hour visit) is the birthplace of the Naxi Nationality and retains many aspects of original Naxi culture. It is also the origin of the Mu family's local governance, serving as the earliest political, economic, and cultural center for the Naxi people. The Baisha Murals (approximately 1 hour visit) are part of Lijiang's world cultural heritage and represent one of the manifestations of Lijiang's diverse culture, making it an essential part of Lijiang tourism. Then transfer to Shangri-La and check-in the hotel
Day 6: Shangri-La
Attractions & Activities: First Bend of the Yangtze River, Tiger Leaping Gorge (including escalator), Napa LakeMeals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Depart from the hotel and travel to the sacred land of Shangri-La, stopping at the First Bend of the Yangtze River (approximately 30 minutes visit) for a photo opportunity. Continue along the Dali-Tibet Road to visit the world-famous Tiger Leaping Gorge (including escalator; approximately 2 hours visit). Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the most renowned gorges in the world and is also one of the deepest gorges in China. Next, visit Napa Lake (approximately 1 hour visit), which is an ideal habitat for the rare black-necked crane, a nationally protected first-class animal. These cranes inhabit the area for about six months from September to March each year.
Day 7: Shangri-La - Dali
Attractions & Activities: Dukezong Ancient Town, Pudacuo National Forest Park Meals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)Accommodation: Dali
After breakfast, head to Dukezong Ancient Town (approximately 1.5 hours visit) to tour Guishan Park and collectively spin the world's largest prayer wheel, making wishes for your family. After that, travel to Pudacuo National Forest Park (approximately 3 hours visit), a fairy-tale world free from pollution, featuring crystal-clear lakes and a bright blue sky with sceneries that change with the seasons. Finally, return to Dali by car and check into your hotel.
Day 8: Dali Departure
Attractions & Activities: NoneMeals: None
Accommodation: None
Transfer to the airport or train station, marking the end of a pleasant trip.
Service Included
- Accommodation: A 4-star hotel throughout the trip.
- Daily hotel breakfast.
- Excellent English-speaking guide.
- 5-19 seat vehicle.
- Yunnan Tourist Insurance.
- Second-class seats tickets of Dali-Lijiang HSR.
- Two bottles of mineral water per person per day.
Service Excluded
- Lunch and dinner throughout the trip.
- International transportation to and from the airport.
- China visa fees.
- Guide and driver tips (suggested 200 yuan/day/guide and 150 yuan/day/driver).
- Travel accident insurance.
- Personal expenses.
- Single room supplement.
Group Tour Service Standards
- For groups of 2-4 people, there will be an English-speaking tour guide as driver.
- For groups of 5-10 people, there will be an English-speaking tour guide and a Chinese driver.