Yunnan Tour > Yunnan Ethnic Minority Tour > 8 Days Dali Lijiang Shangri-la Lugu lake Tour (from and to Dali)
The 8 days tour will take you deep into the extraordinary land of Yunnan, where you'll have the opportunity to appreciate its stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage. You will experience the perfect fusion of nature and culture in Yunnan, from the tranquility of the Muslim minority villages to the enchanting scenery of ancient towns, all of which will create unforgettable memories. The mild climate and welcoming atmosphere make this trip a treasured experience as you explore the world, highlighting Yunnan's unique allure and profound cultural legacy.
Code of Tour: SZW0000011
Length of Travel: 8 Days
Departure City: Dali
Price of Tour: Request
Features of Tour: This most sought-after Yunnan tour from Dali will take you into the region's breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, including the time-honoured tie-dye culture.
Meals: None
Accommodation: Dali
Upon your arrival at Dali airport or train station, staff will arrange the vehicle to take you to your hotel. After arriving at the hotel, you may either explore the unique culture of Dali or take a moment to rest and prepare for your upcoming tour.
Meals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
Accommodation: Dali Ancient Town
After breakfast at the hotel this 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 visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple (approximately 3 hours), a treasure of architectural art and a witness to historical culture. Visit Shuanglang Ancient Town (approx. 1.5 hours), located at the northeastern end of Dali City, on the northeastern shore of Erhai Lake. Lixiang Bang, known for its mysterious and romantic architectural style, is hailed as "The Santorini of China," where you can enjoy afternoon tea.
Meals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
Accommodation: Lijiang Ancient town
In the morning, head to Fengyangyi (tour duration approximately 1 hour), a small town near Dali Ancient City located on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, known as a filming location for the 2023 series "To a Place with Wind." Then, proceed to the Flower Sea Travel and Photography Base (tour duration approximately 60 minutes), where you can escape the bustling city life and enjoy a perfect combination of plants, flowers, and gardening while experiencing Dali's most leisurely time. Visit Xizhou Ancient Town (tour duration approximately 50 minutes), which retains a large number of Bai Minority Nationality residences filled with rich Bai cultural elements; 80% of the buildings here are ancient, with many houses over a century old. Proceed to Zhoucheng (tour duration approximately 50 minutes), known as the "Hometown of Bai Tie-Dye." Dali's tie-dye primarily features white and blue colors, where white symbolizes auspiciousness while blue represents hope, simplicity, and sincerity. Take the HSR to Lijiang, and visit Lijiang Ancient City (tour duration approximately 60 minutes), an ancient town with over 800 years of history, which is not only a tourist destination but also a key node on the Silk Road and the Ancient Tea Horse Road, embodying the culture and history of the Naxi people, with streets and buildings retaining the style of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The natural scenery of Lijiang Ancient City is also very beautiful. Check in at the hotel in Lijiang.
Meals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
Accommodation: Lijiang Ancient town
Depart at the scheduled time for a tour of the Jade Dragon Snow Snow Mountain scenic area. Take the Glacier Park Big Cableway (tour duration approximately 3 hours) to fully enjoy the views of Jade Dragon Snow Snow Mountain, ascend the snow peak, look down upon the splendor of the snow-laden landscape, and feel the powerful momentum of the Jade Dragon Snow River rushing down. Next, proceed to Blue Moon Valley (including battery car, tour duration approximately 1 hour), known for its blue water on sunny days and the crescent shape of the valley, resembling a blue moon nestled at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Snow Mountain, hence the name. Watch the performance Impression Lijiang - Snow Mountain Chapter (if the performance schedule changes and it conflicts with the itinerary, it will be replaced with "Lijiang Eternal Love"). Visit Baisha Ancient Town (tour duration approximately 1 hour), the birthplace of the Naxi people, which has preserved much of their original culture and is also the origin of the Mu family's rule in Lijiang, serving as the earliest political, economic, and cultural center of the Naxi. The Baisha Murals (tour duration approximately 1 hour) are part of the World Heritage Site of Lijiang, representing one of the forms of Lijiang's multiculturalism and an indispensable part of Lijiang tourism.
Meals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
Accommodation: Lugu Lake
Depart from Lijiang to Lugu Lake, passing by the Eighteen Bends of Mountain Road (approximately 30 minutes for parking and photo-taking). The total length of the road is about 20 kilometers, with a vertical drop of over a thousand meters, making it an excellent spot for viewing natural scenery. Arrive at the Lugu Lake Viewing Platform (15-20 minutes for sightseeing). Then take a car for a lake tour (approximately 1.5 hours) and check into the hotel by Lugu Lake. Experience Mosuo culture: attend a Mosuo bonfire party and learn about the matrilineal clan customs that the Mosuo people have maintained for over 1500 years.
Meals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
Accommodation: Shangri-La
In the morning, watch the sunrise at Lugu Lake and enjoy the sunlight in the highland region. After that, take the Mosuo people's unique mode of transportation, the pig trough boat, to Liewubi Island (approximately 60 minutes for exploration). Walk under the shade of the virgin forest while listening to the Mosuo people share the legendary stories of Auyun Mountain. Afterwards, head to Shangri-La and check into the Shangri-La Hotel.
Meals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
Accommodation: Dali
After breakfast, head to Dukezong Ancient City (approximately 40 minutes of visit) to explore Guishan Park and jointly turn the world's largest prayer wheel to pray for your family. After that, visit Songzanlin Monastery (approximately 3 hours), built on a mountainside, resembling a medieval castle, and known as “the Museum of Tibetan Art.”
Stop for photos at First Bend of the Yangtze River (approximately 30 minutes), then continue along the Yunnan-Tibet Road to the world renowned gorge Tiger Leaping Gorge (including escalator, approximately 2 hours), the largest canyon on the Yangtze River, named for the legendary sight of a tiger leaping over the Jinsha River.
Meals: None
Accommodation: None
Departure from Dali, end of the joyful tour.
Code of Tour: SZW0000011
Length of Travel: 8 Days
Departure City: Dali
Price of Tour: Request
Features of Tour: This most sought-after Yunnan tour from Dali will take you into the region's breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, including the time-honoured tie-dye culture.
Highlights
- Tie-Dye Experience: discover the tie-dye techniques of the Bai ethnic group and craft your own unique tie-dye masterpiece.
- Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: a mountain range close to the equator that is covered in snow year-round, allowing you to experience the allure of a snowy landscape.
- Tiger Leaping Gorge: one of the ten most beautiful gorges in China and a renowned canyon in the world.
- Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple: these three symmetrical towers symbolize the solemnity and tranquility of Buddhism.
- Lugu Lake: a paradise away from the hustle and bustle of city life, featuring blue skies, white clouds, and tranquil waters, perfect for relaxation.
INQUIRY
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Dali Arrival
- Day 2: Dali
- Day 3: Dali - Lijiang (by HSR)
- Day 4: Lijiang
- Day 5: Lijiang - Lugu Lake
- Day 6: Lugu Lake - Shangri-La
- Day 7: Shangri-La - Dali
- Day 8: Dali Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1:Arrive at Dali Arrival
Attractions & Activities: NoneMeals: None
Accommodation: Dali
Upon your arrival at Dali airport or train station, staff will arrange the vehicle to take you to your hotel. After arriving at the hotel, you may either explore the unique culture of Dali or take a moment to rest and prepare for your upcoming tour.
Day 2: Dali
Attractions & Activities:Dali Ancient Town, hree Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, Shuanglang Ancient Town, Lixiang BangMeals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
Accommodation: Dali Ancient Town
After breakfast at the hotel this 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 visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple (approximately 3 hours), a treasure of architectural art and a witness to historical culture. Visit Shuanglang Ancient Town (approx. 1.5 hours), located at the northeastern end of Dali City, on the northeastern shore of Erhai Lake. Lixiang Bang, known for its mysterious and romantic architectural style, is hailed as "The Santorini of China," where you can enjoy afternoon tea.
Day 3: Dali - Lijiang (by HSR)
Attractions & Activities: Fengyangyi, Flower Sea Photography base, Xizhou, Zhoucheng Tie-Dye Experience, Lijiang Ancient TownMeals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
Accommodation: Lijiang Ancient town
In the morning, head to Fengyangyi (tour duration approximately 1 hour), a small town near Dali Ancient City located on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, known as a filming location for the 2023 series "To a Place with Wind." Then, proceed to the Flower Sea Travel and Photography Base (tour duration approximately 60 minutes), where you can escape the bustling city life and enjoy a perfect combination of plants, flowers, and gardening while experiencing Dali's most leisurely time. Visit Xizhou Ancient Town (tour duration approximately 50 minutes), which retains a large number of Bai Minority Nationality residences filled with rich Bai cultural elements; 80% of the buildings here are ancient, with many houses over a century old. Proceed to Zhoucheng (tour duration approximately 50 minutes), known as the "Hometown of Bai Tie-Dye." Dali's tie-dye primarily features white and blue colors, where white symbolizes auspiciousness while blue represents hope, simplicity, and sincerity. Take the HSR to Lijiang, and visit Lijiang Ancient City (tour duration approximately 60 minutes), an ancient town with over 800 years of history, which is not only a tourist destination but also a key node on the Silk Road and the Ancient Tea Horse Road, embodying the culture and history of the Naxi people, with streets and buildings retaining the style of the Ming and Qing dynasties. The natural scenery of Lijiang Ancient City is also very beautiful. Check in at the hotel in Lijiang.
Day 4: Lijiang
Attractions & Activities: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Glacier Cable-way, Blue Moon Valley (including battery car), Impression Lijiang Show, Baisha Mural, Baisha Ancient Town.Meals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
Accommodation: Lijiang Ancient town
Depart at the scheduled time for a tour of the Jade Dragon Snow Snow Mountain scenic area. Take the Glacier Park Big Cableway (tour duration approximately 3 hours) to fully enjoy the views of Jade Dragon Snow Snow Mountain, ascend the snow peak, look down upon the splendor of the snow-laden landscape, and feel the powerful momentum of the Jade Dragon Snow River rushing down. Next, proceed to Blue Moon Valley (including battery car, tour duration approximately 1 hour), known for its blue water on sunny days and the crescent shape of the valley, resembling a blue moon nestled at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Snow Mountain, hence the name. Watch the performance Impression Lijiang - Snow Mountain Chapter (if the performance schedule changes and it conflicts with the itinerary, it will be replaced with "Lijiang Eternal Love"). Visit Baisha Ancient Town (tour duration approximately 1 hour), the birthplace of the Naxi people, which has preserved much of their original culture and is also the origin of the Mu family's rule in Lijiang, serving as the earliest political, economic, and cultural center of the Naxi. The Baisha Murals (tour duration approximately 1 hour) are part of the World Heritage Site of Lijiang, representing one of the forms of Lijiang's multiculturalism and an indispensable part of Lijiang tourism.
Day 5: Lijiang - Lugu Lake
Attractions & Activities: Eighteen Bends of Mountain Road, Lugu Lake Viewing Platform, Lake Tour (by car), Bonfire PartyMeals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
Accommodation: Lugu Lake
Depart from Lijiang to Lugu Lake, passing by the Eighteen Bends of Mountain Road (approximately 30 minutes for parking and photo-taking). The total length of the road is about 20 kilometers, with a vertical drop of over a thousand meters, making it an excellent spot for viewing natural scenery. Arrive at the Lugu Lake Viewing Platform (15-20 minutes for sightseeing). Then take a car for a lake tour (approximately 1.5 hours) and check into the hotel by Lugu Lake. Experience Mosuo culture: attend a Mosuo bonfire party and learn about the matrilineal clan customs that the Mosuo people have maintained for over 1500 years.
Day 6: Lugu Lake - Shangri-La
Attractions & Activities: Watch the sunrise by the lake in the morning, take a pig trough boat to Liewubi IslandMeals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
Accommodation: Shangri-La
In the morning, watch the sunrise at Lugu Lake and enjoy the sunlight in the highland region. After that, take the Mosuo people's unique mode of transportation, the pig trough boat, to Liewubi Island (approximately 60 minutes for exploration). Walk under the shade of the virgin forest while listening to the Mosuo people share the legendary stories of Auyun Mountain. Afterwards, head to Shangri-La and check into the Shangri-La Hotel.
Day 7: Shangri-La - Dali
Attractions & Activities: Dukezong Ancient City, Sumtsenling Monastery, Tiger Leaping GorgeMeals: Breakfast (included), Lunch and Dinner (on your own)
Accommodation: Dali
After breakfast, head to Dukezong Ancient City (approximately 40 minutes of visit) to explore Guishan Park and jointly turn the world's largest prayer wheel to pray for your family. After that, visit Songzanlin Monastery (approximately 3 hours), built on a mountainside, resembling a medieval castle, and known as “the Museum of Tibetan Art.”
Stop for photos at First Bend of the Yangtze River (approximately 30 minutes), then continue along the Yunnan-Tibet Road to the world renowned gorge Tiger Leaping Gorge (including escalator, approximately 2 hours), the largest canyon on the Yangtze River, named for the legendary sight of a tiger leaping over the Jinsha River.
Day 8: Dali Departure
Attractions & Activities: NoneMeals: None
Accommodation: None
Departure from Dali, end of the joyful tour.
Service Included
- Accommodation: 4 star hotels throughout the trip;
- Daily hotel breakfast;
- Excellent English speaking guide;
- 5-19 seats vehicle for transportation;
- Yunnan travel insurance package;
- Second class high speed train ticket from Dali to Lijiang;
- 2 bottles of mineral water per person per day.
Service Excluded
- Lunch and dinner throughout the trip;
- International transportation for arrivals and departures;
- Chinese visa fees;
- Tips for guides and drivers (suggested: 200 RMB/group/day for guide; 150 RMB/group/day for driver);
- Travel accident insurance;
- Personal expenses;
- Single room supplements.
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.
Price Notice
Child prices: Children under 3 years old are free, children aged 4-6 years old are 50% of the adult price (Not occupying a bed), children aged 7-11 years old are 70% of the adult price (occupying a bed and tickets), and children aged 12 years and above are charged at the adult price.Itinerary Notice
To offer you better travel experience, our company reserves the right to adjust the order of the tour itinerary, but the content of the tour will not be reduced. If certain attractions cannot be visited due to force majeure or policy adjustments, our company has the right to cancel or replace them with equivalent attractions, and any fees for additional attractions will not be refunded.
