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8 Days Yunnan Ethnic Minorities Tour -Dali,Lijiang and Shangri-la

Overview

The most magnificent scenery and cultures of Yunnan are waiting to be explored, — from ancient towns to snowy mountains, from one of the world’s deepest canyons to the remote minority cultures and the legendary Shangri-La. No shopping, no detours, no factories, and more time to relax at every spot.

 

Highlights

  • Explore the well-preserved Dali ancient town with its traditional Bai architecture, cobbled streets, and vibrant markets
  • Discover the traditional Bai tie-dye craftsmanship in Zhoucheng, where you can see artisans at work and even participate in workshops to create your own tie-dye pieces
  • Discover the ancient murals of Baisha, a former capital of the Naxi Kingdom
  • Hike one of the deepest and most spectacular gorges in the world-Tiger Leaping Gorge. The trek offers breathtaking views of the Jinsha River and surrounding mountains
  • Immerse yourself in the local Tibetan culture by visiting traditional villages, experiencing homestays, and participating in local festivals and rituals

Tour Plan

Day 01 Dali Arrival

Take flight to Dali ,you will be pick up by your driver and guide, then go ahead to hotel for check in

After a short break , start the sightseeing

Cangshan Mountain,it is a great place to enjoy a bird's eye view of Erhai Lake and Dali Ancient Town. Cable car and hiking are both great ways to enjoy the scenery of the mountains.

We will take the Gantong Cableway up to the Upper Station,then you can visit the Zhenlong Cheeseboard ,Qingbi Stream and Mt Cangshan Gorge

Then go to visit the Dali Ancient Town

Overnight in Dali(Xizhou Town)

Day 02 Dali Culture Exploration

In the morning ,meet by your guide , first have a walking tour to explore the Xizhou morning market , Feel the local morning market culture, and learn about the history and architecture of Xizhou.

Then go ahead the experience the Zhoucheng tie-dye, also known as "Zhou Cheng Ran Se" or "Zhou Cheng Tie-dye," is a traditional Chinese textile craft with a rich history and unique aesthetic.This craft is predominantly practiced by the Bai ethnic group and has been passed down through generations for over a thousand years.You can make your own art craft here as a souvenir

It is not only a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Bai people but also a vibrant and living tradition that continues to inspire and evolve in contemporary times.

In the afternoon visit the Shuanglang Village, a nice quiet village along the Erhai Lake. It is a blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and modern comfort. Its stunning location on Erhai Lake, combined with traditional Bai architecture, crafts, and cuisine, make it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic and serene experience in Dali

Overnight in Dali(Xizhou)

Day 03 Dali-Shaxi-Lijiang

Drive from Xizhou to Shaxi (around 1.5h) in the morning , spend some time in this small quiet town

- Shxi Ancient town,located between Lijiang Old Town and Dali Ancient City, used to be an important and prosperous hub along the ancient Tea Horse Road which refers to the international trade route with the caravan as the main means of transportation.

- ShibaoShan (or Shibao Mountain) has the precious Danxia landform which consists of a red bed characterized by steep cliffs. Danxia landform is unique from China and formed from red-coloured sandstones and conglomerates of largely Cretaceous age. Various forms of weathered stones here resemble features of bells, arrows, lions, and elephants to display the uniqueness of this national park. With lush forests and assorted stones, the ShibaoShan Natioanl Forest Park is especially known for its grottoes and cliffs.

Then drive to Lijiang(around 2hours)

Overnight in Lijiang(Shuhe Town)

Day 04 Lijiang-Jade Dragon Snow Mountain-Lijiang

Today we visit the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Glacier Park Cableway, This is the most popular cableway in the scenic area. It is one of the highest elevation cableways in China.This cableway can take you up to experience the glacier and its surroundings. Once you get off the cable car, there will still be stairs for you to climb to reach a viewpoint at an altitude of 4,680 meters (15,350 feet). This short climb is difficult, but you will be rewarded by the beautiful panoramic view.

Tips:

  1.  In case you experience high-altitude sickness, we will prepare theportable oxygen cans
  2. Be well prepared with thick gloves and warm clothingto overcome the freezing temperature at the top of the mountain. If you don’t bring any warm clothing ,down jackets are also available to rent at a cost

After down from the mountain, go to White Water River(Blue Moon Valley) to have a visit

Then go to Baisha Village,if you want to witness the authentic life of the Naxi People and appreciate their culture, but are tired of overcrowded Lijiang, then Baisha Village is the place to go. The village, at the foot of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, is about 8km (4.9 miles) to the north of Lijiang Old Town. It is much quieter because it is not commercialized. Here, you can experience the Naxi people's peaceful daily life.

Overnight in Lijiang(Shuhe Town)

Day 05 Lijiang Ancient Towns

Yuhu Village , The earliest inhabitants of the village were palace guards and deer-keepers of the Mu Family, who were the rulers of local Naxi people during Yuan (1271-1368), Ming (1368-1644), and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. From 1922 to 1949, the Austrian-American botanist and explorer, Joseph F•Rock, lived here and explored Lijiang, and subsequently introduced Lijiang local culture to the western world, making Lijiang popular from his time.

Today, visitors can still see the former residence of Rock, the stone and wooden houses of local Naxi people, and the beautiful natural scenery, including Jade Lake and Skyreach Pillar of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Dayan Ancient Town ,was a former trading town and a stop for traders carrying goods on the Ancient Tea and Horse Road. It was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.The architecture of Lijiang Old Town is noteworthy for the blending of elements from several cultures — Naxi, Bai, Yi, Tibetan, and Han. The town also possesses an ancient water supply system of great complexity and ingenuity. Now, Lijiang Old Town has been commercialized and millions of tourists visit every year, but, though different, its character is now even more appealing — it's a travelers' magnet.

Overnight in Lijiang(Shuhe Town)

Day 06 Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge

Drive from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge, driver will drop you at the Naxi Family’s guesthouse, then you start the hiking from here

Tiger Leaping Gorge hike is generally suitable for energetic and adventurous hikers and people with a good level of fitness. Hiking along Tiger Leaping Gorge isn't very strenuous except for the initial climb along a series of switchbacks called the 28 Bends. This track starts winding steeply upward. So, for about an hour, you would really be using your hamstrings and calf muscles.

The inns and hotels along the way make the trek comfortable as well. You can hike at your pace and fully take advantage of the accommodation.

Trails are well-marked and easy to follow. But the path gets very narrow in some places, you have to walk carefully next to a cliff face. The path isn't really dangerous, except in the rainy season (June to September). Rain makes the rocks slippery and the path muddy. Walking over a fresh rockslide might be tricky.

Overnight in Tiger Leaping Gorge

This day you need walk 5-6hours

Day 07 Tiger Leaping Gorge -Shangri La

After breakfast , walk from hotel to Tina’s guesthouse(around 2-3hours) , driver will wait for you here

  • Then go ahead to Shangri La , visit the Dukezong Ancient Town,This 1,300-year-old town features traditional Tibetan homes, ancient temples and pagodas, and narrow, winding alleyways, all adorned with iconic Tibetan prayer flags of various colors. In all, Dukezong Ancient Town provides visitors with an authentic view of Tibetan culture and is a welcome reprieve from the busy goings-on of the big city.

Then go ahead to the hotel in Napa lake( 20min drive from Dukezong Ancient town)

Overnight in Shangri La

Day 08 Shangri La - Leaving

Today we will have a deep exploration of Shangrila

  • Songzanlin Temple, the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple complex in Yunnan Province. Belonging to the Yellow Hat (Gelug) Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, it is the most important monastery worshiped at by Tibetans who live in Yunnan, Sichuan, and other Tibetan areas in south central China
  • Visit a local Tibetan familyhome to sample butter tea, try local delicacies
  • Pudacuo National Park

Militang Pasture and Bita Lake in Pudacuo National Park are closed for tourists due to maintainance from 3th September, 2017. Shudu Lake Scenic Area (Altitude: 3595m) is still open for tourists

Shudu means the cheese as sturdy as a stone. Shudu Lake is the tectonic lake of geological fault with the highest elevation in Yunnan Province. The ecological system of Shudu Lake is composed of plateau lakes, swamped meadows and primitive dark coniferous forests with copious rare animals and plant resources. In its lake, it has different species of fish with double-lips and golden color. The view around Shudu Lake is a complete perfection. Travelers can see herds of cattle and flocks of sheep grazing leisurely around the lake. The lush forest around the lake makes it mysterious and holy.

There are two choices to explore Shudu Lake. One is by hiking which takes about 2 hours for 3.3 km. There is plank road around the lake which makes hiking not difficult on the high plateau. The other is by boat. Taking boat sailing in the center of Shudu Lake is energy and time saving which takes only 10-15 minutes. If you suffer high altitude sickness, you’d better take boat. The extra 50 Yuan is needed for the cruise fee.

Then transfer to airport/train station for next destination , we wish you a pleasant journey !

Package Rate

From 1190€ p/p

Price based on a private tour for 2 people and varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel

INCLUSIVE: 

  • 7 nights hotel accommodation based on twin share
  • Daily breakfast
  • Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All land transfers on best-in-class local transportation indicated in the itinerary.
  • Experience English-speaking tour guide(other languages also available)
  • Drinking water throughout the trip
  • Travel Insurance
  • Government tax and service fee

EXCLUSIVE:

  • International & Domestic flight/train tickets
  • Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tip…)
  • Tips and porters at the hotels
  • All other services which are not mentioned in INCLUDING

Tour Map

Hotel Accommodation

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