Day 1 Lijiang Arrival – Dayan Ancient Town (Lunch)
Arrive in Lijiang today, where your local tour guide will meet you and assist with your transfer into the city.
Begin your Lijiang tour with a leisurely exploration of Dayan Ancient Town, the historic heart of Lijiang. Stroll along its beautiful stone-paved streets, admire traditional Naxi houses, and discover the old town’s charming network of canals and waterways.
In the evening, you can continue exploring Dayan Ancient Town at your own pace. The old town becomes especially lively after dark, with restaurants, local shops, bars, and cultural performances creating a vibrant evening atmosphere.
Overnight in Lijiang.
Day 2 Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – Rock Village – Black Dragon Pool (Lunch)
In the morning, your private guide and driver will meet you at your hotel and take you to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Snow Mountain). Rising to 5,596 meters above sea level, the mountain is one of Lijiang’s most famous natural landmarks. Its spectacular landscape combines snow-covered peaks, alpine meadows, forests, and deep valleys.
Depending on the season and weather conditions, you can enjoy different views of the mountain. Winter and early spring generally offer the best opportunities to see snow-covered peaks, while summer brings greener alpine landscapes and a different perspective of the mountain.
In the afternoon, continue to Rock Village, a traditional Naxi settlement surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery. Take a leisurely walk through the village and learn about the traditional homes, customs, and everyday life of the Naxi people.
Return to Lijiang in the late afternoon and visit Black Dragon Pool (Heilongtan Park), a beautiful historic park famous for its clear ponds, traditional pavilions, bridges, and views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The area is also associated with the region’s historic religious traditions.
Overnight in Lijiang.
Day 3 Lijiang – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Shangri-La (Lunch)
In the morning, drive from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the most spectacular and dramatic river gorges in southwestern China. The gorge lies between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain and forms a natural corridor between the Lijiang and Shangri-La areas.
Upon arrival, enjoy a moderate 1–2-hour hike along the mountain trail. The trail offers impressive views of the steep cliffs, towering mountains, and the Jinsha River rushing through the gorge below.
After the hike, continue by vehicle toward Shangri-La. Upon arrival, take a leisurely walk through Dukezong Ancient Town, a historic Tibetan settlement known for its traditional houses, stone-paved lanes, local handicrafts, and connection with the ancient Tea Horse Road.
Overnight in Shangri-La.
Day 4 Shangri-La – Songzanlin Monastery – Pudacuo National Park (Lunch)
In the morning, visit Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. The monastery is an important center of Tibetan Buddhist culture and is often called the “Little Potala Palace” because of its grand scale and distinctive Tibetan-style architecture.
Explore the monastery complex and learn about Tibetan Buddhism, religious traditions, architecture, and local culture. The monastery also offers impressive views over the surrounding highland landscape.
Continue to Pudacuo National Park, one of Shangri-La’s best-known natural attractions. The park features pristine alpine lakes, forests, meadows, and highland landscapes. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the designated trails and take in the peaceful scenery of the Tibetan Plateau.
Return to Shangri-La in the late afternoon.
Overnight in Shangri-La.
Day 5 Shangri-La Departure
After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to Shangri-La Railway Station or Shangri-La Airport for your onward journey.
Your 5-day Lijiang and Shangri-La tour ends with unforgettable memories of Yunnan’s mountain scenery, Naxi and Tibetan culture, and the spectacular landscapes of southwestern China.