Day 11 Shangri-La – Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Tiger Leaping Gorge, The First Bend of Yangtze River, Shigu Old Town
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today you will transfer to Lijiang (4hrs ). On the way to visit  the Tiger Leaping Gorge (Shangri-la section), the deepest gorge in the world. With 34 rapids of the Yangtze River, it is called the Jinsha in this area because you can find gold in the river. Afternoon, you’ll head for Shangri La, the former Zhongdian which is well-known as the paradise destination for every tourist.  

Continue to have a nice stop at the First Bend on the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery, visit the Iron Chain Bridge, the Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument in the Shigu Old Town. The town of Stone Drum got its name from a large, cylindrical, marble tablet shaped like a drum. The scenery is magnificent as the road running through the Lijiang valley which is filled with wheat fields and drying haystacks. Afterwards, check in your hotel in Lijiang. 

Day 12 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baisha Old Town, Baisha Mural
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy the sunrise of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Lijiang Ancient Town in the morning, drive about 30KM to Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M), you will take the sightseeing bus for a short visiting through the Baishuihe River, take the chairlift up to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The cableway will be arranged according to the condition of the mountain. You will hike around 1 hours in the original forest in Spruce Meadow(3200M).

After lunch, stroll through Baisha Old Town, which is an enchanting traditional Naxi style old town.  Visit the Baisha Mural about 600 years old, which is one part of the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997.

Day 13 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Black Dragon Pool, Lijiang Old Town
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning,  visit Black Dragon Pool park which is situated on the northern edge of town. It is also called “The Black Dragon Pond”. As the water is as green and lucid as jade, the pond is entitled “Yuquan” or Jade Fountain. The entire park is green with grass and shaded by swaying willow trees. On the bank of the pond willows hang their withes like silk thread.  

Stroll around Lijiang Old Town to relax the rest time of the day, a well-preserved old city of ethnic minorities with brilliant culture, which is a central town of the Lijiang Autonomous County of the Naxi Ethnic Minority in Yunnan Province. Located on the plateau which is 2,400 meters above the sea level and embraced by the tree-covered Lion Mountain in the west, Elephant and Golden Row Mountains in the north, vast fertile fields in the southeast and crystal clear water running through, the old town looks like a big jade ink slab, therefore got the alias the Town of Big Ink Slab (Dayanzhen).

Day 14 Lijiang – Chongqing

Sightseeing and Activities:Lijiang – Chongqing
Accommodation: cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Free at leisure before be transferred to airport and take a 2 hours flight to Chongqing – so called ‘Mountain City’. Your Chongqing tour guide will wait for you at the airport and help you to transfer to the wharf and start point of the Yangtze River Cruise.

Tips:
► The embark time of Yangtze River Cruise is 19:00. And the depart time of the cruise is 21:00.
► If you have enough free time in Chongqing before embark, you can have a try of Chongqing Hot Pot 
► The shore excursions included in the Yangtze River Cruise are changeable, which are subject to the actual arrangement by the cruise company.

Day 15 Yangtze River Cruise

Sightseeing and Activities:Yangtze River Cruise
Accommodation: cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy your Yangtze cruise! Around 8:00, you will have a short visit to Fengdu (2.5 – 3 hours, at your own expense) – known as the ‘Ghost City’ to most Chinese people. Around 16:00, there is an excursion to Shibaozhai (around 1 – 2 hours) – a wooden architecture standing on the riverside. 

Day 16 Yangtze River Cruise

Sightseeing and Activities:Yangtze River Cruise
Accommodation: cruise
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, an optional excursion around 07:30 will be the White Emperor City (2 hours, at your own expense) – a place offers a view looking toward the Qutang Gorge is depicted on the back of the Chinese 10-yuan bill. Back to the ship and then pass through Three Gorges that namely Qutang Gorge (near 10:00) – considered the most dramatic by many visitors, Wu Gorge (near 11:30) – known for its deep valleys and forest covered mountains., and then after lunch, you will have a excursion to Goddess Stream. 

Day 17 Yichang-Shanghai

Sightseeing and Activities:Chinese sturgeon Museum
Accommodation: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today around 07:30, you will firstly visit the Three Gorge Dam (2.5 – 3 hours) – planned to be by far the largest hydroelectric project in the world. After the visiting and lunch time, disembark at Yichang around 12:30. Your tour guide will wait for you at the wharf. In Yichang, you will visit the Chinese sturgeon Museum in Yichang. After that, be transferred to the airport for your 2 hours’ flight to Shanghai. Your Shanghai tour guide will wait for you at the airport and help you to transfer to the hotel.

Day 18 Shanghai

Sightseeing and Activities:Yuyaun Garden, Chenghuangmiao (Old Street ), Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Nanjing Road, and the Bund
Accommodation: Shanghai
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

A full day sightseeing starts from Yuyuan Garden (1 hour) – a Chinese classic garden in city downtown. Then visit the nearby Chenghuangmiao (Old Street)(1 hour). After lunch time, you will have a tour of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower (30 min) – the most charming landmark of Shanghai. And then, go for shopping at Nanjing Road (1 hours generally) – the earliest commercial street in Shanghai, and have a leisure walk along the Bund (30 min) – famous as a group of building known as “a Gallery of world architecture”. After that, drive back to your hotel and free of the rest time.

Day 19 Shanghai-Suzhou

Sightseeing and Activities:Lingering Garden, Cruise boat of Grand Canal, Silk Factory, Pingjiang Road
Accommodation: Suzhou
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In this morning, you willbe transferred to Suzhou (1.5hrs ). Your Suzhou tour guide will wait for you at the train station and help you to check in the hotel in Suzhou. And then, you will firstly have a sightseeing tour to Lingering Garden (1 hour) – which is one of the great four gardens in China. And then, take a cruise boat tour by a private small boat along the Grand Canal. Afterwards, continue to Silk Factory (1 hour) – a site for you to find out how silk is being made, have a leisure walk on the Pingjiang Ancient Street (30min) – an ancient cultural road which has been preserved for more than 800 years. Finally, drive back to your hotel and have a rest of this day. 

Day 20 Suzhou-Hangzhou

Sightseeing and Activities:Xixi Wetland Park, Hefang Ancient Street
Accommodation: Hangzhou
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning after breakfast, transfer to Hangzhou （2-2.5hrs ) to explore the beauty there. Your Hangzhou travel guide will wait for you at the train station and help you to star your tour of Xixi Wetland Park Situated in the western part of Hangzhou, less than 5km from West Lake. Xixi National Wetland Park is a rare urban wetland. With rich ecological resources, simple natural landscape and profound culture, it is known as one of the Three “Xi’s” along with Xihu (West Lake) and Xiling (the Seal Engravers’ Society). And then, you can have a short stroll along the Hefang Ancient Street (1 hour) – a cobble street lined with traditional shops selling herbal medicines, handicrafts and silk products. Finally, drive back to your hotel and have a rest of this day. 

Day 21 Hangzhou

Sightseeing and Activities:West Lake, Lingyin Temple, China Tea Museum
Accommodation: Hangzhou
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today is a joyful day with firstly the boat tour of West Lake (50 m by the public boat – reputed for beautiful scenery, a multitude of historical sites, brilliant cultural relics, and a profusion of native products. After that, go to Lingyin Temple (1 hour) – a site famous for not only as a Buddhism temple but also an attraction to catch beautiful scenery. After a vegetarian meal in Lingyin Temple, continue to pay a visit to Six Harmonies Pagoda (1 hour) – ensure a view of the Qiantang River and a far view towards the misty horizon. The final site of today is China Tea Museum (1 hour) – you can have close touch with the China tea history and know more about the tea producing process.. After that, drive back to your hotel and have a rest of this day.

Day 22 Hangzhou -Guilin

Sightseeing and Activities:Reed Flute Cave, the Elephant Trunk Hill
Accommodation: Guilin
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After a breakfast in Hangzhou, your Hangzhou tour will be finished by connecting the 1 hour flight to Guilin. Your Guilin tour guide will wait for you at the airport and help you to transfer to the hotel. On the way, you will have chance to visit the gorgeous Reed Flute Cave (1 hour) – offering a magic fairyland of stalactites, stalagmites, stone columns scenery. And then, the next stop will be the Elephant Trunk Hill (1 hour) – the landmark of Guilin. After that, be transferred to the hotel and have a rest of this day.

Day 23 Guilin -Yangshuo

Sightseeing and Activities:Li River Cruise, West Street
Accommodation: Yangsuo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning you will be driven to the Zhujiang Pier for the Li River Cruise (about 4 hours, lunch served on board). Savour the fairy-tale scenery while cruising down the meandering river to Yangshuo. After disembarkation and check-in hotel with help of your tour guide, you can have a walk along the famous West Street and enjoy the free leisure time there.

Day 24 Yanghuo-Guilin-Hong Kong

Sightseeing and Activities:Biking tour in Yangshuo
Accommodation: Hong Kong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, after breakfast, you will have a 4 hours biking tour to Moon Hill through the countryside road, on the way we can enjoy the scenery of dragon river, old villages or something…when we arrive to Moon Hill, walk up to the top of Moon Hill, which takes about 1 hour going up and down, and then drive back to Guilin downtown (1-15.hr).  After the tour and say good bye to Guilin and have a 1.5 hours flight to Hong Kong SIC airport. Airport-hotel transfer without guide. Upon arrival,  proceed to Airport Shuttle bus counter and present our voucher to the staff after claiming your check-in luggage from the carousel. Free at leisure the rest time of the day.

Day 25 Hong Kong

Sightseeing and Activities:SIC tour : Victoria Peak, Aberdeen fishing village, Jewelry Factory
Accommodation: Hong Kong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, enjoy your half day city tour (SIC join in basis) to Victoria Peak – will give you the best angle to capture exceptional video footage while you are moving to the 373 meters hill top. And then, move to the Aberdeen fishing village (no sampan) – home to hundreds of people living on fishing junks. Finally go to visit the largest jewelry factory in Hong Kong. After the tour, you can enjoy your own free exploration in this city.

Day 26 Hong Kong departure

Sightseeing and Activities:Hong Kong departure
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast

The vacation is over all too soon as you’re transferred to the airport to board the homebound flight, bidding a fond farewell to China, and we know you’ll be back. Service ends.

Day 2 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Yulong Snow Mountain, Ganhaizi Meadow, Baishuihe ARiver, Spruce Meadow, Baisha Old Town and Murals
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Enjoy the sunrise of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Lijiang Ancient Town in the morning, drive about 30KM to Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M), you will take the sightseeing bus for a short visiting through the Baishuihe River, take the chairlift up to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The cableway will be arranged according to the condition of the mountain. You will hike around 1 hour in the original forest in Spruce Meadow(3200M).

Stroll through Baisha Old Town, which is an enchanting traditional Naxi style old town. Visit the Baisha Mural about 600 years old, which is one part of the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997.

Day 3 Lijiang-Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:the First Bend of the Yangtze River,Shigu Town,Tiger Leaping Gorge, Dukezong Ancient Town
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

From Lijiang, you’ll drive about 60KM to the First Bend of the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery, visit the Iron Chain Bridge, the Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument in the Shigu town. The town of Stone Drum got its name from a large, cylindrical, marble tablet shaped like a drum. The scenery is magnificent as the road running through the Lijiang valley which is filled with wheat fields and drying haystacks.

Optional Special Experience: the floating tour at First Bend of the Yangtze River

You will have an experience of the floating from the First Bend of the Yangtze River to Longpan Town, after one hour floating, meet the driver and transfer to Tiger Leaping Gorge.
 
Visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. With 34 rapids of the Yangtze River, it is called the Jinsha in this area because you can find gold in the river. Afternoon, you’ll head for Shangri La, the former Zhongdian which is well-known as the paradise destination for every tourist. Upon arrival in Shangri-La, you will have entered the Tibetan cultural area and a landscape of barley fields and yaks scattered in the valleys. Walk around Dukezong Ancient Town, an important town of the Ancient Tea-horse Trade Caravan from Yunnan to Tibet and India.

Day 4 Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Songzanlin Monastery, the Bita Lake & Shudu Lake, Tibetan Villages
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, visit the Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan. Songzanlin Monastery has another alias – ‘the little Potala Palace ‘, so named because the whole monastery is in the traditional style with mysterious atmosphere.

And afterwards you’ll visit the tranquil Bita Lake & Shudu Lake in Pudacuo National Park. Pudacuo National Park is located in one of the most biologically-diverse regions of the world. While the region comprises only 0.7 percent of China’s land area, it contains more than 20 percent of the country’s plant species, about one-third of its mammal and bird species and almost 100 endangered species. Then visit some Tibetan villages and families. 

Day 5 Shangri-La-Feilaisi

Sightseeing and Activities:Baimang Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, the Moon Bend of Yangtze River, the Sunset View of Meili Snow Mountain
Accommodation: Feilaisi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, drive 8 to 9 hours to Deqin County (3400m altitude) which is 187km away from Zhongdian through Baimang Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, you will be able to view Baimang Snow Mountain if the weather is clear, pass the top part of today at 4292m altitude.

After traversing mountain ranges, you will make a short stop and have lunch at Benzilan town. Take some shots on the first bend of Jinsha(Yangtze) River, Dongzhulin monastery and Baima (white horse) Snow Mountain. The view along the way is fantastic with different kinds of trees, streams down the valley, prayer flags and stupas, and Tibetan villages.

Stay at Feilaisi for overnight.

Day 6 Feilaisi-Meili Snow Mountain-Derong

Sightseeing and Activities:the Sunrise View of Meili Snow Mountain, Mingyong Glacier, Mekong Grand Canyon
Accommodation: Derong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Try to get up early in the morning, enjoy the magic sunrise of Meili Snow Mountain. Then drive another 1.5 hours to Mingyong village, where you will walk on the trails for about 4km to Mingyong Glaciers of Meili Snow Mountain, walk another one or so, you will get to Tibetan Taizi Monastery-another good spot to view the magnificent Mingyong Glaciers. (optional: You can choose to hire a horse to go up to the glacier on your own expense in order to save your energy).
 
After Mingyong Glacier in Mingyong Village, you will do some easy trekking along the Lancang River Grand Canyon as well as some Tibetan villages. This will be your most impressive part of your trip to Yunnan. Drive back to Feilaisi from the Lancang-Mekong River with a nice view of Meili Snow Mountain and Baima Snow Mountain. Transfer to Derong via Benzilan, visit Ganre River Valley of Yangtze River as well as the Grand Bend of Yangtze River.

Day 7 Derong-Xiangcheng-Daocheng-Riwa

Sightseeing and Activities:Wuming Snow Mountain (4550M), Sangdui Town, blockhouse, Sangdui pasture (3840M), vast poplar garden, Rewu Monastery (Hua Sect), Bowa Mount (4300M), Chitu River Valley
Accommodation: Riwa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Drive to Xiangcheng, visit some Tibetan Villages, Yuangen Mountain and Maan Mountain. Visit Sanpi Monastery in Xiangcheng County.

Coming over the mountain passes from either direction, you will at once spot the beautiful villages scattered amongst wheat-field-paddies in the valley ground. The large cubicle houses look like little castles and with their white-chalked exterior walls give the whole valley a north-African air. Xiangcheng itself consists of an old village paired with a modern Chinese downtown.

Spend a full day driving from Xiangcheng to Riwa(Shangrila Town) via Daocheng. Along the way, you will enjoy wonderful panoramas of barley fields, rushing rivers, expansive grasslands and snow-covered peaks.

Drive to Riwa via Sangdui and Daocheng. En route, visit Maxionggou original forests, Wuming Snow Mountain (4550M), Sangdui Town, blockhouse, Sangdui pasture (3840M), vast poplar garden, Rewu Monastery (Hua Sect), Bowa Mount (4300M), Chitu River Valley, Tibetan villages and Gongga Langjiling Monastery.

In Daocheng, there are many things to do along the road – leisurely walking to Haizi Mountain to see the incredible world of rocks and stones arraying on rivers, lakes and mountains; visit the 900 years old Tibetan monastery Bangpu; watching Red Grassland leaning close to winding rivers; watching vast forests of birch forest stretching to far distance… Stop for rest or take a walk whenever you want.

After arrival at Riwa, check in your hotel and the rest time is free for you to explore surrounding and acclimate the air and high altitude here.

Day 8 Riwa-Yading Nature Reserve-Riwa

Sightseeing and Activities:Yading Nature Reserve,Chonggusi Monastery,Luorong Pasture,Milk Lake,the Five-color Lake
Accommodation: Riwa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, you will get up early to have breakfast, and then take park bus to Zhaguanbeng. Get off bus, travel to Yading Nature Reserve and start the 1-hour hiking to Chonggusi Monastery(3,880m) as a warm-up. Go on your trip from Chongu Monastery to Luorong Pasture(4,150m), which can be done by a 1.5~3 hours’ hiking on plank path or a electric mobile car riding of about 20 minutes on a well-paved road. We suggest you take the car riding to save energy and time for coming serious hiking. Stop at the pasture to enjoy the breathtaking landscape – herds of sheep and cows are scattered over the grassland and enjoy the great sunshine and pure lake water. Snow peak, forest, pasture, rivulet, lake, waterfall and wooden house compose a most beautiful picture. Then, hike about 3 hours to Milk Lake, which is located at the foot of Jambeyang Snow Peak, about 7km from Luorong Pasture. The lake surface is bright with many colors, and the mountain’s reflection in the river looks more holy and pure. Keep hiking a half hour from Milk Lake upwards, you will reach the Five-color Lake (4,600m). Under the refraction of strong sunlight, five glaring colors shine on the lake. Looking over the lake, you will see glacier tongue lazily nuzzling to the lake. According to legend, the lake can divine one’s future. From here, you can also have closer magnificent views of three holy snow mountains – Chenresig (Xiannairi), Jambeyang (Yangmaiyong) and Chanadorje (Xianuoduoji). They respectively represent the Bodhisattva of Mercy, Wisdom and Wrath. They are regarded as the sacred mountain which can protect the Tibetan people in Yading.

In the afternoon, you will return back the same way coming. If you feel a little bit tired, you can ride the horse back to Luorong Pasture, then transfer back to the tourist center by taking an electric mobile car. Lastly, transfer back to Riwa for accommodation and having dinner.

Day 9 Riwa-Yading-Riwa-Daocheng

Sightseeing and Activities:Yading National Park,Chonggusi Monastery,Chenresig Peak (Xianuoduoji 6,032m), Pearl Lake
Accommodation: Daocheng
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today’s hiking is leisure at your own preferred pace and interest. You will firstly go to Chonggusi Monastery as the same way you taken in Day 8, but will spend some time visit the monastery and learn about its story. Here is also the best location to take photos of Chenresig Peak (Xianuoduoji 6,032m). Continue your hiking to next station – famous Pearl Lake, which usually takes about 1 hour to get to. Pearl Lake shocks your eyes with its fabulous scenery – ancient trees towering to the sky, green lake reflecting surrounding colors like a gem, giant snow peak within walking distance… Many tourists take this lake as the base to watch the breathtaking sunrise and sunset.

Finish your hiking and transfer back to Riwa, then keep driving to Daocheng County for accommodation and dinner.

Day 10 Daocheng Departure

Sightseeing and Activities:Daocheng Departure
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast

Today, after breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to the Daocheng Yading Airport for your departure flight. Enjoy amazing peaceful landscape along the road. (So far, you can take flight to Chengdu, Chongqing and Xian from Daocheng Yading).

Day 3 Lijiang-Tiger Leaping Gorge

Sightseeing and Activities: hiking
Accommodation: Halfway Guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 Tiger Leaping Gorge-Baishuitai-Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Tiger Leaping Gorge, Baishuitai, Dukezong Ancient Town, Guishan park
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the early morning, continue hiking to Tina’s Inn (2 hours) after another hour walking down the steep cliff to the bank of Jinsha River to the Middle Gorge (Middle Hutiao or Middle Rapids), worship the dangerous shoal of “Starriness”, the most narrow part of the gorge, where a tiger can easily jump over the Jinsha River. Drive to Baishuitai to see the beautiful terrace, then drive to Shangrila. After arrive at Shangrila, you’ll visit Shangrila old town and Guishan park.

Day 5 Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 Shangri-La-Benzilan-Feilaisi

Sightseeing and Activities:Benzilan Town, Dongzhulin Monastery, The First Bend of Jinsha River, Feilaisi Temple, Sunset of Meili Snow Mountain
Accommodation: Feilaisi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we drive toward Feilaisi (5-6 hours, including lunch and stops); en route,  you will be able to see The First Bend of Yangtze River, Which looks like a flying dragon down the vast and deep valley of Wakha region. We have a local lunch in Benzilan Town; visit Dongzhulin Monastery-a Gelupa sect and the First Bend of Jinsha River, get to Feilaisi Temple and enjoy the Sunset of Meili Snow Mountain.

Day 7 Feilaisi-Xidang-Yubeng

Sightseeing and Activities:Yubeng Village Trekking
Accommodation: Yubeng Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Early in the morning , we could enjoy the golden mountain, on top of which the sunrise touches its snow capped peak. After breakfast, we drive along Mekong River to reach trail head; hike up to and over a mountain pass to Yubeng, with picnic lunch (5-7 hours, with several steep sections). Arrive in Yubeng village; dinner at a traditional Tibetan living room, followed by lively singing and dancing with local villagers. Overnight in Yubeng.

Day 8 Yubeng Village

Sightseeing and Activities:Yubeng Village Trekking
Accommodation: Yubeng Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9 Yubeng Village-Ninong-Cizhong

Sightseeing and Activities:Trek along the Ninong Grand Canyon
Accommodation: Cizhong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trek along the Ninong Grand Canyon from Yubeng Village to Mekong River, then drive to Cizhong.

Day 10 Cizhong-Weixi-Tacheng

Sightseeing and Activities:Catholic church in Cizhong
Accommodation: Tacheng
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Visit Cizhong Catholic church and the villages around. Drive to Tacheng.

Day 11 Tacheng-Shigu-Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:wild Yunnan golden monkeys, the First Bend of Yangze River, Stone Drum Town, Lijiang Ancient Town
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, explore wild Yunnan golden monkeys, one of the most endangered primates in China. Then drive to Shigu Town, visit the First Bend of Yangze River, Stone Drum, then drive to Lijiang.

Visit Lijiang Ancient Town, which is perfectly adapted to the uneven topography of this key commercial and strategic site, has retained a historic townscape of high quality and authenticity. Its architecture is noteworthy for the blending of elements from several cultures that have come together over many centuries. Lijiang also possesses an ancient water-supply system of great complexity and ingenuity that still functions effectively today.

Day 12 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Yuhu Village and Joseph Rock’s Exhibition, Black Dragon Pool, Dongba Culture Museum, Lion Hill and Wangu Tower
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, pay a visit to Yuhu Village and the Former Residence of Dr. Joseph Rock at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, who traveled to Lijiang in 1922 and was known for his study on Dongba culture of Naxi minority group. Then continue the tour to Black Dragon Pool Park and the Dongba Cultural Museum. By visiting this museum, learn more about Dongba culture preserved by Naxi People. The last stop is Lion Hill and Wangu Tower.

Day 13 Departure from Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Lijiang
Accommodation:None
Meals: Breakfast

Hotel breakfast, then you will be dropped to Lijiang Sanyi Airport to end the service.

Day 3 Kunming-Dali

Sightseeing and Activities: Xizhou Morning Market, Zhoucheng Village, Erhai Lake, Three Pagodas
Accommodation:Taiheju Hotel or similar
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch

In the morning, take the high speed train to Dali (2 hours) to visit Xizhou Town Xizhou Town to fully appreciate Bai-style traditional architectural courtyards, taste their fragrant Three-Course Tea and explore their distinctive culture.Transfer to visit Zhoucheng Village Zhoucheng Village and the Bai people’s Tie-dying cloth workshop where you can take some special souvenir with the Bai ethnic style. 

In the afternoon, take a cruise to Jinsuo Islet in Erhai Lake. There are 200 Bai ethnic families around 1000 people in Jinsuo Island.In Erhai Lake cruise, you will enjoy the green Cangshan Mountain and the Three Pagodas from a far as well as lots of birds and seagulls flying over the lake. Then continue the tour to Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Monastery which has a history of over 1,800 years located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain facing to the Erhai Lake. Three Pagodas are made of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle.Drive back to your hotel. 

Day 4 Dali – Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Dali Old Town, Black Dragon Pool, Lijiang Old Town, Baisha Old Town
Accommodation: Baisha Holiday Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch

In the morning, explore Dali Old Town, you can stroll around Dali Old Town to visit Foreigner’s Street, the Ancient City Wall and the Gate Tower.

Then, drive 2 hours to Lijiang to visit Lijiang Old Town which is being reported as one of China Historical Cultural Cities in the whole world’s cultural heritages. Also pay a visit to Black Dragon Pool, the main headwater of the Yushui River which goes through the Old Town. In the late afternoon, transfer to visit Baisha Old Town,  which is an enchanting traditional Naxi style old town. 

Day 5 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Baisha Murals, Yuhu Village, Former Residence of Joseph Rock, Mufu Palace, Wangu Tower
Accommodation:Baisha Holiday Resort or similar
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch

This morning, walk to visit the Baisha Mural about 600 years old, which is a part of the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997. Then, drive to Yuhu Village which is located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. When walking into this authentic Naxi Village, you’ll see unique stone houses, Naxi ladies dressing in traditional clothes, kids playing, a tranquil Yuhu Lake…Explore leisurely around the village and then get to the Former Residence of Joseph Rock, who was an Austrian-American Botanist came to Lijiang and stayed in Yuhu Village for 27 years and made huge research work on Naxi minority.

In the afternoon, take a leisure walk up the Lion Hill and climb up the 33-meter-tall Wanggu Tower – the landmark building of Lijiang to enjoy a panoramic view of the whole old town and countryside scenery, as well as overlook the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance. Later, follow a trip to Ming-dynasty style Mufu Palace, the “Forbidden City” of Lijiang to know Tusi’s ruling history and appreciate Naxi people’s brilliant culture and fine arts. 

Option: If you don’t want to choose our Lijiang city tour, you also can take our option of 1 Day Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Group Tour (Price: USD 150/Person extra).

Day 6 Lijiang – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities: the First Bend of Yangtze River, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Dukezong Ancient Town, Guishan Hill, Giant Prayer Wheel
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 7 Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Songzanlin Monastery, Napahai Lake
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, visit Songzanlin Monastery , the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan. Songzanlin Monastery has another alias – ‘the little Potala Palace ‘, so named because the whole monastery is in the traditional style with mysterious atmosphere. Transfer to visit Napahai Lake. Pay a visit to a local Tibetan family and have a simple Tibetan lunch for free.

Day 8 Shangri-La – Lhasa

Sightseeing and Activities: Fly from Shangri-La to Lhasa
Accommodation: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 Lhasa

Sightseeing and Activities:The Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
Accommodation: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, go to visit the famous Potala Palace and explore the grandest of this myriad chapels, you will experience its audience halls, the jeweled and Golden burial chortens (stupa Tombs) of past Dalai Lamas, and tremendous number of Buddhist frescoes, thangkas, combinations of mandala, etc. In the afternoon, pay a visit to the holist temple in Tibet, the Johkang Temple, built during Songtsen Gonpo’s reign by princess Wencheng of Tang Dynasty, 647 A.D, and its famous Barkor Kora.

Day 10 Lhasa

Sightseeing and Activities: Drepung Monastery, Nechung monastery, Sera Monastery
Accommodation: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 11 Lhasa-Gyangtse-Shigatse

Sightseeing and Activities:Yamdro-tso Lake, Kubum monastery
Accommodation:  Shigatse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 12 Shigatse – Rongphu Monastery

Sightseeing and Activities:Mt. Lhotse(8516m),Mt. Everes(8848m), Mt. Qowowuyag(8201m),Mt Mayalu(8463m), Rongphu Monastery
Accommodation: Tent
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 13 Rongphu Monastery – Shigatse

Sightseeing and Activities:Rongphu Monastery, the sunrise of Mt. Everest, Mt.Everest Base Camp
Accommodation: Shigatse
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 14 Shigatse-Lhasa

Sightseeing and Activities:the Tashilunpo monastery
Accommodation: Lhasa
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 15 Departure from Lhasa

Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Lhasa
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast

You will be free in Lhasa City in the morning until you take the flight back. Service ends.

Day 4 Halfway Guesthouse (2500m) -Tina’s House-Middle Rapids (1800m)-Haba Village

Sightseeing and Activities: trekking
Accommodation: Haba Village
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 Haba Village (2600m)-the Base Camp at the 4200

Sightseeing and Activities:trekking
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Base Camp-the Summit-Base Camp

Sightseeing and Activities:the Base Camp at the 4200 m- the Camp 1 at 4800 of Haba Snow Mountain -the top of Haba Snow Mountain (5396m)-the Base Camp (4200M)
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Base Camp at the 4200 m-Haba Village-Baishuitai-Shangri-La (3300m)

Sightseeing and Activities: Baishuitai
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Trek down from Base Camp to the Long Wang Bian Village, with yaks taking your luggage, after lunch, drive to Shangri-La, you will visit Baishuitai (White Water Terrace).

After Baishuitai, you will drive about 100 Km more to Shangri-La. Then relax in Shangri La Old Town and enjoy Tibetan’s life.

Day 8 Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Sogzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, visit the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan. Songzanlin Monastery has another alias – ‘the little Potala Palace ‘, so named because the whole monastery is in the traditional style with mysterious atmosphere.

And afterwards you’ll visit the tranquil Shudu Lake in Pudacuo National Park which is located in one of the most biologically-diverse regions of the world. While the region comprises only 0.7 percent of China’s land area, it contains more than 20 percent of the country’s plant species, about one-third of its mammal and bird species and almost 100 endangered species.

Visit Dukezong Tibetan Ancient Town in the late afternoon, climb up to the top of Guishan Hill or tortoise Hill, you will see the largest Prayer Wheel of the world and have a panoramic view of shangrila county and Dukezong Ancient Town. Finally, you will have an option to visit a Tibetan’s family to experience the local life in the bonfire party with Tibetan dance and music and you will try Tibetan home-made yak and cheese.

Day 9 Shangri-La Departure

Sightseeing and Activities:Shangri-La Departure
Accommodation:None
Meals:Breakfast

Free at leisure before be transferred to airport for the departure flight. Service ends.

Day 4 Yuanyang

Sightseeing and Activities: sunrise of Duoyishu Rice Terrace Field, Doyishu Village, Qingkou Hani Ethnic Village, Bada Rice Terrace, Shengcun Market, the sunset of Longshuba Rice Terraces
Accommodation: Yuanyang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5 Yuanyang-Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities:Xiushan Mountain Park, the Six Gezi Wooden Caving Doors in Sansheng Palace, Xingmeng Mongolian Village
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning you’ll drive back to Kunming. On the way, visit Xiushan Mountain Park, the Six Gezi Wooden Caving Doors in Sansheng Palace and Xingmeng Mongolian Village. Arrive in Kunming in the late afternoon.

Day 6 Kunming – Dali

Sightseeing and Activities:the Three-pagodas in Chongshen Temple, Erhai Lake Cruise, Dali Ancient Town
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, take the high speed train to Dali. As a historically and culturally famous city of China, it is renowned for her historical interest and Bai ethnic culture. After landing, you will visit the Three Pagodas in Chongshen Monastery which has a history of over 1,800 years located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain facing to the Erhai Lake. Three Pagodas are made of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle.

After lunch, you’ll cruise in Erhai Lake by the small boat to the Jinsuo Islet in the east Erhai Lake. There are 200 Bai ethnic families around 1000 people in Jinsuo Island. In Erhai Lake cruise, you will enjoy the green Cangshan Mountain and the Three Pagodas from a far as well as lots of birds and seagulls flying over the lake. At last, you will visit the Ancient Dali Town, walk around the Foreigner Street and enjoy the relax time with local people. After climbing up to the City Wall of Dali, you will have a panoramic view of the Erhai Lake.

Day 7 Dali -Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Xizhou Town, Zhoucheng Village, Black Dragon Pool, Dongba Museum, Lijiang Ancient Town
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Today, you will head for Xizhou Town to fully appreciate Bai-style traditional architectural courtyards, taste their fragrant Three-Course Tea and explore their distinctive culture. Visit Zhoucheng Village and the Bai people’s Tie-dying cloth workshop where you can take some special souvenir with the Bai ethnic style.

Drive about 180KM to Lijiang with the beautiful farmlands and ethnic villages on the way. Lunch at NO.8 Restaurant at the bank of Black Dragon Pool, after lunch you’ll head for the scenic Black Dragon Pool and the Dongba Museum to explore the rich Naxi minority culture.

In the late afternoon, explore Lijiang Old Town. Lijiang Old Town has a history more than 800 years; it was listed as the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997. Here you will see the wonderful wooden architecture of Naxi ethnic people.

Day 8 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Ganhaizi Meadow, Baishuhe River, Yulong Snow Mountain,Spruce Meadow, Baisha Old Town and Baisha Murals
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 Lijiang- Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:First Bend on the Yangtze River, the Iron Chain Bridge, the Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument, Tiger Leaping Gorge
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

From Lijiang, you’ll drive about 60KM to the First Bend on the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery, visit the Iron Chain Bridge, the Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument in the Shigu town. The town of Stone Drum got its name from a large, cylindrical, marble tablet shaped like a drum. The scenery is magnificent as the road running through the Lijiang valley which is filled with wheat fields and drying haystacks. 

Visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world. With 34 rapids of the Yangtze River, it is called the Jinsha in this area because you can find gold in the river. Afternoon, you’ll head for Shangri La, the former Zhongdian which is well-known as the paradise destination for every tourist. Upon arrival in Shangri La, you will have entered the Tibetan cultural area and a landscape of barley fields and yaks scattered in the valleys. 

Day 10 Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Sogzanlin Monastery, the Bita Lake & Shudu Lake, Dukezong Ancient Town, Guishan Hill, the largest Prayer Wheel
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, visit the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan. Songzanlin Monastery has another alias – ‘the little Potala Palace ‘, so named because the whole monastery is in the traditional style with mysterious atmosphere.

And afterwards you’ll visit the tranquil Bita Lake & Shudu Lake in Pudacuo National Park. Pudacuo National Park is located in one of the most biologically-diverse regions of the world. While the region comprises only 0.7 percent of China’s land area, it contains more than 20 percent of the country’s plant species, about one-third of its mammal and bird species and almost 100 endangered species.

Visit Dukezong Tibetan Ancient Town in the late afternoon, climb up to the top of Guishan Hill or Tortoise Hill, you will see the largest Prayer Wheel of the world and have a panoramic view of shangri-La county and Dukezong Ancient Town.

Day 11 Departure from Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities: Departure from Shangri-La
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to Shangri-La airport for the departure flight to next place. 

Day 3 Jinghong – Menglun

Sightseeing and Activities: Galanba, Galanba Morning Bazaar, Menglun Tropical Botanical Garden
Accommodation: Menglun
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 4 Menglun – Jinghong

Sightseeing and Activities: Ethnic Villages, Wild Elephant Valley
Accommodation: Jinghong
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, transfer back to Jinghong to visit Dry Dai people Village on the way back as well as the Jinuo Ethnic village.

Day 5 Jinghong – Dali

Sightseeing and Activities: Erhai Lake Cruise, Dali Ancient Town
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 Dali – Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Three Pagodas, Xizhou Town, Zhoucheng Village, Lijiang Ancient Town
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning,  visit the Three Pagodas in Chongshen Monastery which has a history of over 1,800 years located at the foot of Cangshan Mountain facing to the Erhai Lake. Three Pagodas are made of three ancient independent pagodas forming a symmetrical triangle. Before leaving for Lijiang, you will head for Xizhou Town to fully appreciate Bai-style traditional architectural courtyards, taste their fragrant Three-Course Tea and explore their distinctive culture. Visit Zhoucheng Village and the Bai people’s Tie-dying cloth workshop where you can take some special souvenir with the Bai ethnic style

Drive about 180KM to Lijiang with the beautiful farmlands and ethnic villages on the way. In the late afternoon, explore Lijiang Old Town. Lijiang Ancient Town has a history more than 800 years; it was listed as the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997. Here you will see the wonderful wooden architecture of Naxi ethnic people.

Day 7 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Yulong Snow Mountain, the Impression Lijang Ethnic Show, Baisha Old Town and Murals
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Lijiang Ancient Town

Day 8 Lijiang- Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities: The First Bend of Yangze River, Shigu Old Town, The Stone Drum, Tiger Leaping Gorge
Accommodation: Shangrila
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

From Lijiang, you’ll drive about 60KM to the First Bend on the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery, visit the Iron Chain Bridge, the Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument in the Shigu Old Town. The town of Stone Drum got its name from a large, cylindrical, marble tablet shaped like a drum. The scenery is magnificent as the road running through the Lijiang valley which is filled with wheat fields and drying haystacks.

Visit the Tiger Leaping Gorge(Shangri-La section), the deepest gorge in the world. With 34 rapids of the Yangtze River, it is called the Jinsha in this area because you can find gold in the river.

Afternoon, you’ll head for Shangri La, the former Zhongdian which is well known as the paradise destination for every tourist.  Check in your hotel after arrival.

Day 9 Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities: Sogzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park , Dukezong Ancient Town, Grand Prayer Wheel
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, visit the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan. Songzanlin Monastery has another alias – ‘the little Potala Palace ‘, so named because the whole monastery is in the traditional style with mysterious atmosphere. And afterwards you’ll visit the tranquil Bita Lake & Shudu Lake in Pudacuo National Park  which is located in one of the most biologically-diverse regions of the world. While the region comprises only 0.7 percent of China’s land area, it contains more than 20 percent of the country’s plant species, about one-third of its mammal and bird species and almost 100 endangered species.

Visit Dukezong Tibetan Ancient Town in the late afternoon, climb up to the top of Guishan Hill or tortoise Hill, you will see the largest Prayer Wheel of the world and have a panoramic view of shangrila county and Dukezong Ancient Town.

Day 10 Shangri-La Departure

Sightseeing and Activities:Shangri-La Departure

Day 2 Kunming – Stone Forest – Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities: Stone Forest, Flowers and Birds Market
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

You will drive 86 km to the Stone Forest. An old local saying says that ‘If you have visited Kunming without seeing the Stone Forest, you have wasted your time.’ Truly, the Stone Forest is one of the most important attractions of Yunnan. After lunch drive back Kunming to visit the Flowers and Birds Market in the downtown.

Day 3 Kunming – Dali

Sightseeing and Activities: Erhai Lake Cruise, Three Pagodas, Dali Old Town
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, take the high speed train to Dali (2hrs), a historically and culturally famous city of China, is renowned for her historical interest and Bai ethnic culture.  Upon arrival,  take the cruise in Erhai Lake by the small boat to the Jinsuo Islet in the east Erhai Lake. There are 200 Bai ethnic families around 1000 people in Jinsuo Island.In Erhai Lake cruise, you will enjoy the green Cangshan Mountain and theThree Pagodas from a far as well as lots of birds and seagulls flying over the lake. Take a exterior view  of the Three Pagoda in Dali.  At last, you will visit the Ancient Dali Town, walk around the Foreigner Street and enjoy the relax time with local people. After climbing up to the City Wall of Dali, you will have panoramic view of the Erhai Lake.

Day 4 Dali -Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Xizhou Town, Zhoucheng Village, Black Dragon Pond, Lijiang Ancient Town
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, you will head for Xizhou Town to fully appreciate Bai-style traditional architectural courtyards, taste their fragrant Three-Course Tea and explore their distinctive culture. Visit Zhoucheng Village and the Bai people’s Tie-dying cloth workshop where you can take some special souvenir with the Bai ethnic style. 

After the tour, drive 2.5hrs to Lijiang (only driver accompany with this transfer). 

Day 5 Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Ganhaizi Meadow, Baishuihe River, Yak Meadow, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Baisha Old Town, Baisha Murals
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 6 Lijiang- Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities: First Bend of the Yangtze River, the Iron Chain Bridge, Tiger Leaping Gorge
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

From Lijiang, you’ll drive about 60KM to the First Bend of the Yangtze River with imposing gorge scenery, visit the Iron Chain Bridge, the Red Army’s Long March Memorial Monument in the Shigu Old Town. The town of Stone Drum got its name from a large, cylindrical, marble tablet shaped like a drum. The scenery is magnificent as the road running through the Lijiang valley which is filled with wheat fields and drying haystacks. 

Day 7 Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities:Pudacuo National Park, Sogzanlin Monastery, Tibetan family Visit, Dukezong Old Town, the largest Prayer Wheel
Accommodation: Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, move to visit the tranquil Shudu Lake in Pudacuo National Park. Pudacuo National Park is located in one of the most biologically-diverse regions of the world. While the region comprises only 0.7 percent of China’s land area, it contains more than 20 percent of the country’s plant species, about one-third of its mammal and bird species and almost 100 endangered species. At noon, have a visit of the local Tibetan family.

Day 8 Shangri-La Departure

Sightseeing and Activities:Shangri-La Departure
Accommodation:None
Meals: Breakfast

Free at leisure before be transferred to Shangri-La Airport for departure to next destination