This tour focuses on most famous cities and classic attractions in Yunnan Province and it also provides a chance to experience the winter of Yunnan–Meili Snow Mountain tour. Moreover, Lugu Lake tour, another discovery of mysterious Muosuo minority which combines matrilineal society with matrilocal society.

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Brief Itinerary

Day 01 Arrive in Kunming
Day 02 Kunming-Yuanmou
Day 03 Yuanmou-Yunnanyi-Dali
Day 04 Dali
Day 05 Dali-Shaxi
Day 06 Shaxi-Shigu-Tacheng
Day 07 Tacheng-Weixi-Cizhong
Day 08 Cizhong-Meili Snow Mountain-Feilaisi
Day 09 Feilaisi-Benzilan-Shangri-La
Day 10 ShangriLa
Day 11 Shangri La-Baishuitai-Tiger Leaping Gorge
Day 12 Tiger Lepaing Gorge-Lijiang
Day 13 Lijiang
Day 14 Departure from Lijiang

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

You’ll begin your journey to the diverse and captivating province of Yunnan from the capital city, Kunming. Upon arrival at the Kunming International Airport, meet your local guide and transfer to the hotel. You will have a meeting for this motorcycle tours.
 

 

Why is Haba Snow Mountain So Special

Haba Snow Mountain is a mountain rising above the northwest side of Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan, China. It rises opposite the higher Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and towers 3,500 metres above the upper reaches of the Yangtze River(Jinsha River). The summit of the mountain is a popular destination for amateur mountaineers and its lowest slopes are crossed by the popular Tiger Leaping Gorge trail. Its massif is considered the southernmost extent of the expansive Shaluli Mountains, themselves a component range of the Hengduan Mountains.

Where is Haba Snow Mountain – Location

Haba Snow Mountain or Haba Xueshan is located in 120 kilometers southeast Shangri-La city, Yunnan province. Mountain raises 5396m above the sea level, and is one of the tallest peaks in Yunnan province. Its lowest slopes are crossed by the popular Tiger Leaping Gorge trail.

Legend about Haba Snow Mountain

Jinsha River in northern Yunnan province refers to the upper section of the Yangzi River. She runs between her sisters – the Salween and Mekong Rivers. She wanted to marry the eastern sea and made a sudden turn east to meet the sea, while her way was blocked by her jealous brothers, Haba and Jade Dragon Snow Mountains. They guarded her way day and night until one night, when Haba fell asleep on duty, Jinsha slipped past speedily leaving the deep Tiger Leaping Gorge behind her. When Jade Dragon awoke to find his sister gone, he was so angry with Haba that he beat one side of Haba’s face. So, Haba’s head fell on the western side, leaving his peak little shorter and flatter today.

How to Get There

Tourists can take a bus to Haba Village and it will take about five hours from Lijiang and four hours from Shangrila. Or hike from Tiger Leaping Gorge to Haba Village, which will be more adventurous and strenuous. Renting a car to Haba village is also available.

Key Features of Haba Snow Mountain:

1. Location:

   Haba Snow Mountain is part of the southeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau, on the northern bank of the Yangtze River’s Tiger Leaping Gorge. It is across from the imposing Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山), another famous peak in the region. The mountain is about 120 km (75 miles) from Shangri-La city and around 60 km (37 miles) from Lijiang, making it accessible for trekkers.

2. Trekking and Climbing:

   • Difficulty Level: Haba Snow Mountain is considered suitable for beginner to intermediate climbers. It’s a good introduction to high-altitude mountaineering since the ascent does not involve technical rock climbing or significant glacier crossings.
   • Best Season to Climb: The best time to attempt the climb is from April to June and from September to November. During these periods, the weather is relatively stable, with fewer chances of snowstorms and avalanches. July and August are the rainy seasons, which make climbing more difficult, while the winter months can be very harsh.
   • Acclimatization: Because of the high altitude, climbers need to be cautious about altitude sickness and spend time acclimatizing at base camp or nearby areas before attempting the summit.

3. Base Camp:

   The Haba Snow Mountain Base Camp is located at around 4,100 meters (13,450 feet) above sea level. Most climbers spend a night or two here to acclimatize before their summit attempt. The camp offers basic amenities, and there are horses available to carry supplies for climbers.

4. Wildlife and Scenery:

   The mountain is part of a nature reserve, home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including rare plants and animals like golden snub-nosed monkeys, blue sheep, and pheasants. The lower slopes are covered in forests, while the higher altitudes transition to snow and glaciers.

5. Nearby Attractions:

   • Tiger Leaping Gorge: One of the world’s deepest gorges, located between Haba Snow Mountain and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. It’s a great trekking destination with stunning views and dramatic river canyons.
   • Shangri-La: The city of Shangri-La is known for its Tibetan culture, monasteries, and beautiful landscapes like Napa Lake and Potatso National Park.
   • Baishuitai: Located near Haba Village, this area is famous for its limestone terraces formed by natural springs, offering stunning views.

6. Cultural Experience:

   The Haba Snow Mountain area is inhabited by various ethnic groups, including the Naxi, Yi, and Tibetan people. Many climbers start their journey from Haba Village, where they can experience local culture, customs, and hospitality.

History and Culture

Haba snow mountain was sharply raised by the Himalayan orogeny and the subsequent Quaternary tectonic movement. “Haba” means golden flower in Naxi language.

► Ancient – February 1995, Haba snow mountain was an unknown place.
► In April 1995, Li Shunyou, a villager of Haba Village, first climb to the top of Haba Snow Mountain individually.
► In October 1995, Jinfeibiao of Yunnan Tanxian Travel Agency led a team of 4 people for the first time to climb to the top of this mountain along the traditional route of northwest side of slope.
► In October, 1999, outdoor climbing team of Meili Yunnan reached the summit along the northwest ridge of north slope in the first time.
► Since 1995, there were more than 200 people reached the summit successfully.

Main Attractions

► Snow Peak: It is covered by snow year-round. The upstanding main peak, together with four little peaks around it, seems to be a shining crown on a fine day in the distance.
► Magnificent Glaciers: The glaciers that cover Haba mountain, known locally as the “snow sea”, lie about 4,000 meters above sea level on the northwestern slope of the peak of Haba.
► Black Sea: It gets its name from the color of its water which is as black as ink. An abundance of Chinese giant salamanders will swim together forming a ring in the shallows of the Black Sea with an appropriate temperature is reached, which makes it more attractive.
► Wonderful Waterfalls: There are also hanging springs and waterfalls in Haba Snow Mountain including Jianshan Waterfall, Dadiaoshui Waterfall, etc.
► Beautiful Azaleas: From April to June, there are more than 200 hundred kinds of azaleas are distributed from the bottom to the top of the mountain, accounting for 70% of those in Yunnan.

Recommended Visiting Route

Recommend you to start with a warm-up trekking from Tiger Leaping Gorge to Haba Village first instead of arriving Haba Village directly by bus. It allows you to experience the typical process of climbing a snow mountain from trekking to the Base Camp and the final summit.

► Day 1: Lijiang – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Haba village
► Day 2: Haba Village – The Base Camp of Haba Snow Mountain
► Day 3: The Base Camp of Haba Snow Mountain – The Summit – The Base Camp of Haba Snow Mountain
► Day 4: The Base Camp of Haba Snow Mountain – Haba Village – Lijiang

Haba Snow Mountain Climbing

Haba Snow Mountain is the ideal destination for amateur mountaineers. A common tourist can reach the summit successfully at the elevation of nearly 5,400 meters if well equipped and prepared adequately. From Haba Village to the Base Camp, it takes an average walk of 5-6 hours. The Base Camp is at the altitude of 4,100 meters. From here, hike up to 4,900 meters in 3 hours, and another 2 hours to the top. If there is no snow up to the 4,900m point, you can easily get there in 2 hours, and another 1.5 hours to the top (5,406 meters).

Essential Items for Climbing:

Climbing Gear: snow cover, tent, ice pick, crampon, health food, sleeping bag, warm glove, headlight, sunglasses, garbage bag, assault pants, feather fine hair clothes, waterproof backpack, warm water bottle 2-3 liters, waterproof mountaineering boots, warm socks, headgear.

Best Time to Go

Best time to climb Haba Snow Mountain is between mid of March till end of June and mid of September till mid of December. Because the other periods are mostly rainy or windy. From April to June, the blossoming rhododendra add more glamour to mysterious Haba Snow Mountain. In the late autumn, the forest is full of color, the air is pure, and the starry sky can be photographed. From November to December, the light wind makes tourists more easily to climb up to the summit.

Accommodate at Haba Snow Mountain

There are not many accommodation choices around Haba Snow Mountain. Accommodation is basic and similar throughout most of the Haba Village. Most of guesthouses provide equipment for climbing. There are huts at the base camp. During summer time you can camp and sleep in a tent, while in winter staying in the hut is the best option. It is good enough to spend the night, with simple beds and served as a good shelter from wind.

Nearby Attractions

Tiger Leaping Gorge

The Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest gorges with spectacular sceneries on the planet such as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the west and Haba Snow Mountain to the east.

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain now is a famous scenic spot for sightseeing, mountaineering, skiing, exploration, scientific research and taking holiday.

Useful Travel Tips

► Although Haba Snow Mountain is considered a perfect mountain for beginners, there are some accidents happened sometimes, so everything needs to be paid full attention and taken care of.
► If you also plan to climb Haba Snow Mountain without any previous experience, it is doable, but hire a mountain guide, at least for the first time.
► Be ready that your plans ascending mountain top can be canceled. If you have time, stay more days at the base camp, and climb when the weather is good.
► It is very important to have suitable waterproof shoes and clothes,warm gloves, hat, head lamp, couple a pair of socks, sunscreen, lip balm; take also mobile power bank, hiking stick. Sleeping bag is very useful, especially if you visit during winter.

Follow the footprints of Joseph Rock: Muli to Yading —- the crossing from hell to heaven.

Tour Map

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Brief Itinerary

• Day 1: Lijiang Arrival
• Day 2:  Lijiang–Lugu Lake-Wachang Town
• Day 3: Wachang Town-Dulu Village
• Day 4: Dulu Village-Shuiluo Gold Mine-Bodhisattva Cave
• Day 5: Bodhisattva Cave-Zangbie Cattle Farm-Zabala Pass
• Day 6: Zabala Pass – Xinguo Cattle Farm
• Day 7: Xinguo Cattle Farm – Heihai Lake – Xiadu Cattle Farm – Snake Lake
• Day 8: Snake Lake – Lontong Dam – Daocheng County
• Day 9: Daocheng County-Daxiao Snow Mountain-Shangri-La
• Day 10: Shangri-La
• Day 11: Shangri-La –Baishuitai–Tiger Leaping Gorge-Lijiang
• Day 12: Departure from Lijiang

Detailed Itinerary

Personal Equipment:

• Prepare a large backpack, a small backpack (or waist bag), tent, sleeping bag, mat and other camping equipment.
• Thermal underwear, fleece jacket, waterproof jacket and down jacket.
• Quick-dry pants or waterproof pants, warm pants.
• Sunglasses, gloves, trekking poles,water jug and head wear.
• Hiking shoes that are preferably waterproof.
• Personal medicines, such as stomach medicine, motion sickness medicine and so on.
• Sunscreen, hand cream and lip balm.
• Torches (or headlamp), digital chargers and power bank.
• ID card / passport.
• Toiletries, ordinary changes of clothing, raincoat and tableware.

Service Included:

• Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
• Private English-speaking tour guide;
• Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
• Service charge & government taxes;
• Luggage transfers between airports and hotels.

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Chinese visa fees;
• Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
• Single room supplement;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel accident insurance;
• All optional programs.

 

Located in southwest corner of Sichuan province, Daocheng is well-known for the 3 holy peaks named by the 5th Dalai Lama, Shiannairi Peak(6032 m high), Xianuoduoji Peak(5898 m high), Yangmaiyong Peak(5898 m high). Every year, there are many people trek around the 3 holy peaks for increasing their merits and virtues. Lugu Lake is located in northwest part of Yunnan province, it covers 58 square kms, the water is very clear. The unique matriarchal Mosuo people live by the lake, which earned this area another name: the Mysterious Queendom.

Day 1 Arrive in Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Arrive in Lijiang, Lijiang Old Town
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: None

Your private tour guide, driver, and car will be waiting at the arrival hall. Transfer to your hotel in the ancient town and start the tour.

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lijiang Ancient Town’s history dates back to over 800 years ago. Besides its unique architecture and local ethnic culture, it is also known for its orderly arrangement of bridges and waterways. Walk along the winding cobbled paths – it is said that you won’t get lost as long as you follow the water.

Appreciate the Naxi people’s brilliant skills in architecture and fine arts at Mufu Mansion, the ‘Forbidden City’ of Lijiang. You can also climb up to Lion Hill to have a bird’s-eye view of the whole town.

Then pay a visit to Black Dragon Pool Park, where the view of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is one the most famous postcard-perfect sceneries in southwest China. Stay overnight in Lijiang Ancient Town.

Day 2 Lijiang Jade Dragon Snow Mountain-Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities:Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yuhu Village, Baisha Old Town
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: None
This morning, you will drive to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, take the sightseeing bus for a short visit through the Baishuihe River, then take the chairlift up to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The cable way will be arranged according to the condition of the mountain. You will hike in the Glacier Park (4506 meters) around 1 hour.

You’ll be transferred out of Lijiang Old Town to Yuhu Village which is located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. 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.

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

Day 3 Lijiang-Ninglang County-Lugu Lake

Sightseeing and Activities:the upper Yangtze Grand Canon,Yi Ethnic Villages, Heiwawu Island and Liwubi Island of Luguhu Lake, Mosuo Culture Museum
Accommodation: Lugu Lake
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

In the morning, drive 4 hrs on the spectacle mountain road to visit the mysterious Lugu Lake. On the way, enjoy the beautiful view among the huge mountains and rivers. We plan to start your walking from Jin’anqiao Bridge to Shudi along the road at the bank of Yangtze River. You will see the beautiful canon and Yi ethnic people’s villages in the steep mountains. After 1 hour walking in the canon, we will continue the driving and we can stop in many Yi villages.

In the late afternoon, you will take the canoes to visit Liwubi Island in Lugu Lake. Pay a visit to Mosuo Culture Museum and learn the Mosuo ethnic custom in the museum. Enjoy the sunset wonder of Luguhu Lake in Luoshui Village. In the evening, take part in Mosuo Bonfire Party with ethnic dance and singing performance.You will dance and sing with Mosuo boys and girls around a big bonfire in the outdoors theatre.

Day 4 Lugu Lake-Yongning-Wachang Town- Shawan Town-Mengzi Town-Shangri-La Town

Sightseeing and Activities: Lugu Lake, Zhamei Lamaist Monastery
Accommodation: Riwa Town
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Tour Route: Lugu Lake(泸沽湖)-Qiansuo Town(前所乡)-Wujiao Town(屋脚乡)-Yiji Town(依吉乡)-Eya Town(俄牙乡)-Geka Town(各卡乡)-Riwa(日瓦)

In the morning, you will drive about 20Km to visit the Zhamei Lamaist Monastery which is the biggest lamasery in Moso area Yongning Town. Tibetan people call Yongning as “taluo”, meaning “the way to heaven”. The place the Zhamei Lamasery lies in is called “Zhameige”, which means “no war”. The coincidence of these two names make the Lamasery even famous in Tibet.

Yongning Town is an important town of the Ancient Tea-Horse Trade Caravan from Yunnan to Tibet. Located between Yunnan and Sichuan, Yongning keeps the original ethnic life which is still not damaged by tourists. You will visit Mosuo Market in Yongning Town. We will arrange a Mosuo family to visit and have lunch in Mosuo family, enjoy the Mosuo real life in a village.

After Yongning, drive to Riwa Town from Lugu Lake . This is a remote road for photographers. Drive via Qiansuo Town(前所乡), Wujiao Town(屋脚乡), Yiji Town(依吉乡), Iron Bridg (钢架桥), Eya Town(俄牙乡), Geka Town(各卡乡) and arrive in Riwa Town in the late afternoon.

Luya Road is welknown as the “Sky Road”, listed as the 7th 4 WD driving road in China, it starts from Lugu Lake Town in Yanyuan County, and finishs in Yading Nature Reserve, it go through Daocheng, Muli and Yanyuan counties of Ganze and Liangshan prefectures. You can see lake, ponds, temples, valleys, grasslands, original forests on the way. Driving along the zigzag road, you will arrive in Lugu Lake in the late afternoon.

Day 5 Shangri-La Town-Yading Nature Reserve

Sightseeing and Activities: Yading Nature Reserve (Luorong Pasture – Milk Lake – Five Color Lake)
Accommodation: Yading
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
After an early breakfast, start your exploration of Daocheng Yading Nature Reserve, the Last Pure Land on Earth first found by Joseph Rock in 1928 and then be widely treated as the “Soul of Shangri-La” with extremely dreaming wonderland.

Take the sightseeing bus from the tourist center to Zhaguanbeng for about 1-1.5 hours and enjoy the 2-2.5 hours’ hike to Luorong Pasture (4,150m) via Chonggu Monastery (3,900m) (you can also choose to walk 20 minute to Chonggu Monastery and take the 0.5 hour battery car to Luorong Pasture if you want to save energy). Enjoy your relaxing roam at the idyllic pasture with those carefree grazing cattle and goats, layers of multicolored dense alpine forest, clear winding stream, etc. backed by the three holy snow mountains, namely Xiannairi (Mount Chianrezig), Yangmaiyong (Mount Jambeyang) and Xianuoduoji (Mount Chanadorje). You will appreciate the most beautiful appearance of Xianuoduoji snow mountain like a powerful man!

Next, take the challenging 5 km’s hike for 3-3.5 hours up to the fabulous Milk Lake (4,600m) (horse riding is available to Milk Lake and needs extra payment) and marvel at the unbelievable charm of such a holy lake like a precious blue gem that even can move one to drop tears. Continue to walk another 0.5 hour to visit Five Color Lake (4,500m) 0.3 km away to savor the impressive sightseeing with beautiful snow rock mountain in white, grey, silver and chocolate, blue and green water, various alpine plantations, clear sky backdrop, etc. particularly like an world-class oil painting.

After the visiting, walk down and take the car and bus back to the entrance. And our guide and driver will send you back to your hotel at Shangri-La Town. Have a good rest!

Day 6 Yading Nature Reserve-Daocheng County

Sightseeing and Activities: Yading Nature Reserve (Chonggu Monastery – Chonggu Meadow – Pearl Lake)
Accommodation: Daocheng County
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Today after breakfast, go to Chonggu Monastery as the same way on Day 2 by sightseeing bus and hike. Have a stop at the temple to admire the sacred Gelug Buddhist temple architecture in white, red, yellow and black and learn the interesting story about the temple and Joseph Rock’s stop by. From such unbeatable location, you will easily take the excellent photo of the brilliant temple and the three pure white holy snow mountains. After some short walk, embrace the lovely Chonggu Meadow (4,020m) that can be paralleled with the fairyland on earth. Stroll on the vast grassland like a thick and soft carpet in yellow and green in each season. Play along the particularly appealing transparent chanting river with clearly visible little stones like countless grains of gold sank to the bottom. Do not miss the best angle to admire the Xianuoduoji snow mountain like a powerful man.

Then, continue to hike for 30 minutes to visit Pearl Lake (4,120m) that is super fascinating to admire the picturesque landscape of surrounding snow peaks, green and orange dense forest, iridescent prayer flags, and their dazzling reflection in the shimmering clear lake. Also, it is the best location to admire the holy Xiannairi snow mountain.

After the visiting, our guide and driver will send you to your hotel in Daocheng County (3,700m) and help you check in. Have a good rest!

Day 7 Daocheng County – Xiangcheng County-Derong County-Benzilan

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: Benzilan
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Departs at Daocheng early morning, pass Sangdui village to Xiangcheng along different plateau forest scenery and local tibetan villages. 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 Benzilan Town, a small town along the Jinsha River Valley.

Day 8 Benzilan – Baimang Snow Mountain-Feilaisi

Sightseeing and Activities: Baimang Snow Mountain, Moon Bend of Jinsha River, The Sunset View of Meili Snow Mountain
Accommodation: Feilaisi
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Drive from Benzilan to Feilaisi via Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, where you will be able to view Baima Snow Mountain if the weather is clear, pass the top part of today at 4292m altitude at 156km.

After traversing the 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.

Feilaisi is several km away from Deqin, it is the best place to see holy Mt.Meili. Mt. Meili is one of the most sacred mountains of Tibetan Buddhism. ‘Kang Karpo Peak’ means the God of Snow Mountain in Tibetan, and is a holy land for worshiping. Pilgrims from Tibet, Qinghai, Sichuan,and Gansu travel to the mountain at the beginning of each winter to worship. Thousands of devout pilgrims worship together and encircle the holy mountain, adding even more mystery and loftiness to the mountain.
Stay at Feilaisi.

Day 9 Feilaisi-Mingyong Glacier – Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities: the sunrise of Meili Snow Mountain, Lancang-Mekong Grand Canyon, Mingyong Glacier Park
Accommodation: Shangri La
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Try to get up early in the morning, enjoy the magic sunrise of Meili Snow Mountain. Then drive another 1.5-hour to Mingyong village, where you will walk on the trails for about 4km to Mingyong Glaciers of Meili Snow Mountain, walk another one your 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 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. Try to trek back to Feilaisi from the Lancang-Mekong River with a nice view of Meili Snow Mountain and Baima Snow Mountain.

Drive back to Shangri-La, have a nice experience of Yangtze River Grand Canyon, Baima Snow Mountain again on the way back.

Day 10 Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities: the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, Bita Lake & Shudu Lake, Tibetan Village
Accommodation: Shangri La
Meals: Breakfast and 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, but 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 drive to visit A Tibetan Village.

Day 11 Shangri-La  – Baishuitai – Tiger Leaping Gorge-Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: the Tiger Leaping Gorge, Baishuitai, The First Bend of Yangtze River,
Accommodation: Shangri La
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

In the morning, drive to visit Baishuitai. Baishuitai or Baishui Tableland, also named the White Water Terraces, is known as one of the most attractive destinations in mysterious Shangri-La and is an ancient Chinese landform with a history of 200,000 to 300,000 years. The main attraction in the area is a large, white mineral deposit in the form of terraced pools, formed by calcium-rich water emanating from springs at the top of the formation. It is described as the largest feature of its type in China.

Then drive to 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.

Day 12 Departure from Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Lijiang Departure
Accommodation: Home
Meals: Breakfast
You will be free to explore Lijiang.
See off.

Recommended Hotels

Destination	5 Star	4 Star	3 Star	Hostels
Lijiang	Lijiang Hilton Garden Inn	Wangfu Hotel	Baisha Holiday Resort	Local Hostel
Lugu Lake	Silver Lake Island Hotel	Shilili Hotel	Nverguo Hotel	Local Hostel
Daocheng	/	/	/	Local Hostel
Shangri-La	Shangri-La Hotel	Zhaxidele Hotel	Shenqu Hotel	Local Hostel

Service Included:

• Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
• Private English-speaking tour guide;
• Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
• Service charge & government taxes;
• Luggage transfers between airports and hotels.

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Chinese visa fees;
• Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
• Single room supplement;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel accident insurance;
• All optional programs.

Inquiry

Why is White Water Terrace (Baishuitai) So Special？

Baishuitai or Baishui Tableland, also named the White Water Terraces, is known as one of the most attractive destinations in mysterious Shangri-La and is an ancient Chinese landform with a history of 200,000 to 300,000 years. The main attraction in the area is a large, white mineral deposit in the form of terraced pools, formed by calcium-rich water emanating from springs at the top of the formation. It is described as the largest feature of its type in China. 

Where is White Water Terrace (Baishuitai) – Location

Covering an area of three square kilometers (about 741 acres), Baishuitai is located in the foothills of the Haba Snow Mountains, 101 kilometers (about 62 miles) southeast of the Shangri-la County. The specific location is Baidi Village, Sanbei Town, Shangri-La City, Yunnan.

Legend about White Water Terrace (Baishuitai)

Legend has it that the first saint of the Dongba Religion was attracted by the fascinating scenery of this place on his way back from studying Buddhist sutras at Tibet. So he settled down to preach Buddhism and the White Water Terraces became known as the Holy Land of the Dongba Religion. 

Another says that in order to make local Naxi people learn to cultivated land, two Gods made the pieces of terraces for them and there is a saying of “Terraced Fields Left by Immortals”.

History and Culture of White Water Terrace (Baishuitai)

As early as Tang and Song dynasties, Baishuitai has already become a famous tourist resort in western Yunnan.  In the north of the origin source stands a rock, on which a poem created by Mugao, a Naxi magistrate of Ming dynasty is inscribed. 

Baishuitai is called “Shi Bu Zhi” in Naxi language which means growing flower. It is the birthplace of the Dongba culture of the Naxi Minority Group. The terraces are associated with the founder of the local Dongba religion, and are credited with teaching the local Naxi minority people how to adapt the region’s hillsides for agriculture. As such they are an important local pilgrimage site, and there are several shrines in and around the terraces. Each year, on the eighth day of the second lunar month, the Naxi people will gather here to celebrate their traditional festival by singing and dancing all day and night. 

How to Get to White Water Terrace (Baishuitai)?

By Coach

At Shangrila Bus Station, there are two buses running to Baishuitai(Sanba Township)  in four hours individually in the morning and afternoon and there will be more shifts during holidays and Sundays. Tourists can get off at Baidi Village.

From Hutiaoxia Town, there is also one bus running to Baishuitai at 14:00 pm and arrive at Walnut Garden at 14:25 pm. The Tiger Leaping Gorge hikers can take the bus to Baishuitai.

By Car-rental

Renting a car to Baishuitai in Shangrila is also available. Yunnan Exploration Travel can provide this service for you.

What to See at White Water Terrace (Baishuitai)?

The main attraction in the area is a large, white mineral deposit 140m long and up to 160m wide in the form of terraced pools, formed by calcium-rich water emanating from springs at the top of the formation. It is described as the largest feature of its type in China. Spring water gushes down the crystal terrace like a white waterfall from the mountains summit, while the ever thickening sodium carbonate creates the impression of a marble sculpture, which makes a startling contrast to the green mountain. It were formed over thousands of years, just like terraced fields, layer upon layer, thus the name of Bai Shui Terraces.

Best Time to Go

From February to April and from September to November is the best time to visit White Water Terrace. Each year, on the eighth day of the second lunar month, the Naxi people will gather here to celebrate their traditional festival by singing and dancing all day and night. The scenery of the White Water Terrace is beautiful in spring, summer and autumn. Although the water quantity is not large in winter, it is glittering and translucent in the morning when the sun shines. While the summer is the rainy season with bad road condition, with debris flow and rockfall, so be caution.

Accommodate at White Water Terrace (Baishuitai)

The town near the entrance has several guesthouses which can provide accommodation and meals. You could also consider staying in the county seat or Hutiaoxia Town.

Nearby Attractions

Tiger Leaping Gorge

The Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest gorges with spectacular sceneries on the planet such as Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the west and Haba Snow Mountain to the east.

Haba Snow Mountain in Shangri-la, Diqing

Haba Snow Mountain is a mountain rising above the northwest side of Tiger Leaping Gorge in Yunnan, China. It rises opposite the higher Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and towers 3,500 metres above the upper reaches of the Yangtze River(Jinsha River). The summit of the mountain is a popular destination for amateur mountaineers and its lowest slopes are crossed by the popular Tiger Leaping Gorge trail. Its massif is considered the southernmost extent of the expansive Shaluli Mountains, themselves a component range of the Hengduan Mountains.

Pudacuo National Park in Shangri-la, Diqing

Being one of the most bio-diverse regions in China’s Yunnan Province, Pudacuo National Park is the first national park in Chinese mainland which was announced on June 25, 2007. With its crystal-clear lakes, undulating mountains and gurgling streams, Pudacuo National Park is definitely a wonderful natural wonderland. Among China’s 2,500 nature reserves, Pudacuo is the only one meets the standards for national parks established by The World Conservation Union. In addition to its rare vegetation and mammal species, the stunning natural beauty of landscape is unmissable for visitors as well.

Useful Travel Tips

► To protect the calcification spectacle, please do not tread on them.

► Tiger leaping gorge (lower section) is on the way from Baishuitai to Shangrila, you can visit by the way.

►Every eighth day of the lunar calendar is the best time to visit Baishuitai for the sacrificial activity.

Tours including White Water Terrace (Baishuitai)

5 Days Haba Snow Mountain Climbing Adventure (Camping at 4800M) with Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour

7 Days Lijiang and Shangrila Paradise Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Adventure

10 Days Shangri-La Hiking Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge and Niru Alpine Pasture

12 Days Lijiang and Shangri-La Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour with Haba Snow Mountain Climbing and Baoshan Stone Town

14 Days Yunnan Cycling Tour from Shangrila to Lijiang and Dali

15 Days Three Parallel Rivers Overland Adventure with Dulongjiang River Valley and Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking

This 14 days Kunming-Dali-Lijiang-Shangri-La Cycling Tour will take you to experience the Tea Horse Trade Caravan including the Erhai Lake, Shaxi Old Town, Dali Old Town, Lijiang Old Town, Shuhe Old Town, etc. Between Lijiang and Shangri-La, you will visit Tiger Leaping Gorge and the First Bend of Yangtze River. The bend is a powerful spot with the whole of the Yangzi River confined to a 20- meter (70-foot) width. You also will experience Shangri-la high plateau and visit Songzanlin Monastery, Napahai Lake and Tibetan villages.

Tour Map

Inquiry

Brief Itinerary

• Day 1: Kunming Arrival
• Day 2: Kunming
• Day 3: Kunming – Dali
• Day 4: Dali – Shuanglang
• Day 5: Shuanglang – Eryuan
• Day 6: Eryuan – Shaxi
• Day 7: Shaxi – Shangri-la
• Day 8: Shangri-la
• Day 9: Shangrila-la – Baishuitai
• Day 10: Baishuitai – Tiger Leaping Gorge
• Day 11: Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking
• Day 12: Tiger Leaping Gorge – Lijiang
• Day 13: Lijiang
• Day 14: Lijiang Departure

Detailed Itinerary

In the morning, drive to Xilianpen Pass (洗脸盆哑口/3700 Meters) and ride to visit Baishuitai. We begin with a short transfer out of town, passing through arid plateau on towards Pudacuo National Park where to start the day’s cycling. We set off on the bikes with a downhill stretch on good road and continue during the day to cycle a series of valleys and mountains through a changing rural scenery gradually descending to the village of Baishuitai.

We set off today with a few gentle hills before challenging a more serious climb. Once we reach the top of the pass we will have views of the magnificent Haba Mountain peaks. The highest point is at a dizzying 5,396m. With alpine moraine lake, endless clusters of azalea and waterfalls cascading down snow-covered cliffs, the glacier on the Haba Snow Mountain is the southmost glacier in China. We make a short descent into Haba Village, whose resident minorities include Naxi, Hui (Muslim) and Yi peoples, as well as a few Tibetans.

This afternoon we climb to our next pass then cycle down into the Yangtze River Valley. At the village of Yonke we turn into the legendary Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest ravines. Cutting its path between Haba Mountain and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain your surroundings will be as dramatic as the place names suggest.

Today will be a very relax day in middle Tiger Leaping Gorge. You will spend your half day trekking and half day free in the gorge. After breakfast, trek from Tina’s Guesthouse up to Bendiwan Village, you will visit Guanyin Waterfalls, Bamboo Forest, Guanyin Temple, Wuzhishan (Five Fingers) Mountain, Dashengou Waterfalls, Sheshen Cliffs, Qianyan Stone House.

Have lunch in Halfway Guesthouse in Bendiwan Village. Halfway Guesthouse is the best position to enjoy the Tiger Leaping Gorge and the thirteen peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. After lunch, trek about one hour down to the road and your driver will pick you up and transfer back to Tina’s Guesthouse. You will be free in the afternoon and explore the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge by yourself.

Ride along the Jinsha River to the lower part of the Tiger Leaping Gorge. You will arrive at HaLong Meng Guesthouse and have a panoramic view of Daju Town in Xincun Village. Take the bike down to Jinsha River and take the boat to Daju Town from Daju New Ferry.

Service Included:

• Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
• Private English-speaking tour guide;
• Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
• Service charge & government taxes;
• Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
• Domestic train tickets of soft sleeper.

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Chinese visa fees;
• Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
• Single room supplement;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel accident insurance;
• All optional programs.

Inquiry

Brief Introduction

He Zhiben(和志本), Naxi ethnic minority, born in 1928, is a native of Baidi village(白地村) of Gudu Nature village(古都自然村), Sanba township(三坝乡), Shangri-la(香格里拉市), Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture(迪庆藏族自治州), who is the inheritor of Naxi handmade paper-making.

Career

Under the guidance of his uncle Ke Heng(柯恒), He Zhiben studied Dongba classics and paper making and learned to paint divine discription,  road map of god and wooden card painting when he was 12 years old. He is the sixth successor of Dongba culture in his family. In 1983, he was invited to attend the Lijiang Dongba Culture Symposium(丽江东巴文化座谈会), and decided to pick up his pen and  tools of making paper again.

Under the guidance of his uncle Ke Heng, He Zhiben studied Dongba classics and paper making and learned to paint divine discription(神画),  road map of god（神路图） and wooden card painting（木牌画） when he was 12 years old. He is the sixth successor of Dongba culture in his family. He Zhiben is versatile and proficient in classics. He is also good at calligraphy and painting, ritual, shaping, carving and divination. His “divine discription”, “road map of god ” and “wooden card painting” are praised by experts and scholars.  This kind of expression, which reflects the wisdom of the Naxi ancestors, has deeply attracted scholars at home and abroad. Many of his works are collected by Japanese, American, Italian, French, Thailand, British, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan friends.

Achievements

With 60 years of practical experience in papermaking, He Zhiben is recognized as the inheritor of Dongba classics, papermaking, road map of god and wooden painting.   In 2002, he was named as “senior folk artist” by Yunnan Provincial Culture Department(云南省文化厅) and Yunnan Provincial Ethnic Affairs Committee(云南省民族事务委员会). In recent years, he has also been employed as a teacher of Shengling Dongba Culture School with 12 apprentices.

http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-13110-2530.html

Translated by Bella Ren/任新月

Reproductive worship holds a prominent place in the Naxi people’s (纳西族) primitive religious beliefs. This practice places significant emphasis on and reverence for the male and female reproductive organs. The Naxi people believe that pregnancy and childbirth are controlled by supernatural life-and-death deities. As a result, they view natural objects resembling reproductive organs—such as ravines, valleys, hilltops, caves, springs, and stalactites—as representations of these sacred deities. These natural elements are anthropomorphized and worshipped as reproductive gods and their organs.

Symbolism in Naxi Religion

Dongba Religion (东巴教)

Dongba religion contains specific symbols for male and female reproductive organs. This religion uses unique characters to represent the organs, as well as symbols for sexual intercourse. Dongba religion is known for its veneration of gods who are responsible for reproduction and fertility, with several gods linked to the creation and preservation of life.

Locations of Naxi Reproductive Worship

Worship of Female Reproductive Deities

Survey data reveals numerous reproductive worship sites across various Naxi communities. Female reproductive worship is especially common, with several notable sites dedicated to fertility and procreation.

1. Bai Di (白地) in Zhongdian (中甸): The Naxi people of Bai Di worship a lava formation that resembles the female reproductive organs. The formation is believed to hold sacred powers linked to fertility and childbirth.

2. Rao Ming Village (饶明村) in Daju Township (大具乡), Lijiang (丽江): In this village, the Naxi people view a cave on a nearby mountain as a symbol of the female reproductive organ, associating it with fertility and female power.

3. Jinjiang Township (金江乡), Lijiang (丽江): The Naxi people of Jinjiang worship a stalactite inside a cave, which resembles the shape of a woman’s body. This natural formation is treated as a deity representing fertility, and women seeking to conceive perform rituals involving incense and prayer.

4. Gebu Mountain (格姆山) in Yongning (永宁): The Naxi of Yongning worship the mountain god of Gebu Mountain, which is closely associated with reproductive powers. The worship of nature as a fertility deity is a vital part of their spiritual practices.

5. Lugu Lake (泸沽湖): In the western part of Lugu Lake, the Naxi people venerate a water source believed to have reproductive significance, where rituals are performed by women hoping to conceive.

6. Lazi Cave (喇孜岩洞) in Muli County (木里县): The Naxi people of Muli worship a concave stalactite in a cave, which is thought to represent the female reproductive organs, offering blessings to those seeking fertility.

Worship of Male Reproductive Deities

Male reproductive worship also plays an important role in Naxi religious practices, with several sites dedicated to male fertility symbols.

1. Dapo Village (达坡村) near Yongning (永宁): The Naxi people view a hill near Dapo Village as a symbol of the male reproductive organ, associated with virility and strength.

2. Kawa Village (卡瓦村) in Eya Township (俄亚乡), Muli County (木里县): In this village, a protruding stalactite within a cave is revered as a symbol of male fertility, believed to hold divine power over masculinity and procreation.

3. Ge Mu Mountain (格姆山) in Zuo Suo (左所区), Yanyuan County (盐源县): The Naxi worship a stone slab on Ge Mu Mountain as a male reproductive organ, with two round stones nearby considered to symbolize testicles. This site plays an essential role in fertility rituals.

Fertility Rituals and Worship Practices

Rituals at Worship Sites

Both male and female members of the Naxi community, especially infertile women, frequently visit reproductive worship sites to perform rituals. These rituals include lighting incense, bowing, and praying for fertility. Some worshippers engage in more intimate practices, such as removing their clothing to physically connect with the objects of worship. This practice is believed to enhance the chances of conception and receive divine blessings for fertility.

Animal Sacrifice and Religious Ceremonies

In some areas, the Dongba priests are invited to perform rituals and chant sacred texts after the sacrifice of animals. These ceremonies are intended to invoke the gods’ blessings, particularly for women who are seeking to bear children. The rituals can also involve chanting, prayers, and offerings of food and incense to honor the deities.

Bai Shui Tai (白水台) in Shangri-La

The Sacred Site of Bai Shui Tai

In Shangri-La’s Sanba Township (三坝乡), the Bai Shui Tai (白水台) area holds great significance for the Naxi people. The formation here bears a striking resemblance to female genitalia, and the site is considered the most powerful location for praying for children. It is believed that those who visit Bai Shui Tai with a sincere heart will receive divine blessings of fertility. The site sees visitors almost every day, with many couples, especially those struggling with infertility, making pilgrimages to perform rituals and offer prayers for a child.

Reproductive worship in the Naxi culture is deeply intertwined with their beliefs about fertility, creation, and the natural world. Sacred sites dedicated to both male and female reproductive organs are found throughout Naxi communities, and they remain important centers for religious rituals and practices. These customs reflect a profound respect for nature’s life-giving powers and the Naxi people’s spiritual connection to their surroundings.

Cycling through Yunnan from Shangri-La to Baishuitai, Tiger Leaping Gorge, and Lijiang offers breathtaking landscapes, cultural encounters, and challenging routes. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan your journey:

Route Overview:

1. Shangri-La to Baishuitai: Approx. 100 km
2. Baishuitai to Tiger Leaping Gorge: Approx. 70 km
3. Tiger Leaping Gorge to Lijiang: Approx. 90 km

Day-by-Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Shangri-La to Baishuitai

Distance: ~100 km
Elevation Gain: Moderate to High

1. Start in Shangri-La: Begin your journey early in the morning. Shangri-La, also known as Zhongdian, sits at an altitude of about 3,200 meters, so ensure you’re acclimated before starting.
2. Route: Head southeast from Shangri-La on the G214 highway. The road winds through picturesque valleys and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
3. Baishuitai: Arrive in Baishuitai, known for its beautiful terraced limestone formations. It’s a peaceful spot to rest and enjoy the natural beauty.

Day 2: Baishuitai to Tiger Leaping Gorge

Distance: ~70 km
Elevation Gain: Moderate with some steep sections

1. Leave Baishuitai: Continue your journey early in the morning to avoid the afternoon heat.
2. Route: Continue south on the G214 highway. The road takes you through scenic landscapes and small villages, providing a glimpse into the local life.
3. Tiger Leaping Gorge: Arrive at Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world. You can choose to stay in one of the guesthouses in the area and explore the gorge by foot if you have time and energy.

Day 3: Tiger Leaping Gorge to Lijiang

Distance: ~90 km
Elevation Gain: Moderate

1. Depart from Tiger Leaping Gorge: Start early to make the most of your day.
2. Route: Continue on the G214 highway towards Lijiang. The road offers stunning views as you descend into the valley. You’ll pass through villages and farmlands, with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain looming in the distance.
3. Arrive in Lijiang: Reach Lijiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved ancient town and rich Naxi culture.

Essential Tips:

1. Acclimatization: Spend a couple of days in Shangri-La to acclimate to the high altitude.
2. Bike Maintenance: Ensure your bike is in good condition, with extra tubes, a pump, and essential tools.
3. Hydration and Nutrition: Carry enough water and high-energy snacks. There are limited places to buy supplies on some stretches.
4. Weather: Be prepared for sudden weather changes, especially at higher altitudes. Pack layers and rain gear.
5. Accommodation: Book accommodations in advance, especially in popular areas like Tiger Leaping Gorge and Lijiang.
6. Local Knowledge: Learn a few phrases in Mandarin or the local language, and carry a map or GPS device.
7. Safety: Inform someone about your route and expected arrival times. Carry a basic first-aid kit.

Highlights:

• Shangri-La: Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park
• Baishuitai: Limestone terraces, tranquil environment
• Tiger Leaping Gorge: Hiking trails, dramatic landscapes
• Lijiang: Lijiang Old Town, Naxi culture, Mu Family Mansion

This cycling route through Yunnan combines adventure with cultural exploration, offering an unforgettable journey through one of China’s most beautiful provinces. Enjoy the ride!

This 20 Days Yunnan ethnic minority tour focuses on most famous cities and classic attractions in Yunnan Province and you will meet many ethnic groups to experience their culture and life during the tour. 

• Appreciate the fabulous Yunnan natural scenery.
• Meet colorful ethnic villages and tribal groups to appreciate the diverse ethnic cultures.
• Visit anacient towns, historical heritage and ancient villages to discover the mysterious history of Yunnan.

Inquiry

Brief Itinerary

• Day 1 Arrive in Mangshi City
• Day 2 Mangshi-Ruili
• Day 3 Ruili-Longchuan-Yingjiang-Lianghe-Tengchong
• Day 4 Tengchong
• Day 5 Tengchong-Liuku
• Day 6 Liuku-Gongshan
• Day 7 Gongshan-Binglzhongluo
• Day 8 Bingzhongluo
• Day 9 Bingzhongluo-Biluo Snow Mountain-Cizhong
• Day 10 Cizhong-Yanmen-Meili Snow Mountain-Feilaisi
• Day 11 Feilaisi-Shangri-La
• Day 12 Shangri-La
• Day 13 Shangri-La – Baishuitai – Tiger Leaping Gorge
• Day 14Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shigu Town-Lijiang
• Day 15 Lijiang
• Day 16 Lijiang – Shaxi-Dali
• Day 17 Dali
• Day 18 Dali-Yunnanyi-Chuxiong-Kunming
• Day 19 Kunming
• Day 20 Departure from Kunming

Google Map

 

In the morning, visit Tengchong Cluster of Volcanoes. It is located in Tengchong and Lianghe County in the southwest of Yunnan Province. It is one of the four major volcanoes in China and has 97 volcanoes. The entire volcanic group covers an area of 221.36 square kilometers. The special geological structure has formed the unique volcanic landform, covering volcanic cones, volcanic caves, lava fields, volcanic lakes, dammed waterfalls etc. The volcanoes group is fantastic in terms of the large scale, diversity, integrity and good preservation. It enjoys high scientific research and ornamental value, and is known as the “Volcanic Geology Museum”.

After that, drive to Liuku for overnight. On the way, enjoy the scenery of Nujiang River and visit Nujiang River Bridge.

Day 6 Liuku-Gongshan

Sightseeing and Activities: Nujiang Grand Canyon, Flying Stones, Stone Moon
Accommodation:Gongshan
Meals:B,L

Drive from Liuku to Gongshan. On the way you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Nujiang Grand Canyon with the Flying Stones and the Stone Moon.

The 247-kilometer-long Nujiang River Gorge is flanked by two 4,000-meter-high mountains. The mountain peaks on the two sides have an average altitude of over 3,000 kilometers. The gorge is located in Yunnan Province in southwestern China, an area rich in ethnic minority culture. It is now a first choice for many domestic and foreign travelers.

Day 7 Gongshan-Bingzhongluo

Sightseeing and Activities: First Bend of Nujiang River(Salween River), the stone house of the Nu Nationality, Peach Island, the Tibetan Puhua Temple
Accommodation:Bingluozhong
Meals:B,L

One full day excursion to Bingzhongluo, sightseeing includes the First Bend of Nujiang River(Salween River), the stone house of the Nu Nationality, Peach Island, the Tibetan Puhua Temple. You will then have the chance to visit a minority household and experience the life of the local people.

Day 8 Bingzhongluo

Sightseeing and Activities: Ethnic village, Tea-Horse Caravan Route, Zhongding Catholic  Church
Accommodation:Bingluozhong
Meals:B,L

There are easy and beautiful walks to nearby villages along the Nujiang. A few kilometers outside of town, the river widens and cuts through very deep and dramatic gorges. The road hugs the Nujiang and landslides occur from time to time along the way. It is said that the scenery is especially spectacular after rain, however this also increases potential delays and exacerbates the danger from landslides.

The most beautiful part of Nujiang Gorge starts from Binzhongluo, the northernmost town of the Gorge, where the essential attractions of the Nujiang Gorge are located. Hiking is the best way to enjoy the landscape and an average of 2.5 hours is needed for most tourists to reach the famous “Tea Horse Caravan Route.” Renting a mini bus at Bingzhongluo town is an alternative for the less adventurous sightseers.

On the way to the “Tea-Horse Caravan Route”, you can see the 100-year-old Zhongding Catholic Church built and founded by a French missionary. Shimen Pass is another fantastic section of the gorge along with Wengli (also called Wuli), another stunning landscape lying on a beautiful slope along the river bank. Very near to the Wengli, a carved path is seen on the other bank cliff, so-called “Tea-Horse Caravan Route”, a path used by traders ferrying their goods between Yunnan and Tibet. At the end of the trekking road, an old hanging bridge and a new bridge swing side-by-side.

Day 9 Bingzhongluo-Biluo Snow Mountain-Cizhong

Sightseeing and Activities: Biluo Snow Mountain, Cizhong Church
Accommodation:Cizhong
Meals:B,L

Drive from Bingzhongluo to Cizhong. You will drive along Degong Road and pass through Biluo Snow Mountain and enjoy the mountain scenery.

After arrived at Cizhong, visit the Tibetan Catholic Church built by French missionaries in 1867, the church is used by Tibetan, Naxi and Lisu people. They still have the grapes planted by missionaries and old the traditional way of making wine.

Day 10 Cizhong-Meili Snow Mountain-Feilaisi

Sightseeing and Activities:   Feilaisi, Meili Snow Mountain, Mingyong Glacier
Accommodation: Feilaisi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Drive along Lancang River to Mingyong Village. Visit Mingyong Glacier (2600m) which is the low altitude glacier of the lowest latitude in the world. 

Arrive at Feilaisi in the late afternoon, you will have a nice sunset view of Meili Snow Mountain from the Sightseeing Platform, where you can see the 13 white pagodas meaning of the 13 peaks of Meili Snow Mountain over 6,000 meters (19,685 feet) above sea level, known as the “Prince’s 13 peaks”.

–Meili Snow Mountain (Meili Xueshan), also called Kawakarpo, is a UNESCO nature site located in Deqin County dividing Yunnan from Tibet, a wonderful place to hike and explore both nature and Tibetan culture.Rising between the Salween River and the Mekong River in the extreme edge of Northwest Yunnan, the Meili Snow Mt. region is part of Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas. Legend says that the Meili Snow Mountain is a god guarding Tibetan Buddhism. With 13 peaks over 6000m in the range, the main peak Kawakarpo (“Kawagebo” in Chinese) is a sharp snow mountain with an altitude of 6740m,which has never been conquered yet.

–Lancang River is the longest river flowing from north to south in China. It takes its source from the Zhaqu of the Guangguori Peak of Tanggula Mountain Range in Qinghai Province, China. It is called the Lancang River after it reaches Changdu. The river runs south until it leaves China at the Nanla Bay out of Yunnan Province and therefrom changes its name from the Lancang River to the Mekong River. The Grand Canyon of the Lancang River is famous for not only its deep and long vale, but also the rushing water. The river water is limpid and rushing in winter, but turbid and onrushing in summer. As the river becoming narrow in the Grand Canyon, high waves are striking against the banks and making a sound like thunder. What a fantastic spectacle! Such steep mountains, deep valley and miraculous geographic structure are seldom seen all over the world.

Day 11 Feilaisi-Shangrila

Sightseeing and Activities: Benzilan, Baimang Snow Mountain Nature Reserve, the First Bend of Jinsha River or Moon Bend
Accommodation: Shangrila
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

In the morning, drive back to Shangri-la. You will stop at Benzilan for lunch. Visit 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 at 156km. After that, visit the First Bend of Jinsha River or Moon Bend, which is the boundary between Sichuan and Yunnan. This is different from the First Bend of Yangtze River in Lijiang City. The bend in Shigu Town changes the flow direction of the Yangtze River but in Benzilan, the Moon Bend is just a grand bend between the mountains with an impressive scenery. 

Day 12 Shangrila

Sightseeing and Activities: Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park, Shudu Lake, Tibet Family
Accommodation: Shangrila
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. Walk around Songzanlin Monastery.

At noon, you will visit a Tibetan’s family to experience the local life and you will try Tibetan home-made yak and cheese.

And afterwards you’ll 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.

Day 13 Shangrila-Baishuitai-Tiger Leaping Gorge

Sightseeing and Activities: Baishuitai, Tiger Leaping Gorge
Accommodation: Tiger Leaping Gorge
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

In the morning, drive to visit Baishuitai. Baishuitai or Baishui Tableland, also named the White Water Terraces, is known as one of the most attractive destinations in mysterious Shangri-La and is an ancient Chinese landform with a history of 200,000 to 300,000 years. The main attraction in the area is a large, white mineral deposit in the form of terraced pools, formed by calcium-rich water emanating from springs at the top of the formation. It is described as the largest feature of its type in China.

Then drive to 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.

Day 14 Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shigu-Lijiang

Sightseeing and Activities: Shigu, Lijiang Ancient Town, Mufu Palace, Sifang Street Square
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

In the morning, drive 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.   

In the afternoon, drive to Lijiang. You’ll start a memorable tour from Lijiang Ancient Town (Dayan Ancient Town). Pay a visit 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. Then, wander through the old alleys, old bridges, featured shops and bars to Sifang Street Square, a mingling ground to enjoy lively atmosphere and unwind yourself. 

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 sightseeig 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 around1 hours in the original forest in Spruce Meadow (3200M).

After lunch, you will enjoy the Impression Lijang Ethnic Show directed in Ganhaizi Meadow(3100M). A cultural show demonstrating the traditions and lifestyles of the Naxi, Yi and Bai peoples of the area. The show takes place inside Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Park at 3500m in an outdoor theater specifically designed to showcase the mountain which is used as a backdrop. The production itself was designed by Zhang Yimou, Fan Yue and Wang Chaoge, a cast of over 500 people, and a number of horses. In the afternoon, you’ll stroll through Baisha Village, which is an enchanting traditional Yunnan village. Visit the Baisha Mural about 600 years old, which is one part of the World Cultural Heritage by the UNESCO 1997.

Morning , pick up from your hotel in Lijiang , drive to visit Shibaoshan Mountain. Located 25 km southwest of Jianchuan County, the Shibao (Stone Treasure) Hills are also called the Shizhong (Stone Bell) Hills. Built during the Tang and Song Dynasties, it is considered an official historical site.

Later go ahead to visit Shaxi Old Town The remains of an ancient market town and once an active trade stop on the Southern Silk Road that connected Tibet and China with Southeast Asia and on to Europe. This Road is actually older than the more famous Silk Road (in the North), predating it by at least 300 years. Shaxi has been listed by the World Monuments Fund as one of the world’s 100 most endangered sites. 

After the tour , drive to Dali. Visit Dali Old 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 17 Dali

Sightseeing and Activities: Three Pagodas in Chongshen Monastery,cruise in Erhai Lake,  Xizhou Town, Xizhou Town, 
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

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.

After landing, 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. 

Day 18 Dali-Yunnanyi-Chuxiong-Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities: Yunnanyi Old Town, Yiren Old Town
Accommodation: Kunming
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch 

Drive from Dali to Yunnanyi. Yunnanyi is located in Xiangyun County of Dali Prefecture, about four hours’ drive from Kunming. As the earliest place named Yunnan(the place to the south of the colorful cloud), Yunnanyi is the former site of Yunnan County of West Han Dynasty and Yunnan Prefecture of Wei and Jin Dynasties; in the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties, Yizhan (remount or post stations) were set here, so it is named Yunnan Yi. Due to its significant geographic location, Yunnan Yi used to be a must-take position since it can connect Dali, Chengdu, Kunming, South and West Yunnan; a time-honored ancient passage stretches through the small village with well conserved folk residences of Bai.

After lunch, drive to Yi Ren Old Town in Chuxiong City. The Yi Ren old town located at the west of Chuxiong economic development zone, Yunnan. And it is fuses both China and Yi minority national traditional culture as the main key of the antique construction. With fully Yi national minority’s characteristic the entire old town selects material from Yi national minority’s modeling, totem and the color. 

In the afternoon, drive to Kunming for overnight. 

Day 19 Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities: Stone Forest, Birds and Flowers Market, Green Lake
Accommodation:Kunming
Meals: B, L

Drive about 85km 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.

In the afternoon, drive back to Kunming to visit Birds and Flowers Market. After that, stroll around the Green Lake, and enjoy local dancing and music.

Day 20 Departure from Kunming

Sightseeing and Activities: Depart from Kunming
Accommodation:none
Meals: Breakfast

Depart from Kunming. Service ends.

Service Included:

• Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
• Private English-speaking tour guide;
• Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
• Service charge & government taxes;
• Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;.

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Chinese visa fees;
• Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
• Single room supplement;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel accident insurance;
• All optional programs.

Inquiry

Haba Snow Mountain stands by the Jinsha River, 120KM southeast of Shangri-La, with its main peak of 5,396m. The glacier on the Haba Snow Mountain is the southmost glacier in China. The highlight of this tour is to hike to the summit of Haba Snow Mountain, which takes 2.5~3 days at pace for ascent and descent and requires spending nights on the mountain. Futhermore, you will also enjoy the top attractions of Lijiang and Shangri-La.

Inquiry

Brief Itinerary

• Day 1: Lijiang Arrival
• Day 2: Lijiang
• Day 3: Lijiang-Baoshan Stone Town
• Day 4: Baoshan Stone Town-Daju Town
• Day 5: Daju Town-Bendiwan Village
• Day 6: Bendiwan Village-Haba Village
• Day 7: Haba Village-BC of Haba Snow Mountain
• Day 8: BC-Base Camp
• Day 9: Base Camp-Camp 2 – Haba Village
• Day 10: Haba Village-Shangri-La
• Day 11: Shangri-La
• Day 12: Departure from Shangri-La

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

After lunch, drive to visit Baisha Old Town, which is an enchanting traditional Naxi style old town. 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.

Afterwards, drive back to the hotel in the late afternoon. Service ends.

Pick you up at your hotel in Lijiang downtown. Drive to visit the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Mountain) is the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. Consisting of 13 peaks, among which Shanzidou is the highest with an altitude of 5,600 meters (18,360 feet), the mountain stretches a length of 35 kilometers (22 miles) and a width of 20 kilometers (13 miles). Looking from Lijiang Old Town in the south which is 15 kilometers (nine miles) away, the snow-covered and fog-enlaced mountain resembles a jade dragon lying in the clouds, hence the name.

Then drive to Baoshan Stone Town . Visit local people and stay overnight in guesthouse. 

After breakfast in Daju Town, walk down to Jinsha River; take the boat to the other side of Yangtze River from the Daju New Ferry. Hike along the road from Xincun Village of the Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge to the Middle Part and visit the Walnut Grove Garden Village on the way. 

Arrive at the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge at noon and enjoy the lunch in Tina’s Hostel. Continue the hiking tour up to the Haba Snow Mountain, visit the Bamboo Forest, the Flying Cliff, Guanyin Temple; Arrive at Bendiwan Village stay at Halfway Hostel. You also will enjoy a fantastic view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Tiger Leaping Gorge from Halfway Guesthouse.

After breakfast, drive from Haba Village to visit Baishuitai Terraces. Baishuitai is located in Baidi Village, Sanba Township, southeast of Shangri-La City. It is 101 kilometers away from Shangri-La and 2,380 meters above sea level. It is the birthplace of the Dongba Religion of Naxi people. Looking in the distance, Baishuitai hidden in the green hills is really like terraced fields. Under the sunshine, it is like a frozen waterfall in a photograph. A foot on the white stone steps, there is a cool feeling that can not be spoken out.

Then, drive to Shangri-La. Enjoy the rest time of the day in Dukezong Old Town where you can see a big pray wheel about 10 meters high and the local house. In the evening, people will gather at here to dance Guochuang Tibetan dancing. During Yifeng, Tiaolu periods of the Tang Dynasty, Tubo government established a stockade village here, named “Dukezhong” meaning City of Moonlight, in addition, another stockaded village called “Likezhong” meaning City of Sunlight was built at the edge of opposite Naizi River. 

Recommended Hotels

Destination	5 Star	4 Star	3 Star	Hostels
Lijiang	InterContinental Hotels Group	E-outfitting Hotel Group	Liwang Hotel	Lijiang Ecolife Hostel
Shangri-La	Shangri-La Hotel	Zhaxidele Hotel	Shenqu Hotel	Wu Fu South Yunnan Boutique Inn
Baoshan Stone Town	/	/	/	Longhu Hotel
Bendiwan Village	/	/	/	Yunjin Inn
Daju Town	/	/	/	Local Guesthouse
Haba Village	/	/	/	LijiangYoupin Haba Snow Mountain

Service Included:

• Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
• Meals as listed in the itinerary;
• Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
• Private English-speaking tour guide;
• Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
• Service charge & government taxes;
• Luggage transfers between airports and hotels.

Service Excluded:

• Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
• Chinese visa fees;
• Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
• Single room supplement;
• Tips to guides and drivers;
• Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
• Personal travel accident insurance;
• All optional programs.

Inquiry

All Haba Snow Mountain Climbing and Hiking Tours

4 Days Haba Snow Mountain Climbing Adventure with Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour
5 Days Haba Snow Mountain Climbing  (Camping at 4800M) with Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour
5 Days Haba Snow Mountain Flowers Hiking Tour with Black Lake and Yellow Lake
5 Days Haba Snow Mountain Circumambulation Hiking Tour  (Finishing in North Slope)
5 Days Haba Snow Mountain Circumambulation Hiking Tour  (Finishing in Qiaotou Town)
6 Days Haba Snow Mountain Summit Climbing Tour with Haba Circumambulation Trekking
7 Days Haba Snow Mountain Circumambulation Hiking and Climbing Tour
7 Days Haba Snow Mountain Climbing Tour and Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking
9 Days Lijiang and Shangrila Adventure Tour with Haba Snow Mountain(5396M) Climbing
11 Days Yunnan Classic Tour with Haba Snow Mountain (5396M) Climbing Adventure
12 Days Lijiang and Shangri-La Adventure with Haba Snow Mountain Climbing and Baoshan Stone Town
13 Days Best Yunnan Flowers Trip to Snow Mountains between May and June

The Most Popular Hiking Tours of Tiger Leaping Gorge

1 Day Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour (Lijiang Part)
1 Day The Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour (Shangri-La Part)
1 Day Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking Group Tour (Finishing in Lijiang or Shangri-La)
1 Day Tiger Leaping Gorge Highlight Hiking Tour from Bendiwan Village to Tina’s Hostel
2 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Group Tour (Back to Lijiang from Hetaoyuan Village)
2 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking Tour with Daju Town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
3 Days The First Bend of Yangtze River Rafting and Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour
3 Days Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour From Qiaotou Town to Haba Village
4 Days Haba Snow Mountain Climbing Adventure with Tiger Leaping Gorge Tour
5 Days Lijiang City Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Adventure
6 Days Lijiang Hiking Tour around Tiger Leaping Gorge and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
7 Days Lijiang and Shangri-La Paradise Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Adventure
9 Days Kunming Dali Lijiang and Shangri-La Classic Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Adventure

Location

Baidi Village (白地村), the administrative center of Sanba Naxi Ethnic Township (三坝纳西族乡), is located:

• 102km from Shangri-La City (香格里拉市)
• At 2,300m elevation
• Northern foothills of Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山)
• Birthplace of Naxi Dongba culture

Ethnic Culture & Traditions

Naxi Papermaking (纳西族手工造纸技艺):

• Known as Baidi Paper (白地纸)
• Recognized as Yunnan Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage (2009)
• Vital component of Dongba culture

Hemp Weaving (纳西族传统纺麻技艺):

• Ancient craft with symbolic patterns
• Rich cultural significance

Festivals & Rituals

Pilgrimage to White Water (朝白水):

• Annual event on 8th day, 2nd lunar month
• Harvest prayers at White Water Terraces (白水台)

Dongba Ceremonies:

• Heaven worship
• Dragon deity rituals
• Reflect nature reverence

Architectural Heritage

• Well-preserved Naxi dwellings
• Traditional log cabin structures (井干式)
• Listed in China’s Traditional Villages (2013)

Key Attractions

White Water Terraces (白水台):

• China’s largest cold spring travertine formation
• Called “Immortal’s Rice Terraces”
• Sacred Dongba culture origin site

Aming Sacred Cave (阿明灵洞):

• Features Dongba pictographs
• Ancient cliff carvings

Naxi Homestays:

• Authentic cultural experiences

Transportation

By Car:

• 2-hour drive (102km) via National Highway 214 (214国道)

Public Transport:

• Bus from Shangri-La Bus Station (香格里拉客运站)
• Local taxi/motorcycle transfer

This Naxi cultural heartland offers unparalleled opportunities to experience authentic ethnic traditions amidst spectacular natural scenery, making it an essential destination in Shangri-La (香格里拉) region.