River rafting could be a very exciting experience in a foreign country. A rafting on Yangtze River makes the tour more interesting and special. The Great Bend of the Yangtze River makes a hairpin turn through a remarkable 10,000-foot-deep gorge (almost twice as deep as the Grand Canyon!). We will have a spectacular whitewater experience after we run 120 miles of the great bend with rapids about a dozen Class IV. And we will transfer to visit Tiger Leaping Gorge after rafting tour.
Highlights:
- Have a nice rafting experience from Tacheng to Qiaotou Town.
- Visit the upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Lijiang-Tacheng-Judian Town
- Day 2: Judian Town-Zhongxin-Shigu town
Google Map
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Lijiang-Tacheng-Judian Town
Sightseeing and Activities:Naxi ethnic villages, Jinsha (Gold Sand) River rafting
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
It is 140 km from Lijiang to Tacheng. You will have 4 hours driving along the beautiful Jinsha (Gold Sand) River, which is the upper reach of Yangtze River in Lijiang. Drive through Shigu Town, Zhongxing Town, Judian Town, Shangjiang Town with some Naxi ethnic villages on the way. You will have lunch in Juxian Restaurant(a clean restaurant and best food) with local flavour in Judian Town. You will meet the local bazaar if you are lucky, it just happened in every 5th and 10th of the traditional Chinese calendar.
After lunch, continue the drive to Tacheng Town. Unload the floating equipment including tent, sleeping bag, water-proof bag, fridge, paddles, LPG container, gas cooker, life jacket and so on. You will start the rafting after inflating the drifting boat. The most beautiful part of the rafting today is the Jigong(Rooster) Stone Islet located in the middle of Jinsha River in Shangjiang Town. Seen from a far, you will find there is a sharp peak which looks like a flying rooster, hence the name of Rooster Stone Islet. The Jinsha River is divided into two parts by the Rooster Stone Islet in the middle. Here is the most exciting rafting part of your trip because of the rapids, whirlpools and waves at the foot of the Rooster Stone Islet. After 4 hours rafting, you will build the camp for overnight in the beach island near the Judian Town.
Day 2 Judian-Zhongxing-Shigu Town
Sightseeing and Activities:Jinsha River-the upper Yangtze River rafting
Accommodation: Camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Get up in the early morning, enjoy the sunrise of the Jinsha River with green mountain ranges. After breakfast, continue the rafting trip to Zhongxing Town. Today is a special rafting, you will raft through some islands in the middle of Jinsha River with some green willows and cows in the islands as well as you will find some farmers are fishing in the river with small canoes. Especially, you will find some children swimming in the river without underwear. If they find you are coming from a far, they will be very shy and hide in the willows or they will swim very fast as a fish into the grass. This will be very special experience for your trip.
Continue the rafting to Shigu Old Town. You will raft through a big “S” turn in Stone Gate Pass, an millitary importance historically. Raft to the First Bend of the Yangtze River and Shigu Town. You will witness the wonder of the First Bend of the Yangtze River with a big turn from the southward to the east. You will finish the rafting in Shigu Port. Have a nice lunch in Jiangnan Restaurant in Shigu Town. Lunch with the natural river fish, wild vegetables, and local flavour.
Finish the Yangtze River rafting tour in Shigu Town.
Transfer back to Lijiang.
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;
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.
Nujiang Grand Canyon（怒江大峡谷） is located in the area of three parallel rivers（三江并流） in Hengduan Mountain(横断山脉）. The Yunnan section is more than 300 kilometers with an average depth of 2000 meters. The deepest section is 3500 meters and located in Bingzhongluo(丙中洛） area of Gong mountain（贡山）, Yunnan Province, which is called “Oriental Grand Canyon”.
On both sides of the Nujiang River(怒江） are Goligong mountain（高黎贡山） and Biluo snow mountain（碧罗雪山）. There are more than ten ethnic minorities living in the valley, such as Lisu（傈僳族）, Dulong（独龙族）, Nu（怒族） and Pumi（普米族）. Due to the lack of people, the ancient folk customs are still preserved up to now. During the Spring Festival, the “bath hall meeting” is the most lively time in the canyon. Young men and women from the surrounding villages gather together to sing and dance all night.
Highlights:
- Wonders of Three Parallel Rivers
- Enjoy precipitous mountain and turbulent River
- Visit ancient town and feel traditional folk
- Experience stimulate and Thrilling rafting
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Dali-Laomudeng Village
- Day 2: Laomudeng village-Bingzhongluo town
- Day 3: Bingzhongluo town
- Day 4: Back to Dali
Google Map
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Dali-Laomudeng Village
Sightseeing and Activities: Laohutiao canyon, Feilai Stone, Biluo snow mountain and Lisu village
Accommodation: Laomudeng village
Meals: Lunch and dinner
In the morning, we set off for Nujiang River. We started to explore the paradise road – Nujiang Grand Canyon from Lujiang dam to the expressway. The itinerary is quite rich. Along the way, we can enjoy the unique scenery of subtropical mountain. we first stop at Nujiang tourist service center, visit panorama building and sand table of three parallel rivers. Then, we will drive to Liuku, the capital of Nujiang Prefecture, through the deep part of the Grand Canyon, we will see Gaoligong Mountain, Biluo snow mountain, bazaar, flowing spring and waterfall and Lisu village. We also can see long distant view of Laohutiao canyon and magic Feilai stone along the way. Finally, enter Laomudeng village and stay in the characteristic Nu folk house here. Visit laomudeng Catholic Church freely, taste the special Nu food for dinner and feel the national enthusiasm.
Day 2 Laomudeng Village-Bingzhongluo Town
Sightseeing and Activities: First bend of Nujiang river, Moon stone and Taohua island
Accommodation: Bingzhongluo Town
Meals: Lunch
In morning, You will get up in the place which surrounded by the original village . And then drive to see the morning view of Rizhao Jinshan in crown peak and Nujiang Grand Canyon. The view here is well-organized and rich in artistic conception of Chinese painting. Go ahead and enjoy the stone moon. Listen to the legend of Lisu’s origin and feel the anger of Nujiang River in here. Enjoy the rural scenery of the first bend of Nujiang River and Taohua island .
Day 3 Bingzhongluo
Sightseeing and Activities: Rural scenery of Bingzhongluo, Puhua temple and Tea horse road
Accommodation: Bingzhongluo Town
Meals: Lunch
After breakfast, we will drive to Gongdangshen mountain. Today, we will change view to overlook the first bend of Nujiang River. Then go down and stop on my way to overlook the panorama of Bingzhongluo. In a sunny day, we could also enjoy the Gawa Gapu snow mountain (5128m) of the highest point of Gaoligong mountain. Then we took a leisurely look at the shooting of Puhua temple.
At the right time, we will cross the ancient road Shimen checkpoint to visit autumn bucket and see the Nujiang River with our own eyes. And then we could go to the nujiang river to experience the Nujiang Grand Canyon Rafting with yours equipment.
Day 4 Bingzhongluo-Dali
Sightseeing and Activities:
Accommodation: None
Meals: Lunch
Back to Dali, service end.
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.
Matters Need Attention
Don’t Go Beyond Your Physical Limitation
Even if you are a good swimmer, understand about your physical limitation and never go beyond it while in rafting activity. Take basic swimming lessons before undergoing this water sport. Even upper body exercises are very much beneficial.
Avoid Going Rafting Alone
Never go alone on a rafting trip alone. Always hire a guide or an instructor. You can fully enjoy your rafting trip under professional and supervised guidance.
No Alcohol
Never ever consume alcohol before starting on a river rafting trip, as drinking alcohol before rafting will not only put your life at risk but of the entire group who is on the trip with you.
Wear a Life Jacket Always
Always select a lifejacket you feel quite comfortable in. Do not act in haste while selecting the lifejacket. Do not wear vests which are oversized.
Raft in Daylight
Never prefer to go rafting in the dark. Make sure that you reach the end point before it starts getting dark.
Avoid Carrying Valuables
Carry a few dry bags to safely store some personal items. However, it is advisable that you avoid carrying things like wallet, car keys etc.
Nujiang Grand Canyon（怒江大峡谷） is located in the area of three parallel rivers（三江并流） in Hengduan Mountain(横断山脉）. The Yunnan section is more than 300 kilometers with an average depth of 2000 meters. The deepest section is 3500 meters and located in Bingzhongluo(丙中洛） area of Gaoligong mountain（高黎贡山）, Yunnan Province, which is called “Oriental Grand Canyon”.
On both sides of the Nujiang River(怒江） are Goligong mountain（高黎贡山） and Biluo snow mountain（碧罗雪山）. There are more than ten ethnic minorities living in the valley, such as Lisu（傈僳族）, Dulong（独龙族）, Nu（怒族） and Pumi（普米族）. Due to the lack of people, the ancient folk customs are still preserved up to now. During the Spring Festival, the “bath hall meeting” is the most lively time in the canyon. Young men and women from the surrounding villages gather together to sing and dance all night.
Highlights:
- Wonders of Nujiang Grand Canyon
- Enjoy precipitous mountain and turbulent River
- Visit ancient town and feel traditional folk
- Experience stimulate and Thrilling rafting
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Liuku-Gongshan county
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 Liuku-Gongshan county
Sightseeing and Activities: the Nujiang Grand Canyon, Laohutiao Ganyon, the Flying Stones and the Stone Moon
Accommodation: None
Meals: Lunch
Drive from Liuku to Gongshan county. On the way you can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the Nujiang Grand Canyon with Laohutiao Ganyon, 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.
The Dulong (also known as Drung) ethnic group is one of the smallest ethnic groups in China. With a total population of about 5,816 (data from the census in 2000), the Dulong people mainly live in the Dulong River Valley in the Gongshan Dulong and Nu Autonomous County in north-western Yunnan Province.
And you can experience the rafting in Dulong river, it will be rilling and excited.
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.
Matters Need Attention
Don’t Go Beyond Your Physical Limitation
Even if you are a good swimmer, understand about your physical limitation and never go beyond it while in rafting activity. Take basic swimming lessons before undergoing this water sport. Even upper body exercises are very much beneficial.
Avoid Going Rafting Alone
Never go alone on a rafting trip alone. Always hire a guide or an instructor. You can fully enjoy your rafting trip under professional and supervised guidance.
No Alcohol
Never ever consume alcohol before starting on a river rafting trip, as drinking alcohol before rafting will not only put your life at risk but of the entire group who is on the trip with you.
Wear a Life Jacket Always
Always select a lifejacket you feel quite comfortable in. Do not act in haste while selecting the lifejacket. Do not wear vests which are oversized.
Raft in Daylight
Never prefer to go rafting in the dark. Make sure that you reach the end point before it starts getting dark.
Avoid Carrying Valuables
Carry a few dry bags to safely store some personal items. However, it is advisable that you avoid carrying things like wallet, car keys etc.
You Might Like
- 1 Day West XishuangBanna Tour to Ethnic Villages and Jingzhen Octagonal Pavilion
- 1 Day Xishuangbanna Wild Elephant Golf Tour with Wild Elephant Valley Sightseeing
- 7 Days XishuangBanna and Puer Tea Culture Tour
- 9 Days Kunming Dali Lijiang and Shangri-La Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking
- 8 Days Best Yunnan Speed Train Tour-Kunming Dali Lijiang Shangri-La
- 8 Days Southeast Yunnan Cycling Tour (Kunming-Fuxian Lake-Jianshui-Yuanyang)
- 2 Days Yingjiang County Birding Tour
- 26 Days Grand Yunnan Ethnic Minority Discovery
2 Days The First Bend of Yangtze River Rafting Tour from Tacheng to Shigu
Lijiang-Tacheng-Judian-Shigu Town-Lijiang
4 Days Nujiang River and Nujiang Grand Canyon Rafting Tour
Dali-Laomudeng village-Bingzhongluo town-Dali
Tips Before Travel
Bring copies of your passport
Don't assume you're restricted to the main hubs of Beijing and Shanghai, our tours can start from any city.
Register with your embassy
For your safety, please register with the Embassy.
Always have local cash
Exchange some local currency for your trip
Our Team
Fenggu Yingshan Tea House and Tea Culture Learning Lijiang
Charlie Lee-General Manager of Yaso Travel and Xilinshan Tea Company
Leon Liu-Network Engineer of Trans Asia Discovery
Vincent Zhao-French Market and the Founder of VoyagesYunnan.com
Gary Elliot-Shareholder of Trans Asia Discovery
Michael Huang-Excellent French and English-speaking Tour Guide in Yunnan
Stephane-Volunteer of Yaso Travel
David Yao-Lijiang Tour Operator of Yunnan Exploration
Cindy Cao-Yunnan Tour Operator
Xilinshan Tea House (Kunming, Yunnan)
Rachel Nan-China Tour Operator
Lydia Li-The Founder of Yunnan Exploration
Anna Chen-Yunnan Tour Operator
Kelly Yu-Yunnan Travel Consultant
Cloudy Fu-Website Editor of Yunnan Exploration
Cuiyuan Yang
Skye Zhang-website editor of Yunnan Exploration
Customize a Trip
Start planning your tailor-made holiday to China by contacting one of our specialists. Once enquired, you’ll get a response within 0.5~23.5 hours.
Latest Articles
Yunnan Travel from Dalian of Liaoning
2025-06-14Yunnan Travel from Datong of Shanxi
2025-06-14Yunnan Travel from Fuzhou of Fujian
2025-06-14Yunnan Travel from Guangzhou of Guangdong
2025-06-14Contact Info
