How to Get to Shaxi Old Town from Tiger Leaping Gorge

Stay in Kunming but dream about Tiger Leaping Gorge? So want to know How to Get to Tiger Leaping Gorge from Kunming? Ok, there are several ways to get from Kunming to Tiger Leaping Gorge while most of them will lead you to Lijiang first and then transfer to Tiger Leaping Gorge. Here below are the details.

1.Kunming Tiger Leaping Gorge Flight

Take the plane from Kunming Changshui Airport to Lijiang Sanyi Airport with 21 flights flying from 07:45 am to night 21:10 pm. The journey is around 1 hour and the airways serving include Lucky Air, Sichuan Airlines, Ruili Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, China Southern Airlines, Kunming Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, etc. 

After arrival, you can rent a car directly heading to Tiger Leaping Gorge or transfer to Lijiang Passenger Station to take the bus to Tiger Leaping Gorge. The buses moving to Tiger Leaping Gorge(upper section) depart at 08:00 am and 08:30 am which will take about 2 hours. 

Flight Information (for reference only):

Airways	Flight Number	Departure Time	Arrival Time
Lucky Air(祥鹏航空)	8L9507	07:45	08:50
Lucky Air(祥鹏航空)	8L9801	07:00	08:00
Sichuan Airlines(四川航空)	3U8817	07:30	08:35
Ruili Airlines(瑞丽航空)	DR6523	17:25	18:35
China Eastern Airlines(中国东方航空)	MU5921	07:10	08:15
China Eastern Airlines(中国东方航空)	MU5925	07:25	08:30
Lucky Air(祥鹏航空)	8L9803	16:35	17:40
China Southern Airlines(中国南方航空)	CZ3451	17:20	18:25
China Southern Airlines(中国南方航空)	CZ3487	16:15	17:20
Kunming Airlines(昆明航空)	KY8269	19:25	20:25
Shenzhen Airlines(深圳航空)	ZH9561	12:45	13:50
China Eastern Airlines(中国东方航空)	MU5919	19:10	20:15
Beijing Capital Airlines (首都航空)	JD5166	13:55	15:05
China Eastern Airlines(中国东方航空)	MU5714	13:10	14:10
China Eastern Airlines(中国东方航空)	MU5736	21:10	22:15
China Southern Airlines(中国南方航空)	CZ9955	07:30	08:35
Sichuan Airlines(四川航空)	3U3073	16:15	17:20
China Eastern Airlines(中国东方航空)	MU4701	16:15	17:20
China Eastern Airlines(中国东方航空)	MU4689	17:20	18:25
Air China(中国国航)	CA3861	12:45	13:50
Air China(中国国航)	CA5769	19:25	20:25
Shenzhen Airlines(深圳航空)	ZH3169	19:25	20:25
Kunming Airlines(昆明航空)	KY9561	12:45	13:50

2.Kunming Tiger Leaping Gorge Train

At present(2018.8), there are 5 night trains running from Kunming Railway Station to Lijiang Railway Station and the timetable is 20:25, 21:00, 21:32, 22:00, 23:25. It will take about 9 hours. In the near future, the bullet train from Kunming to Lijiang will be available and we’ll update.

Then transfer to Lijiang Passenger Station to take the bus to Tiger Leaping Gorge or rent a car to.

Train Information(for reference only):

Train Number	Departure Time	Arrival Time
K9686	20:25	05:52(next day)
K9602	21:00	06:10(next day)
K9606	21:32	06:32(next day)
K9616	22:00	06:52(next day)
K9692	23:25	09:28(next day)

3.Kunming Tiger Leaping Gorge Bus

At Kunming Western Passenger Station, there are several long-distance buses running to Lijiang Passenger Station and then you can take the bus to Tiger Leaping Gorge or rent a car to.

Bus Information(for reference only):

Departure Station	Arrival Station	Departure Time	Duration
Kunming Western Passenger Station(昆明西部客运站)	Lijiang Passenger Station(丽江客运站)	09:30	6.5 hours
Kunming Western Passenger Station(昆明西部客运站)	Lijiang Passenger Station(丽江客运站)	11:20	6 hours
Kunming Railway Station(昆明火车站)	Lijiang Shuhe Ancient Town(scenic area)	13:00	5 hours
Kunming Western Passenger Station(昆明西部客运站)	Lijiang Passenger Station(丽江客运站)	13:50	6 hours
Kunming Western Passenger Station(昆明西部客运站)	Lijiang Passenger Station(丽江客运站)	21:00	12 hours
Kunming Western Passenger Station(昆明西部客运站)	Lijiang Passenger Station(丽江客运站)	23:50	10 hours

Overview

Bendiwan Village (本地湾村) is situated in the heart of the Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡) hiking route, positioned between Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山) and Yulong Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山). This village is historically significant as it forms part of the ancient Tea Horse Road (茶马古道), a vital trade route in ancient times. With a population of over 270 residents across 70 households, primarily of Han nationality, Bendiwan showcases a rich tapestry of cultural customs influenced by the intermingling traditions of Han, Tibetan (藏族), and Naxi (纳西族) peoples.

Cultural Significance

The village is a melting pot of cultural interactions, presenting unique customs and traditions that attract both domestic and international tourists. Bendiwan offers superior tourism resources, including:

• Spectacular views of Haba Snow Mountain and Yulong Snow Mountain
• Hiking opportunities in Tiger Leaping Gorge
• Experiences in local inns featuring traditional culture and customs

Additionally, the village is home to a thriving mineral industry, particularly in metal mining, which provides numerous jobs and enhances the living standards of its residents. The area is also rich in agricultural products, such as corn and pumpkins, making it an appealing destination year-round due to its mild climate and stunning scenery.

Local Cuisine

A popular dining spot in Bendiwan is Halfway (中途), located at No. 50, Bendiwan Village, Tiger Leaping Gorge Town (虎跳峡镇). The restaurant offers a variety of delicious dishes, including:

• Beef stir-fried into larger chunks
• Tomato and egg stir-fry
• Seasonal vegetable stir-fry

The local chicken hot pot (土鸡火锅) is especially noteworthy, featuring generous portions of chicken and vegetables that are more than enough for one person. Other favorites include stir-fried potatoes, minced meat with eggplant, and mushroom and green pepper beef rice. The reasonable prices and quality of the food make it a rare find in the gorge area. Desserts such as apple pie, stir-fried cured meat, and local sandwiches add to the culinary experience.

The restaurant not only serves great food but also provides a comfortable atmosphere with beautiful views, making it an ideal recharge station for hikers.

Important Locations

Bendiwan is located along the hiking route to Shangri-La (香格里拉), making it a necessary stop for trekkers. Notable landmarks in the vicinity include the famous Halfway Inn (半途客栈) and the “World’s Best Toilet” (天下第一厕).

Time Required for Visit

• 1-3 hours for exploration and dining

Transportation

• Bus: Multiple daily bus services run from Shangri-La County (香格里拉县) to Lijiang (丽江). Disembark at Tiger Leaping Gorge Town, with ticket prices around 20 yuan.
• Car Hire: From Lijiang, you can choose to share a ride or hire a car to Tiger Leaping Gorge. Shared rides typically cost between 35-50 yuan per person, while private car hires range from 150-300 yuan, depending on the vehicle type.

Entrance Fee

• No entrance fee required; access is included within the Tiger Leaping Gorge scenic area.

Opening Hours

• 08:30 AM – 05:30 PM (January 1 – December 31, Monday to Sunday)

Location

• Yunnan Province, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Shangri-La County, Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area (云南省迪庆藏族自治州香格里拉县虎跳峡风景区内)

Travel Tips

• Plan Your Visit: Check bus schedules in advance to avoid long waits, especially during peak travel seasons.
• Bring Cash: While many places may accept cards, having cash is useful for small purchases, especially in rural areas.
• Dress Appropriately: The weather can change rapidly, so layering your clothing is advisable.
• Stay Hydrated: Bring water while hiking and consider snacks to keep your energy up during your exploration.
• Respect Local Customs: Be aware of and respect the cultural practices and traditions of the local communities.

This 8-day tour includes the special visiting to local school and poor village in Lijiang. Students will have a chance to know about the local students’ study life by having classes, games, eating etc. together! And doing voluntary work at a poor village will be meaningful and helpful for students. Besides the interaction with local people, we arrange some activities such as cycling and trekking for students so that they could have joyful time in Lijiang.

For this tour, you will visit the highlights of Kunming, Dali, Lijiang and Shangri-La. This is also a minority discovery tour, because you will find minority diversity during your trip, the minorities such as Huis,Yis, Bais, Naxis and Tibetan. Moreover, the Tiger Leaping Gorge will be the most impressive part of your trip, you could be shocked by the ruggedness and magnificence of Tiger Leaping Gorge and the mountains around when you are there. This part can not be missed. You will have some time to visit muslim areas.

Google Map

This morning, you’ll visitTuanshan Village andthe Garden of Family Zhang; Tuanshan Village is a rare surviving example of an intact-albeit neglected-traditional walled Yunnan village compound in southwestern China, and has been added to the 2005 list of internationally significant sites by the World Memorial Fund for Architecture (WMF), an international fund for the protection of world heritage sites. And Have a stop to take picture at Double Dragon Bridge.

Then drive to Shadian Town in Gejiu City. Pay a visit to Great Mosque of Shadian and pray there. There is a Muslim Accessories shop beside the mosque, where you can have or do a little shopping there. Shadian Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in the southwest and is one of the 100 famous mosques of China. Shadian mosque exhibits an elegant architectural style.

After breakfast, drive about one hour to Weishan Yi and Hui Autonomous County. Visit East Lotus Village(Donglianhua Village)before arrival in Weishan Ancient Town. Donglianhua Village also has rich minority and strong Muslim customs. The most outstanding representative is the Donglianhua Mosque in the village. Donglianhua Mosque is a major attraction in Donglianhua Village. This large-scaled mosque built in unique folk style is a great destination for the admiration of Muslim architecture and culture. Drive to visit Weibaoshan Mountain at the first which is one of the 14 China’s most famous Daoist holy mountains.

Come back to Weishan Ancient Town, visit Big and Small Temples on the way. You will explore Weishan Ancient Town in the afternoon. Weishan Ancient Town was built more than 600 years ago. There are a lot of ancient buildings in it. The magnificent Building Gongchen is the symbol of the ancient city.

After that, drive back to Dali.

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 in Blue Moon Valley, 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).

After lunch, enjoy Impression Lijiang Show which is A Spectacular Show with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as the Backdrop, directed by the famous director Zhang Yimou. Impression Lijiang is a magnificent outdoor singing and dancing performance demonstrating the tradition and lifestyle of the local ethnic people. It is another creation of famous Chinese director Zhang Yimou.The show is innovatively staged in the morning and afternoon, at 3,100 meters (10,100 feet) above sea level with Jade Snow Mountain as the breathtaking backdrop.

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.

Transfer back to hotel in the late afternoon.

Drive to visit Baishuitai. Baishuitai or Baishui Tableland, also named the White Water Terraces, is located in the foothills of the Haba Snow Mountains, 101 kilometers (about 62 miles) southeast of the Shangri-la County. It 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.

After that, drive to Shangrila. Visit Dukezong Ancient Town and Guishan Park. Dukezong is an important town of the Ancient Tea-horse Trade Caravan from Yunnan to Tibet and India.The Square Street in the old town, at the heart center of the old town, is the main tour area gathering a maze of cobbled lanes, white stupas, renovated tourist shops, café, bars, etc. Further away from the square street, the narrow winding lanes will give you a quieter shelter and unveil you more authentic local touch with the unrestored structures and real local life.

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.

Pay a visit to a Tibetan village and family. Have yak butter lunch with local people.

This afternoon, you’ll visit the tranquil Shudu Lake in Pudacuo National Park.It 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.

Recommended Hotels

Destination	5 Star	4 Star	3 Star	Hostels
Lijiang	Lijiang Hilton Garden Inn	Wangfu Hotel	Baisha Holiday Resort	Local Hostel
Kunming	Crown Plaza Kunming City Centre	Wenhui Hotel	Baiyun Hotel	Local Hostel
Dali	Hilton Dali Resort And Spa	Landscape Hotel	Gnosis Hotel	Local Hostel
Shangrila	Shangrila Hotel	Zhaxidele Hotel	Shenqu Hotel	Local Hostel
Jianshui	Linan Hotel	Zhu Family Garden Hotel	Jianshui Hotel	Local Hostel
Gejiu				Local Hostel

Service Included:

-Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
-Meals as listed in the itinerary;
-Accommodation with breakfast as listed in the itinerary;
-Private English-speaking tour guide and vehicle for transfers & sightseeing;
-Service charge & government taxes;
-Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
-Tibet travel permit and all other necessary permits to Tibet;
-Two bottles of mineral water each day.

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 insurance;
-All optional programs;
-Domestic flight/train not listed in the itinerary. (We can provide you the domestic flight/train ticket booking service at the BEST discount price; please contact us our travel experts for the details.)

Travel Tips:

-Visitors are advised to always carry changes of clothing due to the large variations in temperature between day and night.

-The climate is relatively dry, so drink more water every day.

-Protecting oneself from strong UV radiation at high altitude.

-Protecting oneself from altitude sickness. Lessen the effects of altitude sickness, avoid strenuous exercise and have plenty of rest.
-Respect local customs , habits, and religious beliefs.
-Situated on the northern edge of the tropical zone, Xishuangbanna area is hot, humid and rainy; don’t forget to take an umbrella or a raincoat when go out.
-When take photos, please pay attention to your safety, do not shoot in dangerous areas.

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Chinese Name: 虎跳峡丫叉角村
English Name: Travel Guide to Yachaguo Village in Tiger Leaping Gorge

Overview

Yachaguo Village is a picturesque destination situated in the heart of Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most dramatic gorges in the world. This village offers a unique blend of stunning natural beauty, traditional culture, and excellent trekking opportunities. Here’s a comprehensive travel guide to help you plan your visit to Yachaguo Village. Yachaguo Village is another landmark after 28-Bends, at a altitude of 2640m. Yachaguo means two families in Naxi language. The Tea-Horse Guest House in Yachaguo village is available for travellers’ stay and the most famous inn for decades.

Getting There

By Air

• Nearest Airport: Lijiang Sanyi Airport (LJG)
• From the Airport: You can take a taxi or a shuttle bus from Lijiang Sanyi Airport to the Tiger Leaping Gorge area. The drive takes approximately 2-3 hours.

By Train

• Nearest Train Station: Lijiang Railway Station
• From the Station: Take a taxi or a local bus to reach the Tiger Leaping Gorge area. The journey from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge is around 2-3 hours by road.

By Bus

• From Lijiang: Regular buses run from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge. You can take a bus from Lijiang’s main bus station to Qiaotou (the gateway to the gorge), and from there, you can take a local taxi or bus to Yachaguo Village.

Accommodation

Yachaguo Village offers various accommodation options, including:

• Guesthouses: Local guesthouses provide a cozy and traditional stay, with basic amenities and local cuisine.
• Boutique Inns: Stylish inns offer enhanced comfort, modern amenities, and stunning views.
• Eco-Lodges: Environmentally friendly lodgings blend with the natural surroundings, focusing on sustainability.

Things to Do

1. Trekking and Hiking

• Tiger Leaping Gorge Trek: The most popular activity in the area is trekking the Tiger Leaping Gorge. The trek offers breathtaking views of the gorge, the Yangtze River, and the surrounding mountains. The trail can be divided into sections, including the upper, middle, and lower trails, catering to different fitness levels.
• Yachaguo Village to Halfway Guesthouse: A popular section of the trek, providing stunning views and a chance to experience local hospitality.

2. Scenic Views

• Gorge Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the gorge, with its dramatic cliffs and the rushing Yangtze River below.
• Snow-capped Peaks: On clear days, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Haba Snow Mountain and the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from various vantage points around the village.

3. Cultural Experiences

• Local Culture: Explore the traditional Naxi and Tibetan cultures in the village. Visit local markets, interact with villagers, and learn about their customs and traditions.
• Tea Culture: Sample local teas and visit nearby tea plantations.

Dining

• Local Restaurants: Enjoy traditional Yunnanese cuisine at local restaurants and guesthouses. Dishes to try include yak meat, mushroom hotpot, and various noodle and rice dishes.
• Guesthouse Meals: Many guesthouses offer home-cooked meals, providing an authentic taste of local flavors.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Tiger Leaping Gorge is from April to November. The weather is generally mild, and the trekking conditions are favorable. Avoid visiting during the rainy season (July-August) due to potential landslides.
• Weather Preparation: The weather in Yachaguo Village can be unpredictable, so be prepared for varying temperatures and possible rain. Bring layers of clothing, rain gear, and sturdy hiking boots.
• Cash: Carry enough cash, as some areas may not accept credit cards. ATMs are available in Lijiang, but may be scarce in more remote areas.
• Local Etiquette: Respect local customs and traditions. When trekking, stick to marked trails and be mindful of the environment.

Contact Information

• Local Tourist Information Center: They can provide additional details on accommodations, trekking routes, and local attractions.
• Emergency Services: Familiarize yourself with local emergency numbers and services for safety during your travels.

Yachaguo Village in Tiger Leaping Gorge offers an unforgettable adventure with its stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and excellent trekking opportunities. Plan your trip well to make the most of your visit to this incredible destination.

Yunnan is a microcosm of China in the areas of minority affairs and nationality relations. The province has 25 minority groups, nearly half of the countries total ( 56 ethnic groups ). With such ethnic diversity it is important to ask the question: what criteria are used to determine minority status and classification? Basically, there are five ways: Race , Language, Culture, Religion, History. Except 25 minorities mentioned in Yunnan, there are three kinds of the Peoples, for the reason of they are not the really a kind of minority in China . But they are the certain branches of the minorities. The three Peoples have the special customs which are quite different with their original nations and very interesting in the recent days for their names in tourism of Yunnan. 

Highlights:

• Experience the profound history and splendid culture of diverse ethnic groups.

• Discover the ancient ethnic towns and villages.

• Enjoy their traditional festivals and fantastic activities.

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Brief Itinerary:

• Day 1 Arrival Kunming
• Day 2 Kunming-Shilin County
• Day 3 Shilin-Luliang-Luoping
• Day 4 Luoping 
• Day 5 Luoping-Qiubei-Puzhehei
• Day 6 Puzhehei-Bamei
• Day 7 Bamei-Babao
• Day 8 Babao-Yanshan-Jianshui
• Day 9 Jianshui-Yuanyang
• Day 10 Yuanyang
• Day 11 Yuanyang-Jiangcheng
• Day 12 Jiangcheng-Zhengdong-Mengla
• Day 13 Mengla-Jinghong
• Day 14 Jinghong
• Day 15 Jinghong-Jingmai
• Day 16 Jingmai-Ximeng
• Day 17 Ximeng-Shuangjiang-Cangyuan
• Day 18 Cangyuan
• Day 19 Cangyuan-Zhenkang
• Day 20 Zhenkang-Mangshi
• Day 21 Mangshi-Wanding-Ruili
• Day 22 Ruili-Tengchong
• Day 23 Tengchong
• Day 24 Tengchong-Fugong
• Day 25 Fugong-Bingzhongluo
• Day 26 Bingzhongluo
• Day 27 Bingzhongluo-Gongshan-Cizhong
• Day 28 Cizhong-Feilaisi
• Day 29 Feilaisi-Shangrila
• Day 30 Shangrila
• Day 31 Shangrila-Lijiang
• Day 32 Lijiang
• Day 33 Lijiang-Lugu Lake
• Day 34 Lugu Lake-Lijiang
• Day 35 Lijiang-Shaxi-Dali
• Day 36 Dali-Dalin
• Day 37 Dalin-Dali
• Day 38 Dali-Kunming
• Day 39 Departure from Kunming

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Take one day tour to Ganlanba Morning Market, Dai Ethnic Garden, Mengle Temple.
In the morning visit Ganlanba Morning Market, water Dai villages, Burmese temple and rubber garden on the way. Visit Dai Ethnic Garden, located in the Ganlan Basin in Menghan County, proudly holds a national 4A rating as one of China’s top scenic spots.  Within the Dai Ethnic Garden, five Dai villages – Manjiang, Manchunman, Manting, ManZha, and Manga – cover an area of 3.36 square kilometers and consist of 309 families, or 1487 individual villagers.

Transfer back to Jinghong in the afternoon and pay a visit Mengle Temple. Mengle Great Buddha Temple was built to memorize a beautiful Dai Minority queen who was a pious Buddhist during Ming dynasty (1368-1644), which was destroyed during a war in 1848 and what we see today was rebuilt in 2007. Notable for its peculiar shape which resembles a sitting Buddha, Mengle Great Buddha Temple, the largest Theravada Buddhist temple in China, is the most sacred and important religion site of Dai people.
Visit Manting Park which is a modern park that measures about 30 acres in Jinghong in Xishuangbanna. It has a large new Buddhist temple called Zongfo Si. There is a display of ethnic architecture, and people entertain themselves by water fights during the Dai Water Splashing Festival each year. Entertainment is presented in the evening.

Lancang Huimin tourist town(惠民旅游小镇)(60 Kilometer about 1-hour’s drive) — Jingmai Mangjing Scenic Area(18.7Kilometer about 33-minutes’ drive), including Dapingzhang ancient tea garden, Nuogan water village of Dai, the ancient village of Wengji Blang, Tea Ancestor Temple, — Menglian Xuanfu Sishu(孟连县宣抚司署) — Menglian Golden Pagoda, Menglian Nayun Ancient Town (111 Kilometer about 3-hours’ drive) — Ximeng Mengsuo Longtan Lake (60 Kilometer about 2-hours’ drive) — Muyiji Holy Valley (5 Kilometer about 34-minutes’ drive).

After breakfast, head to Icelandic village from Shuangjiang village to experience making tea by hand. Then after lunch, back to Mengku tea shop to enjoy tea-tasting and visit farmer’s tea-making process.

Mengku Icelandic village ( “Bingdao” in Chinese) in Shuangjiang County, the famous ancient tea village, rich and famous for its large leafed Iceland tea, is one of the county’s first place for cultivating tea. Iceland tea is the main part of the famous Mengku large leafed tea and Icelandic village is the main birthplace of Mengku Tea. This kind of tea has a long history. There are written records during the Ming Dynasty (around 1485), or earlier than Ming period according to the storied unwritten records. As to the origin of the Iceland tea, some believe it was introduced from Xishuangbanna ancient mountain by local Chieftain, while others believe it was introduced from other places.

After breakfast, head to visit Cangyuan Cliff Painting. Lincang rock painting is located in the north of Menglai town, Cangyuan county and famous for the 3500- year old rock painting. Up to now, there are 11 pieces of rock paintings found in batches in 1965, 1978 and 1981, mainly distributing in Mengsheng township(勐省乡) and Mengyuan township(勐来乡) , which vividly show the Wa’s activities of hunting, herding, dancing and sacrificing, rich in content and unique in style. So far, Cangyuan rock painting is one of the oldest rock paintings found in China. According to the determination of drawing age,
the rock paintings were measured in the late Neolithic period which is more than 3,000 years ago. On June 25, 2001, Cangyuan rock painting, as a Neolithic relic, was included by the State Council of China in the list of the fifth batch of national relic protection units.

Visit Thousand-Meter Gallery of Chinese painting in the afternoon. Located in the middle part of the scenic area, the mural is about 3 kilometers long, 80-180 meters high and the highest 280 meters. Some cliff surfaces are uneven densely covered with honeycomb dissolved pore, some are smooth just as being cut by a knife or axe, and some are similar with terrace dotted to be colorful by impurities and climbing plants. It is like a giant mural painting, which depicts the vicissitudes of the old earth.

This morning, drive to Rehai Hot Spring. Tengchong is one of China’s three major geothermal areas, known as “Land Abounding in Geothermal Resources”. There are plenty of springs of hot water and hot vapour, called “Hot Sea”. There are quite a number of hot fields as well. Tengchong is a resort where people can travel, take a bath and have medical treatment. The Hot Sea, with an area of 9 square kilometers, lies 20 kilometers away southwest of the county seat and in the center of the geothermal area. There are over 80 springs of hot water and hot vapour, of which there are 14 spring whose temperature reaches 90¡ãC. The spring can be regarded as a rarity as far as their number and geothermal energy are concerned. The most magnificent view is the boiling pool with a temperature of 97¡ãC, so it is called “the Big Boiling Pot” by the local people. There are dozens of big springs of vapour with a temperature of 94¡ãC at the mouths of the springs, where you can steam food.

After that, drive to Beihai Wetland Park.  The wetland is surrounded by mountains, located in a special geographical position, and is a typical subtropical volcanic lava barrier lake marsh wetland. The reserve features a “floating blanket style” marsh, complex biodiversity and high productivity. The reserve is not only a garden of national protected plants like Brasenia schreberi and wildwater chestnuts, but it is also a paradise for water birds.

In the afternoon, arrive in Heshun Ancient Town in Tengchong County in the late afternoon, you will be free in Heshun Ancient Town and enjoy the relax life after the wonderful Three Parallel River Grand Canyons adventure tour. Walk around Heshun Old Town, pay a visit to Clothes-Washing Pacillion, Heshun Library,Wenchang Temple and the Anti-Japanese War Museum as well as the local ancient houses.

Drive from Bingzhongluo to Gongshan. Stop to visit the First Bend of Nujiang River. Continue the driving along Nujiang Valley to Gongshan County 

Drive along the newly built road from Gongshan County to Cizhong,the road is bumpy but the scenery is so fantestic because the view of Mekong River and Nujiang River grand cayons as well as the Biluo Snow Mountain. 

Biluo Snow Mountain is located at Lanping churchyard which I continuous 145KM. There are 15 snow mountains, which stand 4000 meter above sea level. The Laowo Mountain is the most beautiful a highest mountain than the others, which is 4500 meters above sea level. It is 3200 meters higher compared with the Lantsang. The original ecosystem has been preserved. The climate changes unconventionally in the mountain. The flowing waterfall is densely 6 covered, edelweiss and lakes are gathered, and it is called the mountain with thousand waterfalls and thousand lakes.

This morning, 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. Start the hiking tour of the Tiger Leaping Gorge from the 14KM Point to Halfway Guesthouse in Bendiwan Village for lunch,you will enjoy the wonderful view of Tiger Leaping Gorge and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from the balcony of Halfway Guesthouse. Trek 1 hour to the Guanyin Temple and Bamboo Forest, and then continue the hiking down to Tinas Hostel in the middle part of the gorge.Meet our driver and transfer to Shangrila.

Then 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 late afternoon, transfer to Lijiang for overnight.

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.

–Jade Dragon Snow 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 Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The highest peak named Fan Peak (Shanzidou in Chinese) which is about 5596 meters above sea level. There are three cablecars in the mountain, the fist to the Glacier Park(4500M),the second to Spruce Meadow(3200M), the third to Yak Meadow(3700M).

In the morning, dive 4-5 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.
 
Late afternoon, you will take the canoes to visit Liwubi Island and Heiwawu 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.

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.

This morning, drive to Weishan County. You will visit Donglianhua Village first. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, they became involved in trade as caravan leaders on the Tea and Horse Road (茶马古道). The courtyards and mansions of village of Donglianhua (东莲花) shows how successful these Chinese Muslims traders were. The Muslims of Weishan (巍山) region in Yunnan (as well as other Chinese regions) belong to the Hui ethnic group (回族). The ancestry of the Hui varies. Some are the descendants of intermarriages between Muslim men of Middle-eastern or Central Asian origins and local women, others are the descendants of Han-Chinese who converted to Islam.

Then transfer to Weishan Old Town. Weishan Old Town is located at the foot of Ailao Mountain. It is a historical and cultural city known as the cradle of Nanzhao Kingdom. First built in Yuan Dynasty, Weishan Old Town has been changed to the brick city and remained the style and features until today. As the place that carry out Tusi System for the longest time in Yunnan, the long history of Weishan breeds numerous temples, echoing with the natural landscape at the diatance.

In the late afternoon, drive back to Dali.

Recommended Hotels

Destination	5 Star	4 Star	3 Star	Hostels
Kunming	Sofitel Hotel	Kunming Jinjiang Hotel	Kunming Longteng Hotel	T&T Story Hotel
Shilin	Days Hotel and Suites Tongce Shilin of Wyndham	Bosheng Holiday Hotel	Ashima Business Hotel	Local Hostel
Luoping	/	/	/	Local Hostel
Puzhehei	/	/	/	YI DA Inn
Bamei	/	/	/	Local Hostel
Jianshui	Tinziyun Resort	Lin’an Hotel	Hongmantian Hotel	Local Hostel
Yuanyang	The Twelve Manor Terraces Hostel	Yunti Hotel (Yuanyang Shengcun)	Yunshuijian Guesthouse	Local Hostel
Jinghong (Xishuangbanna)	Jinhong Qixi Hotel	Jinghong Ninty-Seven Daiyun Theme Hotel	Fanyin Shuyuan Hotel	Jinghong Daixiang Vocational Hotel
Lincang	/	Hetang Yuechun Hotel	Yuncheng Hotel	Local Hostel
Dehong	Mangshi Hotel	Jingcai Hotel	Huangjia Hotel	Local Hostel
Tengchong	Tengchong Guanfang Hotel	Tengchong Empark Grand Hotel	Tengchong Dongfang Xuanyi Holiday Hotel	Local Hostel
Bingzhongluo	/	/	/	Local Hostel
Cizhong	/	/	/	Songtsam Lodges Cizhong
Feilaisi	Guanjing Tiantang Hotel	Mingzhu Hotel	Mingzhu Hotel	Local Hostel
Shangrila	Tianju Shangri-la	E-outfitting Boutique Hotel	Bodhi Boutique Inn	Wu Fu South Yunnan Boutique Inn
Lijiang	InterContinental Hotel	E-outfitting Boutique Hotel in Shuhe	Baisha Holiday Hotel	Local Hostel
Lugu Lake	Sealily Lugu Lake Angyue Boutique Hotel	Sealily Lugu Lake Honeymoon Solu Boutique Holiday Hotel	Sealily Travel Hotel	Local Hostel
Dali	Hilton Dali Resort And Spa	Dali E-outfitting Boutique Hotel	Taiheju Hotel	Dali Fengxue Gucheng

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.

Travel Tips:

• Visitors are advised to always carry changes of clothing due to the large variations in temperature between day and night.
• The climate is relatively dry, so drink more water every day.
• Protecting oneself from strong UV radiation at high altitude.
• Protecting oneself from altitude sickness. Lessen the effects of altitude sickness, avoid strenuous exercise and have plenty of rest. 
• Respect local customs , habits, and religious beliefs.

Inquiry

Chinese Name: 虎跳峡镇长胜村诺于村

Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡) is a dramatic and scenic gorge located in Shangri-La County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. Known for its towering cliffs and tumultuous river, it is one of the deepest and most spectacular gorges in the world. The gorge is divided into three sections: Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge (上虎跳), Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge (中虎跳), and Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge (下虎跳).

Nuoyu Village is also called as Middle Nuoyu Village. There are 56 households with around 300 people. It’s famous for the herbs in the surrounding woods and the main income of villagers is from herbs. Many old men in the village have their own Chinese herbology folk prescription. Nuoyu Village is the first stop for Hikers. Travelers get to Qiaotou Town after 2-hour driving from Lijiang or Shangri-La, then trek another 2 hours to Naxi GH in Nuoyu Village. It’s just the best place for lunch and rest. It’s an important village for Tiger Leaping Gorge hike.

1. Zhongnuoyu Village (中诺于村)

• Location: Part of Changsheng Village, Tiger Leaping Gorge Town, Shangri-La County.
• Elevation: Approximately 2,400 meters above sea level.
• Distance: 7 kilometers from the village committee; 10 kilometers from the town center.
• Area: 3.44 square kilometers.
• Climate: Average annual temperature of 12°C; annual precipitation around 738.1 mm.
• Agriculture: Suitable for crops such as corn and wheat. The village has 174.18 acres of arable land, with an average of 0.9 acres per household.
• Population: 46 households with a total of 190 people; 171 of whom are engaged in agriculture.
• Economy: In 2006, the village’s total income was 258,300 yuan, with an average per capita income of 2,417 yuan. The economy is primarily based on agriculture.

2. Shangnuoyu Village (上诺于村)

• Location: Also part of Changsheng Village, Tiger Leaping Gorge Town.
• Elevation: 2,300 meters above sea level.
• Distance: 7 kilometers from the village committee; 9 kilometers from the town center.
• Area: 5.75 square kilometers.
• Climate: Average annual temperature of 11.2°C; annual precipitation around 738.1 mm.
• Agriculture: The village has 92 acres of arable land, with an average of 2.8 acres per person, and 7,000 acres of forestland.
• Population: 10 households with a total of 34 people; all engaged in agriculture.
• Economy: In 2006, the village’s total income was 63,900 yuan, with an average per capita income of 1,879 yuan. Agriculture is the main economic activity.

3. Xiannuoyu Village (下诺于村)

• Location: Also part of Changsheng Village, Tiger Leaping Gorge Town.
• Elevation: 1,836 meters above sea level.
• Distance: 6 kilometers from the village committee; 7 kilometers from the town center.
• Area: 8.46 square kilometers.
• Climate: Average annual temperature of 11°C; annual precipitation around 736 mm.
• Agriculture: The village has 91.5 acres of arable land, with an average of 0.73 acres per person, and 2,500 acres of forestland.
• Population: 26 households with a total of 125 people; all engaged in agriculture.
• Economy: In 2006, the village’s total income was 150,000 yuan, with an average per capita income of 1,940 yuan. The village is classified as an absolute poverty-stricken area, with income largely dependent on secondary and tertiary industries.

Key Features and Attractions:

• Tiger Leaping Gorge: Renowned for its natural beauty and rugged terrain, this area attracts many trekkers and tourists. The gorge features three main sections, each offering unique views and experiences.
• Cultural Experience: The villages in the Tiger Leaping Gorge area provide insights into traditional Tibetan and local life, with opportunities for cultural and agricultural exploration.

These villages, situated along the scenic hiking routes of Tiger Leaping Gorge, offer a glimpse into rural life in this stunning mountainous region.

This is one of the most wonderful hiking tour in Yunnan Province, the most beautiful attractions including the First Bend of Yangtze River, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Daju Town, Baoshan Stone Town, Naxi ethnic villages, the scenery of Yangtze River,  Zhamei Monastery and Lugu Lake. Trekking along the trail and follow the steps of Joseph Rock, you will find where is the real Shangrila.
Baoshan Stone Town is not a town made of stone as it is named, but a big village built on a huge stone. The mighty nature mother brought along a heavy stone, and the diligent Naxi People turned it into a wonderland under heaven. This tour combines trekking the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge with walking through remote farm villages to experience village life in China today. You will need to be reasonably fit to walk between 4 and 8 hours each day with some steep climbs. You will also need a sense of adventure as some of the facilities in rural China are basic. You will be rewarded with spectacular views, authentic local food, great guides and a real appreciation of life in rural China. 
Day 1: Lijiang – Nuoyu Village – Bendiwan Village
Get up early to take the shuttle bus which is from the Lijiang Passenger Center Station to the Shangri-la, costs 15 RMB. You will get off the bus at the Tiger Leaping Gorge Town. Then there are two ways from the town to our destination: one is driving road. You can take a car to the destination and you will get through the upstream of the Tiger Leaping Gorge. The total distance is 23 kilometers.
Another one is walking road. You should turn to right after walking out the Tiger Leaping Gorge Town and go through the bridge. You will arrive at the Ticket Office. The ticket is 30 RMB for a person. You will see a sign to point out that you should go on the road after walking forward several minutes. Thus your tired but colorful journey will start from the road.
You will finish the trekking of Tiger Leaping Gorge in Bendiwan Village and stay at Halfway Guesthouse in the first day.

Tips of today:
1.There is much excellent scenery on the walking road, so remember to bring enough roll films.
2. Watch out when you ride a horse.

Day 2: Bendiwan Village – Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge – Xincun Village – Daju Town
Get up early to pass the road of Mr Zhang. You have to pay 10 RMB for the road toll unless you spend the night at his home, because the road belongs to Mr Zhang. You can enjoy the scenery while walking, but you have to watch your steps because the road is rugged and slippery on raining days.

You will arrive at the exciting and steep Tiger Leaping Gorge of the midstream in one hour. There is a small house where is a good place to listen to the sound of water and take photos. Walk forward, you will see two roads to the highway. If you like adventure, you can climb the High Ladder to the highway, which will cost 10 RMB, or you can pass through the Yixiantian to the Walnut Garden Village, which takes 2 hours. There are 2 inns in the village: the Shanquan Inn and the Shanbailian Inn. The owner of Shanquan Inn has a foreign wife who can speak English.  It will take 2 hours from the Walnut Garden Village to the Old Ferry. Its distance is 10 kilometers. If you spend 10 RMB to take a car, you will not be very tired. But you have to get off at the end of the Xincun Village.

Then you will walk 20 minutes to the ferry. If you could not see the owner of the boat, you can shout loudly. The fee is 10 RMB for each person. If he asks 20, you have to refuse it. Walk along the path of the Piaopiao Inn after crossing the river, which will take 5 minutes to arrive at the inn. On the way you will meet a man asking 5 RMB as the road toll. You have to say no. He is a swindler. At there the Piaopiao Inn is the most wonderful one. One night is 15 RMB. You can appreciate the beautiful scenery of the Jade Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain while sitting at the bar. The Naxi cultural yard is a CCTV shooting place. The east of the inn is the finest spring-Yan Walong Pool.

Tips of today: 1. Take care of skidding in the path. 2. Never talk to strangers at the Old Ferry. They are swindlers.

Day 3: Daju – Changsong Village
Get up early and start the journey from the Piaopiao Inn. You will arrive at the Baimai Village after going over the east mountain of the inn, which will cost 4 hours. There is no inn, so you would better take enough food. If you ask food from the local farmers, you should give them money. Then you will walk through th Da Pingba primitive forest. You will see the Ling Gongduan road stele. Then it will take 4 hours to walk along the valley to the Changsong Village. There are seldom residential houses on the road, which will make the day be difficult.

Tips of toady: 1. Find a guide to help you walk through the guidepost-less and people-less roads. 2. Prepare a sleeping bag. 3. Have a good preparation for camping.

Day 4: Changsong Village –  Baoshan Stone Town
Get up early and go through the Changsong slope, you will see Baoshan Stone Town standing at the Jinsha River side. It will take 3 hours to walk to the town. All of the roads are on the steep slopes. From an altitude of 3,000 meters to 1,700 meters, the temperature rises from 22 to 39 degrees. There are 5 to 6 inns outside the city, but you’d better live in the inside where has a good inn which is a good place to have a panoramic view of the Jinsha River and the Stone Town. After settling down, you can walk along the town to experience the quite and simple life of the people.

Day 5 Baoshan Stone Town – Fenglian Village
Start from the Stone Town against the Jinsha River, crossing the Taiziguan Pass at an altitude of 3,500 meters. There is a post road on the middle of the Taiziguan Mountain. And miraculously there are two pieces of the tunnel, 60 meters and 90 meters. They are the passageways for the Baoshan to connect with other places. At there you will experience the grandness uniqueness and steepness of the mountain and the roaring waves of the Jinsha River. Walk forward you will arrive at the second largest pass of the Jinsha River-Taizixia Pass. Next, you will arrive at the Kegong Town. The walk from the Stone Town to the Taizixia Pass is uphill all the way, so you will be very tired. After walking 5 hours, you will arrive at the Fenglian Village in the Keong Town where you can have a good rest.

Day 6:  Fenglian Village – Zhuangzi village
You should spend 10 RMB crossing the Jinsha River again from the Genabg ferry to get to the Ninglang Labo Town. It is a Mosuo autonomous town. The villagers are not good at speaking mandarin, so you should have a guide. Next, you will go through a primitive forest. After crossing the Jinsha River, you should climb the mountain. You will see a highway. Walk along it to the Gewa Village, which need 30 minutes. Then you will arrive at the destination Zhangzi Village after walking 2 hours which is inhabited Yi ethnic group and Lisu ethnic group. The only place you can have a rest is the house of Yang Chengzhi. The house is wooden structure and has two stories. The owner will not ask for the money, but you can leave some at tomorrow morning.

Day 7: Zhuangzi Village – Yongning – Lugu Lake
Then cross a primitive forest. You will arrive at the top og the mountain with an altitude of 300 meters that you can see the Lugu Lake. At the foot of the mountain, there is a village called Yangpi Village. Then you will walk 2 hours to the Yongning Town that has 20 kilometers to the Lugu Lake. You can take a bus to there. It will take 30 minutes and 10 RMB. After getting off the bus, you can go to the Ligedao Village or the Luoshui Village. Both of them are OK. At night you can go to the bar to enjoy yourself.

Day 8 Lugu Lake – Lijiang
After taking the experience the charming of the Lugu Lake and the beauty of the nature, you will come back to Lijiang from the lake.     
Tour Itinerary of the Hiking Tour from Tiger Leaping Gorge to Baoshan Stone Town and Lugu Lake
徒步穿越宝山石头城、泸沽湖7天行程
　　线路安排
　　第一天：丽江–玉龙雪山景区–宝山石头城 住石头城木家客栈
　　第二天：宝山石头城–翻越太子关–柳青行政村3社 住和医生家或自带帐篷
　　第三天：柳青–奉科 住奉科忽必烈客栈
　　第四天：奉科–拉伯行政村–三家村住村民家
　　第五天：三家村–格瓦–庄子村住杨成志家
　　第六天：庄子村–翻越垭口–羊坪村–永宁 可住永宁或直接到泸沽湖里格岛第
　　七天：泸沽湖–回丽江 
　　线路贴士
　　1，每年7、8、9月因山路泥泞、路滑险情较大，不宜进山。
　　2，该地移动有信号，联通无信号，未通程控电话，无法上网。 
　　3，由于现在在路过的地方出奉科乡外，其他地方没有客栈，所以需自己带睡袋。
　　流行指数
　　现在基本上都是老外在走，太难了。但走过后你觉得不会后悔，特别是可以看到很多的少数民族。

Location: Northwest Yunnan, near Lijiang

Description: A difficult yet amazing trek in one of the world’s deepest and most marvelous gorges. It passes through some of the most naturally  stunning and diverse landscapes China-if not the world-has to offer, making this once adventurous trek a popular choice for off-the-beaten track travellers. The trek passes in front of one of the highest peaks in Asia, Meili Snow Mt., and high above the deep crevasses of the Gorge, delighting every backpacker with truly awesome sights and great photos.

Access: Lijiang to Qiaotou or Daju

Starting: Qiaotou or Daju
Ending: Daju or Qiaotou or Haba Village

Route A
Daju-> Walnut Grove ( Woody )-> Tina’s -> Middle Rapids -> Halfway Guesthouse -> 28 Turns-> Nuoyu Village-> Qiaotou
Remarks: from Daju to Qiaotou is upstream, Qiaotou to Daju is downstream, you can make the trek in either direction.

Part I : Qiaotou <=> Halfway Guesthouse, 6-8 hours
Part II : HWG <=> Walnut Grove, 3-4 hours
Part III : Walnut Grove <=> Daju : 3-4 hours

This means that trekkers leaving from Qiaotou will probably have to spend the first night in HWGH while trekkers leaving from Daju will have the choice of Walnut Grove or HWG.

Route B 
Qiaotou-> Nuoyu Village->  28 Turns-> Halfway Guesthouse ->Middle Rapids -> Tina’s -> Walnut Grove ( Woody )-> Jiangbian-> Haba-> Sanba Village(Baishuitai) 

Maps>> Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking Map

Two paths

The high path : long, strenuous & dangerous but amazing view : this is the “real” stuff. To find it from Qiaotou, walk 80m after the “entrance-fee short cut” or 200m after the entrance, take the large road on the left, pass a school sport yard, take the small path going up and follow the arrows of various colors.

The walk requires some previous trekking experience and good fitness. The path is sometimes slippery, sometimes very narrow (20cm), sometimes next to a ravine… It is OK under light rain but not more. In any case, check the conditions before going by asking at Backpacker’s Cafe in Qiaotou. If you stick to the path and follow the arrows (red, yellow, white or blue) and the shoes traces in the dust, you should not have any trouble finding your way.

The low path : relatively easy, flat and boring. You can really walk in good condition from Walnut Grove to Km 9 only : from Qiaotou to km 9 is the domain on the Chinese tourist cars and buses (the Chinese come to see the Tiger Leaping Rock at Km 10) and you will have to take a lift or bring a mask gas as the road is transformed into a big dust cloud.

Two places to start (for the high path)

Qiaotou : Buses from Lijiang to Zhongdian stop at Qiaotou, 7:30~15:00, 2hrs

Daju : Buses from Lijiang, 7:30~13:30, 3hours,

Itinerary

The popular section of trail begins at Qiaotou, two hours out of Lijiang.  You can take a Hutiao / Zhongdian-bound bus from Lijiang, get off at Qiaotou(Y13-15),  leave your bag at Backpackers’ Cafe(unless you plan to trek further to Baishuitai near Haba), then change to a local minibus to the entrance of the gorge.

The entry fee is currently Y50, although it can be easily avoided if one arrives before the office opens, or at some opportune moment when the guard is out (or in the confusion if you’re arriving with a number of other hikers).

Typically the hike is spread over two days, with a night spent at one of the many guest houses along the route, ending with a 40-60 minute bus-ride from Walnut Grove to Qiaotou (Y50-60 for a small van). More adventuresome types will continue to Baishuitai beyond.

D1 Qiaotou-> Nuoyu Village->  28 Turns-> Halfway Guesthouse

Your hiking trip starts from Qiaotou, the 28 zigzaging turns will be a real stuff. The 26km takes about 6-8 hours. From the top of “28 turns” on the high path further uphill to a place of altitude above 3000m, you can have a view of the panorama of the entire Gorge. Check this at a Tea Horse or Guesthouse if you cannot figure it out yourself. 

You will arrive at Halfway Guesthouse to finish today’s trekking.  At an altitude of 2500m, you get a magnificent view over the Yangtze River below and the Yulong Mountain right in front of you. For the keen photographer this trek provides a great opportunity to capture nature’s best moments.

Halfway Guesthouse organizes two-day treks up Haba Snow Mountain with an overnight stay uphill at a point of altitude above 4000 meters. Sleeping bags and mats for the trek can be rented at the guesthouse. Successful trekkers are awarded “donkey shoes” as souvenirs and their names and contact information are recorded in the “donkey skin book” at the guesthouse. Similar treks can also be arranged at Five Fingers Mountain Guesthouse.

D2 Halfway Guesthouse ->Middle Rapids -> Tina’s -> Walnut Grove ( Woody )

Three roads lead to the Middle Rapids. One starts at the right of Woody No.2 (Y2 for “road crossing” fee), another starts near Teacher Zhang’s Guesthouse (Y5 “road crossing” fee), the third starts near Chateau Woody where you see a sign advertising Xia Yin Gu’s guide service. Once you enter, just go down and you won’t miss it! The scenery is the most spectacular in the entire Tiger Leaping Gorge.

To return, you may go back on the same road, or take a different one. Notice that on the third road close to the rapids there is a very dangerous section of a few dozen meters long called “Tiny Sky” (and you need to pay between Y2-5 depending on the condition to cross that). At the rapids itself, there are two places charging “road crossing” fees of 2Y each: one for a small bridge leading to the first road, the other for crossing the wooden plank to the Middle Tiger Leaping Rock. The visit takes between 3 and 5 hours.

Reminders:

1. Beware of the touts hanging around various guesthouses on the low path (Walnut Grove included except at Sean’s Guesthouse): Offending these people may incur a harsh beating plus a demand for hefty money.
2. It’s out of electricity sometimes in Walnut Grove, makes sure you have a flashlight.

Lodging 

Qiaotou

• Gorge Village Hotel, Xia Gu Chun (0887 880 6246), opposite Backpacker’s Cafe, Dorm 10Y in 2/3 bed’s room, Dble 25, Dble with bath 120Y / Restaurant
• Jade Dragon Hotel “Lotus Hotel” (0887 8806 196), on the right from Bus Station, Dorm 12/15Y in 5/3 bed’s room, Dble with bath 160Y / Restaurant

On the high path (kilometers from Qiaotou):

• Naxi Family Guesthouse, 6km, Nuo Yu Village, 1.5-2 hours from Qiaotou, 5-8 hours from Walnut Grove / Dorm Y10 / Basic / Hot water / Restaurant 
• Old Horse Guesthouse,6.5km on a separate path, Nuo Yu Village, 40min walking up from low path at km 6.5, 1.5-2 hours from Qiaotou, 5-8 hours from Walnut Grove / Dorm Y10/ Basic 
• Tea Horse Trade Guesthouse and Peace Gorge Guesthouse, both at 12km, Ya Cha Corner, 5min between the two, 1 hour walking up from low path at 11km, 3-6 hours from Qiaotou, 3-5 hours from Walnut Grove / Dorm Y10 / Basic / Hot water / Restaurant 
• Halfway Guesthouse, 17km, Ben Di Wan Village, 1 hour walking up from low path at km 14, 4-8 hours from Qiaotou, 2-4 hours from Walnut Grove / Dorm 10Y,12Y or 15Y in 1,2,3 or 4 bed’s rooms / Basic but what a view (check the toilets…) / Hot water /Restaurant 
• Five Fingers Mountain Guesthouse, 18km, Ben Di Wan Village, 4-8 hours from Qiaotou, 2-3.5 hours from Walnut Grove / Dorm Y10/bed, Hot water / Restaurant . From here it is 3.6 km (2 hours) to Tina’s Guesthouse on the low path 

On the low path (kilometers from Qiaotou):

• Woody No.2 (Zhongxia Meijing Shanzhuang), 18km  / Dorm 10Y per bed / Basic / Hot water / Restaurant 
• Teacher Zhang’s Guesthouse, 18.5km  / Dorm 10Y per bed / Basic / Hot water / Restaurant 
• Tina’s Guesthouse,  20km, in front of the path going up to the high path, 45mn from Walnut Grove / Dorm 10Y per bed / Basic / Hot water / Restaurant / If you are walking the low path to Qiaotou, take the shortcut just before the Guesthouse to avoid 1.5km of turning road. 
• Midgorge Guesthouse, the former Ya Cha Hotel, now at 21km / Dorm 10Y per bed / Basic / Hot water / Restaurant 

At Walnut Grove (23km  from Qiaotou):

• Chateau Woody, the first one from Daju / Great view from the clean room for 10Y or 15Y per bed in 1, 2 or 3 bed’s room / Hot water in the evening / Clean Toilets / Restaurant 
• Sean’s Guesthouse “Spring Guesthouse”, the first one from Qiaotou / Dorm 15 in 8 or 12 bed’s rooms / Dorm 20 in Dble / 42 big beds / Hot water / Restaurant

At Daju

• Snowflake Hotel or Tiger Leaping Gorge Hotel have cheap beds.  

D3  Walnut Grove -> Haba Village 

An adventurous add-on to the gorge trek is to continue north all the way to Haba village and the limestone terraces of Baishuitai, making it a four-day trek from Qiaotou. From here you will travel on to Zhongdian.

From Walnut Grove to Haba via Jiangbian, it’s about 30km and much of it is uphill, which takes 7-8 hours, more difficult than the high trail of the Tiger Leaping Gorge.  After a long ascent, you will reach the village of Haba for the night.  A few hundred residents in Haba, many of them are Muslim, and a couple of guesthouses tucked into a valley that spills down a hillside with mountains rising on three sides make up Haba. The Haba Snow Mountain Inn, a typical rural Yunnan guesthouse – a family farm with a couple of rooms converted to guesthouse use.

D4 Haba Village to Baishuitai

A brief steep ascent in the beginning and a couple of steep descents are the only diversions from what is otherwise largely a flat trek and certainly much easier than the Walnut Grove to Haba portion.

Baishuitai (White Water Terrace), believed to be the birthplace of Naxi Dongba culture, is not as nice as Haba. A cluster of buildings around the base of the terraces themselves form the de-facto town of Baishuitai, which falls under the denomination of Sanba town. The main attraction is the limestone terraces, though interesting to see and worth the Y30 of admission. Basic accommodation is available in the town for Y10/bed. Off the main road most of the local dwellings are in the Naxi style and feature the twin-fish motif.

For moving on, the first bus to Zhongdian departs at 8:30AM, while others pass through throughout the day – either heading north to Zhongdian or south to Haba, Jiangbian, Tiger Leaping Gorge or Lijiang. On your ride to Zhongdian (4 hours),  you can get off at the turn-off to Bita Lake, 25km east of Zhongdian and hike there.

Reminders

1. Wear light hiking boots with ankle support.
2. There is a risk of landslides in bad weather, though no one would like to step out of the door on a rainy day, just in case the weather changes when you are on route. After all, it’s a 2-4 days trek.
3. As with any touristy area, there are endless efforts of varying legitimacy to help you part with your RMB along the route. At various intervals, old women, young girls and sundry others will demand small fees for using optional parts of the path. Some, such as the decent to the river below Tina’s guest house, are particularly annoying, as you’ll be asked for a few RMB more at what seems like every step of the way, with an elaborate story to explain the cost. Also be aware that some guest houses may try to mislead you about your hiking options, for example Tina’s guest house has been known to insist that while you may descend to the river below, you must hike back up, and may not continue along the river to Walnut Grove–one of the most spectacular sections of the trail. 

Daju Ferry in Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡大具渡口) is a notable spot within the Tiger Leaping Gorge area in Lijiang. It’s divided into two parts:

1. Old Daju Ferry (老渡口)
2. New Daju Ferry (新渡口)

Location

• Address: At the end of Daju Lu, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Lijiang, Yunnan Province, China.
• Chinese Address: 丽江虎跳峡大具段尾

Overview

Old Daju Ferry was the original crossing point used by locals and travelers to navigate the Yangtze River before modern bridges and ferries were established. This historic site provides a glimpse into the region’s past and the traditional ways of crossing the river.

New Daju Ferry represents the modern adaptation of the crossing point, equipped to handle the needs of contemporary travelers. It offers a more efficient and safer way to cross the river compared to the old ferry.

Both sites are integral parts of the Tiger Leaping Gorge experience, which is renowned for its dramatic landscapes and challenging hiking trails.

Embark on an exclusive 6-day Porsche driving adventure through the breathtaking landscapes of Northwest Yunnan. Experience the thrill of high-performance driving as you traverse winding mountain roads, pristine lakes, ancient towns, and dramatic gorges, all while immersing yourself in the unique cultural and natural wonders of Yunnan. This tour combines luxury, adventure, and cultural discovery, making it a once-in-a-lifetime road trip experience.

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Tour Highlights

✔ Drive a Porsche through Yunnan’s most scenic and thrilling roads.
✔ Explore Lijiang Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
✔ Visit Shuanglang, the artistic lakeside village by Erhai Lake.
✔ Discover Dali Ancient Town, rich in Bai minority culture.
✔ Experience the serenity of Lugu Lake, home to the Mosuo people.
✔ Drive along Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest canyons in the world.
✔ End your journey in Shangri-La, a mystical Tibetan town with stunning landscapes.
✔ Luxury accommodations, fine dining, and curated cultural experiences.

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Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Lijiang – Gateway to Adventure

? Highlights: Arrival, Lijiang Old Town, Welcome Dinner

• Arrive in Lijiang, a picturesque town set against the backdrop of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
• Transfer to your luxury hotel and attend a tour briefing about the Porsche driving experience.
• Take a leisurely stroll through Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO-listed site with cobbled streets, wooden buildings, and canals.
• Visit Black Dragon Pool Park, offering postcard-perfect views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
• Enjoy a welcome dinner, featuring authentic Naxi cuisine.

? Overnight in Lijiang | ?️ Included Meals: Welcome Dinner

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Day 2: Lijiang – Shuanglang – Dali Ancient Town – Lijiang

? Highlights: Scenic Drive to Erhai Lake, Bai Minority Culture, Dali Ancient Town

• Start your Porsche drive to Shuanglang, a charming lakeside village on Erhai Lake.
• Stop at Xizhou Ancient Town, home to the Bai ethnic group, to explore its historic architecture and taste local specialties.
• Continue the drive along Erhai Lake, taking in breathtaking panoramic views.
• Arrive at Dali Ancient Town, a beautifully preserved town known for its Bai culture, stone-paved streets, and vibrant cafés.
• Visit the iconic Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, one of Yunnan’s most famous landmarks.
• Drive back to Lijiang, enjoying the scenic mountain road.

? Overnight in Lijiang | ?️ Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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Day 3: Lijiang – Lugu Lake

? Highlights: Scenic Mountain Drive, Mosuo Culture, Canoe Ride on Lugu Lake

• Begin your thrilling drive to Lugu Lake, passing through winding mountain roads and stunning landscapes.
• Arrive at Lugu Lake, a high-altitude paradise known as the “Kingdom of Women” due to its unique Mosuo matriarchal society.
• Take a canoe ride on the crystal-clear waters of Lugu Lake, visiting Liwubi Island.
• Visit Lige Peninsula, one of the most scenic spots around the lake, to witness a spectacular sunset.
• Enjoy a traditional Mosuo bonfire party, experiencing their folk songs and dances.

? Overnight by Lugu Lake | ?️ Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 4: Lugu Lake – Lijiang

? Highlights: Relax by the Lake, Mosuo Village Tour, Scenic Drive Back to Lijiang

• Enjoy a peaceful morning by Lugu Lake, with time to explore local Mosuo culture.
• Visit Luoshui Village, where you can learn about Mosuo traditions and unique walking marriages.
• Drive back to Lijiang, experiencing the exhilarating mountain roads and stunning valleys.
• Free evening in Lijiang, with options to explore local markets, bars, or the rooftop tea houses with mountain views.

? Overnight in Lijiang | ?️ Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

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Day 5: Lijiang – Tiger Leaping Gorge – Shangri-La

? Highlights: High-Altitude Driving, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Tibetan Culture in Shangri-La

• Start your adventurous drive to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest canyons.
• Stop at Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge Viewpoint, where you’ll witness the powerful Jinsha River crashing through the narrow canyon.
• Continue the drive to Shangri-La, gradually ascending to 3,200 meters above sea level.
• Explore Shangri-La Old Town, where you’ll find Tibetan-style houses, prayer flags, and yak butter tea.
• Visit Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan, often called the “Little Potala Palace”.
• Enjoy a traditional Tibetan hot pot dinner to acclimate to the high altitude.

? Overnight in Shangri-La | ?️ Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

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Day 6: Departure from Shangri-La

? Highlights: Farewell to Shangri-La, Airport Transfer

• Enjoy a relaxing morning in Shangri-La, with an optional visit to Napa Lake (seasonal).
• Transfer to Diqing Shangri-La Airport for your departure flight.
• End of the Porsche Driving Experience Tour – we hope you leave with incredible memories!

?️ Included Meals: Breakfast

Google Map

Service Included:

1.Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
2.Meals as listed in the itinerary;
3.Accommodation with breakfast as listed in the itinerary;
4.Private English-speaking tour guide and vehicle for transfers & sightseeing;
5.Service charge & government taxes;
6. Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
7. Two bottles ofmineral watereach day;
8.Travel Agency’s Responsibility Insurance.

Service Excluded:

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

Travel Tips:

8 Days Shangri-La Circle Tour and Three Parallel Rivers Adventure(Depart from Lijiang)8 Days Shangri-La Circle Tour and Three Parallel Rivers Adventure(Depart from Lijiang)

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