4 Days Dali Salt and Tea Horse Road Tour

Beginning an extraordinary 4-day odyssey through the majestic landscapes and storied cultural heritage of Yunnan Province, where the Dali Salt and Tea Horse Road Tour awaits. This unforgettable adventure seamlessly blends breathtaking natural scenery, quaint traditional villages, and ancient trade routes to create an unforgettable experience. As we wander through the charming town of Dali, you’ll discover its ancient city walls, rich Bai minority culture, and awe-inspiring Cangshan Mountains. From here, we’ll venture into the untamed Ailao Mountains, where lush forests, crystal-clear rivers, and high-altitude plateaus await. Along the way, we’ll stop at local villages to uncover the secrets of the region’s storied salt and tea trade, which has connected this enchanting land for centuries.

Introduction

Join  the unforgettable 4-day journey through the picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Yunnan Province. The Dali Salt and Tea Horse Road Tour will take you on an adventure that combines stunning natural beauty, traditional villages, and ancient trade routes. You will explore the charming town of Dali, known for its ancient city walls, traditional Bai minority culture, and stunning Cangshan Mountains. From there, you will venture into the wilder regions of the Ailao Mountains, where we’ll hike through lush forests, cross rivers, and climb to high-altitude plateaus. Along the way, we’ll visit local villages, where you will learn about the traditional salt and tea trade that has connected this region for centuries.

Hilights

  • Explore the ancient city walls and traditional Bai minority culture of charming Dali
  • Venture into the stunning Ailao Mountains, hiking through lush forests, crossing rivers, and climbing to high-altitude plateaus
  • Visit local villages to learn about the traditional salt and tea trade that has connected this region for centuries
  • Discover the breathtaking natural beauty of Yunnan Province, including the Cangshan Mountains

Brief Initerary

Day 1: Dali to Shaxi

Day 2: Shaxi to Nuodeng

Day 3: Nuodeng

Day 4: Nuodeng to Dali and Departure

Detailed Initerary

Day 1 Dali to Shaxi | Discover the Real Cultural Center of Bai

Sightseeing and Activities: visit the ancient town of Jianchuan, Visit Shanxi, visit Mt. Shibaoshan Temple
Accommodation: Dali
Meals: Breakfast

  • Exploring the Ancient Culture of Jianchuan
  • As you depart from Dali, we will drive to Shanxi and make a stop at the ancient town of Jianchuan, a real cultural center of the Bai ethnic minority.
  • The town is characterized by its well-preserved traditional architecture, with residential houses, city gates, temples, and bridges still maintaining their ancient Bai style.
  • The Art of Buzha: A Symbol of Bai Culture
  • You will visit a local workshop where the traditional handicraft of Buzha is practiced.
  • This unique craft involves weaving colorful cloth with embroidery and wormwood to keep insects and evil spirits away.
  • A skilled Buzha master will demonstrate this beautiful folk art, offering a rare opportunity to learn about and appreciate the cultural heritage of the Bai people.
  • Uncovering the History of Mt. Shibaoshan
  • In the afternoon, you will explore the historic temples and Buddhist caves hidden in Mt. Shibaoshan, which hold stories of the ancient kingdom in Dali area. These ancient structures offer a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

Day 2 Shaxi to Nuodeng | The Memory of Horse Caravan

Sightseeing and Activities: visit Shanxi Ancient Town, XIngjiao Temple, Square Street, Yujing Bridge, Tea Horse Road Trade, Nuodeng
Accommodation: Nuodeng
Meals: Breakfast

  • Historic Journey to a Hidden Gem
    • Hop on a Horse-Shaped Shuttle to Explore the Enchanting Shanxi Ancient Town at down.
    • Wander through the serenity of Xingjiao Temple, then meander along Square Street, stopping at the ancient stage and admire the majestic Yujing Bridge.
    • Immerse yourself in the rich history of the Tea Horse Road trade by listening to fascinating tales in a private museum showcasing an impressive collection of artifacts.
    • Before arriving at Nuodeng, start a scenic drive up the mountain for an awe-inspiring view of the yin-yang symbol created by the Nuodeng River, a tributary of the mighty Lancang (Mekong) River.

Day 3 Nuodeng | The Place of Origin on the Tea Horse Road

Sightseeing and Activities: visit old Taoist Temple, the old Pavilion, the traditional residential Houses, the ancient salt well
Accommodation: Nuodeng
Meals: Breakfast

  • Unravel the Secrets of the Past
    • Uncover the hidden tales etched on the ancient stones of the Taoist temple, the historic pavilion, and the traditional dwellings. Delve into the secrets of the ancient salt well and the family-owned ham-making workshop, where local artisans once crafted goods that traversed the legendary Tea Horse Road.
    • Escape to this serene and tranquil village, where time stands still. Treat yourself to a hearty meal featuring locally-crafted ham, indulge in a rejuvenating foot bath infused with traditional Bai herbal remedies, and drift off to sleep under a star-studded sky.

Day 4 Nuodeng to Dali and Departure

Sightseeing and Activities: None
Accommodation: None
Meals: Breakfast
Drive from Nuodeng to Dali. Your private guide and driver can escort you to your hotel in Dali or to the airport or train station for your next destination.

Service Inclusions:

  • English-speaking guide
  • Transportation from Dali Ancient City to various destinations
  • Meals during the tour (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
  • Entrance fees to any attractions mentioned in the itinerary

Service Exclusions:

  • Personal expenses such as souvenirs, snacks, and drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Any additional activities or excursions not specified in the itinerary