5 Days Lijiang and Shangri-La Tour

Upon arriving at Lijiang, you'll be picked up from the airport and transferred to your hotel for check-in. After settling in, you'll have free time to explore Lijiang Old Town at your own pace.

Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famous for its well-preserved ancient architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and intricate waterways. As you stroll through the charming alleys, you'll notice the distinct influence of the Naxi ethnic minority, evident in the traditional wooden buildings with carved details and the vibrant cultural atmosphere.

Some highlights to explore in Lijiang Old Town include:

Square Street (Sifangjie): The bustling heart of the old town, where you can find shops, cafes, and street vendors selling local crafts and delicacies.

Mu's Residence: A historical mansion that offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the ruling Mu family during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Wangu Tower: Located on Lion Hill, this tower provides panoramic views of the old town and the surrounding mountains.

The intricate waterway system: Small bridges and flowing streams make for a serene and picturesque setting, perfect for taking leisurely walks.

Take your time to enjoy the unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and lively atmosphere that makes Lijiang Old Town a memorable experience.

Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain! (includes glacier cable car, battery car to Blue Moon Valley, and Impression Lijiang show – ordinary seat). We’ll take a scenic cable car ride up to Glacier Park, where you can marvel at the awe-inspiring ice formations and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. Then, a comfortable battery car will take us to the enchanting Blue Moon Valley, famous for its turquoise lakes and snow-covered mountain backdrop — a scene straight out of a dream.

To crown this incredible experience, we’ll attend the world-renowned Impression Lijiang show, an open-air cultural spectacle directed by Zhang Yimou, showcasing the proud heritage and traditions of the Naxi people beneath the shadow of the snow mountain.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit the peaceful Baisha Old Town, once the ancient capital of the Naxi Kingdom. Here, you’ll discover the remarkable Baisha Murals (entrance ticket included), masterpieces that blend Buddhist, Taoist, and Tibetan artistry, offering a fascinating glimpse into the cultural harmony of old Lijiang.

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

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

Afternoon, you’ll head for Shangri-La, the former Zhongdian which is well-known as the paradise destination for every tourist.  Upon arrival in Shangri-La, you will have entered the Tibetan cultural area and a landscape of barley fields and yaks scattered in the valleys.
Visit Napahai Lake and Tibetan Village;
Visit Dukezong Old Town and enjoy the night view of the old town after dinner.

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

At noon, have a visit of the local Tibetan family.

And afterwards you’ll 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.  Stroll around Dukezong Ancient Town, an important town of the Ancient Tea-horse Trade Caravan from Yunnan to Tibet and India. Walk up to the top of Guishan Hill or Tortoise Hill, you will see the largest Prayer Wheel of the world and have a panoramic view of shangrila county and Dukezong Ancient Town.

Enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure in Shangri-La, surrounded by highland scenery, Tibetan-style architecture, and fresh mountain air. Depending on your schedule, you may take a short walk near your hotel or simply rest and enjoy your final moments in this peaceful Tibetan-influenced region.

At the designated time, you will be transferred to Shangri-La Diqing Airport or Lijiang Railway Station for your onward journey to your next destination.

Alternatively, we also provide a direct private transfer to Lijiang Sanyi International Airport, which offers more frequent domestic flight connections to major cities in China such as Chengdu, Kunming, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, making it a convenient option for international and domestic departures.

Your driver will ensure a smooth and comfortable transfer based on your chosen route. End of service.