8 Days Yunnan Speed Train Tour (Lijiang-ShangriLa-Shaxi-Dali-Kunming)

Journey Begins

• Arrive in Kunming and embark on a high-speed train journey to Lijiang, a city steeped in history and culture

Arrival in Lijiang

• Arrive in the charming city of Lijiang and immerse yourself in its rich cultural heritage
• Explore the iconic Lijiang Old Town, a 800-year-old gem that boasts a unique blend of history, architecture, and tradition

Discovering Lijiang's Cultural Heritage

• Wander through the ancient streets of Lijiang Old Town, taking in the sights and sounds of this UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site since 1997
• Marvel at the stunning wooden architecture of the Naxi ethnic group, a testament to their rich cultural heritage

Sunrise Serenade

• Enjoy the breathtaking sunrise over the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Lijiang Ancient Town

Mountain Majesty

• Drive to Ganhaizi Meadow (3100M) and take a short sightseeing bus ride along the Baishuihe River
• Ride the chairlift up to explore Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, with the cableway operating according to mountain conditions
• Take a 1-hour hike through the pristine forest in Spruce Meadow (3200M)

Ethnic Extravaganza

• Enjoy the Impression Lijiang Ethnic Show in Ganhaizi Meadow (3100M), a spectacular display of traditional Naxi, Yi, and Bai cultures
• The show, directed by Zhang Yimou, Fan Yue, and Wang Chaoge, features over 500 performers and horses in an outdoor theater set amidst the stunning Jade Dragon Snow Mountain backdrop

Whispers of the Past

• Take a leisurely walk through Baisha Old Town, an enchanting traditional Yunnan town with a rich history

Artistic Heritage

• Visit the ancient Baisha Murals, dating back 600 years and recognized as part of the World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO in 1997

River Odyssey

Drive 60 kilometers to the First Bend on the Yangtze River, where breathtaking gorge scenery awaits

Visit the iconic Iron Chain Bridge and pay respects at the Red Army's Long March Memorial Monument in Shigu town

Explore the charming town of Stone Drum, named for its unique marble tablet shaped like a drum

Harvest Delight

Marvel at the stunning scenery along the winding road through the Lijiang valley, filled with golden wheat fields and drying haystacks

Tiger's Leap

Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge, the deepest gorge in the world, featuring 34 rapids of the Yangtze River (known locally as the Jinsha River)

Discover why it's called Jinsha River, as gold can be found in its waters

Paradise Found

Arrive in Shangri-La, formerly known as Zhongdian, a haven for tourists and a gateway to Tibetan culture

Explore Dukezong Ancient Town, a vital stop on the Ancient Tea-horse Trade Caravan route from Yunnan to Tibet and India

Wander through the picturesque town, surrounded by barley fields and yaks grazing in the valleys

Serene Oasis

• Begin the day with a visit to the serene Shudu Lake in Pudacuo National Park, a haven for nature enthusiasts
• Discover the incredible biodiversity of this region, which despite making up only 0.7% of China's land area, is home to over 20% of the country's plant species, one-third of its mammal and bird species, and almost 100 endangered species

Monastery Marvels--- Tibetan Tapestr

• Visit the Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan Province
• Explore the majestic Songzanlin Monastery, also known as the "Little Potala Palace" due to its traditional architecture and mysterious atmosphere.

Ancient Odyssey

Embark on a journey from Shangri-La to Shaxi, a charming ancient town on the Tea-Horse Trail (approximately 3.5 hours, 222 kilometers)

Visit the historic Shaxi Ancient Town, a 2,400-year-old trading hub with a unique charm unlike Lijiang or Dali old towns

Explore the Yujin Bridge from the late Ming Dynasty and the majestic Xingjiao Temple, the largest and most typical Esoteric Buddhist temple in the region

Treasures of Shaxi

Stroll through the old streets, discovering hidden gems and taking in the sights and sounds of this ancient town

Visit the vibrant Sifang Square, the heart of trading and commerce, with its red sandstone pavement and ancient locust trees

Browse the local market on Sideng Sifang Street, a unique opportunity to experience the authentic culture and traditions of the region

Market Magic

If you're visiting on a Friday, join the bustling Shaxi Friday Market, stretching over 1 kilometer with local farmers selling daily essentials and traditional goods

Marvel at the ancient stage used for traditional performances and music shows

Dali Discovery

Explore Dali Old Town, a historic city with  a square-shaped structure and a north-south and east-west axis layout

Visit the iconic Wuhua Tower and enjoy the lovely views of Honglongjing (Red Dragon Well) with its clear water flowing through ancient dwelling houses and modern bars

Wander along Renmin Road, browsing shops selling Yunnan specialties and interesting items, and visit the only Christianity church in the town to experience the cultural fusion

Stroll along Foreigner Street, immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere of old cafes, boutique shops, and restaurants

Dali Icons

Visit the revered the symbol and historic of Three Pagodas and Chongsheng Temple, built in the 10th century

Marvel at the unique architecture of the Three Pagodas, forming a symmetrical triangle, and learn about its rich history and stories

Erhai Oasis

Explore the breathtaking Erhai Lake, dubbed the "Immaculate Jade between Mountains"

Choose from three ways to experience the lake: sightseeing bus, boat trip, or cycling

Take in the stunning scenery and picturesque views of the lake

Artistic Expressions

Visit the Zhoucheng Old Village, known as the "Hometown of Bai People's Tie-dye Art"

Learn about the traditional tie-dye techniques and appreciate the beautiful designs and colors

Optional experience: Tie-dyeing Family Workshop and Tie-dyeing Class in Zhoucheng Village:

Cultural Immersion --- Bai Heritage

Explore the traditional houses of the Bai minority people in Xizhou Old Town

Discover their customs, traditions, and dresses

Take a horse-drawn carriage ride along the Erhai lakeshore, enjoying the stunning scenery and relaxed atmosphere

Savor a local lunch at a popular restaurant

Ancient Charm

Wander through Dali Old Town, a historic city with a square-shaped structure and typical north-south and east-west axis layout

Visit Wuhua Tower and Honglongjing (Red Dragon Well), with its lovely views and clear water flow

Stroll along Renmin Road, browsing shops selling Yunnan specialties and interesting items

Discover the only Christianity church in the old town and feel the cultural fusion

 Welcome to Kunming

Meet your local guide and driver at the train station, who will escort you to your hotel and help with check-in

Settle into your hotel and get ready for an exciting day ahead

Magic Zhuanxin Wonderland

Visit Zhuanxin Farmers' Market, the largest marketplace in Kunming

Get a glimpse into daily life in Kunming, as thousands of locals come to buy fresh produce, meats, and more

Jinma Biji  Archway's Charm

Take a leisurely stroll around Jinma Biji Archway, a historic landmark

Visit Jingxing Birds and Flowers Market, a colorful and vibrant market

End the day with a relaxing walk around Green Lake Park (Cuihu Park), one of Kunming's most beautiful parks

Sightseeing and Activities:Departure from Kunming
Accommodation:None
Meals:Breakfast

Today the tour guide and driver will take you to Kunming Airport or Kunming Railway Station.
Service ends.