9 Days Dali-Shaxi-Lijiang Cycling Tour with Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking

Sightseeing and Activities: Arrival Dali, discover the city by yourself

Accommodation: Dali Landscape Hotel(大理兰林阁酒店) or similar standard hotel.

Meal: None

• Arrival in Kunming and Transfer to Dali
  • Upon your arrival in Kunming, you will be greeted by your driver, who will assist you in getting to the railway station for your bullet train journey to Dali. Once you reach Dali, you will then be driven to your hotel for check-in.

Sightseeing and Activities: Visit Dali Old Town and Shuanglang Town, ride along the West Huanhai Road to Xiaguan Town, ride along the East Huanhai Road to Haidong Town, visit TIanjing Pagoda and Little Putuo Island, visit CHangyu Village

Accommodation: Dali Shuanglang Daoyigang Lanchao Hotel（大理双廊岛依港蓝巢酒店） or similar standard hotel

Meal: Breakfast

• Setting Off from Dali Old Town
  • Your day begins early with a cycling adventure as you set off from Dali Old Town, making your way towards Shuanglang Town along the picturesque Erhai Lake.
• Journey to Erhai Lake Park
  • Pedal along West Huanhai Road until you reach Xiaguan Town, where you'll take a well-deserved break at Erhai Lake Park.
• Lunch at Haidong Town
  • After your rest, continue cycling along East Huanhai Road towards Haidong Town, where you can indulge in a delicious lunch featuring local flavors.
• Exploring Scenic Sites
  • Post-lunch, you’ll resume your ride towards Tianjing Pagoda (Heaven Mirror) and Little Putuo Island located in Wase Town.
  • Along the way, make sure to visit Changyu Village for a glimpse of local culture.
• Afternoon in Shuanglang Town
  • Arriving in Shuanglang Town in the late afternoon, you will have the freedom to stroll through Shuanglang Old Town, where you can admire the unique ethnic architecture of the Bai people.

Sightseeing and Activities: visit Nanzhao Love Island and Erhai Lake, visit Patron Saint Temple, visit Shaping Monday Bazaar,

Accommodation: local Guesthouse or similar standard hotel

Meal: Breakfast

• Sunrise and Exploration at Nanzhao Love Island
  • After enjoying a hearty breakfast, you will witness the breathtaking sunrise over Nanzhao Love Island and Erhai Lake.
  • Following this picturesque moment, embark on a boat trip to explore Nanzhao Island, where you'll encounter the Shayimu Statues (a legendary fisher girl), the Goddess of Mercy (Guanyin) Statue, Nanzhao Palace, the Square of Patron Saint Culture, Taihu Lake Stones, and the majestic Big Banyan Trees.
• Cycling Journey from Shuanglang Town to Shangguan Town
  • Next, hop on your bike and ride alongside Erhai Lake from Shuanglang Town towards Shangguan Town. Along the way, be sure to stop and visit the Patron Saint Temple (Hongshan Ben Zhu Miao/Jingdi Ci).
• Visits to Shaping Village and Bai Ethnic Bazaar
  • Continue your cycling adventure to Shaping Village in Shangguan Town, where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Shaping Monday Bazaar, showcasing the culture of the Bai ethnic people.
• Scenic Ride Through Eryuan County
  • From there, continue your ride towards Eryuan County, passing through Dengchuan and Yousuo Towns.
  • Along the route, you'll have the opportunity to explore several Bai ethnic villages and take in the stunning farmland scenery in the Xiashankou Hot Spring Area, known for its enchanting basin.
• Lunch at Xiashankou Hot Spring Resort
  • Pause for lunch at the Xiashankou Hot Spring Resort, where you can recharge for the journey ahead.
• Visit to Cibihu Lake and Eryuan County Town
  • After lunch, continue your cycling route to Eryuan County and make a stop at Cibihu Lake in Cibihu Town.
  • As you ride through Eryuan County town, you’ll traverse charming country roads flanked by villages and rivers.
• Arrival in Fengyu Town
  • Arriving in Fengyu Town by late afternoon, enjoy the breathtaking rural vistas featuring Bai ethnic architecture and the serene Fengyu River.
  • Finally, settle into your hotel located in Fengyu Town.

Sightseeing and Activities: riding to Niaodiaoshan Mountain, cycling in Niaodiaoshan Mountain Pass, visit villages of Xinsheng, Tuguan, Yuananyi and Yanqu and Qiaohou Town, visit Shaxi Old TOwn, visit Shi’ao Ancient Bridge and Yujin Bridge

Accommodation: Shaxi Aoyou Zige Hotel(沙溪古镇鳌岫紫阁酒店) or similar standard hotel

Meal: Breakfast

• Morning Ride to Niaodiaoshan Mountain
  • Begin your day with an invigorating ride towards Niaodiaoshan Mountain, where you'll navigate through dense, untouched forests.
  • This journey will present a formidable challenge as you tackle the steep ascent to the Niaodiaoshan Mountain Pass, which rises to 2,900 meters from Fengyu Town at 2,214 meters.
• Transition to Liantie Town
  • After conquering the cycling adventure at Niaodiaoshan Mountain Pass, board a bus to Liantie Town, as the steep and winding road makes cycling unsafe.
  • You should arrive in Liantie Town by late afternoon, where you can enjoy lunch at Lanxiang Orchid Inn, featuring a delightful Bai ethnic bonfire party in the courtyard.
• Afternoon Cycling through Surrounding Villages
  • Post-lunch, set off on your bike to explore the villages of Xinsheng, Tuguan, Yuananyi, and Yanqu, covering a distance of 17 kilometers until you reach Qiaohou Town.
• Riding Along the Heihuijiang River
  • Throughout the day, you will bike alongside the stunning Heihuijiang River, which stretches 349 kilometers and flows through key locations such as Lijiang, Dali, Menghua, and Yongchang. This river is affectionately known as "one water across the four places."
• Exploring Qiaohou Town
  • Qiaohou Town, located at the confluence of the Misha River and Heihuijiang River, serves as your next stop. After a brief rest at Qiaohou Town, continue your ride along the Heihuijiang River toward Shaxi Old Town.
  • The Misha River derives its name from Misha Town, an ancient center for tea and salt trade, where merchants transported goods to Shaxi Old Town via a five-hour hike along the ancient Tea Horse Road.
• Arrival at Shaxi Old Town
  • After cycling 30 kilometers through the scenic Heihuijiang Valley, you'll arrive at Shaxi Old Town, historically significant as a key stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Caravan route.
  • Shaxi emerged as a trading hub for tea and horses during the Tang Dynasty and flourished during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
  • It remains one of the best-preserved horse caravan towns along the ancient trade route linking Yunnan to Burma and Tibet, preserved in partnership with the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich (ETH) and the People's Government of Jianchuan County.
  • Notably, the Sideng market square was added to the World Monuments Watch List of 100 Most Endangered Sites in 2001.
• Exploring Shaxi's Historical Sites
  • Upon arrival in Shaxi, take the time to cycle around the old town, discovering attractions such as the Shi’ao Ancient Bridge, Yujin Bridge, the Ancient Stage, Sideng Street, and the traditional Bai ethnic architecture. As you walk through the ancient streets, you can sense the legacy of the Tea Horse Caravan. The Heihuijiang River flows alongside Shaxi's eastern edge, crossed by numerous picturesque old bridges. Enjoy the winding paved and dirt paths along the river, ideal for strolling, jogging, or cycling. Sunset provides a particularly enchanting ambiance for admiring the Heihuijiang River and its beautiful surroundings.

Sightseeing and Activities: visit Shizhousi Grottoes, Baoxiang Temple, Haiyunju Temple, visit Shizhong Temple, visit The Fist Bend of Yangtze Rive, Shigu Old Street, Stone Drum, the Iron Chains Bridge and The Memorial Hall of The Long March

Accommodation: Shangri-La Tiankui Hotel in Dukezong Old Town or similar standard hotel

Meal: Breakfast

• Journey to Shibaoshan Mountain
  • After breakfast, you will be transported to Shibaoshan Mountain, where you will have the opportunity to visit the Shizhongsi Grottoes, Baoxiang Temple, and Haiyunju Temple. A steep ascent will lead you to observe Wild Monkeys residing behind Baoxiang Temple. Located approximately 10 kilometers north of Shaxi en route to Jianchuan, Shibaoshan (Stone Treasure Mountain) is one of China's earliest nature reserves and religious sites, having been officially protected since 1982.
• Discovering the Grottoes
  • The site features a total of seventeen grottoes, showcasing 140 unique carvings, with the most notable collection situated around Shizhong Temple (Stone Bell Temple).
  • Historical texts hint at the existence of even more undiscovered grottoes, so keep an eye out for hidden treasures while you explore.
  • The carvings at Shibaoshan are regarded as some of the oldest and most exquisite in China, characterized by intricate stonework, vivid imagery, unique symbolism, and strong local ethnic influences.
  • A standout highlight is the Yoni Shrine, a natural cleft in the cliff that strikingly resembles female genitalia, with a constant flow of mountain water cascading over it. While this is a rarity among Buddhist sites, scholars believe it reflects the Bai matriarchal traditions. The site continues to attract women who come to pray for fertility and successful childbirth.
• Cycling at Jianhu Lake
  • Next, you will transfer to Jianhu Lake in Diannan Town, where you will start your cycling tour around Jianhu Lake (Sword Lake). The Jianhu Wetland Reserve is home to 94 bird species belonging to 62 genera and 32 families, accounting for 11.6% of the bird population in Yunnan Province, which boasts a total of 810 species.
• Lunch at Jinhua Old Town
  • Ride from Jianhu Lake to Jinhua Old Town, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch.
• Exploring Bai Ethnic Towns
  • Post-lunch, continue your ride to Jiuhe Town, a vibrant Bai ethnic village populated by both Bai and Naxi communities. As you cycle, admire the picturesque scenery of ethnic villages and farmland distinguished by rich red soil.
• Optional Excursion to Shigu Town
  • For those seeking an additional adventure, you can opt to ride to Shigu Town, where you can visit notable attractions such as the First Bend of the Yangtze River, Shigu Old Street, the Stone Drum, the Iron Chains Bridge, and the Memorial Hall of The Long March.
• Continuing Along the Yangtze River Valley
  • Resume your cycling journey through the stunning Yangtze River Valley, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of both the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. After crossing the Songyuan Bridge, you will arrive in the Shangri-La area. Your ride will continue alongside the Jinsha River until you reach Qiaotou Town (Tiger Leaping Gorge Town).

Sightseeing and Activities: Bendiwan Village, Guanyin Waterfall, Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge, Thin strip of Sky, Walnut Grove Garden, Xincun Village
Accommodation: Daju Town
Meals: breakfast

• Cycling from Qiaotou Town
  • After enjoying breakfast, you will continue your cycling tour from Qiaotou Town towards the 14KM Point of Tiger Leaping Gorge.
  • Following this leg of the journey, embark on a one-hour hike to Bendiwan Village, where you will have lunch at the Half-way Guesthouse.
• Hiking to Guanyin Waterfall and Bamboo Forest
  • After your lunch break, set out on a hike along the cliffside trail that leads to Guanyin Waterfall and the lush Bamboo Forest.
• Arrival at Tina’s Hostel
  • In the afternoon, you will arrive at Tina’s Hostel, where you can take in the spectacular views of Tiger Leaping Gorge and the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
• Optional Hike to the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge
  • For those who wish to extend their adventure, there is an optional hike from Tina’s Guesthouse down to the Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge, passing by Teacher Zhang’s Guesthouse.
  • From there, you will trek the scenic path from the Thin Strip of Sky (Yixiantian, 一线天) to Walnut Grove Garden before returning to Tina’s Guesthouse. At 3:30 PM, a bus will be available to take you back to Lijiang or Shangri-La.
• Exploring Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge
  • Continue your hiking journey along the road leading to Xincun Village in the Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge. You will cross the Yangtze River by boat from Daju Ferry.

Sightseeing and Activities: Jade Dragon Snow Moutain, Yake Meadow, Ganhaizi Meadow, Baisha Old Town and Murals, Lijiang Old Town
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: breakfast

• Morning Cycling Adventure
  • In the morning, begin your cycling journey towards Walnut Grove Garden, as you ride through the lower section of Tiger Leaping Gorge.
  • You'll cross the river by boat, ultimately arriving in Daju Town.
• Ascent to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
  • Next, tackle a steep ascent to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Here, you have the option to take a chairlift up to Yak Meadow (3,700 meters), which offers the finest vantage point for breathtaking views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. During your visit, you can also explore the Lama monastery and take a leisurely walk around Yak Meadow.
• Lunch at Ganhaizi Meadow
  • Continue your cycling adventure as you head to Ganhaizi Meadow, where you'll enjoy lunch at the Dongbala Restaurant.
• Afternoon Exploration of Baisha Old Town
  • In the afternoon, ride down to Baisha Old Town, where you can admire the famous Baisha Murals.
  • Afterward, continue your journey for an additional 10 kilometers to reach Lijiang Old Town.
  • You will conclude your cycling tour with a visit to experience the enchanting night views of Lijiang Old Town.

Sightseeing and Activities: Black Dragon Pool Park, Dongba Culture Museum, Yuhu Village, Josheph’s Former Residence and Museum, Baisha Old Town, Shuhe Old Town
Accommodation: Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast

• Discovering Lijiang
  • Situated in the northwest region of Yunnan Province, Southwest China, Lijiang boasts an enchanting blend of historical landmarks, majestic snow-capped mountains, serene lakes, and rich ethnic minority cultures.
  • Renowned globally for its UNESCO Heritage Site, the Old Town of Lijiang, this area has a history that spans over 800 years.
• Journey to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
  • Today, you'll follow in the footsteps of Joseph Rock as you cycle to the base of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (Yulong Mountain).
  • This impressive formation is the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere, featuring 13 peaks, with Shanzidou being the tallest at an altitude of 5,600 meters (18,360 feet). The mountain stretches 35 kilometers (22 miles) long and 20 kilometers (13 miles) wide. From the vantage point of Lijiang Old Town, located 15 kilometers (nine miles) to the south, the snow-capped and mist-enshrouded peaks appear like a jade dragon resting among the clouds—a fitting name for such a stunning sight.
• Cycling Adventure at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
  • Your cycling journey begins at the entrance of the park after a visit to the beautiful Black Dragon Pool Park and the Dongba Culture Museum. You will ride for 15 kilometers to Dongba Valley.
  • After a short rest, you will continue along a sandy path to explore the landscapes of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, including the picturesque Pearl Lakes, the Water Protection Station of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and Longnv Lake.
• Lunch in Yuhu Village
  • Arriving at Yuhu Village, you will enjoy lunch in a local Naxi ethnic courtyard at Yuhu Family Restaurant. Following your meal, you will visit Joseph Rock’s Former Residence and Museum.
  • About Joseph Rock and His Impact on Lijiang
  • From 1922 to 1949, Joseph Rock dedicated much of his life to studying the flora, peoples, and languages of southwest China, focusing primarily on Yunnan, Sichuan, southwest Gansu, and eastern Tibet. Many of his plant collections can now be found in the Arnold Arboretum.
  • During his time, Rock resided in Yuhu Village (referred to as Nguluko at that time), and numerous items he owned have become cherished heirlooms for local families. His seminal work, The Ancient Nakhi Kingdom of Southwest China (1947), is a testament to his contributions. Just before his passing, he completed his Naxi dictionary, which was finally set for publication.
• Riding to Baisha Old Town
  • Next, you will cycle downhill towards Baisha Old Town, passing through the scenic Yushuizhai area, Yufeng Monastery, and Yulong Village.
  • Upon reaching Baisha, you can learn to write Dongba pictographs at Jinxiu Culture School located on Baisha Street.
• Final Destinations: Shuhe Old Town
  • As you continue your ride through the traditional wooden homes of the Naxi people, you will eventually arrive at Shuhe Old Town, where your exhilarating cycling day will come to an end.

Free at leisure until you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back home.
Service ends.