11 Days Yunnan China Tour: Dali, Lijiang & Shangri-La Adventure

Your guide will be waiting for you at the designated arrival point, holding a clearly marked “Your Way Holiday” sign, so you can spot them easily as soon as you arrive. With your luggage taken care of, sit back and enjoy a smooth, comfortable ride to your hotel. Along the way, your guide will introduce the upcoming itinerary and share a few local tips, giving you an easy feel for what lies ahead. After check-in, the rest of the day is yours—perhaps wander along the shores of Erhai Lake, find a peaceful spot by the water, and watch the sunset paint the mountains and lake in warm evening light.

Start your day with a scenic cable car ride up Cangshan Mountain, where sweeping views of Erhai Lake unfold below. Follow the mountain trail through the forest before heading down for lunch. Your guide will recommend a local restaurant to suit your tastes, with Yunnan favorites such as wild mushrooms, flower cakes and Bai specialties to try. Then visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, Dali’s iconic landmark rising against the mountains for more than 1,000 years. Later, wander through Dali Ancient Town, exploring its old lanes, local shops and lively streets at your own pace.

Optional Excursions

Ximatan Cable Car on Cangshan Mountain

Take the Ximatan Cable Car up to around 3,920 meters, reaching the highest point accessible by cable car on Cangshan Mountain. Enjoy sweeping views of Erhai Lake and the Dali Valley, then explore Ximatan Lake, alpine meadows and rhododendron-covered slopes. On clear days, you may also see seas of clouds and lingering snow. Best for active travelers who are comfortable with high altitude and want to experience Cangshan’s dramatic mountain scenery.

+$50.00

Advisor quoted

Gantong Cable Car on Cangshan Mountain

Ride the Gantong Cable Car to around 2,600 meters on the middle slopes of Cangshan Mountain. Along the way, enjoy views of lush forests and the Dali Valley. From the upper station, follow the gentle Yudai Yunyou Road to discover Qingbi Stream and Zhenlong Chessboard, where mountain scenery meets local culture. Ideal for families with children or older travelers and those seeking a relaxed Cangshan experience.

+$20.00

Advisor quoted

Rose Pastry Making Experience

Step into the world of Yunnan’s beloved flower cakes (rose pastries), flaky pastries filled with fragrant rose petals. Begin in the rose garden, where you can pick fresh edible roses yourself before turning them into a sweet, floral filling. With guidance from a local instructor, knead, roll, fill and shape your own pastries, then bake them to golden perfection. As they emerge warm from the oven, savor their delicate rose aroma and enjoy a delicious taste of Yunnan.

+$24.00

Advisor quoted

Let Erhai Lake set the pace today. Choose how you’d like to experience the lake—cruise across the water with mountain reflections shimmering around you, or cycle along the Erhai Ecological Corridor through wetlands, Bai villages and peaceful lakeside paths. Continue to Xizhou Ancient Town, where traditional Bai courtyards, old lanes and local snacks reveal the charm of village life. After lunch, head to Zhoucheng Bai Tie-Dye Village to meet local Bai artisans, discover the craft behind its signature indigo patterns, and create your own unique piece to take home.

Optional Excursions

Erhai Lake Sightseeing Cart Tour (about 1 hour)

Hop aboard a comfortable open-air sightseeing cart and cruise along the shores of Erhai Lake. Follow the scenic lakeside road with sparkling waters on one side and Cangshan Mountain and traditional Bai-style villages on the other. Feel the fresh breeze, enjoy the changing scenery, and take in the beauty of Erhai at an easy pace.

+$15.00

Advisor quoted

Erhai Lake Cycling Tour (about 2 hours)

For active travelers, cycling along Erhai Lake is a refreshing way to experience its beauty up close. Pedal beside the sparkling water with Cangshan Mountain stretching across the horizon, feeling the breeze as you pass quiet villages, wetlands and open lakeside paths. Stop whenever you like to take in the scenery, snap photos, and enjoy the freedom of exploring Erhai at your own pace.

+$15.00

Advisor quoted

Erhai Lake Cruise (about 2–3 hours)

Board a spacious sightseeing cruise and set out across the sparkling waters of Erhai Lake. Enjoy sweeping views of Cangshan Mountain, traditional lakeside villages and fishing boats from the open deck. In the cooler months, hundreds of red-billed gulls may gather around the boat, creating a lively scene against the blue lake and snow-capped mountains.

+$30.00

Advisor quoted

Bai Three-Course Tea Experience

Experience Three-Course Tea, known in the Bai language as Shaodaozhao, a cherished tradition for welcoming honored guests and a national intangible cultural heritage. Its three cups follow the philosophy of “one bitter, two sweet, three aftertastes”: bitterness reflects life’s hardships, sweetness represents the joys that follow, while the lingering aftertaste speaks to life’s richness and wisdom. More than a tea ceremony, it offers a taste of Bai culture and its timeless philosophy of life.

+$8.00

Advisor quoted

Leave Dali behind by high-speed train and watch Yunnan’s scenery change outside the window as you make your way to Lijiang. After arrival, visit Black Dragon Pool, where the snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain can mirror beautifully in the still water on clear days. After lunch, step into Lijiang Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where canals weave between stone lanes, timber-framed homes and Naxi traditions. Take your time wandering, stop for a local snack, or simply enjoy the town’s easygoing rhythm.

Optional Excursions

Naxi Dongba Papermaking Experience

Get hands-on with the traditional Dongba papermaking process, from soaking and beating plant fibers to lifting the pulp into a wooden frame and forming a fresh sheet by hand. Feel the texture of the natural fibers, shape your own paper, and see how this distinctive craft connects with the writing and traditions of Naxi Dongba culture.

+$25.00

Advisor quoted

Ascend Jade Dragon Snow Mountain by cable car to Glacier Park at 4,506m, where snow-capped peaks rise into the clouds, or choose Spruce Meadow for a softer landscape of ancient forests and alpine meadows. Descend to Blue Moon Valley, where crystal-clear turquoise water curves like a crescent beneath the mountains. After lunch, your guide can recommend local dishes to suit your tastes, from wild mushrooms and Naxi specialties to regional favorites. Continue to Baisha Ancient Town, famed for its historic murals, then stroll through Shuhe Ancient Town, a centuries-old stop along the Ancient Tea Horse Road, where stone lanes and old waterways preserve its timeless charm.

Optional Excursions

Baisha Murals → Visit the original historic murals

Discover the artistic legacy of Baisha through the murals preserved in its historic temple buildings. Take in richly detailed religious scenes, figures, and decorative motifs that reflect the cultural exchange among Naxi, Tibetan, Bai, and Han traditions. As you explore the museum, your guide can introduce the stories and symbolism behind the paintings, offering a closer look at the history and artistry of this remarkable collection.

+$3.00

Advisor quoted

Baisha Mural Painting Experience

Step into a traditional Baisha mural workshop and learn how mineral pigments and traditional techniques bring mural art to life. Grind and mix the pigments, follow classic motifs, and paint your own artwork step by step with guidance. Rather than simply viewing historic murals, this hands-on experience lets you explore the art through your own brushstrokes and gain a closer feel for Baisha’s Naxi and Dongba traditions.

+$38.00

Advisor quoted

Drive to Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, where the road soon gives way to towering cliffs and the roaring Jinsha River below. Begin the famous High Trail, winding between Haba Snow Mountain and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, before tackling the legendary 28 Bends. Beyond the climb, the trail opens into a dramatic mountainside traverse, with sweeping views of the gorge unfolding at every turn. Take time to catch your breath, photograph the rugged landscape, and soak in the scale of the mountains. Stop at Tea Horse Guesthouse, a welcoming hillside rest stop known for its mountain views and hearty local food.

Optional Excursions

28 Bends Horseback Riding Experience

The 28 Bends is one of the steepest and most strenuous climbs on the Tiger Leaping Gorge High Trail, with a long series of tight switchbacks rising sharply up the mountainside. For those who would rather not tackle the full climb, or find the ascent too demanding, horseback riding offers an alternative way to get through this challenging section while enjoying the dramatic gorge and mountain scenery.

+$45.00

Advisor quoted

The trail continues beyond the mountain paths today, leading you to Longdong Waterfall, where clear mountain water spills through the rugged canyon walls. Continue into Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge, where the cliffs draw closer and the Jinsha River surges through the narrow passage below. After the hike, settle into a scenic drive to Shangri-La, Yunnan’s highland gateway at over 3,000 meters. As evening comes, wander into Dukezong Ancient Town—a centuries-old Tibetan town of stone lanes, wooden houses and prayer flags, with its giant prayer wheel rising above Moonlight Square.

Optional Excursions

Traditional Tibetan Guozhuang Dance Experience

Join the lively rhythms of a traditional Tibetan Guozhuang dance and experience the warmth of local culture firsthand. Follow the steady beat of the music, learn simple dance steps, and move in a circle alongside local dancers. With rhythmic singing, energetic movements, and a welcoming atmosphere, this joyful experience offers a fun way to connect with Tibetan traditions and share a memorable cultural moment in Shangri-La.

+$0.00

Advisor quoted

Step into the spiritual heart of Shangri-La at Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, Yunnan’s largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery, often called the “Little Potala Palace.” White walls, golden roofs and hillside halls create a striking silhouette, while lively scripture debates offer a glimpse into monastic life. Continue to Napa Lake, a seasonal highland wetland where the scenery shifts with the seasons—open water in wetter months, vast grasslands where yaks graze in drier periods. In the afternoon, head to Pudacuo National Park, where alpine lakes, old forests and open meadows create a quieter side of Shangri-La.

Today, the road leads deeper into Yunnan’s wild highlands. Stop at the Jinsha River Great Bend, where the river curves through the mountains in a dramatic horseshoe shape. Continue climbing to Baima Snow Mountain Pass, around 4,300 meters above sea level, with prayer flags fluttering in the thin mountain air. By the time you reach Feilai Temple, the peaks of Meili Snow Mountain fill the horizon—especially Kawagarbo, the range’s sacred 6,740-meter main peak. Settle into your guesthouse, slow down, and save the best view for tomorrow morning: the chance to see the first sunlight turn the snow peaks gold.

Optional Excursions

Explore Dongzhulin Monastery

Discover Dongzhulin Monastery, a 17th-century Gelugpa (Yellow Hat) Buddhist monastery nestled in the mountains of Shangri-La. Its quiet courtyards and sacred art offer a glimpse into Tibetan Buddhist traditions. Learn about local beliefs and annual prayer ceremonies that draw pilgrims from nearby villages. From the terrace, enjoy sweeping views of the valley and snow-capped peaks, where the serene landscape adds to the monastery’s spiritual atmosphere.

+$5.00

Advisor quoted

Wake early at Feilai Temple for one of Yunnan’s most magical moments—Rizhao Jinshan, when the first rays of sunlight gradually turn Meili Snow Mountain from pale blue to glowing gold. It is a quiet, almost dreamlike spectacle, and your guide can share the Tibetan beliefs that make Kawagarbo a sacred mountain. After breakfast, continue to Mingyong Glacier, following a scenic trail through forests and mountain landscapes as the glacier gradually reveals itself beneath the towering peaks. Later, visit a nearby Tibetan village, where traditional homes, prayer flags and peaceful valley life offer a glimpse into local culture and daily life.

After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed final morning before your departure. If your departure is later in the day, take a final stroll through Dukezong Ancient Town or visit a local Tibetan family for a warm cultural farewell. When it’s time to leave, your guide will ensure a smooth transfer to your departure point, bringing this unforgettable 11-day journey through Yunnan’s spectacular landscapes and cultures to a memorable close.