This is an epic journey into the soul of Yunnan.
Over 12 days, we will depart from the romantic landscapes of Dali, traverse through Shaxi – the last living market town on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, explore Baisha, the source of Naxi culture, gaze upon the sacred purity of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, immerse ourselves in the matriarchal tenderness of the Kingdom of Women at Lugu Lake, hike through one of the world’s deepest gorges – Tiger Leaping Gorge, and finally arrive in Shangri-La, where faith and snow peaks coexist.
This is a premier circuit seamlessly connecting natural wonders and diverse cultures, ascending from 1,600 meters to 3,400 meters, guided throughout by a deeply knowledgeable local multilingual cultural guide to ensure profound cultural interpretation and safe, comfortable travel.
Theme: From the leisurely charm of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom to a slice of time on the Tea Horse Road.
Day 1: Dali Assembly | Prologue of Romance
Itinerary: Arrive in Dali from various locations and check into a boutique hotel by Erhai Lake. Enjoy a free evening stroll through Dali Ancient Town, and view the town and Cangshan Mountain from Wuhua Tower.
Day 2: Dali In-Depth | Erhai Cycling & Bai Craftsmanship
Itinerary: Cycle or walk along the Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor in the morning. In the afternoon, visit Zhoucheng to experience the national-level intangible cultural heritage: Bai tie-dye, and create your own blue-and-white artwork.
Day 3: Dali → Xizhou → Shaxi | A Journey from Pastoral Fields to a Hidden Realm
Itinerary: Travel to Xizhou Ancient Town in the morning to admire exquisite Bai residential architecture and taste Posubaba (flaky pastry). In the afternoon, drive to Jianchuan’s Shaxi Ancient Town, arriving in the evening to feel the tranquil dusk after the horse caravans’ departure.
Day 4: Shaxi Full Day | Ancient Trail Time and Pioneer Art
Itinerary: Watch herders return at dawn from Yujin Bridge. Explore the ancient stage and Xingjiao Temple in depth during the morning. In the afternoon, you may visit the Pioneer Shaxi Bai Bookstore (renovated from an old granary) on the town’s outskirts or stroll through the fields. Enjoy a full day of slow living.
Theme: From the birthplace of Naxi culture to the matriarchal hidden realm of the Mosuo Kingdom of Women.
Day 5: Shaxi → Lijiang (Baisha) | Returning to the Naxi Source
Itinerary: Travel to Lijiang in the morning. Avoiding the crowds, check directly into Baisha Ancient Town. In the afternoon, visit the Baisha Murals. Look up to see the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from the town’s streets and experience more authentic Naxi life.
Day 6: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain | Glacier Park and Blue Moon Valley
Itinerary: A full day exploring Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Take the cable car to Glacier Park for a close encounter with the mountain’s majesty. In the afternoon, visit the Blue Moon Valley at the mountain’s base to see its azure waters and white waterfalls.
Day 7-8: Lijiang → Lugu Lake | Two Days and One Night in the Kingdom of Women
Itinerary:
Day 7: Drive to Lugu Lake, enjoying views of the winding mountain road. In the afternoon, take a loop tour of the lake. Check into a lakeside homestay, participate in a Mosuo family visit, and learn about their unique matriarchal clan culture and Walking Marriage custom.
Day 8: Optional early morning viewing of the sunrise over Lugu Lake. Take a traditional Pig-Trough Boatride on the lake and visit Liwubi Island. Return to Lijiang in the afternoon.
Theme: Hiking in a world-class gorge, finally arriving in the snowland Buddhist paradise of Shangri-La.
Day 9: Lijiang → Tiger Leaping Gorge (Trek) → Shangri-La | Gorge Ambition
Itinerary: Drive to Tiger Leaping Gorge in the morning. With a guide, experience a highlight trek (approx. 2-3 hours) through the Middle Gorge, feeling the roar of the Jinsha River as it squeezes between the Jade Dragon and Haba Snow Mountains. Arrive in Shangri-La in the afternoon.
Day 10: Shangri-La In-Depth | Songzanlin Monastery and Dukezong Ancient Town
Itinerary: Make a pilgrimage to the Little Potala Palace, Gadan Songzanlin Monastery, in the morning to understand Tibetan Buddhist culture. Visit Dukezong Ancient Town in the afternoon, see the world’s largest prayer wheel, or try your hand at creating a Thangkapainting.
Day 11: Shangri-La → Pudacuo / Napahai → Lijiang | Natural Sanctuary
Itinerary: In the morning, choose to visit Pudacuo National Park (featuring plateau lakes, pastures, and forests) or Napahai Yila Grassland (wetland and grassland scenery) based on season and preference. Return to Lijiang by vehicle in the afternoon for a farewell dinner.
Day 12: Lijiang Departure | Taking a Piece of the Clouds
Itinerary: Transfer to Lijiang Airport according to your flight schedule, concluding the perfect Northwest Yunnan Grand Loop journey.
