Wind, Flowers, Snow & Moon · Dali, Lijiang & Shangri-La 7 Days

Begin with Erhai Lake cycling and the Three-Course Tea of Bai people, summit the 4,506m Glacier Park at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, listen to the roar of the Jinsha River at Tiger Leaping Gorge, and conclude with Songzanlin Monastery and Pudacuo—from Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake all the way to the snowy Tibetan plateau.

Tour highlights行程亮点

• ◆Erhai Ecological Corridor cycling and Xizhou Old Town
• ◆Reflections of Chongsheng Temple's Three Pagodas
• ◆Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Glacier Park cable car (4,506m)
• ◆Tiger Leaping Gorge hike
• ◆Songzanlin Monastery 'Little Potala Palace'
• ◆Pudacuo National Park's Bita Lake

Day-by-day itinerary每日行程

1. D1Arrive in Dali · First Glimpse of the Ancient Town

   Meet your private driver at Dali Railway Station or Airport and check into your hotel near the Ancient Town. In the afternoon, explore Dali Ancient Town: wander through the old streets between Fuxing Road and Wuhua Tower, take a break at a café on Foreigner Street, and walk a loop between Cangshan Gate and Erhai Gate—about 2 hours. In the evening, head to Cai Village Pier on Erhai Lake for your first sunset. Dinner features Bai flavors—sour and spicy fish with rushan cheese. Travel tip: Dali's altitude is about 2,000m; the UV index is high, so wear sunscreen. The ancient town's stone-paved streets are many—your luggage will be delivered directly to the hotel by your driver. Accommodation: Dali.

2. D2Erhai Lake Cycling · Xizhou · Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple

   Morning: Cycle from Cai Village Pier along the Erhai Ecological Corridor to Panxi Village's S-bend section (about 12km of dedicated greenway, 2.5 hours): with Erhai Lake and Cangshan Mountain on one side, and farmlands and villages on the other, stop as you please for photos. Afternoon, transfer to Xizhou Old Town—visit the Bai residence 'Sanfang Yizhaobi' (three courtyards with a screen wall) of the Yan Family, taste freshly baked Xizhou Baba with a piece of rushan cheese. The green rice fields (May-June) and golden rice fields (September-October) are most photogenic. Next, visit the Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas Cultural Scenic Area: the Tang Dynasty Qianxun Pagoda and the reflection of the three pagodas in the pool are perfect postcard spots—about 2.5 hours. Dinner in the ancient town features a Three-Course Tea performance of Bai people with a clay pot fish. Travel tip: Wear a hat for sun protection while cycling. The corridor can be crowded on weekends; your guide will arrange a visit during off-peak hours. Accommodation: Dali.

3. D3Bullet Train to Lijiang · Wangu Pavilion

   Morning: Take the bullet train to Lijiang (about 2 hours, second class seats pre-booked), check into your hotel near the ancient town. Afternoon, enter Lijiang Ancient Town: walk past the Great Water Wheel, Sifang Street, and the outer grounds of the Mu Mansion, then climb Lion Mountain's Wangu Pavilion for a panoramic view of the town's blue-tiled roofs and the distant Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (about 1 hour). Evening: Stroll along the small streets and alleys of Wuyi Street and Wenzhi Alley—quieter than the main streets with a higher concentration of cafés and craft shops. Dinner features Lijiang-style cured pork hot pot. Travel tip: The ancient town maintenance fee is included. The '五花石' (五花石) cobblestone paths can be tough on feet—wear shoes with thick soles. Accommodation: Lijiang.

4. D4Jade Dragon Snow Mountain · Blue Moon Valley

   Early departure, about 30 minutes to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area. Take the cable car directly up to the 4,506m Glacier Park: walk along the plank paths to approach the modern glacier and the 4,680m viewpoint (oxygen tanks and warm coats provided). Move slowly on the mountain to prevent altitude sickness—about 2.5 hours. Afternoon: Blue Moon Valley—the melted snow from the mountain appears milky-blue due to minerals, with White Water Terrace Lake and Tingtao Lake connected along the way. Optional: 'Impression·Lijiang' live performance (at an open-air theater at 3,100m altitude, about 1 hour). Dinner features Naxi-style grilled fish. Travel tip: Weather on the mountain can change quickly; cable car tickets are pre-booked. Temperatures at the summit can reach freezing—ensure you wear the provided warm coat properly. Accommodation: Lijiang.

5. D5Tiger Leaping Gorge · Drive to Shangri-La

   After breakfast, drive about 2 hours to Tiger Leaping Gorge (one of the world's deepest gorges): descend the middle section's plank path to the riverside viewpoint to see the Jinsha River squeezed into a 30-meter-wide torrent between Haba and Jade Dragon Snow Mountains. The waves crash loudly at Tiger Leaping Rock—hike back and forth for about 2 hours. Afternoon, continue driving about 2 hours to Shangri-La (altitude 3,300m). In the evening, explore Dukezong Ancient Town: the world's largest prayer wheel is in Tortoise Hill Park, where people join forces to turn it and make wishes. Dinner features Tibetan hot pot or yak jerky. Travel tip: Today's altitude gain is significant; take it easy upon arrival in Shangri-La. The ancient town gets cool at night—bring a jacket. Accommodation: Shangri-La.

6. D6Songzanlin Monastery · Pudacuo · Return to Lijiang

   Morning: Visit Ganden Songzanlin Monastery—Yunnan's largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery, known as the 'Little Potala Palace'. The Tsokchen Assembly Hall and gilded golden roofs spread across the mountainside. The reflections in Lamu Lake in front of the monastery are most photogenic—about 2.5 hours. Next, Pudacuo National Park: walk the Bita Lake's lakeside plank path through primitive forests and alpine pastures, where squirrels often approach for food—about 3 hours. Evening: Drive back to Lijiang (about 3 hours). Dinner is on your own (your guide can recommend cured pork from Xiangshan Market). Travel tip: Pudacuo's altitude is 3,500-4,100m; walk slowly on the plank paths. During forest fire prevention season, some paths may be closed—alternatives include Bita Lake or Yila Prairie. Accommodation: Lijiang.

7. D7Shuhe Old Town · Airport Transfer

   Morning: Explore Shuhe Old Town—a quieter Tea Horse Road town than Lijiang Ancient Town. Stroll by Qinglong Bridge and Jiuding Longtan for about 2 hours, take a break at a café by the stream. Alternatively, visit Black Dragon Park—the five-arched bridge offers a direct view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain's reflection, best photographed in the morning with front lighting. Lunch features Naxi-style grilled meat or chickpea jelly noodles. Afterward, transfer to Lijiang Sanxia Airport (about 30 minutes) or Lijiang Railway Station according to your flight schedule. Travel tip: It's recommended to book flights after 14:00. Souvenir recommendations: fresh flower cakes, Pu'er tea, and Dongba paper handicrafts. Accommodation: None (departing the same day).

What's included费用包含

• ✓6 nights in 4-star hotels (Dali 2 nights + Lijiang 3 nights + Shangri-La 1 night)
• ✓Breakfast + 6 lunches (including Three-Course Tea of Bai people and Tibetan flavors)
• ✓Dali–Lijiang bullet train (second class)
• ✓Jade Dragon Snow Mountain pass (cable car + eco-bus + Blue Moon Valley)
• ✓Tiger Leaping Gorge and Pudacuo entrance tickets
• ✓Erhai bicycle rental
• ✓Private guide and dedicated vehicle throughout
• ✓Airport/high-speed rail station pick-up and drop-off

Photos from the road实拍照片

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