Tour Details

Visit the Green Lake Park, aka Cuihu Park, situated almost in the city center and facing Yunnan University, is one of the most beautiful parks in Kunming city.  Later after lunch of soup noodle, we visit the Yunnan Provincial Museum to learn of Yunnan’s history and the rich ethnic culture; of Yunnan and the ancient Dian Kingdom’s (278 – 115BC) historical features as well as bronze culture.  

Board the High Speed Rail to Lijiang (478 km 3.5hr) via Dali.  

A leisure guided walk into old Lijiang town. The Old Town of Lijiang is a well-preserved old city of ethnic minorities with brilliant culture, the town was first built in the late Song Dynasty (960 - 1279), it has a history of more than 800 years. As a result of the combination of the multinational culture and the progress of Naxi ethnic minority, the buildings here incorporate the best parts of the architectural traits of Han, Bai, and Tibet into a unique.

Visit Baisha Ancient Town which is famous for the murals from the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). The quiet and secluded Baisha Village retains its original appearance and has not been over-developed. Once the original settlement of Naxi people in Lijiang, it is a good place to know the local Naxi and Dongba cultures.  The mural painting lasted for more than 300 years from the 14th to 17th century. During that long time, Lijiang experienced the rule of more than 10 generations of Tusi chieftains and officials. These murals vividly reflect the politics, economy, religion and life of Lijiang in its heyday. We visit a family embroidery school where Naxi girls learn  the art of silk embroidery. Leisurely explore Shuhe Ancient Town which preserves the culture of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road and the authentic customs of the local Naxi people. 

At Lijiang, enjoy the impressive large scale song and dance performance “The Legend of Romance Lijiang” comprised using the rich culture and heritage of Lijiang.  Praised as the “Soul of Lijiang”, the show utilizes IMAX 3D technology and is made up of the following scenes: Naxi Genesis, Kingdom of Females Lugu, Legend Horse Caravan, Revived Ancient Tea Route, Third Kingdom of Jade and Searching for Shambhala..

Visit Puji Monastery, just outside Lijiang, built in the thirty-sixth year of Qing Emperor Qianlong (AD 1771), rebuilt in the 11th year of Jiaqing Period (AD 1806), and it was built again in the 14th year of Daoguang Period (AD 1854). 

Enjoy the spectacular views along the way as we reach the first bend of Yangtze River.  The First Bend was important militarily because big armies crossed the river at that point, and it was a place where Tibetans came down to trade with the people living in the area.

Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge.  One of the natural wonders of the world, Tiger Leaping Gorge was formed by the Jinsha River forcing its way between the towering Yulong and Haba Mountains

According to tradition a tiger once leapt across the gorge, which is only 30 metres wide at its narrowest point. The gorge is a truly stunning spectacle, as the rushing waters hasten to join the mighty flow of the Yangtze far downstream.  For those who are willing and want to get a closer view, there are paved steps down the gorge to the viewing platform. 

Travel to Diqing (Shangri-la - 113km 2hr).  As we climb, we reach 3450 msl with scenery of yaks and horses grazing by the grassy lakeside surrounded by mountains shimmering in the midday sun.  

A leisure walking tour of the old town.  This is an ancient town called “Dukezong” by Tibetans, it was built according to the ideal country of Shambhala in Buddhist scriptures. The layout of the ancient town is like a lotus with eight petals. The moonlight square in the center, and surrounded by traditional Tibetan wooden houses. Here have the best preserved and largest Tibetan dwelling houses in China, and also the hub of the Ancient Tea Horse Road.

Visit the magnificent Songzanlin Monastery (3380 msl). As the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan, Songzanlin Temple is known as the Little Potala Palace. The entire temple complex is located on a hillside, like a solemn castle, with exquisite murals and a rich collection of cultural relics.  Next, we visit the Napa Sea, which is 3270 meters above sea level and covers an area of ​​660 square kilometers. About 8 kilometers northwest of Shangri-La, Napa Sea features a picturesque body of water, grasslands and a stunning mountain backdrop.  

Visit a nearby small village to get a glimpse into local life and learn how to print Tibetan prayer flags (thangka) in a traditional Tibetan family’s home. isit a nearby small village to get a glimpse into local life and learn how to print Tibetan prayer flags (thangka) in a traditional Tibetan family’s home.