The Best Tour of Yunnan: Lijiang and Shangri-la

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Tour Code: ODY-CN-2413

Destination: Lijiang, Shangri-La

Duration5 Days
Tour TypePrivate & Bespoke
Tour Style Classic

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Spotlight the diverse cultures of Southwest China on this captivating 5-day journey through Yunnan. Discover the charming old town of Lijiang, experience Naxi homelife, and gaze upon the magnificent Tiger Leaping Gorge. Wander Dukezong's alleys, and gain insights into Tibetan Buddhism at Songzanlin Monastery and a nomad's home.

Itinerary Summary

DAY	PLACE	HIGHLIGHTS
1	Lijiang	Arrival
2	Lijiang	Shuhe Ancient Town, Baisha Village, Yuhu Village with a Naxi Family Visit
3	Lijiang - Shangri-La	Tiger Leaping Gorge, First Bend of the Yangtze River
4	Shangri-La	Gedan Songzanlin Monastery, Potatso National Park, Tibetan Family Visit
5	Shangri-La	Dukezong Old Town, Departure

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Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival, Lijiang

Arrive in Lijiang by air or high-speed train and then be transferred to your hotel. After settling in, explore the vibrant ancient town of Lijiang at your leisure. Roam through ancient alleys and savor the distinctive Yunnan flavors by indulging in local delicacies like flower cake, rice noodles, and liangfen.

Lijiang

Day 2: Shuhe Ancient Town, Naxi Village

Start the day by exploring the charming cobblestone streets and the well-preserved architecture of Shuhe Ancient Town. Continue towards Baisha Village, admiring its ancient Mural Paintings dating back five centuries ago and overlooking the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Head to the picturesque Yuhu Village, where your host awaits in a traditional Naxi costume. Savor homemade delights, including warm tofu, nutritious soy milk, and juicy plums straight off the branch. Upstairs, centuries-old artifacts are beautifully arranged alongside the elder's rich tales of years past.

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Lijiang

Day 3: Tiger Leaping Gorge & Journey to Shangri-La

Today, on the way to Shangri-la, tremble with a start when the First Bend of the Yangtze River envelops you in its scenic embrace. Then comes the climax of today's journey- the Tiger Leaping Gorge. Here, the rushing river plays a chorus as it carves through the landscape, with magnificent mountains providing an awe-inspiring backdrop. Gaze upon sweeping vistas, taking in the sheer cliffs before winding roads escort you to your hotel in Shangri-La.

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Shangri-La

Day 4: Tibetan Monastery and Home Visits

Pay a visit to the revered Songzanlin Monastery, once home to over 2,000 monks within its ornate halls and temples housing sacred artifacts. Engage in discourse with a venerable lama and learn more about their lives over cups of tea and simple victuals.

Venture to the Potatso National Park next. The varied terrain, from grasslands to woodlands to lakes, provides stunning natural scenery in a pristine high-altitude environment. Then, step into a Tibetan home. As the yak-butter tea steams and aromatic roasted barley pops, learn about their daily lives and hear folk tales passed down through generations.

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Shangri-La

Day 5: Dukezong Old Town & Departure

This morning, spend a few hours immersed in the well-preserved Dukezong Town. Wander through the labyrinthine alleys lined with centuries-old Tibetan architecture, soak up the historical charm, and marvel at the gigantic prayer wheel in Guishan Park.

In the afternoon, bid farewell to picturesque Shangri-La for your return flight, reflecting on the rich cultural experiences of your Tibetan-themed Yunnan adventure over the past few days.

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