Journey at a glance
- Day 1 Dali
- Day 2 Dali
- Day 3 Dali
- Day 4 Lijiang
- Day 5 - 6 Lijiang
- Day 7 - 8 Shangri-la (Optional Extenstion)
Discover China’s rich ethnic diversity as you travel the Ancient Tea and Horse Road between Dali, Shaxi and Lijiang. En route you’ll encounter Naxi and Bai people, bike beside pristine lakes, sample country cooking, and succumb to the charms of this unique corner of China.
About this Journey
Yunnan, which literally means “South of the Clouds,” is home to some of the most diverse cultures, ecology, and landscape in China. With verdant low-lying valleys, spectacular white-capped mountains, rustic towns and villages and vibrant ethnic minority communities, Yunnan has long inspired both poets and travelers. As a very distinct part of China, Yunnan is home to the “Eighteen Oddities,” eighteen aspects of life that distinguish it from other provinces. On this journey south of the clouds, you’ll explore Yunnan’s stunning landscapes, experience minority culture, and travel along part of the Ancient Tea and Horse Road.
Tour Highlights
- Experiencing a traditional Bai tea ceremony, which uses three flavors of tea to symbolize the three stages of life
- Follow in the footsteps of traders long gone by traveling along part of the Ancient Tea & Horse Road
YOUR JOURNEY
Route Map
Select a route section to explore the map. Tap a stop for its location or use the directions link for the next leg. Flights, trains, cruises and hiking arrangements follow your itinerary.
Itinerary
Day 1 Dali
Learn the process of making China’s most famous drink in a tea plantation at the foot of the soaring Cang Mountain • Travel back in time by walking around Dali’s picturesque old town, a mixture of pagodas, red lanterns and mountains • Attend a traditional Bai minority “Three Cup Tea” ceremony and dinner
Day 2 Dali
Immerse yourself in the traditional Bai architecture of Xizhou, characterized by ornate gateways and honeycomb patterns • Learn the secrets of making rushan, a local cheese • Bike through Erhai Lake’s verdant surroundings • Hone your cooking skills in a cooking lesson in a local home
Day 3 Dali
Hike up Taoist Weibao (“Magnificent Treasure”) Mountain, where you will learn to meditate with a Taoist master • Travel along part of the Ancient Tea and Horse Road to a Hui Muslim village
Day 4 Lijiang
Continue along the Ancient Tea and Horse Road to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lijiang, taking a break in the historical market town of Shaxi
Day 5 - 6 Lijiang
Explore the small paths and canals that weave through Lijiang Old Town • Head over to the Dongba Culture Museum for a closer look at local minority culture and history • Travel to Yuhu village, located in the Lijiang basin • Enjoy a leisurely hike around the scenic surrounding countryside
Day 7 - 8 Shangri-la (Optional Extenstion)
Pass by Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest river canyons, on the way to the fabled Shangri-La • Wander through the gilded pillars and incense-filled rooms of Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan lamasery in Yunnan • Spend the afternoon hiking through pristine grasslands of Napahai Valley, with seasonal birds soaring overhead
Hotels
Photos
Banyan Tree Lijiang Luxury Boutique Blending traditional Naxi ethnic minority architecture with modern elegance and luxurious amenities, Banyan Tree Lijiang is a refuge of calm amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.
Photos
Indigo Lijiang 5 star The Indigo, located in Lijiang’s old town, has tastefully decorated rooms infused with local Naxi elements.
Photos
Photos Dali Old Town local-naxi-culture-lijiang-candles erhai-lake-yunnan
Details
Recommended seasons
春
Spring
秋
Fall
What’s Included
- All overland transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments
- All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
- All meals as noted in the itinerary with complimentary drinking water
- Private chauffeur service to and from airport at start and end of your trip
- All services of China Adventure Club English-speaking guide(s) and expert
- All accommodations, based on double-occupancy and including breakfast, service charge, and government tax
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic flights, domestic trains, plus relevant taxes
- Chinese tourist visa, which is required for most foreign passport holders
- Travel and medical insurance
- Meals, apart from those included in the itinerary, and alcohol
- Expenses of a personal nature
- Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
- Discretionary gratuities for guides and drivers
TAILOR-MADE TRAVEL
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