July.10th-14th | 5 Days Lijiang +Shangri-La Best Highlights Tour
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2021 Yunnan | 5 Days Lijiang +Shangri-La Best Highlights Tour
Discover the Chinese Ancient City & Immersed in Stunning Scenery
Shangri-La is the "Eden in dream". Since it first appeared in British novelist James Hilton's Lost Horizon in the 1939, it has been associated with the mystique of a place which could not possibly exist here on Earth. In Tibetan, Shangri-La means the "sun and moon in heart", an ideal home only found in heaven. There the lofty and continuous snowy mountains, endless grasslands, steep and grand gorges, azure lakes and the bucolic villages always leave a deep impression on visitors.
As a Chinese saying goes, "The earliest sunrise is seen in Shangri-La; and the most unique place is also there". Once you visit, you will fully appreciate the meaning of this saying. In addition, the warm welcome of the residents of this land will make you feel at home.
Lijiang, an attractive tourist destination in Yunnan Province, is considered a fairyland blessed with fresh air, clear streams, breathtaking snowy mountains and an undisturbed landscape inhabited by friendly people. It exercises jurisdiction over four counties and an Old Town District. This is the main region inhabited by the Naxi People, one of China's 55 minority ethnic groups.
The Old Town District has the well preserved Lijiang Old Town, listed a World Cultural Heritages site by UNESCO in 1997. The Old Town was once the center of the city and continues to maintain the original flavor of the local lifestyle, the typical local architecture and the profound cultural heritage of the region. It is graced by well preserved ancient buildings and the Naxi Culture.
Highlights of this tour
In this trip, you will explore two of the most charming places in Yunnan: Lijiang-the Kingdom of Naxi People & Shangri-La-Garden of Eden! Here, you are in a world of minority people, temples, old towns, ancient streets, lakes, rivers, mountains…splendid culture and breathtaking scenery are waiting for you to explore.
Have a nice stroll in Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a center of the Naxi people, where you’ll see stunning panorama scenery;
Enjoy leisurely exploration around the Old Town of Lijiang with visits to Yuhu Village, Baisha Village for Baisha Mural Paintings and Shuhe Ancient Town;
Make a transfer to Shangri-La with a stop on the way to enjoy light hiking to Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge;
Release yourselves both of your body and your mind in the earthly paradise with fairytale scenery and authentic Tibetan Buddhist culture.
In this 5 days Lijiang & Shangri-La best highlights tour, you’ll grasp every second to enjoy yourself on the incredible land - have a panoramic view of Lijiang Old Town, explore the authentic Naxi Village to feel the special Dongba Culture, visit Songzanlin Monastery and Pudacuo National Park, and take a light hike to Tiger Leaping Gorge that is the world's deepest gorge. You will just find the tour fabulous every moment!
Trip Overview
Day1 Arrive at Lijiang, Live in Lijiang Ancient Town and then it is your own time to explore this city.
Day2 Lijiang-Jade Dragon Snow Mountain-Blue Moon Valley-Black Dragon Pool Park-Lijiang Ancient town, Live in Lijiang Ancient Town
Day3 Ljiang-Yila Grassland(Napa Lake)-Songzanlin Monastery-Local Tibetan Family Visiting-Shangri-La, Live in Shangri-la
Day4 Dukezong Old Town-Pudacuo National Park-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Shuhe Ancient Town; Live in Shuhe Ancient Town
Day5 Shuhe Ancient Town-Yuhu Village-Rock Former Residence, Supposed to finish around 16:00
FYI：In case of rain, traffic jam or any other unpredictable situations, CET reserves the rights to adjust the schedule.
Lijiang Ancient Town
Listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lijiang Old Town is ancient town for Naxi ethnic group. It is one of the four best-preserved ancient cities in China.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in the world, making it a world-famous hiking destination. It consists of Upper, Middle and Lower Gorge.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is the southernmost mountain in China and famous for its chaming sightseeing, excellent Impression Lijiang show, Dongba culture, etc.
Blue Moon Valley
Blue Moon Valley is the must-visit part of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. The valley is in crescent shape, looking like a blue moon at the foot of the mountain.
Black Dragon Pool Park
Black Dragon Pool is just 1 km north of Lijiang Old Town. You can overlook and shoot the beautiful Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in a distance.
Songzhangling Monastery
Ganden Sumtseling Monastery(Songzhangling Monastery), known as the Littile Potala Palace, is the largest Tibetan Buddhist Monastery in Yunnan.
Dukezong Old Town
With a history of 1300 years, it’s the well-kept and the largest Tibetan community in Yunnan. You can climb to Guishan Park for a panoramic view of the old town.
Pudacuo National Park
Pudacuo National Park is the first national park in China with the most breathtaking natural view. It consists of Shudu Lake, Bita Lake and Militang Pasture.
Yuhu Village
Located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yuhu Village is the place where Joseph Rock lived for 27 years since 1922. Visit stone houses and his former residence.
Shuhe Ancient Town
As a part of Old Towns in Lijiang listed as the UNESCO World Heritage, Shuhe Ancient Town is less crowded than Dayan Old Town, where you can fully relax.
Yila Grassland
Napa Lake is a plateau lake at 3800-4449 meters. Its Yila Grassland is the largest spring pasture where you can ride a horse or travel around the lake for sightseeing.
Napa Lake
Napa Lake is a state-designed wetland area, situated about 3270m above sea level. The lake fills up a valley surrounded on three sides by mountains. This wetlands area is a true paradise for all types of birds, most especially for water fowl like black-necked crane.
Basic Tour Information
Activity Place: Lijiang City Yunnan Province
Activity Date: 2021 Group Tour Dates
Every Wednesday/Saturday (Holiday price is different)
Jul.2nd-6th
Jul.10th-15th
Jul.16th-20th
Jul.23rd-27th
Trip Length: 5D/4N
Meeting point: Lijiang Hotel(Pick up and drop off service is available)
Group Trip fee: Local Traveling bus+Meals+Accommondations+Guide+Insurance
Normal Price: 2585RMB/pax, pay the deposit 885RMB/pax when you book the trip.
Group Discount: 2535RMB/pax if 3 or more than 3 seats booked together, pay the deposite 835RMB/pax when you book the trip.
Kid Price: Children are less than 1.2m and the kids doesnt need beds and tickets is 1785RMB. Children above 1.2m are the same as adult.
Single Supplement: 800RMB for the Singleroom supplement if you live alone.
Participants: The Group trip fee is for at least 4 people, if less 4 people the price will 380RMB/pax more to make the trip confirmed.
Driver and Vehicle: Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of the group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses.
Travel Advisor咨询: Kate凯特 15522215077
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Statement about the Trip Fee
What is includes in the cost?
Guide for the whole trip.
Travelling bus with experienced driver.
Pick up and drop off service
Drivers' accommadations and meals for the whole trip.
Accommodation: 4 Nights Hotel, one nights in Shuhe Ancient town, 2 Nights in Lijiang Ancient Town, One night in Shangri-la
Meals: D2 Breakfast; D3 Breakfast, Dinner; D4 Breakfast; D5 Breakfast.
Equipment: oxygen and heavey coat for Jade dragon snow Mountain.
5 Days outdoor insurance.
What is not included in the cost?(The trip fee doesnt include the tickets fee)
About Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: Entrance Ticket: 100RMB;Ropeway 140RMB; E-car: 20RMB/one Way.
About Songzanlin Monastery: 90RMB
About Pudacuo National Park: 100RMB admission fee
About Lijiang old town maintenance fee: 50RMB( for Black Dragon pool park)
About Tiger Leaping Gorge: Entrance ticket 50RMB
About Rock Former Residence: 50RMB
Please Note: We want to have a positive effect everywhere we go, we don’t take commissions or kickbacks, and we don’t take you on detours for shopping.
Statement about the Refund
If you cancel this trip more than 7 days before depature, we will fully refund
If you cancel this trip within 7 days before depature, no refund of the deposit fee
About Insurance: Our trip leader will collect your insurance information 3 days before this trip happens, if you didnt fill the form when he collects the informations or gave the wrong information, it means you give up this trip's insurance and the accident compensation.
Full Itinerary Day by Day
Day1 Arrive at Lijiang, Live in Lijiang Ancient Town and then it is your own time to explore this city.
Transfer: By Flight or train, it is up to you. Berth train tickets is really difficulty to buy.
Accommodation: Overnight in Lijiang Ancient Town, 3-Star Hotel.
Please Note: The rest day is your own time to explore the lijiang ancient town.
Ni Hao! Welcome to Lijiang, a very impressive ancient city! Upon arrival at the airport or railway station, your guide will meet you at the arrival hall and transfer you to the hotel in ancient town area with a private car, then we will help you check in the hotel. Then the rest day is your time to explore this wonderful city!
Early Arrival Option: You can start a memorable tour in Lijiang Ancient Town (Dayan Ancient Town). Established in the Ming dynasty as a commercial center, Lijiang Old Town is a well-preserved 800-year-old town for Naxi ethnic group, listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
Walk to the central area of the old town and visit Mufu Palace. A saying goes “there is Forbidden City in the North, Mu’s Residence in the South”. Mu’s Residence was called the miniature Forbidden City.
Looked from a far distance, it likes a grand imperial palace and it is famous for the grandness and architectural buildings. Getting into the palace, you can know Tusi’s ruling history and appreciate Naxi people’s brilliant culture and fine arts.
Then, wander through the old alleys, old bridges, featured shops and bars to Sifang Street Square, a mingling ground to enjoy lively atmosphere and unwind yourself. If time permits, join the Naxi people and tourists to dance happily in a round.
Take a leisure walk up to the Lion Hill and climb up the 33-meter-tall Wanggu Tower - the landmark building of Lijiang to enjoy a panoramic view of the whole old town and overlook the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance.
Arrival Ideas: There’re direct flights from Kunming, Chengdu, Chongqing, Lhasa, Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Guiyang, etc to Lijiang Sanyi Airport. Trains are available from Kunming (about 3-3.5 hours), Dali (about 2-3 hours) to Lijiang Railway Station.
Day2 Lijiang-Jade Dragon Snow Mountain-Blue Moon Valley-Black Dragon Pool Park-Lijiang Ancient town, Live in Lijiang Ancient Town
Transfer: By bus, From Lijiang to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain 30km, in 1 hour.
Accommodation: Overnight in Lijiang Ancient town
In this morning, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and escort you to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. The 13 peaks in this mountain area are the sacred mountains among Naxi people. Take the tramway to the Spruce Meadow at 3,000 meters high, and you can both see the fascinating sightseeing and appreciate the gorgeous look of the whole snow mountain at the best place.
After that, you can choose to enjoy the electrifying Impression Lijiang Show (Optional) performed by 500 local people under the white snow and blue sky with the background of white Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, which lasts for about 70 min. (Note: For the ticket is hard to book in peak season, if you are interested in the show, please tell us your likes in advance.)
On the way back, you will enjoy the charming scenery and the crystal clear water various with the weather in Blue Moon Valley and its White Water River.
After that, head to Lijiang. Then Take a gentle walk to Black Dragon Pool Park to enjoy gorgeous view and peaceful surroundings. If weather permits, get to the best spot to overlook the snow-capped Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and shoot some amazing pictures.
Please Note:
If you want to visit Yak Meadow (with an altitude of 3,500 meters) which offers a good location to appreciate the 13 peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain; or go to Glacier Park (at 4,680 meters ) to see the wonder of the “Green Glacier Peaks”, please tell your like to your travel consultant to adjust the itinerary. Different tramways have different prices. Please pay attention that it will be difficult to book the ticket of Glacier Park tramway, you need to tell your likes to us or book the ticket in advance. Besides, it takes about 1-2 hours to queue up for the tramway to Glacier Park.
For the tickets of Impression Lijiang Snow are hard to book in peak season, if you want to enjoy the show, please tell us your interest and we’ll help to book the tickets in advance.
Day3 Ljiang-Yila Grassland(Napa Lake)-Songzanlin Monastery-Local Tibetan Family Visiting-Shangri-La, Live in Shangri-la
Transfer: By bus, From Lijiang to Shangrila 180km, around 3 hour.
Accommodation: Overnight in Shangrila city
After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel. You’ll be driven to Shangri-La. With 2 hours' driving, enjoy the enchanting natural scenery along the way. When we get closed to Shangri-La, we will passby Yila Grassland and Napa lake. Napa Lake is a seasonal lake. In dry season, the lake area turns to a swamp that provides open ground for horse riding and an ideal location for migrant birds. In rainy season, with a backdrop of green mountains in a distance and blue sky, it offers quite a few photogenic opportunities. There are a number of small to medium-sized Tibetan villages in the vicinity of Lake Napa. You can get a close-up view of life as it is lived today in a Tibetan village.
Then Welcome to Shangri-La (Zhongdian, altitude: 3459meters), the Garden of Eden!First, you’ll be transferred with 7 kilometers’ driving to Songzanlin Monastery (Ganden Sumtseling Gompa), reputed as the “Little Potala Palace” for it was built according to the complex of Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet.
Established by the Fifth Dalai Lama in 1679, the monastery belongs to Gelug Sect of Tibetan Buddhism, and it is also the largest Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province with around 700 monks and lamas. Walk 147 steps to get atop of the monastery and pay clockwise visit to the three main lamasery buildings where you can not only see the Buddhism treasures, but also enjoy large number of monks of all ages going about their daily routines, praying, chanting, cooking and resting.
It should a nice trip to get in-depth understanding about Tibetan Buddhism. If time permits, take some quiet time to walk around the peaceful Lamuyangcuo Lake and shoot panorama view of Songzanlin Monastery with reflection in the clear water.
After the merry time in the Monastery, pay a visit to a local Tibetan family to experience the highly-praised hospitality of Tibetan people and taste some special Tibetan snacks and butter tea.
Day4 Dukezong Old Town-Pudacuo National Park-Tiger Leaping Gorge-Lijiang; Live in Shuhe Ancient Town
Transfer: By bus, From Shangrila to Lijiang, 200km, around 4 hour.
Accommodation: Overnight in Shuhe Ancient Town.
Today is a full day to explore the earthly paradise described in the famous novel Lost Horizon by James Hilton.
In the morning, cherish your time in Shangri-La to explore Dukezong Old Town. With a history over 1300 years, Dukezong Old Town is the largest and the best preserved Tibetan community in China. Climb up to the top of Guishan Hill (or Tortoise Hill) to have a panoramic view of both the endless snow-capped mountains surrounded the pure land and the large scale of the old town with countless Tibetan dwellings. Join in the tourists to turn the largest Prayer Wheel in the world in clockwise direction.
After the tour, drive about 27 kilometers to Pudacuo National Park. This 1,300-square-kilometer national park is notable as the first first national park in China to meet International Union for Conservation of Nature standards. It is renowned for well-preserved primitive landscape, which is endowed with lakes, wetlands, forests, meadows, streams, brooks, rare plants and animals.
Visit the spots by clockwise and throw yourselves into the lush green forest with diverse species of flora and fauna, walk along the plank road to catch the gorgeous scenery of Shudu Lake (hike 3.3 km, about 1 hour). (Note: the altitude of Pudacuo is at 3500m-4150m and you should avoid strong activities. There’s no problem to hike in the park.)
Important Notice: Militang Pasture (弥里塘草场) and Bita Lake (碧塔海) in Pudacuo National Park are closed for tourists due to maintenance from 3th September, 2017. The administrative office of Pudacuo National Park hasn't confirmed when they will be open exactly. Shudu Lake Scenic Area (属都湖) is still open for tourists.
Later, be transferred to visit the one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyon in the world - Tiger Leaping Gorge. It is also a part of UNESCO World Heritage Site called Three Parallel of Yunnan Protected Areas. This steep gorge is situated between the 5596 meters Jade Dragon Snow Mountain to the south and 5396 meters Haba Snow Mountain to the north.
Measuring 17 kilometers in length, the whole gorge is divided into three parts: upper, middle and lower gorge and you’ll pay a visit to the maturest section - Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge. Walk about 1,000 stairs along the plank road from the entrance to the Tiger Leaping Rock. Take a moment to enjoy the magnificent gorge view and rolling waves. (Travel tip: This gorge is suitable for most travelers with easy walk. Comfortable shoes are recommended.)
After the hiking tour, you’ll be driven to Shuhe Ancient town.And Check in the hotel in Shuhe Ancient town-one of the earliest settlements of Naxi people as well as the well-preserved stop of the Ancient Tea Horse Route. This ancient town is less crowded than Lijiang Dayan Old Town. Take a nice stroll here to explore local cultures, folk customs and traditions over several centuries.
Day5 Shuhe Ancient Town-Yuhu Village-Rock Former Residence, Supposed to finish around 16:00
After breakfast, This morning is your own time to explore Shuhe Ancient Town - one of the earliest settlements of Naxi people as well as the well-preserved stop of the Ancient Tea Horse Route. This ancient town is less crowded than Lijiang Dayan Old Town. Take a nice stroll here to explore local cultures, folk customs and traditions over several centuries.
After Lunch, your guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel and then go to visit Yuhu Village which is located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Walking into this authentic Naxi Village, you’ll see unique stone houses, Naxi ladies dressing in traditional clothes, kids playing, a tranquil Yuhu Lake…explore leisurely around the village and then go to explore the Former Residence of Joseph Rock, who was an Austrian-American Botanist came to Lijiang and stayed in Yuhu Village for 27 years and made huge research work on Naxi minority.
After the tour, your guide and driver will escort you to the airport or railway station to catch your flight / train (after 16:00) to next destination.
Additional Information:
Please be advised that there will be approximately 10-45 travelers per group
The above itinerary is for reference only, and is subject to change due to the weather conditions
Please inform us of any dietary restrictions and allergies if you booked our tour. Please remember to bring any medication that you need with you
Pregnant women, guests with heart attacks, high blood pressure, respiratory diseases, severe colds, and those who are not suitable for outdoor hiking are advised to carefully decide whether or not to travel according to their own conditions or doctor's advice
We will contact you between 8:00pmto10:00pm a day before you travel to reconfirm the pick up time and place. Please keep your contact lines or channels available. If you have not received any confirmation after 10:00pm, please contact customer service.
In case of severe inclement weather or other environmental problems beyond control that causes the tour to be unable to proceed, participants can opt for a reschedule.
CET (Culture Exchange Trip) is a student self-organized service platform focusing on intercultural communication and aimed to create more opportunities for young people from all over the world to have more chances to communicate in more fantastic way like outdoor activities.
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