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9-Day Nature and Culture Immersion in Lijiang, Dali, and Yunnan Shangri-La

Viewed by 204 travelers

Day 1: Arrival in Lijiang

Lijiang, China

2:00PM

Check-in and Freshen Up

Arrive in Lijiang, check into your hotel, and take a moment to relax and prepare for your adventure.
Head to your hotel in the Old Town, which is the best area to stay.
CNY500, 2 hours

4:00PM

Explore Lijiang Ancient Town

Wander through the UNESCO-listed Ancient Town, marveling at its traditional Naxi architecture and vibrant streets.
Stroll around the Old Town freely, guided by the charming cobblestone pathways.
Free, 2 hours

6:30PM

Dinner at The Stone Grill

Savor Yunnan cuisine at The Stone Grill, known for its local flavors and fresh ingredients.
Located within the Ancient Town, it's an easy walk from your earlier exploration.
CNY150, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Lijiang

Day 2: Lijiang Exploration

Lijiang, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at Corner Café

Fuel your day with a delicious breakfast of local pancakes and coffee.
Just a short walk from your hotel.
CNY80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Take a cable car to the Glacier Park, where you can enjoy stunning views of the snow-capped peaks.
Travel by bus to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (30 min ride).
CNY300, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at Yulong Café

Try a hearty bowl of local noodles while overlooking the mountain views.
On-site at the base of the mountain.
CNY120, 1 hour

2:30PM

Visit the Baisha Murals

Explore the artful Baisha Village and its ancient murals depicting the region's diverse culture.
Take a taxi from the mountain area (20 minutes).
CNY50, 2 hours

5:00PM

Return to Ancient Town

Head back to Lijiang's Ancient Town to further explore or relax at your hotel.
Take the same taxi back (20 minutes).
CNY50, 1 hour

7:30PM

Dinner at The Tibetan Kitchen

Indulge in some local Tibetan dishes such as Momos and Yak meat.
Located conveniently near your hotel.
CNY100, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Lijiang

Day 3: Naxi Cultural Experience

Lijiang, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at Affectionate Café

Delight in a traditional Naxi breakfast, featuring homemade yogurt and local fruit.
Located near the entrance of the Ancient Town.
CNY80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Naxi Music Concert

Immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of Naxi ancient music, showcasing their rich heritage.
Walk to the Naxi Music Hall, a 15-minute walk away.
CNY100, 1.5 hours

11:30AM

Lijiang Black Dragon Pool

Visit Black Dragon Pool Park to see stunning views of the Old Town and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain reflected in the water.
A short taxi ride, about 15 minutes away.
CNY50, 2 hours

1:30PM

Lunch at The Mix

Enjoy a light lunch with fresh salad and local specialties.
On the way back from the pool (15 minutes).
CNY90, 1 hour

3:00PM

Yufeng Temple

Visit this serene temple surrounded by gorgeous forests, offering a peaceful escape.
Take a short taxi ride (30 minutes).
CNY20, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Sifang Restaurant

Dine on local fish dishes with a view of the surrounding hills.
Back in Lijiang, it's a 20-minute taxi ride from the temple.
CNY140, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Lijiang

Day 4: Travel to Dali

Dali, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lijiang Tea House

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast with your choice of local tea and pastries.
Near the hotel, a convenient start to your departure.
CNY60, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Dali

Leave for Dali, taking a scenic 2-hour bus ride showcasing beautiful landscapes.
Bus station is a quick taxi ride (10 minutes).
CNY60, 2 hours

11:30AM

Check-In at Your Dali Hotel

Arrive and settle into your accommodation, refreshing for the day's activities.
Hotel is centrally located; a short walk from the bus station.
CNY500, 1 hour

12:30PM

Lunch at Dali Erhai Restaurant

Savor fish from Erhai Lake while enjoying views of the lake and mountains.
A short-drive from your hotel (10 minutes).
CNY120, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Dali Ancient Town Exploration

Explore the vibrant streets, shops, and cafes of Dali Ancient Town, soaking in the atmosphere.
Walk to the town (15 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

4:30PM

Dali Cangshan Mountain Cableway

Take the cable car up to Cangshan Mountain for panoramic views over Dali and Erhai Lake.
Accessible via a short taxi ride (20 minutes).
CNY250, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Dali House

Enjoy a meal featuring a fusion of Yunnanese and western flavors in a cozy setting.
Back to Ancient Town by taxi (20 minutes).
CNY150, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Dali

Day 5: Dali Excursions

Dali, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de la Plage

Start your day with a delicious breakfast of omelets and freshly baked bread.
A pleasant walk near your hotel.
CNY80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Erhai Lake Cruise

Enjoy a relaxing boat cruise on Erhai Lake, taking in the gorgeous scenery.
Take a short taxi ride to the boat dock (10 minutes).
CNY150, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Lunch on the Boat

Experience a packed lunch served on the boat while floating on stunning Erhai Lake.
Lunch is pre-arranged with the cruise.
CNY100, 1 hour

1:00PM

Visit Xizhou Village

Explore this traditional Bai village known for its cultural heritage and local cuisine.
Return to the mainland (15 minutes by boat) and take a taxi (10 minutes).
CNY30, 2 hours

3:30PM

Bai Ethnic Cultural Dance Show

Witness an entertaining cultural dance show capturing the essence of Bai traditions.
Nearby Xizhou Village, just a short walk.
CNY100, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Dali's Little Kitchen

Savor a mix of Chinese and western dishes in a friendly atmosphere.
Head back to Ancient Town (15 minutes by taxi).
CNY120, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Dali to Shangri-La

Shangri-La, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at Café de la Plage

Enjoy a hearty breakfast once more with familiar favorites before your departure.
Located near your hotel.
CNY80, 1 hour

9:30AM

Travel to Shangri-La

Depart for Shangri-La, a picturesque 2.5-hour bus journey through serene landscapes.
Bus station is a short taxi ride (10 minutes).
CNY80, 2.5 hours

12:00PM

Check-in at Shangri-La Hotel

Arrive and refresh before heading out to explore the area.
Conveniently located in the town center.
CNY500, 1 hour

1:00PM

Lunch at Old Town Café

Try local dishes made with fresh Himalayan herbs and spices.
Situated in the bustling Old Town.
CNY120, 1.5 hours

2:30PM

Songzanlin Monastery

Visit this Tibetan Buddhist monastery, the largest in the Yunnan region, known for its stunning architecture.
A short taxi ride (15 minutes).
CNY60, 2 hours

5:00PM

Explore Shangri-La Old Town

Stroll through the charming streets of Old Town, with its colorful shops and Tibetan culture.
Return to Old Town by taxi (15 minutes).
Free, 2 hours

7:00PM

Dinner at The Tibetan Restaurant

Experience authentic Tibetan food that warms the soul after a long day of travel.
Walking distance from your hotel (10 minutes).
CNY120, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Shangri-La

Day 7: Explore Shangri-La

Shangri-La, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at Shangri-La Hotel

Enjoy a varied breakfast buffet featuring local and international cuisine.
In-house dining, easy access.
Included with the hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Pudacuo National Park

Explore the breathtaking landscapes of one of China’s last remaining pristine wilderness areas.
Take a taxi to the park entrance (30 minutes).
CNY150, 5 hours

3:30PM

Lunch at National Park Café

Refuel with snacks and hot drinks available in the park café.
On-site, after exploring the park.
CNY80, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit the local market

Experience a local market filled with unique handicrafts, spices, and local produce.
Return to town and walk to the market (30 minutes by taxi).
Free, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Dyang's Tibetan Cuisine

End the day with traditional Tibetan dishes like Thukpa and momos.
East of Old Town, a short walk away.
CNY100, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Shangri-La

Day 8: Cultural Immersion in Shangri-La

Shangri-La, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at Shangri-La Hotel

Choose from a variety of pastries and local delicacies in the breakfast spread.
In-house at the hotel.
Included with the hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Visit Shika Snow Mountain

Spend a day enjoying the natural beauty and take a hike or gondola ride for spectacular views.
Taxi to the base (30 minutes).
CNY200, 5 hours

3:30PM

Lunch at Shika Restaurant

Enjoy a meal with views of the snow-covered mountain scenery.
On-site restaurant.
CNY120, 1 hour

5:00PM

Visit to Dongzhulin Monastery

Explore this Tibetan monastery with beautiful architecture and serene surroundings.
Return to town (30 minutes by taxi).
CNY40, 2 hours

7:30PM

Dinner at Shangri-La Kitchen

Have a farewell dinner with Yunnan specialties and Tibetan influences.
Close to Old Town, a convenient location.
CNY120, 1.5 hours
Find Hotels in Shangri-La

Day 9: Departure from Shangri-La

Shangri-La, China

8:00AM

Breakfast at Shangri-La Hotel

Finish your trip with a final delightful breakfast spread.
In-house at the hotel.
Included with the hotel stay, 1 hour

9:30AM

Free Time in Old Town

Enjoy any last-minute shopping or sightseeing before departure.
Walking distance from your hotel.
Free, 1.5 hours

11:00AM

Check-Out and Departure

Check out from your hotel and prepare for your journey home, taking wonderful memories with you.
Organize airport transfer via hotel.
CNY200, 1 hour
Find Hotels in Shangri-La
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