7-Day Yunnan Group Tour: Dali, Shangri-La & Lijiang

Welcome to Dali in Yunnan, home to the Bai ethnic minority! Upon your arrival at Dali Airport, our local driver will meet you and your group at the appointed time, greet you, and escort you directly to the Dali Old Town area, where they will assist you with checking into your hotel. Dali City (Dali) is situated in western Yunnan, roughly 250 km (160 mi) northwest of Kunming, the provincial capital. Dali lies between the majestic Cangshan Mountains and the expansive Erhai Lake, providing dramatic vistas and a variety of outdoor activities. The city is rich in history, once serving as the capital of the ancient Nanzhao and Dali kingdoms, and boasts many well-preserved historical sites like Dali Ancient Town and Three Pagodas, etc.

Free time in the morning. Then, our guide will take you and your group to visit the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, offering a deep dive into Dali's rich history and spiritual heritage. which stands at 69 meters, flanked by two smaller pagodas. According to local legend, the pagodas were constructed to deter dragons that once inhabited the swampy area of Dali. Take time to appreciate the intricate architectural details that have allowed these structures to withstand the centuries. Don’t miss the picturesque reflection pond in front of the pagodas, offering dramatic mirror images perfect for photos.

After breakfast, let's experience the lively atmosphere of Xizhou at the local market. There's no better way to get under the skin of a place than by exploring its local market, here you can witness firsthand the local customs and mouth-watering dietary habits. This market has been a gathering spot for over a century where locals trade a wide array of goods - from farm-fresh produce and unique handicrafts to tantalizing local snacks. Yunnan, fondly known as the "Kingdom of Flora and Fauna," is a place where flowers and insects find their way into the local cuisine! Don't be surprised if you come across unfamiliar vegetables, fruits, and wild mushrooms. While you're there, don't miss your chance to try local favorites like Xizhou baba (a tasty stuffed pancake, savory or sweet) and a cup of freshly brewed Yunnan coffee.

In this morning, your group will enjoy a scenic drive (about 40 minutes) to Pudacuo National Park (Pudacuo, also known as Potatso National Park), the first national park in China. Situated on the vast Tibetan Plateau and forming an important part of the "Three Parallel Rivers" scenic spot, the park is renowned for its pristine landscapes. Encompassing scenic hills, meadows, lakes, diverse plant life, and abundant bird species, the park is also home to over 100 endangered animals including leopards, cranes, macaques, and lynxes. Your journey begins with a sightseeing bus ride to Shudu Lake (altitude: 3,705 meters), the park's largest lake famous for its crystal-clear water and serene beauty. Take a leisurely hike around the well-maintained path suitable for most fitness levels.

This morning, your group will be escorted from Shangri-La to Lijiang, with time to take in the changing mountain and river landscapes along the way. During the drive, you'll stop to visit the Upper Section of Tiger Leaping Gorge (Upper Gorge, altitude: 1,800 meters). According to legend, this spot earned its name when a tiger, chased by a hunter, made a legendary leap across the narrowest point of the gorge, cornered by the rushing Jinsha River (part of the Yangtze River) below. One of the deepest gorges in the world, Tiger Leaping Gorge offers a dramatic view of the roaring Jinsha River and the natural power of its waters. With Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (5,596m) and Haba Snow Mountain (5,386m) towering on either side, you will see the contrasting mountain landscapes on either side of the gorge.

After breakfast, it's time to venture beyond Lijiang Old Town and explore the renowned Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This majestic mountain is famous for its towering peaks, dramatic scenery, and abundant biodiversity. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2003. The mountain gets its name from its resemblance to a stainless jade dragon, especially during winter when its peaks are covered in thick snow. The crown jewel of the region is the sight of 13 snow-capped peaks, with the highest peak named Shanzidou, reaching an impressive elevation of 5,596 meters (18,360 ft). To fully experience the mountain, it is recommended to take a 10-minute cable car ride up to Spruce Meadow, situated at 3,240 meters.

On this day, it marks the end of your 7-Day Yunnan Group Tour in Lijiang. Enjoy some time to explore on your own until our local driver picks you up at your hotel and escorts you to the airport / train station in Lijiang at the appointed time. Thank you for choosing VERO TRIP for your Yunnan tour. We are always here to serve you and look forward to seeing you again on your next trip to China/Asia. Safe travels! Attractions : / Transportation: Vehicle Dining: Breakfast Lijiang Ancient Town under Lion Hill Romantic Streets in Lijiang Old Town Price: What’s Included & What’s Excluded The above price is based on a group tour for 2 people sharing one standard twin-bed room in 4-star hotels. Price varies depending on travel date, group size, hotel class, program in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.