Description
Day 1: Arrival in Lijiang · First Encounter with the World Heritage Old Town
🕘Morning/Afternoon: Pick-up and Old Town Exploration
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Pick-up Service: Guide will meet you with the “XX Travel” sign (approx. 45-minute drive from airport/station to Old Town; Shared or Private car options: Shared 50 CNY/person, Private 200 CNY/car). -
Rest After Check-in: Suggested check-in before 14:00. As there are many cobblestone roads in the Old Town, please prepare comfortable flat shoes.
🕐Afternoon: In-depth Tour of Lijiang Old Town (14:00-18:00)
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Mu Mansion (Must Visit): Located at the southern foot of Lion Hill. Built in the 15th year of Hongwu in the Ming Dynasty (1382), it was the official residence of the Naxi Tusi (Chieftain) Mu family. Xu Xiake once praised it, saying “the palace is as magnificent as a king’s.” The architecture blends Han and Tibetan styles, with Dongba totems (sun, frog) visible among the carvings. Ticket: 40 CNY/person (includes explanation). Duration: 1.5 hours. Highlights: “Council Hall” (where the Tusi discussed politics) and “Wanjuan Tower” (which once housed thousands of Dongba scriptures). -
Sifang Street (Cultural Hub): The center of the Old Town, a circular plaza paved with bluestone, once a distribution center for caravans on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Recommended visit: 15:30-16:30. You can observe Naxi elders writing blessings in Dongba script (experience for 20 CNY) or browse handmade shops in “Baisuifang” and “Zhongyi Alley” (silverware, Dongba paper lamps, tie-dye scarves; prices 50-300 CNY). -
Free Activity Recommendation: If energy permits, climb Lion Hill (Ticket: 35 CNY) for a panoramic view of the Old Town. The best photo spot is the “Wangu Tower” viewing platform (after 17:00 the light is soft and the snow mountain background is clear).
🕓Evening: Black Dragon Pool Park (18:30-20:00, Flexible Schedule)
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Features: Located north of the Old Town, originally the private garden of the Mu Tusi. Named for its clear water reflecting the snow mountain. Highlights: “Sifeng Tower” (Qing Dynasty architecture with upturned eaves) and “Deyue Tower” (inscribed by Emperor Qianlong). Best photo spot: “Snow Mountain Reflection Area” (19:00-20:00 for the sunset + snow mountain + pool reflection). Free entry, suggested stay: 1 hour.
🕓Night Activities (After 20:00)
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Night Photography: Xianwen Alley (lantern walls of artistic shops), Zhenxing Alley (light and shadow on bluestone and old houses), Nanmen Bridge (reflections of flowing water and lanterns); -
Nightlife Experience: Naxi Bonfire Party at Sifang Street at 19:30 (Free, tourists can join the dance); Folk bars near “No. 88 Snack Shop” on Wuyi Street (e.g., “Dabing’s Cabin” branch, approx. 50 CNY/person to listen to music).
Food Recommendations
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No. 88 Snack Shop (No. 12 Zhongyi Alley, Guangyi Street): Signature Lijiang Baba (flaky pastry with sesame filling, 15 CNY/piece), Chickpea Jelly (sour and spicy, 10 CNY/portion); -
Apu Cured Pork Ribs (Xiangshan Market Store): Cured Pork Rib Hotpot (served with potatoes and water chestnuts, approx. 60 CNY/person, queuing required after 17:00).
Day 2: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain · Dual Shock of Nature and Culture
🕘Morning: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Core Area (8:00-13:00)
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Departure: Hotel pick-up at 7:30, approx. 40-minute drive to the scenic area (Entrance: 100 CNY/person, includes Ganhaizi). -
Spruce Meadow Ropeway (140 CNY/person): Take the ropeway up to 3240 meters altitude (Recommended to book 1 day in advance via the “Lijiang Tourism Group” WeChat account to avoid queues). Spruce Meadow is an alpine meadow with wildflowers in summer and snow in winter, offering the best full view of the snow mountain (1-hour stay, horse carriage tour available for 30 CNY/person). -
Glacier Park Ropeway (Alternative): If energy permits, upgrade to Glacier Park (Self-paid 180 CNY/person, altitude 4506 meters, oxygen bottles available for 10 CNY/bottle).
🕐Noon: Blue Moon Valley (13:30-15:30)
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Features: 4 lakes and 1 river formed by snowmelt, appearing blue-green due to copper ions. Highlights: “Yuye Lake” (mirror-like surface reflecting the snow mountain) and “Baishui River” (white limestone riverbed making the water look milky). Recommended walking tour (2km route, approx. 1 hour) or electric car for 20 CNY/person. -
Lunch Recommendation: “Blue Moon Valley Restaurant” within the scenic area (Cured pork rib hotpot, black goat hotpot, approx. 50 CNY/person).
🕐Afternoon: Impression Lijiang (Self-paid) + Baisha Old Town (15:30-19:00)
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Impression Lijiang (from 280 CNY): Shows at 14:00/16:00 (subject to daily announcements). Performed on an open-air stage at Ganhaizi with over 500 local farmers, depicting scenes of “farming, marriage, and sacrifice” (1 hour duration, 16:00 show recommended for softer light). -
Baisha Old Town (Free): The earliest Naxi settlement in Lijiang, preserving Ming and Qing architecture. Highlight: “Baisha Murals” (located in Liuli Temple and Dabaoji Palace, created from the Hongwu period of the Ming Dynasty to the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty, blending Han, Tibetan, and Naxi Buddhist themes; Ticket: 30 CNY/person, 1 hour tour). Visit “Zhongyi Market” for handmade copperware (silver pots from 500 CNY).
🕓Evening: Shuhe Old Town (Optional, 19:00-20:30)
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Features: Quieter than Dayan Old Town, preserving the “Sifang Street” of the Tea Horse Road with hoof prints on the stones. Recommended: “Jiuding Dragon Pool” (clear spring water with century-old houses nearby) or “Shuhe Art Museum” (Free, exhibiting Dongba art).
Cultural Tips
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Naxi Etiquette: Do not step on thresholds when entering Mu Mansion/temples; avoid pointing directly at people with your finger; -
Dongba Culture: Experience papermaking at “Dongba Paper Workshop” in the Old Town (80 CNY/person to make your own Dongba stationery).
Day 3: Lijiang → Shangri-La · First Encounter with Gorges and Tibetan Lands
🕘Morning: Lijiang → First Bend of the Yangtze River → Tiger Leaping Gorge (8:00-13:30)
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First Bend of the Yangtze River (10:00-10:30): Located in Shigu Town, where the Jinsha River forms a 100° V-shape due to the Haba and Jade Dragon Snow Mountains. Viewing platform (Free) offers a panorama. Recommended to visit the “Red Army Long March Memorial Hall” (Free) to learn about the 1936 crossing history after taking photos. -
Tiger Leaping Gorge (11:00-13:30): Approx. 1.5-hour drive to Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge (Ticket: 45 CNY/person). Highlight: “Tiger Leaping Rock” (a giant rock in the river where a tiger reportedly jumped across). Walk down the plank path (approx. 30 mins) to the river to feel the narrowness of the gorge (wear non-slip shoes). Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge requires an extra 2-hour hike (100 CNY/person for a guide, suitable for outdoor enthusiasts). -
Lunch Recommendation: “Sanquan Restaurant” in Tiger Leaping Gorge Town (Jinsha River wild fish hotpot, approx. 60 CNY/person).
🕐Afternoon: Dukezong Old Town (14:30-18:30)
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Historical Background: Known as the “Moonlight City” in Tibetan, it was a major post on the Yunnan-Tibet Ancient Tea Horse Road. Built in the Tang Dynasty, partially destroyed by fire in 2014, and rebuilt with traditional Tibetan houses and prayer wheels. -
Must-Visit Landmarks: -
Guishan Park (Free): Climb to the top for a view of the Old Town. Core attraction is the “World’s Largest Prayer Wheel” (21 meters high, 60 tons; requires 10 people to turn; turn clockwise 3 times for luck); -
Dagui Temple (Ticket: 20 CNY): A Qing Dynasty Tibetan Buddhist temple dedicated to Padmasambhava with vibrant murals.
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Free Activity: Stroll through “Jinlong Street” (Tibetan incense and Dzi bead shops; replicas 50-200 CNY) or “Moonlight Plaza” to see Tibetan shops (Recommended: Butter tea and Yak yogurt at “A-Re Tibetan Restaurant”).
🕓Evening: Tibetan Family Visit (Optional, 19:00-21:00)
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Experience: Join a “Tibetan Bonfire Party” (Self-paid 150 CNY/person, includes song and dance, barley wine, roasted yak meat). You can rent Tibetan costumes (50 CNY/set) and learn to make butter tea.
Night Suggestions
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Sifang Plaza (20:00-21:00): Locals dance the Guozhuang dance (Free to join); -
Old Town Night View: The prayer wheel illuminated at Moonlight Plaza. Recommended viewing from “Songtsam Linka” viewing platform (homestay rooftop for a full view).
Food Recommendations
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Tibetan Family Visit Restaurant (No. 18 Jinlong Street, Dukezong Old Town): Yak meat hotpot (with wild mushrooms and potatoes, approx. 80 CNY/person); -
A-Re Tibetan Restaurant (No. 36 Cangfang Street): Butter tea (10 CNY/pot), Cheese pancakes (8 CNY/portion).
Day 4: Shangri-La · A Journey of Tibetan Religion and Nature Symbiosis
🕘Morning: Songzanlin Monastery · Religious Art Tour of the “Little Potala Palace” (8:30-12:30)
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Historical Background: Built in the 18th year of Kangxi in the Qing Dynasty (1679), the location was personally chosen by the 5th Dalai Lama. Completed in 3 years, it is the highest academy of the Gelug sect (Yellow Hat) of Tibetan Buddhism in Yunnan, known as the “Little Potala Palace.” -
Architectural Features: A complex of five-story Tibetan stone houses built along the hillside, using traditional carving and painting. The main halls “Zhacang” and “Jikang” are decorated with golden roofs, dharma wheels, and prayer flags. The murals inside depict Buddhist stories and Tibetan history with vibrant colors (mineral pigments that haven’t faded for centuries). -
Tour Suggestions: -
8:30 Pick-up, 20-minute drive to the monastery (Entrance: 55 CNY/person, includes sightseeing bus); -
Focus on the main halls (you can enter the prayer hall to experience the atmosphere of burning butter lamps) and the Zhacang Main Hall (library of Buddhist scriptures); -
Climb to the “Lamuyangtso Lake” viewing platform (15-minute walk) to overlook the monastery and lake reflection (Best time 9:00-10:00 when the morning mist remains); -
Note: Don’t step on thresholds, no photos of Buddha statues (exterior architecture is okay), and turn prayer wheels clockwise (3 times).
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🕐Noon: Heading to Pudacuo National Park (12:30-14:00)
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40-minute drive to Pudacuo (Entrance: 100 CNY/person + Shuttle: 80 CNY/person, shuttle is mandatory). Lunch recommendation: “Tibetan Fragrant Pasture Restaurant” outside the scenic area (Yak yogurt, barley fried rice, air-dried yak meat, approx. 50 CNY/person; open 11:30-13:30).
🕐Afternoon: Pudacuo · Ecological Lesson of Alpine Lakes and Primitive Forests (14:00-17:30)
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Shudu Lake (14:00-15:30): One of the largest alpine lakes in Yunnan. The water is deep blue due to minerals and surrounded by spruce and fir trees. Take the shuttle to the “Shudu Lake Plank Road Starting Point” (3.3km walk or boat for 30 CNY/person). Hike recommendation: You can see alpine wetlands and yak herds along the way, ending at “Militang Alpine Pasture” (wildflowers in summer). -
Bita Lake (15:30-17:30): Named for the many tower-shaped oak trees growing around it. The water is crystal clear, reflecting snow mountains and forests (The core area closed in 2017 for protection, but the viewing platform is open). Take the shuttle to the “Bita Lake Viewing Platform” (Altitude 3600m, 30-minute stay to feel the serenity of the “Alpine Pearl”). -
Ecological Tips: Do not feed wildlife; take your trash with you (the park has recycling points).
🕓Evening: Tibetan Family Visit · Touching Real Tibetan Life (17:30-19:30)
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Location: Tibetan villages near Dukezong Old Town (e.g., Tangdui Village in Nixi Township, 20-minute drive); -
Experience Content: -
Visit traditional Tibetan houses (wood-soil structure; divided into prayer room, living room, and bedroom; walls decorated with Thangkas and Tibetan knives); -
Learn to make butter tea (guided by the host: boiling brick tea + butter + salt; taste your own tea for a 10 CNY material fee); -
Taste Tibetan snacks: Yak jerky, cheese pancakes, sweet tea (provided by the host at no extra charge); -
Conversation topics: Ask about “Tibetan New Year customs” or “daily herding life” (Avoid sensitive political topics).
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Recommended Family: “Uncle Tsering’s House” (No. 3 Tangdui Village, Nixi Township; book 1 day in advance; Tibetan costume photo experience for 50 CNY/set).
Food Recommendations
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Tibetan Home Restaurant (No. 3 Tangdui Village, Nixi Township): Yak meat hotpot (with wild mushrooms and potatoes, approx. 80 CNY/person, includes unlimited butter tea); -
A-Re Tibetan Restaurant (No. 36 Cangfang Street, Dukezong Old Town): Cheese pancakes (8 CNY/portion), Sweet tea (10 CNY/pot).
Day 5: Shangri-La → Kunming · Stone Forest Karst Wonders Journey
🕘Morning: Shangri-La → Kunming (7:00-9:00)
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7:00 Hotel drop-off for early flight (Reference: 8L9876 8:50-10:00, direct to Kunming); -
10:00 Arrive at Kunming Changshui Airport, guide meets you (50-minute drive to city hotel, check in, then depart for Stone Forest).
🕐Noon: Heading to Stone Forest Scenic Area (10:30-12:30)
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1.5-hour drive to Stone Forest (Entrance: 130 CNY/person, includes sightseeing car 25 CNY/person). Lunch recommendation: “Yi Family Courtyard” outside the scenic area (Stone Forest Ru Bing cheese, sour soup fish, wild mushroom fried rice, approx. 50 CNY/person; open 11:00-14:00).
🕐Afternoon: Stone Forest · Earth’s Natural Geological Museum (12:30-17:00)
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Historical Background: Formed 270 million years ago, this is a typical Karst landscape, known as “The First Wonder of the World” and “God’s Bonsai.” Listed as a World Natural Heritage site in 2007. -
Core Scenic Areas: -
Major Stone Forest (Take shuttle to entrance): Famous for steep stone peaks; iconic spot is the “Ashima” rock (a 10-meter tall stone pillar representing Ashima from Yi legend); -
Minor Stone Forest (Walk/Shuttle): Flat terrain where lakes (Jianfeng Pool), stone buds (Lotus Pool), and the Ashima rock form a pastoral picture; -
Bushao Hill (Optional, electric car 15 CNY/person): Overlooks the entire Stone Forest, suitable for photographers (soft light after 16:00).
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Experience Suggestions: Follow an Yi guide (provided by the park for 50 CNY/group) to hear the love story of “A-Hei and Ashima”; wear non-slip shoes (stone paths can be slippery).
🕓Evening: Return to Kunming (17:00-19:00)
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1.5-hour drive back to Kunming. Dinner recommendation: “Jianxinyuan Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles” (Dongfeng West Road branch; Signature “Zhuangyuan” noodles with 10+ side dishes; approx. 40 CNY/person; open 17:00-21:00).
Day 6: Kunming · Xishan Dianchi and Ancient Temple Finale
🕘Morning: Xishan · The “First Fairyland in Central Yunnan” Overlooking Dianchi (8:30-12:30)
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Historical Background: Located on the west bank of Dianchi Lake, named “Sleeping Beauty Mountain” for its shape like a reclining girl. 94% forest coverage. -
Core Attractions: -
Longmen Grottoes (Must Visit): The largest Taoist grotto group in Yunnan, carved over 72 years starting in the Ming Dynasty (1522-1566). Carved into cliffs, it includes “Sanqing Pavilion,” “Lingguan Temple,” and “Datian Pavilion” (highest point with sculptures of Kuixing and Wenchang Emperor). Entrance: 30 CNY/person (includes shuttle to Sanqing Pavilion); -
Hiking Route (Recommended): Start from “Chama Flower Street” (imitation ancient street; can buy flower cakes) and climb stone steps to Longmen (approx. 2 hours), passing “Taihua Temple” (Ming Dynasty temple, Free) and “Nie Er’s Tomb.”
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Experience Suggestions: Take a Dianchi cruise (Self-paid 100 CNY/person from Xishan foot to Haigeng Dam for a full view of the “Alpine Pearl”); climb before 10:00 to avoid crowds and get a clearer view.
🕐Noon: Lunch Downhill (12:30-13:30)
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Recommended: “Xishan Farmhouse” (near Huating Temple; wild mountain vegetables, steam pot chicken, fried Erkuai; approx. 50 CNY/person; open 11:00-14:00).
🕓Afternoon: Yuantong Temple · Millennium Temple of Blended Buddhist Sects (13:30-15:30)
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Historical Background: Built during the Nanzhao Kingdom (approx. 8th century), with 1200+ years of history. It is China’s only “Three-in-One” temple (Han, Theravada, and Tibetan Buddhism coexist). -
Architectural Features: Built according to terrain; the Mahavira Hall is Yunnan’s largest copper hall (200 tons), housing statues of Shakyamuni, Medicine Buddha, and Amitabha. The Theravada area has the “Copper Buddha Hall” (housing a bronze Buddha gifted by Thailand). -
Tour Suggestions: Free entry, donations optional. Etiquette: Remove shoes to enter main halls, no shouting.
🕓Transfer to Airport/Station (15:30-17:00)
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Transfer to Kunming Changshui Airport (50-minute drive) or Kunming/Kunming South Station (30-40 minute drive), concluding your 6-day journey.
Lijiang — Practical Information
Tickets & Booking
- Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Yak Meadow cableway: Official figure CNY 65 per person (round trip); advance booking required (Same mini-program as above)[src]
- Baisha murals / Baisha Ancient Town: Baisha murals ticket: null (no official single-ticket price found); OTA has a “Jade Dragon Snow Mountain + Baisha murals + Dongba Valley + Yushui Village and others” combined ticket about CNY 218[src]
- Lashihai Wetland Park: Adult ticket about CNY 29; ticket + boating + glass walkway CNY 50; Tea Horse Road horse-riding + lunch + transfer package about CNY 138–140[src]
Where to Stay · Room Type · Nearby
- Lijiang Old Town (Dayan) | Room tip: Guesthouses are concentrated and transport is convenient | Nearby add-ons: Sifang Street, Mu Mansion, Lion Hill Wangu Tower, Great Waterwheels[src]
- Shuhe Ancient Town | Room tip: Quieter and more secluded than the old town | Nearby add-ons: Shuhe residential building complex, Baisha Ancient Town[src]
Typical Climate & Packing (Past Years)
- January: 0.3 °C–14.0 °C °C, [1981–2010 climate averages, daily average 6.4 °C]
- February: 2.5 °C–15.0 °C °C
- March: 5.4 °C–17.3 °C °C
- April: 8.3 °C–20.2 °C °C
- May: 11.3 °C–22.9 °C °C
- June: 14.5 °C–24.1 °C °C, Rainy season
