Wander This Land on Foot
Lijiang and Shangri-La are Yunnan's premier destinations for adventurers, embodying the spirit Joseph Rock pioneered. Their stunning landscapes and rich cultural heritage provide an unforgettable journey.
This 6-day itinerary will lead you off the beaten path to discover the hidden gems of nature. Experience the perfect blend of adventure, natural beauty and cultural immersion.
Utilize our complimentary itinerary planning service to design your own Lijiang and Shangri-La adventure.
Suggested Yunnan Adventure Tour
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 1-2 Lijiang |
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Yuhu Village |
| 3-6 Shangri-La |
Tiger Leaping Gorge Trekking, Songzanlin, Napahai Cycling, Qianhu Hiking |
Lijiang to Shangri-La Adventure Tour Map
Tour 'Wow' Points
Hike Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
Skip the tourist crowds and enjoy the exclusive views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain that only hikers can experience by trekking through the bushes and wading across a little stream.
Cycle around Napahai
Cycle 1.5 hours through Napahai's varied landscapes. Enjoy smooth biking, conquer challenges, and end with stunning water views at Waxihai Cafe.
Conquer the Tiger Leaping Gorge
Trek through Tiger Leaping Gorge and awaken by the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain rising majestically to your right and the Jinsha River winding its way through the valley below.
Experience the Songzanlin Monastery
Discover the spiritual heart of the region at Songzanlin Monastery and participate in a blessing ceremony. Gain insight into local customs and the significance of this monastery.
Venture into Qianhu Mountains
Hike through the Qianhu Mountains' diverse landscapes, visit a herder's home, and witness the beauty of the Sanbi Sea and Black Sea.
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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Yunnan tour with China Highlights
This visit to Yunnan was 10 days long with stops at Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La and Kunming. We had 4 different guides - Dali with Daisy, Shangri-La with Peter, Lijiang with Li and Kunming with Doyle. Our guides, Daisy, Peter and Doyle was outstanding in their service. They were sensitive to our needs, flexible when we wanted any changes and did their job with enthusiasm and pride. The measure of how good a travel agency provides their service is not only in the planning of the itinerary but the follow through with good guiding service. Daisy, Peter and Doyle were exemplary in this regards! Well done, China Highlights for having guides of this quality. more
Mar 2025, Michel Siew Ngo... F
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Unforgettable 7 Day Travel Experience in Yunnan
Our 7 days Yunnan trip with China Highlights started at Kunming then took us all the way to Dali, Lijiang and Shangri La. Visiting Yunnan in December during winter time was interesting, less crowded and most importantly enable us to see Yunnan in a different landscape. A special mention to our fantastic guides, May (in Kunming) and Sunny (in Dali) and their respective drivers who were personable and shared a wealth of knowledge and insights of the places we visited. They spoke good English, helpful with our requests and ensured that we were comfortable and satisfied with our tours. We will not hesitate to use China Highlights again for our next trip to China! more
Jan 2025, Jess W
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Lijiang- family trip Dec 2024 Eleanor
My family really enjoyed our time with Eleanor in Lijiang. She was able to pass on a lot of knowledge about her city which made the trip lots more interesting! We enjoyed having her guide us to amazing places. She was really attentive when one of us were feeling sick at the top of the mountain and provided us all with adaquete preparation for the 4000km+ altitude ascension. more
Jan 2025, Nicole L
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Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour to suit your interests.
Welcome to Lijiang! Our guide will greet you in the arrival hall and transfer you to the hotel, helping with check-in and making your stay comfortable.
Meet your private guide and enjoy a pleasant transfer to the picturesque Yuhu Village.
Troll through the Yuhu Village, visit Rock's Former Home, where Joseph Rock resided for 27 years, and immerse yourself in his captivating tales of adventure.
Hike from Yuhu Lake to the Sansi River, sourced from snow-capped mountains. Explore Bahe, known as "Frog's Pool," and ascend to Ganheba's vast meadow with a dry stream. Enjoy the Milk River's milky appearance and panoramic views of snow-capped mountains. Conclude the hiking at the Snow Sea, transitioning from a frozen look to vibrant blue waters in the rainy season.
The hike covers approximately 12.5 km (7.7 miles) with a 600-meter (2,000 feet) ascent and typically takes around 5½ hours.
Return to your hotel in the charming Lijiang Ancient Town after the excursion.
Enjoy a seamless and private transfer(with driver only) from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Meet your private guide at the Ticket office of the Tiger Leaping Gorge and embark on a 1-hour hike between Tea Horse Guest House and Half-Way Guest House to admire the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain towering on your right and marvel at the Jinsha River snaking its way through the canyon floor.
Relax and recharge with a local meal in a picturesque setting.
Drive to Shangri-La on the new highway and be amazed by the beautiful scenery and another Chinese engineering marvel.
Explore the largest Tibetan Buddhist Lamasery in Yunnan, Songzanlin. Delve into the heart of local Tibetan belief, shaped by the pure surroundings and inspiring a sense of awe.
Ascend the hill behind the Lamasery for a unique view and possibly encounter locals performing rituals. Learn about the Weisang ceremony at the pagoda, where you can tie a prayer flag and offer prayers towards Songzanlin Monastery.
Transfer to Hamugu on the eastern side of Napahai and meet your bikes.
Embark on a 1.5-hour cycling adventure through the scenic Napahai, experiencing a variety of landscapes. The initial stretch is flat and straightforward, while the second portion offers a bumpier challenge. The third and final segment rewards you with panoramic views of the Road on the Water, leading you to the charming Waxihai Cafe(coffee will be at your expense).
After the ride, return to your Shangri-La hotel.
Enjoy a scenic transfer to the Qianhu Mountains hiking starting point near Jisha Forest Farm, nestled at approximately 3,500 meters.
Hike through the Pristine Virgin Forest and picturesque Alpine Pastures, immersing yourself in the local life by visiting a herder's home.
Continue the adventure to the breathtaking Sanbi Sea and the Black Sea, both situated at a staggering 4,000 meters above sea level. As you retrace your steps, witness the stark contrast of the Burned Forest, offering a unique perspective on nature's resilience.
Return to the hiking starting point, carrying unforgettable memories and back to Shangri-La.
Have some free time to stroll through Dukezong Ancient Town before a private transfer to the airport or train station for your onward journey.
Hotel Selection
—the Icing on the Cake
Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.
Price includes:
- Private air-conditioned business car with big windows and ample space
- English-speaking local guides
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- A 24/7 helpline is available throughout your trip
Tour code: lj-4