Lijiang Premier Tour
Lijiang, the oriental Venice, is where quaint bridges arch over clear water canals and flagstone streets stretch alongside classic architectures. Ethnic charm melds with living history to awaken your inner peace.
However, the fame is a double-edged sword. As much as 12% of Yunnan's total tourist population (that’s 4 million people) flows into Lijiang every year. Is it still possible to enjoy the picturesque scenery while escaping from the hordes of tourists? Everything is possible with China Highlights. Below are three steps to make your Lijiang vacation special.
Step One: Choose from Top-rated Hotels
Let's start with a special accommodation experience. These hand-picked hotel choices are recommended based on their location, service, uniqueness, and feedback.
Banyan Tree Lijiang
Located in the less commercialized Shuhe Ancient Town, the Banyan Tree resort's pristine environment adds to the ethereal charm cloaking the air. Be fascinated by the legendary Naxi Kingdom and admire the majesty of the legendary Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Hotel Indigo® Lijiang Ancient Town
The Hotel Indigo Lijiang Ancient Town merges Tea and Horse Trail culture and local folklore in its décor and design. The guest rooms feature signature artwork and creative details, from a horse-silhouette closet to breathtaking murals of the nearby Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, alongside modern comforts that showcase how the past and present coexist here. “Me Space,” with its giant copper birdcage and stools made of original horse saddles, is the perfect place to converse with friends, or for a quieter vibe, experience a traditional tea ceremony at our Tea House.
InterContinental Lijiang
Hide in the center of Lijiang Ancient Town, and experience old world opulence and modern luxury at the Intercontinental Lijiang Ancient Town Resort. Enjoy a perfectly framed view of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain through vast windows. Forget about the outside world and relax in rooms amid the hotel's extensive gardens and ponds.
Step Two: Tailor-made Tour
A comfortable room may make you want to stay for longer in Lijiang, while an unforgettable customized tour may make you want to stay there for life. Hop in a vintage sidecar or jeep and travel to secluded areas and commune with China’s vanishing charm. We can combine the special attractions in Lijiang and the unique sidecar/jeep excursions for you. Private all the way!
The Valley Run
Hop into one of our vintage vehicles for an afternoon jaunt in the Lijiang Valley. Drive to a secluded location and enjoy the view as your guide pours you a glass of bubbles.
The Lijiang Valley Explorasion
Go for an exploratory tour of the Lijiang Valley. Start with a stop at a local Naxi temple before you continue to Yuhu Village, which was once home to an eccentric but now long forgotten explorer. A scenic drive through the valley will take you up in the hills to check out a Buddhist monastery for an introduction to Tibetan culture.
The Grand River Canyon
Crossing the outskirts of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, pause for panoramic views of the Yangtze River from the Temple of the Clouds before you continue your drive towards the Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Leave the tourist masses behind and have lunch at a local guesthouse, and your guide will take you up one of the trails starting from behind the guesthouse. This trek is considered a medium level and, depending on your fitness and experience, it will take between 3½ and 4½ hours to complete.
The Shaxi Trade Bazaar
Down the road to Shaxi, the traffic will have come to a standstill near Jiuhe Village as the locals will have set up a roadside market providing great photo opportunities (weekends only).
It remains rather peaceful on the cobbled streets of Shaxi but during the heydays of the Old Tea Horse Road the place was teeming with life. If today coincides with a Friday, you are in for a treat. On this day, the town awakens from hibernation as the neighboring Yi and Bai minorities come to sell and buy their produce. Women still dress in their colorful traditional outfits and men will often lead pack mules carrying supplies back to their villages in the mountains. Visit the nearby villages before heading back to your hotel.
Step Three: Submit Your Inquiry
Submit your preference for a hotel, excursions, starting date, and how many days you will stay, and our professional trip advisor will tailor-make a private and unique tour for you.
Luxury, uniqueness, adventure, privacy and exclusivity — you will have it all!
