14-Day Discovery through Bai, Naxi, Mosuo, Yi, Hani, & Tibetan Homelands

Welcome to Kunming! Our friendly guide will meet you in the airport arrivals hall and escort you to the hotel, assisting with check-in and ensuring a smooth and enjoyable stay.

Visit the Naigu Stone Forest — the 'Ancient Black' Stone Forest. Climb a high platform for a magnificent panoramic view and take a little path, threading the narrow space between the stones to witness the fantastic formations up close..

Have a relaxing walk in the historical town of Jianshui and enjoy an old-world evening.

Begin at the majestic Jianshui Confucian Temple, the third-largest of its kind in China. Wander among century-old cypress trees and dragon-adorned stele pavilions, absorbing the scholarly spirit that permeates this sacred site. Continue to the Zhu Family Garden, a masterpiece of Qing Dynasty architecture often called the "Grand View Garden of Southern Yunnan."

After lunch, embark on a scenic drive into the Honghe Valley. As the terrain shifts, catch your first glimpses of terraced hillsides.

Chase sunrise at Duoyishu Terraces, then hike to Azheke Village. Trace the Hani's 1,300-year-old "Forest-Village-Terrace-Water" system—watching how mountain springs nourish the paddies.

Visit a family in a mushroom-shaped house, help herd ducks through the fields, and learn to weave a traditional duck egg basket. End the day at Dawazhe Viewpoint, soaking in the golden light over the terraces away from the crowds.

Return to your hotel with a deeper understanding of the Hani way of life—having walked it and lived it.

Drive to the train station in Mengzi and then take a bullet train to Dali. .

Explore Dali Old Town in the late afternoon. Admire the stunning city gate and elegant architecture lining the streets, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local atmosphere as you witness people shopping at the local market.

Pause at the charming square and capture the iconic Three Pagodas, a breathtaking sight against the backdrop of the Cangshan Mountains.

Experience the beauty of Erhai Lake on a leisurely bike ride along its western shore. Enjoy the gentle breeze, the vibrant colors of the flowers, and the stunning panorama of Cangshan Mountain.

In the afternoon, escape to quiet Yi Village. At the workshop, hear how the inheritor took Yi embroidery to European runways before returning to train local women. Decode the cosmology in a wedding robe's patterns—black for earth, red for fire—then drape it over your shoulders. Sip fire-roasted tea by the hearth with grandmother-artisans, becoming a temporary ambassador for this living heritage.

Drive from Dali to Lijiang. Visit Shaxi Ancient Town and a hidden Bai village on the way.

Step into Shilong Village, welcomed by Bai singer A Long. Listen to the stories about his life and this village in his traditional home, learning the philosophy behind Bai architecture and the symbolic screen wall.

Savor the Three-Course Tea ceremony, then watch a performance of the traditional instrument. Learn four basic dance steps mimicking daily labor.

After a home-cooked Bai meal, explore Shaxi's ancient Tea-Horse Road relics. Find the traces of the Ancient Tea-Horse Road on the old temple, the old stage, and the stone brige.

Welcome to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the holy mountain of the Naxi people. Ascend by cable car and find yourself in a real paradise as you overlook stunning and varied natural beauty, including spruces, meadows, yaks, and brooks.

Visit a shaman (called dongba, which means 'wise man' in the Naxi language) of the Naxi ethnicity at his home. Learn some Dongba characters and enjoy a piece of Naxi music. You will be impressed by the Naxi people's passion for their lifestyle, homeland, and love.

Explore the Lijiang Ancient Town in the late afternoon.

Discover the tranquility of Black Dragon Pool Park. Stroll through the verdant gardens, marvel at the ancient structures, and find tranquility as you contemplate the majestic reflection of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

Drive to Lugu Lake in the afternoon.

Enjoy a driving tour around the lake. Pause at Lover's Shore to capture the picturesque scenery and take stunning photos. Wander through the charming Lige Village and admire the postcard-perfect views of the Lige Peninsula. Ascend Luyuanya Cliff to witness the inspiring sight of prayer stones and flags.

Escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful hike through nature, culminating in stunning views of Nüshenwan and Princess Island.

Drift through the ethereal "Grass Sea" in a traditional wooden boat. Experience the unique Mosuo way of life firsthand by visiting a Mosuo family.

Drive from Lugu Lake to Shangri-la in the morning.

On the way, experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most spectacular canyons. The mighty Jinsha River rushes through this narrow valley, carving a path around a central rock formation.

Following lunch, we'll ascend to Shangri-La, reaching an altitude of 3200 meters.

Visit the largest Tibetan Buddhist Lamasery in Yunnan Province — Songzanlin Lamasery. Feel the piety of Tibetan people who are praying and listen to the chants of the lamas.

Visit the dormitory of a monk, which is not normally open to tourists. If you are curious about their lifestyle, religious beliefs, practices, and discipline, this is a great chance to get ask a lama face to face.

Enjoy a relaxing walk in the Dukezong town in the afternoon. Begin at the North Gate, where the soul of Tibet greets you in a palette of white, red, black, and gold. From there, head into the Shangri-La Thangka Painting Academy to see these five sacred colors come alive.

Next, climb to Guishan Park to spin the colossal 21-meter prayer wheel with locals.

As dusk approaches, dive into the region's culinary arts at a beloved heritage spot, enjoying authentic flavors within beautifully preserved walls.

Drive out of the city to the vast grasslands surrounding Napahai Lake. In summer, the meadows burst with wildflowers; in autumn, they turn a golden hue. Stop to photograph the colorful prayer flags fluttering against the backdrop of distant snow peaks and herds of horses grazing freely—a quintessential image of Tibetan pastoral life.

We deliberately avoid commercialized tours, opting instead for a visit to a traditional Tibetan family home nestled quietly by the lake. Inside, enjoy homemade dishes served by your hosts. Listen to stories of the deep connection between the Tibetan people and their environment.

Spend a peaceful afternoon absorbing the slow rhythm of life in Shangri-La.

Spend your free time exploring Shangri-la until your private transfer takes you to the Airport or Train Station for your onward journey.