A Feast of Landscapes and Ethnic Minority Culture
This is a tour for people who would like to skip the big city (Kunming), and visit the most-recommended destinations in Yunnan at a comfortable pace. Not only enjoy awesome plateau scenery, but also discover the colorful cultures that Chinese minority people have created, and have some exclusive experiences that will help you get to know the real Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Dive into the Daily Life of Bai People
Walk into a traditional Bai village virtually untouched by tourism. See the villagers shopping in the market and chatting in front of the temple. Experience their traditional tie-dyeing and enjoy home cuisine in a Bai family's courtyard. Discover the beauty they create in their daily life.
Soar on the Wind of the Erhai Lake
Have a bike ride alongside Erhai Lake. Feel the wind, enjoy the flowery meadows and rice fields, and see the clouds floating above the majestic Cangshan mountians.
Listen to a Naxi Shaman's Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Stories
Pilgrimage to the holy Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and stop at a quite Naxi village to visit a Shaman's home. Learn some mysterious Naxi characters, and enjoy a piece of Naxi music. Be impressed by the Naxi people's passion for their lifestyle, homeland, and love.
Visit a Nonpublic Dormitory of Songzanlin Monastery
Discover the beating heart of local Tibetan belief. Talk with a local Tibetan lama in his dormitory's study room, which is not normally open to tourists. If you are lucky, you might meet a living Buddha!
Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.
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First time in Dali
First time visiting Dali and I had a great guide in Alice Liu. I learnt so much about Dali and the local Bai people's customs and culture from her. She is cheerful and always eager to share her knowledge. In addition, she took good care of my family during our time in Dali. more
Sep 2024, Jeffrey L
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Great experience in Yunnan
China Highlights helped to arrange our trip and everything was smooth. Our tour guide Alice Liu in Dali was very knowledgeable about the local culture and history and made our trip memorable. Thanks for the great trip! more
Sep 2024, Samuel L
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Alice Dali is best tour guide in Dali Yunnan❣️
Alice Liu Dali is a fantastic tour guide. Alice has provided excellent service and has gone extra mile to meet our needs. She speaks fluent English and has a bubbly personality that makes our trips so much fun.Highly recommend Alice Dali and China Highlights. more
Sep 2024, Princess A
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Tour Map
Itinerary Quick Look
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.
Meet your private guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel.
Explore Dali Old Town after checking in. Read the splendid history of Dali recorded on the ancient gates, the old temples, the stone-paved streets and the Chinese-style church.
Visit Zhoucheng village, at the foot of the Cangshan Mountains, in the morning when it is full of life. Enjoy the beautiful architectures of the Bai ethnic minority. Say hello to the ladies wearing their traditional dresses. Experience tie-dyeing, and make your own souvenir from Dali.
Be hosted by a local Bai family. Taste the hostess's cooking in her beautiful courtyard.
Have a bike ride along Erhai Lake in the afternoon. Enjoy the wind, the flowers, the blue lake, and the gorgeous Cangshan Mountain view.
Your personal guide and driver will transfer you directly from Dali to Lijiang. Enjoy lunch and start the tour in Lijiang. Lijiang Ancient Town is the best-preserved minority ancient city. Climb up to Lion Hill to have a bird's-eye view of the whole town.
Then pay a visit to the Black Dragon Pool Park, where the view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is one of the most famous postcard-perfect sceneries in southwest China.
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.
Enjoy lunch in a restaurant run by a local Naxi family in Baisha village. You can try to make your own Naxi pancake (Naxi baba) as the main dish for your lunch.
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.
Visit one of the world's deepest and most marvelous gorges — Tiger Leaping Gorge. The dashing water of the magnificent Jinsha River (Yangtze) roars through a narrow valley with a rock in the center.
Walk around Shangri-La Old Town in the afternoon. Don't miss the Tibetan dancing in Sifang Jie ('Square Street', the town's center square) in the evening.
Visit the largest Tibetan Buddhist Lamasery in Yunnan Province — Songzanlin Lamasery. Be impressed by the splendid architecture as you ascend to the entrance. Then be embraced by the holy atmosphere of Tibetan Buddhism as you enter the hall with huge Buddhas and colorful murals. Feel the piety of Tibetan people who are praying and listen to the chants of the lamas.
Visit the dormitory of a lama, 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.
In the afternoon, visit Pudacuo National Park, which retains a well-preserved ecosystem in its virgin forests.
Transfer to Shangri-La Airport.
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 guide
- Activities, hotels, and meals listed in the itinerary
- 24/7 helpline for while you are traveling
Tour code: dal-3