4-Day Dali and Tea Horse Road Experience Tour

The Past Prosperity of Dali

When you heard about Dali for the first time, you might have been attracted by the beautiful scenery of the Cangshan mountains and Erhai Lake. However, the amazing landscape is just one part of the charming Dali. The hardworking and talented Bai people have created an abundant historical and cultural treasure trove in Dali.

In this 4-day Dali tour, you will start from Dali and explore Jiangchuan, Shaxi, and Nuodeng, which are ancient towns on the lost Tea Horse Road. Go beyond the usual tour attractions to find the great things bequeathed by the Bai people's traditions and history.

Tour 'Wow' Points

Recall the Fading Memories of Caravans in Shaxi Ancient Town

Visit the last remaining market town on the ancient Tea Horse Road — Shaxi. The shining wall, the ancient stage, bridge, and grand courtyard still tell stories about the horse caravans.

old stage of Shaxi
the horses crassing the bridge

Take Part in Traditional Salt and Ham Production

Discover a place of product origin on the ancient Tea Horse Road. Experience making salt, one of the important trade goods, and salt and taste the delicious ham preserved by the local salt.

salt making
ham

Relax Yourself in an Old and Peaceful Village

Enjoy a big meal of local ham, then try the wonderful foot bath with a herbal infusion made by the local Bai people, which will relax you ready for sweet dreams in the starry night.

enjoy a ham meal
stars on the sky

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Tour Map

dal-2-tour-map

Itinerary Quick Look

Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests.

DAY 1 Dali to Shaxi | Discover the Real Cultural Center of Bai

Starting from Dali, you will drive to Shanxi and visit the ancient town of Jianchuan on the way. It enjoys the reputation of the real cultural center of the Bai ethnic minority. The residential houses, the city gates, the temples, and the bridge are still in the ancient Bai style.

Visit a workshop where a typical handicraft of Bai people, Buzha, is carried out. It comprises colorful cloth with embroidery and wormwood to keep insects and evil spirits away. A Buzha master will show you this beautiful folk art. It is a great chance to meet people who love and protect the culture of their nationality.

In the afternoon, explore the historical temples and the Buddhist caves hidden in the Mt. Shibaoshan which tell the stories of the ancient kingdom in Dali area.

DAY 2 Shaxi to Nuodeng | The Memory of Horse Caravan

Tour Shaxi Ancient Town in the morning. Visit Xingjiao Temple, Square Street, the ancient stage, and the Yujing bridge. Listen to the stories of horse caravans in a private museum devoted to Tea Horse Road trade caravan paraphernalia.

Before arriving Nuodeng, drive up a mountain for an incredible yin-yang symbol view made by the Nuodeng River, a tributary of the Lancang (Mekong) River.

DAY 3 Nuodeng | The Place of Origin on the Tea Horse Road

Uncover its stories recorded on the old Taoist temple, the old pavilion, the traditional residential houses, the ancient salt well, and the family ham-making workshop. Witness how local people produce salt and preserve ham, which used to be popular goods traded on the Tea Horse Road.

Relax yourself in this old and peaceful village. Enjoy a big meal with ham, try the wonderful foot bath with the herbal soup of the local Bai people, and have a good dream in a starry night.

DAY 4 Nuodeng to Dali and Departure

Drive from Nuodeng to Dali. Your private guide and driver can escort you to your hotel in Dali or to the airport or train station for your next destination.

Hotel Selection

—the Icing on the Cake

Boutique hotels are recommended to enrich your travel experience.

the gate of the hotel
the balcony of the hotel
the bedroom of a hotel
FromCNY4,860 / USD756 p/p Based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on program, travel date, number of people and chosen hotel

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-2

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