DAY 01: DALI (Airport Light Meal, Dinner)
Upon arrival in Dali, our guide and driver will welcome you at the airport.
Tour highlights:
➢ Tianlong Babu Film Studio (located northwest of Xiaguan Town, Dali City). This large-scale film set replicates the grand architecture of the Song Dynasty, featuring majestic royal palaces, ancient streets, wine taverns, and traditional tiled-roof houses. It is famously known as the filming location for the 2003 epic drama Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils directed by Zhang Jizhong.
➢ Xizhou Ancient Town – the main filming location of the popular movie Ride the Wind. Explore the traditional Bai ethnic architecture, taste the famous Xizhou Baba (local pastry), and visit the Yan Family Mansion – a beautifully preserved residence showcasing a unique blend of Bai and Western architectural styles.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. After dinner, transfer to the hotel for check-in and overnight.
Overnight in Dali.
DAY 02: DALI – SHANGRI-LA (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Morning: After breakfast at the hotel and check-out, we visit:
➢ Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple – one of Dali’s most iconic landmarks. Admire the unique ancient architecture and feel the harmonious blend of Buddhism and local Bai culture. Stroll peacefully under the historic rooftops surrounded by tranquil nature. (Electric shuttle bus not included)
➢ Photo stop at the famous S-shaped road along the Erhai Lake Ecological Belt.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Drive to Shangri-La – known as the “Land of Immortality” in James Hilton’s novel Lost Horizon. In Tibetan, Shangri-La means “a place of destiny and good fortune.” It lies at the heart of the Three Parallel Rivers region (Yangtze, Lancang/Mekong, and Nujiang).
Visit: ➢ Napa Lake Scenic Area – a vast wetland where grasslands and lakes blend harmoniously, offering a sense of freedom, openness, and pure natural beauty.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant, followed by check-in at the hotel.
Overnight in Shangri-La.
DAY 03: SHANGRI-LA – LIJIANG (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Morning: Breakfast at the hotel, then visit:
➢ Songzanlin Monastery – often called the “Little Potala Palace.” Built in 1679 during the reign of the 5th Dalai Lama, it is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, currently home to over 700 monks. Marvel at the giant Buddha statues, colorful prayer flags, intricate murals, and exquisite Tibetan craftsmanship.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Drive to Lijiang. En route, visit:
➢ A local jade and gemstone shop.
➢ Baisha Ancient Town – a peaceful and quiet old town, very different from the bustling Old Town of Lijiang. Discover its unique architecture and the distinctive lifestyle of the local Naxi people.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. After dinner, you may join the famous “Lijiang Eternal Love” show at your own expense.
Overnight in Lijiang.
DAY 04: LIJIANG – DALI (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Morning: Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to the Tongrentang store for shopping. Then:
➢ Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – Take the small cable car up to Yunshanping (3,200m) to enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (5,596m), which remains snow-capped year-round. Also known as the “Virgin Mountain” as it has never been fully conquered. (Yunshanping cable car included; shuttle bus not included)
➢ Watch the outdoor spectacular “Impression Lijiang” – a magnificent open-air performance directed by the renowned Zhang Yimou, staged at over 3,000 meters altitude with the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as its natural backdrop.
➢ Blue Moon Valley (Lanyuegu) – A stunning small valley at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Under sunlight, the crystal-clear lake resembles a beautiful jade moon. (Electric shuttle not included)
➢ Yushuizhai (Jade Water Village) – The spiritual center of the Naxi Dongba culture and an important heritage site of Baisha music and ancient Naxi Laba dance. It was recognized by the American Nature Conservation Association.
Lunch: At a local restaurant.
Afternoon: Return to Dali and visit:
➢ Dali Ancient Town (National 4A Scenic Area) – Located between the blue Erhai Lake to the south and the green Cangshan Mountains to the west. Experience the romantic atmosphere of the ancient Nanzhao Kingdom and the poetic scenery often described as “flowers, moon, and beautiful ladies.”
➢ Tangren Street for free exploration and shopping.
Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. After dinner, free time to explore the charming night scene of Dali Ancient Town.
Overnight in Dali.
DAY 05: DALI – DEPARTURE (Breakfast)
Morning: After breakfast, our guide and driver will transfer you to the airport for flight back to Hanoi. Upon arrival at Noi Bai International Airport, you will be transferred back to your original meeting point.
End of the China Tour Program. Thank you and hope to see you again soon!
(Note: The order of sightseeing may be adjusted according to actual conditions, but all attractions will be fully guaranteed.)