Tea Horse Road Echoes

Dining: None | Accommodation: Kunming Hotel

Arrive in Kunming via flight, where our professional team will meet you for a private transfer to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy free time to explore the city at your own pace. Wander through historic streets to discover authentic "Dian" (Yunnan) flavors hidden in old courtyard houses. Kunming, a charming city waiting for you to discover and explore, welcomes your arrival!

Dining: Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Self-arranged / Dinner: Yi Long Street Banquet

Accommodation: Chuxiong Hotel

After breakfast, depart at 09:00 AM for the Western Hills Scenic Area, a national-level resort known as the "No. 1 Scenic Spot in Central Yunnan." Visit the Dragon Gate, an extraordinary complex carved manually into steep cliffs. It is the premier vantage point to enjoy a panoramic view of Dianchi Lake and Kunming. Feel the breeze, hear the legends of the "Sleeping Beauty" mountain, and soak in the plateau's blue skies.

At the foot of the hills, visit Chama Hua Street for lunch (self-arranged). Immerse yourself in the Republican-era atmosphere, browsing exquisite handicrafts and tasting authentic local snacks amidst the bustling market life.

Later, head to the lakefront to see the Dianchi Seagulls (Seasonal: Nov 1 – Mar 15). Interact with these "spirits of the plateau" against the backdrop of the water. Afterward, travel by bus to Chuxiong to experience the Yi Long Street Banquet. The evening begins with a sacred Fire Totem Welcome Ceremony. Learn the traditional Left Foot Dance from local Yi youths and join a vibrant Bonfire Party before retiring to your hotel.

Dining: Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Set Meal / Dinner: Set Meal
Accommodation: Dali or Lijiang Hotel

After breakfast, depart at 09:00 AM for Dali. Board an Erhai Lake Cruise for an unparalleled feast of sights. The lake, shimmering like a piece of green jade at the foot of the Cangshan Mountains, offers a poetic 360° view that promises surprises and inspiration at every turn.

Next, explore the historic Dali Ancient City. Wander through its "chessboard" layout of five main streets and eight lanes, where Ming, Qing, and Republican-era architecture remains beautifully preserved. Follow the ancient city walls to discover the heritage of the Nanchao Kingdom. During your free time, visit the South Gate, Wuhua Tower, and Honglong Well, or indulge in local delicacies like roasted milk fan (Rushan), Baojiang tofu, and cold chicken rice noodles.

Later, visit Nanchao Xicheng to admire the most luxurious Bai-style architecture in the Xizhou area, featuring traditional courtyards and intricate woodcarvings. Under the guidance of an Intangible Cultural Heritage heir, you will participate in a hands-on workshop. Choose one of the following three traditional crafts: Tie-dyeing, Jia Ma (Woodblock printing), or Embroidery. After the cultural experience, transfer to your hotel for check-in.

Dining: Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Meal Pack / Dinner: Self-arranged
Accommodation: Lijiang Hotel

After breakfast at 08:00 AM, travel to Xinhua Town, a 4A-rated scenic destination. This "Grand View Garden" of ethnic culture is home to the Yi, Hui, Lisu, and Miao people. Here, you can witness diverse customs, from colorful traditional weddings to ancient bartering practices, showcasing the vibrant soul of Yunnan's ethnic diversity.

Next, head to the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain scenic area. Take the Spruce Plateau (Yunshanping) Cableway to admire the stunning alpine meadows. Surrounded by lush, towering spruce forests and the majestic silhouettes of snow-capped peaks, you will find yourself immersed in a tranquil "sea of trees."

Continue to Blue Moon Valley . Formed by the melting snow of the mountain, the crystal-clear water gathers into a river that glows with a magical turquoise blue on sunny days. Shaped like a crescent moon at the foot of the snow peaks, it is a sight of pure, icy beauty.

Finally, enjoy free time in Lijiang Ancient City. Wander along its stone-paved paths and over small bridges as the evening atmosphere sets in. Explore the narrow alleys to find legendary local snacks such as fried jelly, Lijiang Baba, and sweet Naxi rice cakes.

Dining: Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Set Meal / Dinner: Self-arranged
Accommodation: Lijiang Hotel

After breakfast, depart at 09:00 AM to visit Shuhe Ancient Town. As an "authentic" Naxi village, Shuhe exudes a timeless, vintage charm and remains one of the best-preserved stops along the ancient Tea Horse Road.

Located northwest of Lijiang's main ancient city (Dayan), Shuhe is nestled between mountains and rivers. Its layout features well-arranged traditional houses and gurgling streams flowing through the alleyways, creating a serene and picturesque environment.

After lunch, enjoy free time to explore the town’s hidden corners, visit a local tea house, or simply relax at your own pace. You will stay overnight in Lijiang.

Dining: Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Set Meal / Dinner: Tibetan Tusi Feast

Accommodation: Shangri-La Hotel

After breakfast, depart for Shangri-La. Along the way, pass the First Bend of the Yangtze River before arriving at the world-renowned Tiger Leaping Gorge. Witness the thunderous waves and the sheer power of the Jinsha River as it crashes through one of the deepest canyons on Earth, characterized by jagged rocks and dramatic waterfalls.

After lunch, enter the pristine "fairytale world" of Pudacuo National Park. This zero-pollution sanctuary features crystal-clear lakes and azure skies. Walk through alpine meadows and lush forests to visit Shudu Lake, where the sounds of the wind in the trees and birdsong create a tranquil atmosphere on the high plateau.

In the evening, enjoy a Tibetan Tusi Feast, a traditional banquet featuring Yak hotpot, tsampa (barley flour), and butter tea. Immerse yourself in a vibrant Tibetan Song and Dance Performance, celebrating local ethnic customs while you dine. Afterward, check into your hotel for a restful night.

Dining: Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: Set Meal / Dinner: Self-arranged
Accommodation: Kunming Hotel

After breakfast, visit the Shambhala Shambhala Mandala (Kalachakra Mandala). Completed after ten years of construction, this magnificent landmark blends modern and traditional Tibetan architecture. It is one of the most comprehensive sites in the region for exploring Tibetan culture and Buddhism, featuring a unique white-tower style gilded roof. Alternatively, you may visit the Tibetan Culture Center, a grand hall dedicated to preserving the heritage and the eight major schools of Tibetan Buddhism.

Next, explore Dukezong Ancient Town, also known as the "Moonlight City." Together with other travelers, you can help spin the world's largest prayer wheel to pray for blessings and good fortune for your family.

After lunch, travel back to Lijiang by car, then board the High-Speed Train back to Kunming (Upgrade option: High-speed train directly from Shangri-La to Kunming available for an additional fee). Upon arrival in Kunming, check into your hotel.

Dining: Breakfast: Hotel / Lunch: None / Dinner: None
Accommodation: None

After breakfast, visit the Tourist Assembly Center (Note: This visit will not be arranged for return flights departing before 12:00 PM). According to your specific flight schedule, our professional team will provide a transfer to the airport for your journey home.