5 Days Yunnan Highlights Tour (Lijiang-Shangri-La)-Deluxe Trip of Lijiang InterContinental and Shangri La Banyan Tree

Route: Lijiang → Yuhu Village → Baisha Ancient Town → Shuhe Ancient Town → Lijiang
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Accommodation: Lijiang InterContinental Hotel

Today, explore the cultural heritage and natural beauty around Lijiang, visiting traditional Naxi villages and ancient settlements connected with the history of the Tea Horse Road. Begin with Yuhu Village, a peaceful stone-built village located at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Surrounded by dramatic mountain scenery, the village preserves traditional Naxi architecture and offers an authentic look at local rural life.

Continue to Baisha Ancient Town, the former political and cultural center of the ancient Naxi Kingdom. Visit the famous Baisha Murals, a collection of centuries-old artworks that combine Tibetan Buddhist influences, Naxi religious traditions, and Chinese artistic styles. The murals reflect the cultural exchanges between different ethnic groups along the ancient trade routes.

In the afternoon, visit Shuhe Ancient Town, one of the best-preserved settlements along the historic Tea Horse Road. Compared with Lijiang Old Town, Shuhe offers a quieter atmosphere with traditional courtyards, flowing canals, stone bridges, and charming village streets. Later, explore Lion Hill (Wangu Pavilion) and Mu Palace. From Wangu Pavilion, enjoy a panoramic view of Lijiang Old Town, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and the surrounding valleys, while Mu Palace provides insight into the history and architecture of ancient Lijiang.

Overnight at Lijiang InterContinental Hotel.

Route: Lijiang → First Bend of Yangtze River → Shigu Ancient Town → Tiger Leaping Gorge → Shangri-La
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Accommodation: Shangri-La Banyan Tree Resort

Leave Lijiang and travel northwest toward the spectacular mountain landscapes of Shangri-La. The first stop is the First Bend of the Yangtze River, where the mighty river makes a dramatic turn through the mountains, creating one of Yunnan’s most impressive natural viewpoints. Continue to Shigu Ancient Town, an important historical location along the river, where you will visit the Iron Chain Bridge and the Red Army Long March Memorial Monument, learning about the region’s historical significance.

Continue to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world. Located on the Jinsha River, a section of the upper Yangtze River, the gorge is famous for its towering cliffs, powerful rapids, and dramatic mountain scenery. The combination of snow peaks, deep valleys, and rushing water creates one of China’s most unforgettable natural landscapes.

Continue the journey into the Tibetan cultural region of Shangri-La. Along the way, enjoy views of highland grasslands, Tibetan villages, yak herds, and barley fields. Upon arrival, visit Napahai Lake, a beautiful seasonal wetland surrounded by mountains and grasslands, and explore nearby Tibetan Villages to experience traditional highland lifestyles. In the evening, stroll through Dukezong Ancient Town, one of the oldest Tibetan settlements in China, and enjoy its beautiful night scenery.

Overnight at Shangri-La Banyan Tree Resort.

Route: Pudacuo National Park → Tibetan Family Visit → Songzanlin Monastery → Dukezong Ancient Town
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Accommodation: Shangri-La Banyan Tree Resort

Today, discover the natural beauty and spiritual heritage of Shangri-La. Begin with Pudacuo National Park, one of Yunnan’s most beautiful alpine nature reserves. Explore Shudu Lake, surrounded by ancient forests, wetlands, and mountain landscapes. The park is known for its pristine environment, rich biodiversity, and peaceful highland scenery.

Continue to visit a local Tibetan family, where you can experience traditional Tibetan architecture, daily life, and warm local hospitality. This cultural encounter provides a deeper understanding of the customs and traditions of the Tibetan people living on the plateau.

In the afternoon, visit Ganden Sumtseling Monastery (Songzanlin Monastery), known as the “Little Potala Palace” and the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. Explore its impressive golden halls, religious artworks, and traditional Tibetan architecture while learning about Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Later, return to Dukezong Ancient Town and climb Guishan Hill (Tortoise Hill) to see the world’s largest prayer wheel. From the hilltop viewpoint, enjoy panoramic views of Shangri-La’s old town, surrounding mountains, and Tibetan-style landscapes.

Overnight at Shangri-La Banyan Tree Resort.

Route: Shangri-La → Lijiang → Shenzhen
Meals: Breakfast Included

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Shangri-La surrounded by Tibetan-style buildings, colorful prayer flags, and peaceful highland scenery. Depending on your departure schedule, you can take a final walk around the town, enjoy the hotel facilities, or simply relax before leaving.

At the arranged time, transfer back to Lijiang Railway Station or Lijiang Sanyi International Airport. Lijiang offers convenient connections to major Chinese cities including Chengdu, Kunming, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. For a comfortable connection, flights from Lijiang to Shenzhen are recommended after 14:00.

Fly from Lijiang to Shenzhen, completing your unforgettable Lijiang and Shangri-La cultural heritage journey.