Shangri-La, the Goddess Land! A Thousand Dreams Pale Beside One Real Embrace.
Day 1: Fly directly to Lijiang;
Considering each family's different dining preferences, today's meals are left for your own arrangement. You can greet your own little appetite with your family or friends in this ancient city of Lijiang, full of reverie.
Moreover, within a 5-minute walk from the hotel, there's everything you need for dining, entertainment, and more. Stroll around Lijiang Ancient Town, browse CDs, listen to folk songs, guess the Dongba murals, dress up for Instagram-worthy photos... also explore various handicraft shops, and start your own exclusive journey! Make yourself as comfortable as you like.
Recommended hotels for the day: Fulihualang Resort, Junlan International Hotel, Xianghe No.1 Hotel. It's suggested to book through a travel agency; self-booking may be more expensive.
Day 2: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – Glacier Cableway / Spruce Meadow Cableway – Blue Moon Valley – Head to Dali Geothermal Kingdom – Stay at Geothermal Kingdom;
Today's hotel breakfast offers more than 20 varieties. Take your time enjoying it, and then we'll set out to see the sacred mountain of the local Naxi people – Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
The national 5A scenic spot [Jade Dragon Snow Mountain] is called "Oulu" in Naxi language, meaning the most sacred "Heavenly Mountain" in Naxi hearts. The most beautiful scenery, of course, requires taking the most valuable [Glacier Cableway] (suggested visiting time from mountain entry to cableway and Blue Moon Valley is 4 hours) directly to the 4506-meter Glacier Park. (Warm tips: In case of scenic area restrictions, cableway maintenance, or strong winds, making the large cableway unavailable, we will refund the difference and switch to Spruce Meadow Cableway to ensure you still see the snowy mountain's beauty. Under normal circumstances, you can also freely choose between Glacier Park or Spruce Meadow.)
After the Glacier Park, take the scenic eco-bus to the internet-famous spot [Blue Moon Valley] (Blue Moon Valley battery car is 60 yuan/person, at your own expense) for a photo op. It's like a fairytale, shaped like a crescent moon, with water as blue as Jiuzhaigou. Taking photos here will definitely dominate your social media.
Lunch: Considering the inconvenience of dining on the plateau, we recommend the convenient, nutritious, and warm snow kitchen buffet. The snow kitchen restaurant offers the best viewing angle, where you can enjoy plateau cuisine while gazing at the majestic mountain scenery.
After that, we head to [Geothermal Kingdom International Tourism Resort] (arriving at 18:00, the rest of the time is yours). It's a leisure vacation tourist area centered on hot spring culture. The sunset cooking smoke over Cibihu Lake nearby and the morning mist and water birds on the lake surface are uniquely beautiful.
This itinerary's standard arrangement includes staying in a Bai ethnic courtyard room and enjoying the natural sulfur hot springs in the outdoor public starry sky hot spring pool in the park. Soaking in the hot spring while watching the stars at night is truly romantic. This park is Asia's largest outdoor natural sulfur hot spring resort. Besides bathing, the park's scenery is perfect for a leisurely stroll with family and friends to enjoy your own free vacation time.
If you want to share the joy of hot springs with your loved ones while ensuring safety, hygiene, privacy, and prestige, we can upgrade your room to one with an indoor private soaking pool.
* 1. When visiting Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, protect yourself from sunburn and snow blindness. Apply sunscreen, wear a hat and sunglasses, and watch your step.
* 2. Remember to bring a nice swimsuit in advance.
* 3. If you smell rotten eggs or other odors while bathing in Geothermal Kingdom or at the hotel, don't worry – it's completely normal, as it's the characteristic smell of natural sulfur hot springs.
* 4. Stains on hotel walls are also caused by long-term exposure to natural sulfur hot springs and are harmless, so don't be concerned.
Recommended hotel for the day: Geothermal Kingdom independent hot spring soaking room, very comfortable;
Day 3: Erhai Cruise – Jinsuo Island – Shuanglang – [Dali Ideal Land - Santorini] afternoon tea + professional travel photography – Stay in Shuanglang;
The breakfast at Geothermal Kingdom is abundant, but the morning beauty of Cibihu Lake right across the resort gate seems even more alluring. Just don't forget the meeting time with your guide and driver. Along the way, the farming life of the Bai people will enchant you, but don't linger too long.
Then we'll head to the most beautiful Erhai Lake to board the [Erhai Cruise]. This is where the "Erhai Moon," one of Dali's four scenic wonders, resides, giving you ample time to enjoy Erhai moments. Seen from above, Erhai looks like a crescent moon, nestled quietly between Cangshan and the Dali plain. It was named "Erhai" (Ear Sea) because its shape resembles an ear. Next, we land on "Sheli Water City" [Jinsuo Island]. From above, the island looks like a weaving shuttle lying across Erhai, hence the name Jinsuo (Golden Shuttle). In local legend, a fairy skilled in weaving colorful brocade dropped her golden shuttle into Erhai, and it turned into an island, becoming a beautiful earthly scene. Then explore the underground karst cave [Dragon Palace] and watch the large-scale Bai ethnic folk song and dance performance "Charming Golden Shuttle – Seaweed Flower."
Afterwards, follow the most beautiful road along Erhai to [Dali Ideal Land - Santorini] (suggested leisure and photo time 2 hours, adjustable), where we'll enjoy afternoon tea. Santorini in Greece is the romantic dream of many, and Dali too has a "Little Santorini" – you'll see cliffside sea views reminiscent of the Aegean Santorini style. Here, we savor afternoon tea and admire Erhai's beauty, while we've also arranged a [professional travel photo session] for you, with photographers from agencies contracted by top e-commerce platforms. They will capture your most beautiful moments. We also give an electronic album, with 8 lovely photos per person!
Stroll through Shuanglang Ancient Town, known as the "First Town of Cang'er Scenery" (visit duration up to you). It's the most livable town, renowned for "Dali's scenery lies in Cangshan and Erhai, and Cang'er's scenery lies in Shuanglang." Everywhere in Shuanglang exudes a leisurely vibe – a great place for travel photography and a gathering spot for artistic souls. Here you'll find a rare sense of relaxation. A sunny, mountain-and-lake-side travel destination with honest local customs.
To ensure a safe, private, and free dining environment for you and your family or friends, our hotel and restaurants are typically just a 5-10 minute walk apart. You can choose any restaurant to enjoy Shuanglang's specialties, and you'll be fully satisfied. After dinner, wander around Shuanglang to feel its tranquil night, then return to the hotel for rest.
* 1. Be cautious around Erhai. No wading or playing in the water.
* 2. When on the cruise, take care of your belongings and do not lean over the railings.
Recommended hotel for the day: Peninsula Puyue, Shilili · White House on the Sea (if fully booked in peak season, free upgrade to Feng Hua Xue Yue, a five-star hotel in Dali Ancient City), Shuanglang inns. When you open the window in the morning, the air itself smells fragrant, very refreshing;
Day 4: Dali Ancient City – Erhai Ecological Corridor (Jeep + electric car around the lake + photo stop at Yang Liping Grand Theater) – Western feast at Lanlin'ge RV Camp – Stay in Lijiang
After enjoying the hotel's delicious breakfast, leave the tedious checkout procedures to your guide.
Next, we'll head to the Cang'er International Tourism Resort, backed by Cangshan Mountain and facing Erhai, where you can take in the "wind, flowers, snow, moon" scenery. It's the 4A scenic spot [Dali Ancient City] (suggested visit 2 hours, can be extended). The city has maintained its layout for over 1,100 years. Listen to street singers, bump into friends from around the world on Foreigner Street, explore shops... as long as you're willing, every step offers a scene, every step a delight.
Then drive to [Erhai Ecological Corridor] (suggested visit 2 hours, you can also arrange with staff) (jeep and electric car fees, photographer included; each family receives 4-8 digital photos). Ride a jeep to the Caicun Station of the ecological corridor, enjoying the pastoral scenery between Cangshan and Erhai along the way, then transfer to an eco electric car to Longkan Ancient Ferry (zero distance to Erhai, the best photo spot on the corridor). Here, enjoy the "most Dali" laid-back life. Then at [Yang Liping Grand Theater Cultural Square], get lost in the ultra-high aesthetic of Dali's new landmark, take jeep group photos, and experience the perfect blend of wildness and art.
Dinner: Private dining at Lanlin'ge RV Camp.
Our dinner is a warm, romantic Western feast shared with family or friends at Lanlin'ge RV Camp, set against Cangshan and Erhai. Chinese-style warm service and Western cuisine elegance perfectly complement the Erhai scenery. Even a post-meal moment of lazy relaxation with your loved ones is pure enjoyment.
After dinner, we return to Lijiang and check into the hotel.
* 1. Dali has a large temperature difference between morning and evening (10–28°C), so adjust your clothing to avoid catching cold.
* 2. Dali has strong UV rays, so prepare sunscreen, sunglasses, and a parasol for full protection.
Recommended hotel for the day: Fulihualang Resort, Junlan International Hotel, Xianghe No.1 Hotel; suggest booking through a travel agency to avoid higher self-booking prices;
Day 5: Pudacuo National Forest Park – Yila Grassland – Tusi Banquet Bonfire Party;
After breakfast at the hotel, head to the sacred Shangri-La 5A scenic area [Pudacuo National Forest Park] (suggested visit 2 hours). Pudacuo is a pollution-free fairytale world with clear lakes, deep blue skies, forest waves carrying water sounds, birdsong and floral fragrance. The scenery changes with each season. Roam through flower seas and meadows, enter a pure land of forest-carpeted earth, and admire the beautiful highland lake [Shudu Lake] and the dense virgin forest.
Then we'll arrive at the vast [Yila Grassland] (suggested visit 1 hour), where yaks are everywhere, and occasionally you might see pigs, sheep, and cows. Sitting on the grass and feeling the breeze, you'll fall in love with this simple and kind place.
After the scenery, we'll experience the rich ethnic flavor of the [Tusi Banquet + Bonfire Party] (suggested activity 1.5 hours). Tibetans in traditional attire sing and dance while interacting with visitors. After dinner, join the warm and hospitable Tibetan people in a joyful dance around the bonfire. Move to the music: Jiantang Guozhuang, Deqin Xianzi, Yi-style jumping, Lisu flute dance, Naxi Alili... the whole party becomes a sea of joy.
* 1. Diqing is a high-altitude area (3,300m); avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol, eat more vegetables and fruit.
* 2. Prevent altitude sickness (AMS). There are two common methods: start taking Rhodiola products two weeks before ascending, or use fast-acting oxygen tablets like Omo oxygen, which can be taken after symptoms appear. Both can be combined for a smooth experience.
Recommended hotel for the day: Shangri-La Tangxiang Jiaxiu Hotel, Shangri-La Tianjie Shenchuan Hotel; suggest booking through a travel agency to avoid higher self-booking prices;
Day 6: Shambhala Kalachakra Mandala – Dukezong Ancient Town – Return to Lijiang – Stay in Lijiang;
After breakfast, go to [Shambhala Kalachakra Mandala] (suggested visit 1 hour). Construction began in 2005 and took over ten years to complete this grand building, blending modern and Tibetan styles. It's currently a comprehensive venue introducing Tibetan culture and Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Then visit [Dukezong Ancient Town] (suggested 1 hour) and together turn the world's largest prayer wheel to pray for your family!
After lunch, your driver and guide will accompany you back to Lijiang, where you'll check into your hotel and rest.
Warm reminder: When buying Tibetan ornaments in Shangri-La, be careful to distinguish genuine items from fakes.
Recommended hotel for the day: Fulihualang Resort, Junlan International Hotel, Xianghe No.1 Hotel; suggest booking through a travel agency to avoid higher self-booking prices;
Day 7: Homeward;
Today, due to varying flight times, arrange your breakfast at the hotel according to your flight schedule. Your private business car and driver will meet you at the agreed time to take you and your family/friends to the airport.
