Shangri-La, the Land of the Goddess! Better to visit once than to dream a thousand times.
Day 1: Take a direct flight to Lijiang. Since each family has its own dining preferences, today’s meals are entirely up to you. In the enchanting ancient city of Lijiang, you can treat yourself and your family or friends to delicious food at your leisure.
Additionally, within a 5-minute walk from your hotel, you’ll find everything you need—dining, entertainment, and shopping galore. Wander through the Old Town of Lijiang, hunt for vinyl records, listen to folk music, guess the meanings of Dongba murals, dress up in local costumes for Instagram-worthy photos… drop by various handicraft shops to start your unique journey! Comfort is key, so go with the flow.
Recommended hotels for today: Fuli Langham Resort, Narada Resort & Spa, Xianghe No.1 Hotel. It’s recommended to book through a travel agency; booking on your own tends to be pricier.
Day 2: Yulong Snow Mountain – Glacier Park Cableway / Spruce Meadow Cableway – Blue Moon Valley – Travel to Dali Geothermal Kingdom – Stay at Geothermal Kingdom.
Today's hotel breakfast features over 20 types of dishes. Take your time enjoying it, then we set off to see the sacred mountain of the local Naxi people—Yulong Snow Mountain.
The 5A-rated scenic spot [Yulong Snow Mountain] is called "Oulu" in the Naxi language, meaning the holiest "Heavenly Mountain" in Naxi hearts. For the most spectacular views, of course you'll take the premium [Glacier Park Cableway] (from entering the mountain to riding the cableway and visiting Blue Moon Valley, allow about 4 hours) directly to Glacier Park at an elevation of 4,506 meters. (Warm tip: If the Glacier Park is closed due to visitor restrictions, cableway maintenance, or high winds, we will arrange the Spruce Meadow Cableway instead and refund the price difference, ensuring you still enjoy the snow mountain’s beauty. Under normal circumstances, you may freely choose between Glacier Park and Spruce Meadow.)
After Glacier Park, take the eco-friendly shuttle bus within the scenic area to the Insta-famous [Blue Moon Valley] (the electric cart costs 60 yuan per person, at your own expense). It’s as enchanting as a fairy tale, shaped like a crescent moon with sapphire-blue waters comparable to Jiuzhaigou. Photos taken here will surely outshine your social media feeds.
Lunch: Considering the inconvenience of dining at high altitude, we recommend a convenient, nutritious, and cozy buffet at Snow Kitchen Restaurant. Snow Kitchen offers the best viewing angles—you can savor highland cuisine while gazing at the majestic snow mountain.
Later, we head to [Geothermal Kingdom International Tourism Resort] (arriving at 18:00, the rest of the time is all yours). This resort is a leisure and wellness destination built around hot-spring bathing culture. The sunset glow and cooking smoke over Cibi Lake next door, and the lake’s morning mist and water birds, are uniquely beautiful, unlike anywhere else in China.
The standard itinerary includes staying in Bai-style courtyard rooms, and enjoying natural sulfur hot springs in the open-air public starry-sky hot spring pools—soaking under the stars at night is incredibly romantic. This resort is Asia’s largest outdoor natural sulfur hot spring complex. Besides soaking, the grounds are perfect for a leisurely stroll with loved ones, enjoying carefree family time.
If you want to share the joy of bathing with family or friends while valuing hygiene, privacy, and a sense of exclusivity, we can upgrade you to a room with a private indoor hot spring pool.
1. When visiting Yulong Snow Mountain, guard against sunburn and snow blindness: apply sunscreen, wear a sun hat and sunglasses, and watch your step on slippery surfaces.
2. Remember to bring a nice swimsuit ahead of time.
3. If you smell a rotten-egg odor or other unusual scents while soaking at Geothermal Kingdom or in your hotel, don't worry—this is normal for natural sulfur hot springs.
4. Any stains on hotel walls are caused by long-term exposure to natural sulfur springs—perfectly harmless, so rest assured.
Recommended hotel today: independent hot spring pool room at Geothermal Kingdom, wonderfully comfortable;
Day 3: Erhai Lake Cruise – Jinsuo Island – Shuanglang – [Dali Ideal Utopia – Santorini] Afternoon Tea + Professional Travel Photo Shoot – Stay in Shuanglang.
The breakfast at Geothermal Kingdom is sumptuous, but stepping outside the resort gate, the morning views of Cibi Lake right across may be even more alluring. Still, don't forget your meeting time with your guide and driver. Along the way, the farming life of the Bai people will tempt you to linger, but try not to get too distracted.
Then, we head to the most beautiful part of Erhai Lake to board the [Erhai Cruise]. This is where the “Moon over Erhai,” one of Dali’s Four Romantic Scenes, can be found, allowing you ample time to soak in the Erhai atmosphere. Seen from above, Erhai looks like a crescent moon nestled quietly between the Cangshan Mountains and the Dali Basin; its ear-like shape gave it the name “Erhai” (Ear Sea). Next we land at the “Relic Water City” [Jinsuo Island] (Golden Shuttle Island). Viewed from above, the island resembles a weaving shuttle lying across Erhai, hence its name. Local legend says a fairy skilled in weaving colorful brocades dropped her golden shuttle into Erhai, where it transformed into this beautiful island. Then we explore the underground karst cave [Dragon Palace] and watch an original large-scale performance by the Bai people, "The Enchanting Golden Shuttle – Sea Cabbage Flower".
After that, we drive along Erhai’s most scenic road to [Dali Ideal Utopia – Santorini] (photo stop reference 2 hours, you can decide your own pace) to enjoy afternoon tea. The Greek island of Santorini is a romantic dream for many, and Dali has its own “Little Santorini.” Here you'll find Aegean-style cliffside sea views similar to those in Santorini. While sipping afternoon tea and admiring Erhai, we've arranged a [Professional Travel Photo Shoot] for you, conducted by photographers from agencies partnering with top e-commerce platforms. They will capture every stunning moment. Plus, you’ll receive a digital photo album with 8 beautiful photos per person!
Stroll through [Shuanglang Ancient Town] (visiting time at your own pace), known as the number one town for Cang-Er scenery, with the saying “Dali’s beauty lies in Cangshan and Erhai, and Cang-Er’s beauty lies in Shuanglang.” The town exudes an unhurried atmosphere everywhere—perfect for travel photos and a haven for the artsy and hipster crowd. This place will give you a long-lost sense of relaxation, set in a sunny destination backed by mountains and facing the “sea,” with honest and friendly folk.
To give you a safe, private, and free environment for independent family meals, the distance between our hotel and restaurants is usually just a 5-10 minute walk. Choose any restaurant to enjoy Shuanglang’s specialty cuisine—you’ll be fully satisfied. After dinner, you can wander through Shuanglang and soak up the tranquil night before returning to the hotel for a restful sleep.
1. Please be cautious along the shores of Erhai Lake; do not enter the water.
2. While on the cruise, take care of your belongings and avoid leaning over the railings.
Recommended hotel today: Peninsula Puyue, Shilili · Sea White Palace (if no rooms are available during peak season, free upgrade to Dali Ancient Town’s five-star listed hotel Romance of Wind, Flower, Snow and Moon). A Shuanglang inn; when you open the window in the morning, the air even smells fragrant, so soothing;
Day 4: Dali Ancient City – Erhai Ecological Corridor (Jeep + Battery Car Lake Tour + Check-in at Yang Liping Grand Theatre) – Western Feast at Lanlinge RV Camp – Stay in Lijiang.
After enjoying a tasty breakfast at the hotel, leave the tedious check-out to your guide.
Next we head to the Cang-Er International Tourism Resort, backed by Cangshan Mountain and facing Erhai Lake. Here you can take in the renowned “Wind, Flower, Snow, and Moon” scenery at the 4A-rated [Dali Ancient City] (reference visiting time 2 hours, can be extended as you like). The city has preserved its layout from over 1,100 years ago. Listen to street singers in the ancient city, meet travelers from all over the world on Foreigners’ Street, explore quirky shops… everywhere you turn, there’s a new view and a new delight.
Then drive to [Erhai Ecological Corridor] (reference visiting time 2 hours, can be arranged with staff) (including jeep and battery car fees, photographer’s photos; each family receives 4–8 digital photos). Take a jeep to Caicun Station on the Erhai Ecological Corridor, enjoying the pastoral scenery along Cangshan and Erhai, then switch to an eco-friendly battery car to Longkan Ancient Ferry (right by Erhai’s water’s edge, the best photo spot on the corridor). Enjoy the ultimate “Dali-style” laid-back life here. Later, at [Yang Liping Grand Theatre Cultural Square], marvel at this new Dali landmark’s stunning design, take photos with the jeep, and experience the perfect fusion of wildness and art.
Dinner: Independent dining at Lanlinge RV Camp. Tonight’s dinner is a warm and romantic Western-style feast shared with family and friends at the Lanlinge RV Camp, nestled at the foot of Cangshan and beside Erhai. Chinese-style warm service and European elegance pair wonderfully with the lake views. Even a post-meal lazy moment with your loved ones becomes a pleasure.
After dinner, we head back to Lijiang and check in to the hotel for a good rest.
1. Dali has a marked temperature difference between morning and evening (10–28°C). Dress accordingly to prevent colds.
2. UV rays are strong in Dali. Be sure to bring sun protection, sunglasses, and a parasol.
Recommended hotels today: Fuli Langham Resort, Narada Resort & Spa, Xianghe No.1 Hotel. It’s recommended to book through a travel agency; booking on your own tends to be pricier.
Day 5: Pudacuo National Forest Park – Yila Grassland – Tusi Banquet & Bonfire Party.
After breakfast at the hotel, we head to the sacred Shangri-La 5A scenic area [Pudacuo National Forest Park] (reference visiting time 2 hours). Pudacuo is a pollution-free fairy-tale world with crystal-clear lakes, deep blue skies, forests murmuring with water sounds, and birdsong mixed with flower fragrance—scenery that changes with the seasons. Wander through flower meadows and grassy marshlands, step into pristine lands carpeted with forests, admire the beautiful alpine lake [Shudu Lake], and take in the dense primeval woods.
Next, we visit the vast [Yila Grassland] (reference visiting time 1 hour). You’ll see yaks everywhere, and occasionally pigs, sheep, and cattle. Sit on the grass, feel the breeze—you’ll really love this simple and kind-hearted place.
After the scenery, we’ll enjoy a [Tusi Banquet & Bonfire Party] (reference activity time 1.5 hours), brimming with ethnic flavor. Tibetans dress in traditional costumes, singing and dancing while interacting with visitors. After dinner, join the warm and hospitable Tibetan hosts around the bonfire, swaying to music—Jiantang Guozhuang, Deqin Xianzi, Yi jumping dance, Lisu flute dance, Naxi Alili… The whole party turns into a sea of joy.
1. Diqing is a high-altitude region (3,300m). Avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol; eat plenty of vegetables and fruits.
2. Beware of altitude sickness (mountain sickness). There are generally two ways to prevent it: start taking Rhodiola rosea products half a month before arriving; or carry fast-acting Omo Oxygen Tablets, which work even after altitude sickness occurs. You can combine both methods to easily handle altitude sickness.
Recommended hotels today: Shangri-La Tangxiang Jiaxiu Hotel, Shangri-La Tianjie Shenchuan Hotel. It’s recommended to book through a travel agency; booking on your own tends to be pricier.
Day 6: Shambhala Time Wheel Mandala – Dukezong Ancient Town – Return to Lijiang – Stay in Lijiang.
After breakfast at the hotel, we visit [Shambhala Time Wheel Mandala] (reference visiting time 1 hour). Construction of this mandala began in 2005, and after over a decade of effort, a magnificent and towering building emerged, blending modern and Tibetan architectural styles. It is one of the most comprehensive venues in Tibetan areas for introducing Tibetan culture and Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Next, explore [Dukezong Ancient Town] (recommended visiting time 1 hour). Together, spin the world’s largest prayer wheel to pray for your family’s blessings!
After lunch, your driver and guide will accompany you on the drive back to Lijiang, where you’ll check in to your Lijiang hotel and rest.
Warm tip: When buying Tibetan ornaments in Shangri-La, be careful to distinguish genuine from fake.
Recommended hotels today: Fuli Langham Resort, Narada Resort & Spa, Xianghe No.1 Hotel. It’s recommended to book through a travel agency; booking on your own tends to be pricier.
Day 7: Journey Home.
Today’s flight may be early or late, so please arrange your hotel breakfast according to your flight schedule. Your private business-car driver will come at the agreed time to transfer you and your family/friends to the airport.