Lost Horizon Tour
Dali-Lijiang-Shangrila
7days
⭐⭐⭐⭐$1365+
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐$1600+
Introduction
Hello, Kunming, Dali, and Lijiang. As the most popular travel route in West China, Yunnan is famous for its excellent climate, landscape, and culture. Over 25 of China’s ethnic minority groups reside here, providing a colorful mix of China’s ancient culture. This mystery land has a perfect combination of incredible natural scenery, diverse ethnic customs, and a pleasant climate all year round.
Yunnan is blessed with beautiful landscapes, from the snow mountains to the tropical rainforests, from the highland lakes to the canyons, and from historic cities to fascinating rural sceneries. Dali, Lijiang, and the legendary Shangri-La are the main attractions that you will not want to miss. Enjoy the charm of Yunnan through our Yunnan tour package.
Lost Horizon
Lost Horizon is a 1933 novel by English writer James Hilton. The book was turned into a movie called Lost Horizon in 1937 by director Frank Capra. It is best remembered as the origin of Shangri-La. In this book, James Hilton invents the word” Shangri-La” by reading Joseph Rock’s and other travelers' articles. In James Hilton’s book, “Shangri-La” is a byword for a mythical utopia, a permanently happy land isolated from the world.
Besides Shangri-La, this route also takes you to visit famous minority culture ancient towns: Dali and Lijiang.
This journey will let you glance at the real meaning of Shangri-La.
Itinerary Summary
DAYS 1-2
Dali
Begin your trip with a taste of ancient times. The Dali Three Pagodas rise majestically against the Cangshan Mountains, reflected in the serene Erhai Lake. These thousand-year-old spires are a breathtaking blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty—a unique sight that feels like stepping into a dream.
Walking into the old kingdom of Dian, Dali Old Town.
Xizhou is a timeless gem on the ancient Tea Horse Road. Its cobbled streets, historic temples, and vibrant markets transport you to another era. Discover serene beauty and a rich heritage like none other!
Experience the Intangible Bai Ethnic Tie-dying, making a unique souvenir bring home
Bike along one of China's most beautiful highland lakes, the Erhai Lake, and enjoy picturesque sunsets.
Taste Dali Fusion delights.
🏡 Jianguo Hidden Hotel (2 nights)
⭐ Walking / Hiking / Ethnic Bai Tie dying Experience / Biking
DAYS 3-4
Lijiang
Walk into Lijiang Old Town's maze of cobblestone streets, ancient wooden buildings, and flowing canals to enchant visitors and offer a glimpse into a timeless Naxi heritage.
Explore the local markets with color and life, where fresh produce, traditional crafts, and vibrant Naxi culture create an unforgettable sensory experience.
Take an adventure to the top of the snow mountain to explore its majestic peaks, ride thrilling cable cars, and discover stunning glaciers, lush meadows, and vibrant cultural performances.
The murals in peaceful Baisha Village invite visitors to step back in time and marvel at the intricate details and vibrant colors that have endured for centuries.
Watch the sunset over Snow Mountain from the traditional ancient Naxi Town.
🏡 Doof Resort Hotel (2 nights)
⭐ Walking / Hiking
DAYS 5-7
Lijiang – Shangri-La
Trekking on one of the deepest gorges in the world, Tiger Leaping Gorge, embark on an unforgettable adventure through Tiger Leaping Gorge, where towering cliffs and roaring rivers paint a breathtaking panorama that beckons every hiker to unleash their spirit of exploration!
Wander the narrow streets of Tibet's Old Town and experience its ancient Tibetan architecture, bustling markets, and serene ambiance. It offers a glimpse into a vibrant, mystical world.
Hike in China's first national park, a breathtaking haven of crystal-clear lakes, lush meadows, and diverse wildlife.
Get your spirits refreshments in Songzanlin Lamasery, which offers a captivating glimpse into the heart of Tibetan Buddhism.
Make a black pottery gift for yourself and learn the culture behind this ancient technique by following the instructions of Tibet's master potters.
Opt to end your trip at Shangri-la or Lijiang.
🏡 Gadan Manor Hotel ( 2 nights)
⭐ Walking / Hiking / Black Pottery Making
Our Service Included
Accommodations
We pick suitable and tasteful hotels for your requirements.
Transfer
We provide your own private and comfortable vehicle.
Guide/Driver service
Professional driver and Chinese/ English speaking guide.
Activities
All the activities listed in this program.
Local Knowledge
Our staff are locals with true love and knowledge of our hometown.
Tickets
Entrance tickets for the sightseeing places listed in this program.
Personalized Consultant Service
we provide one-on-one professional consultant service to all travelers to meet your demands.
Insurance
Travel accident insurance and Travel Agency’s Responsibility insurance.
Accommodations
Being in a beautiful boutique hotel is one of the most essential parts of a journey. We strongly advise guests to choose hotels with comfortable service and tasteful design. Due to the diversity of ethnic cultures, Yunnan has some extraordinary hotels that can bring you unforgettable memories. We offer various accommodation choices, from famous international brands to local boutique resorts.
What our customers say
Q&A
How’s the weather? What should we wear?
Yunnan is dominated by the subtropical monsoon climate. Integrating low latitude, highland, and monsoon, the climate in Yunnan has four characteristics: first, there is a slight difference in annual temperature but a significant difference in daily temperature. Second, there is a big contrast between the rainy and dry seasons. Third, the climate alters according to the change in altitude. Fourth, the frost-free period is extended.
When you travel to Yunnan, the best advice for your wardrobe is to bring all kinds of clothes. A jacket, scarf, raincoat for the rainy season, and sunglasses are essential.
How’s the accommodation?
We believe that staying in a beautiful boutique hotel is one of the most essential parts of the journey. We strongly advise guests to choose hotels with comfortable service and tasteful design. Due to the diversity of ethnic culture, Yunnan has some extraordinary hotels that can bring you the most unforgettable memories. We offer various accommodation choices, from famous international brands to local boutique resorts.
How’s the road?
Because the significant landscape in Yunnan is mountainous, the mountain area has bumpy roads and steep slopes. Even on the expressway, there are always sharp turns. So we strongly suggest our guests fasten their seat belts before they depart.
How’s the meal?
Most hotels will provide breakfast in both American and Chinese. During the travel, we will recommend featured local dishes and street food for our consumers. We also encourage our consumers to explore the local food they like since eating is essential for a journey. Our guide will suggest a suitable restaurant to our consumers.
Things to note
High Altitude Reaction:
1. the average altitude in Yunnan is 1894 meters. Kunming: 1890 meters. Dali: 2050 meters. Lijiang: 2400 meters, Jade Dragon Mountain: 4506 meters. Shangri-La: 3280 meters. We strongly suggest our consumers thoroughly prepare for high-altitude reactions and intense ultraviolet rays. By preparing these, you can take high-altitude reaction medicines or bring some Oxygen Can before you depart.
2. If you suffer any diseases, please advise your doctor before you depart.
There are various kinds of heart disease, high blood pressure, blood diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, diseases of the respiratory system, and so on.
3. We don’t suggest our guests take showers in the first two days in a high-altitude area. If they get cold, it may easily lead to pulmonary edema and encephaloma.
4. Please don’t drink any alcohol, especially any strong liquids, since alcohol will lead to a high severe altitude reaction.
The price excludes：
1. Other personal expenses during the journey.
2. Our accommodation prices are for twin rooms (two people live in one room, with a separate bed/one bed). There will be an extra cost if consumers require a separate room for each person.
3. Chinese Visa Fees.
4. The extra expense is due to transportation delays, cancellations, wars, natural accidents, and strikes.
5. Meals (lunch and dinner)