Beijing - Lijiang City Highlights (L)
The Sandalwood, Beijing - Marriott Executive Apartments - Your driver will hold a sign with your name in the lobby of your Beijing hotel and transfer you to the airport for a 4-hour flight to Lijiang.
Your tour guide in Lijiang will be waiting with a sign displaying your name at the exit of the arrival hall. You’ll then board your private vehicle and head straight to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Lijiang Impressions Show - After enjoying lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll be treated to the spectacular Lijiang Impressions Show. This daytime performance uses the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain as its backdrop. Over 100 horses and 500 non-professional peasant actors from 16 local villages and more than 10 ethnic minorities showcase their culture, history, and customs through unique movements and original songs. When booking, you can select your preferred tickets for the show.
Yulong (Jade Dragon) Mountain - Spend the rest of the day exploring Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, with its 13 peaks, is the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. From Lijiang Old Town, the snow-covered and misty mountain looks like a jade dragon lying in the clouds, hence its name. Yunnan province, where the mountain is located, is home to about half of China’s plant species, including various trees, flowers, and medicinal herbs. The mountain’s ravines, creeks, cliffs, and meadows, all named in the Naxi language, are settings for the myths and legends of the people who have lived there for 1,000 years.
Learn about the mountain’s legendary stories from your tour guide. Upon arrival, take a convenient cable car to the scenic viewing point at 4,506 meters and marvel at the stunning glacier and mountain views. You can also hike up to 4,680 meters via wooden stairs. When you’re ready to leave, descend by cable car.
After the tour, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Lijiang.
Lijiang-The First Bend of the Yangtze-Tiger Leaping Gorge (B,L)
The First Bend of Yangtze River - Meet your private guide in your hotel’s lobby in Lijiang and head directly to Tiger Leaping Gorge, a 2-hour drive. Enjoy the scenery along the way.
On the way, you’ll stop at The First Bend of the Yangtze. The Yangtze River, rushing down from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, enters Yunnan from the northwest, where it meets the Lancang and Nu Rivers. Together, they flow through the high mountains and deep gorges of the Hengduan Mountains.
Take in the breathtaking scenery and stop for photos.
Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia) - Continue to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest gorges.
Tiger Leaping Gorge is divided into three sections: the upper, middle, and lower gorges. The most famous spots are the Mouth of the Gorge and the Tiger Leaping Pebble, both located in the upper gorge. Today, you’ll explore the upper Tiger Leaping Gorge.
Upon arrival, follow your tour guide to learn the legendary stories about the gorge, then walk about 1.5 miles (2.6 km) to the Tiger Leaping Rock. Enjoy the stunning views of the gorge and feel free to stop for photos.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Lijiang.
Lijiang City highlights (B, L)
Old Town of Lijiang - China - Your English-speaking guide will meet you in your hotel’s lobby in Lijiang, and you’ll explore the Old Town of Lijiang.
The Old Town of Lijiang is a well-preserved ancient city of ethnic minorities with a rich culture. Built in the late Song Dynasty (960 - 1279), it has a history of over 800 years. The town’s architecture combines the best features of Han, Bai, and Tibetan styles into a unique Naxi style, reflecting the multicultural influences and progress of the Naxi ethnic minority.
Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture - Stroll around the old town with your tour guide and stop at the Museum of Naxi Dongba Culture. The museum is dedicated to the history of the Naxi people, their pictographic language, and the animist Dongba religion. Explore the museum and learn about Naxi culture and art.
Mufu Palace - Next, visit Mufu Palace. The Mu Family, the top rulers of the Naxi minority, governed Lijiang from the Yuan Dynasty to the Qing Dynasty, spanning 470 years and 22 generations. The current Mufu Palace represents ancient central Chinese architectural style from the Ming Dynasty, with influences from the Tang and Song Dynasties. Inside, the details reflect the characteristics of the Bai and Naxi minorities. The palace also serves as an outstanding plant museum with ancient trees and extraordinary plants. The garden combines imperial and Suzhou styles. Explore the palace and learn its history and stories from your tour guide.
Black Dragon Pond Park - Then, visit Black Dragon Pond Park. Follow your tour guide to explore ancient monuments such as Longshen Temple, Deyue Pavilion, Suocui Bridge, and Hanyue Stage. Enjoy the stunning view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from the park.
If you choose to end your tour in Beijing, you’ll be transferred to the airport after lunch.
Lijiang Lion Rock - If you choose to end your tour in Lijiang, you’ll have lunch at a local restaurant and then visit Lion Hill Park. From a distance, Lion Mountain looks like a sleeping lion, offering a picturesque view.
Wangu Pavilion - At the mountaintop, visit Wangu Pavilion, a five-storied wooden structure with five elegant eaves. The tower is considered the No.1 domed structure in China. Get your camera ready to capture the panoramic views of the surrounding areas, including Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the Old Town, and Naxi minority villages.
Wenchang Palace - Next, visit Wenchang Palace. Originally built in 1725, the palace was used for exams and folk lectures during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Stroll around the area and then visit Twin-Stone Garden, where you’ll find a large waterwheel and bas-relief commemorating Naxi civilization.
If you have other places in mind to visit, just let your tour guide know.
After the tour, you’ll be transferred to your hotel in Lijiang. (Please book your own hotel)
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle
- English-speaking guide
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Cable car round trip to Glacier Park
- Shuttle bus at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
- Middle Seats Show Tickets
- Bottled water
- Entrance Fee
- Overnight accommodation of standard twin room (two beds), based on twin share if choose the option
- Accommodation if you choose to have the tour only
- Gratuities to tour guide and driver(recommended)
Embark on a personal and customizable 3-day sightseeing journey from Beijing to Lijiang, taking in the city’s highlights by plane. This bespoke tour is designed to suit your preferences, letting you visit iconic Lijiang spots like Mu Palace, Lijiang Old Town, the Dongba Culture Museum, Black Dragon Pool, Yangtze River First Bend, and Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge. Moreover, you’ll experience the stunning Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the open-air Impression Lijiang Impression Show put on by local non-professional peasant performers. If you have other destinations in mind, your tour guide is open for discussion. This private excursion includes services such as an English-speaking tour guide, private air-conditioned transportation, flight tickets, entrance fees, cable car rides, lunch, show tickets, and round-the-clock hotel transfers. Whether you choose to end your tour in Lijiang or return to Beijing, the option is up to you. Optional bookings for 4-star accommodation with daily breakfast are included in the tour.
If you cancel at least 7 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 3 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
