zLijiang & Shangri-La

Upon arrival, you’ll be met and escorted by private car to the Crowne Plaza Ancient Town Hotel.

Today’s full-day touring takes you into the spectacular mountain landscapes that surround the ancient town of Lijiang. First you’ll ascend Jade Dragon Snow Mountain by cable car to visit Yunshanping Meadow, a beautiful grassland meadow set against a stunning backdrop of glistening snow-capped peaks. Then descend to Yuhu village to tour the historic residence of Joseph Rock, a US Department of Agriculture employee who lived here for nearly 30 years during the first half of the 20^th century. His pioneering botanical research in the scenic Hengduan Mountains earned him enormous respect from both his peers and local residents alike.
 
Before returning to Lijiang, you’ll also visit Yufeng Monastery, surrounded by ancient forests and celebrated for its three lovely courtyards. In one of them, you’ll have a chance to admire the Great Camellia… According to legend, it was planted more than 500 years ago during the pinnacle of the Ming Dynasty and its annual blossoms are still impressive, lasting more than 100 days and producing thousands of flowers.  Meals B,L

Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Lijiang is an ancient town filled with handsome, finely-preserved traditional wooden homes and interlaced with narrow cobblestone streets and picturesque canals. Your walking tour through Old Town is a step back in time and offers a glimpse of Chinese life as it was during the Ming Dynasty. Just north of Old Town, you’ll stop to take in the captivating beauty of the oft-photographed Black Dragon Pool, spanned by a graceful arching stone bridge and set against a dramatic panorama of mountains and forests.
 
A visit to the nearby village of Shuhe offers a glimpse into the lifestyles and traditional ways of the indigenous Naxi community. Get to know more about the culture and history of the region at the Dongba Museum before returning to your hotel. Meals B,L

After breakfast, travel with your private car and driver through stunning vistas of mountain and sky to Shangri-La (formerly Zhongdian), where you’ll check in to the charming Gyalthang Dzong Hotel for a delightful two night stay.  Meals B,L

A full day of private touring with your personal guide immerses you in the captivating landscapes of Shangri-La, a magical land of snowy mountains, vast grasslands, azure lakes and ancient villages. Your day includes a visit to the spectacular Gadan Songzanlin Monastery. Inspired by Lhasa’s Potala Palace and built in 1679, it’s the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple complex in southwestern Yunnan Province. Then ascend to Napa Hai, a high-altitude seasonal lake cradled by spectacular mountain peaks. Gain a better understanding of the region’s cultural traditions and daily life when you spend time with a local Tibetan family. Return to your hotel in Shangri-La for a free evening.  Meals B,L

You’ll be escorted to the airport today for your onward flight. Meals B