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Impression Lijiang performers lined up before Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
9 DAYS · LIJIANG · BENZILAN · MEILI · SHANGRI-LA

North Yunnan: Hidden charms of the north

Sunrise at Kawagebo and a craft-beer tasting in fabled Shangri-La town.

9 days
Lijiang to Shangri-La
8 nights
Four handpicked lodges
Year round
Best in dry autumn and winter
Minimum 2 
Privately guided throughout
Introduction

Both the legendary icons and the lesser-known charms of Yunnan.

Discover both the legendary icons and lesser-known charms of Yunnan. Stroll across the quaint roofed houses of Lijiang and the undulating beauty of Shangri-La town, hike across the iconic Tiger Leaping Gorge and marvel at the snow-capped peaks of Meili.

This trip is designed to get beneath the surface, exploring lesser-visited villages where you can witness locals knead and fire black pottery, make Tibetan wooden bowl paintings and incense sticks. For the adventurous, we can also offer a premium glamping experience to truly get away from it all at the sacred Abudje Lake.

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Route map of Lijiang, Benzilan, Meili and Shangri-La in northern Yunnan
Highlights

Why advisors choose this journey.

  1. The fabled land of Shangri-La

    Discover a town themed as heaven on earth, from its monastery to its craft brewery.

  2. Villages away from the crowd

    Explore outskirt ancient villages beyond the tourist trail near Lijiang and Shangri-La.

  3. Sunrise on Kawagebo

    Venture into Meili Snow Mountain for sunrise at the sacred Kawagebo peak.

  4. Six award-winning craft beers

    Sample all-natural Shangri-La craft beers at the town's celebrated brewery.

Day by day

Full Itinerary.

  1. LijiangD1–3
  2. BenzilanD4–5
  3. MeiliD5–7
  4. Shangri-LaD7–9

Airport to hotel

Upon arrival in Lijiang (2,400m), you will be transferred to your accommodation.

Lantern-lit lane in Lijiang old town
Overnight
Lijiang
Meals
NA

Into the minority Naxi villages

Let us whisk you off the tourist trail into Shuhe Ancient Town. Shuhe is one of the earliest habitations of the Naxi ancestors and an important post of the ancient Tea Horse Road. Continue to Baisha Old Town to admire its Ming Dynasty-era architecture and the well-known Baisha Frescoes in Dabaoji Palace.

If time permits, you will also visit Yuhu Village for an in-depth Naxi family experience, trying on traditional Naxi costumes, tasting local Naxi snacks, and learning to write Dongba characters. Guests may also join the local family in making tofu if interested. The whole experience will take more than 2 hours.

Black Dragon Pond with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain behind

Orientation walk and Black Dragon Pond

Bordering Tibet, the small town of Lijiang offers a spectacular mountain backdrop. Depending on where you stay, we will arrange either a Lijiang or Dayan orientation walk. You will walk the lovely alleyways and learn about the local culture, and also visit the Black Dragon Pond at the foot of Elephant Hill.

Overnight
Lijiang
Meals
NA

Jade Snow Mountain and countryside walk

Today, you will ascend by cable car into Jade Snow Mountain to visit the Spruce Meadow. Enjoy a lovely countryside walk starting from Yu Hu Village, former home of American naturalist and explorer Joseph Rock.

Meadow beneath Jade Dragon Snow Mountain near Lijiang

Impressions of Lijiang

Conclude the day with a fantastic Impressions of Lijiang performance.

Overnight
Lijiang
Meals
NA

Lijiang to Benzilan via Tiger Leaping Gorge

Leaving Lijiang, you will drive approximately 85 km (52.82 miles) / 1.5 hours to Tiger Leaping Gorge (1,800m). Thereafter, another 180 km or 3 hours will bring you to Benzilan (2,020m).

The Great Bend of the Jinsha River from above

Tiger Leaping Gorge with Nixi Tangdui hike

In Tiger Leaping Gorge, you will make a stop at the First Bund of the Yangtze River. Embark on a short hike of the momentous river canyon before continuing approximately 150 km or 3 hours to Nixi Tangdui Black Pottery Village, where you can observe locals knead and fire black clay, with an opportunity to DIY your own pottery.

Overnight
Benzilan
Meals
Breakfast included

Benzilan to Meili

You will be driven approximately 80 km (49.71 miles) / 1.5 hours to Meili (3,600m) with stops along the way.

Tibetan elders in traditional dress near Benzilan

Prayers of Benzilan

Start the morning at a white pagoda where local elderly people pray, before continuing to Dongzhulin Monastery to admire the gilded Maitreya Buddha, the White Drolma statue and the Buddhas of Three Worlds.

Hands-on at a cultural village

A cultural afternoon follows with the option of either visiting Gonjo village to learn the art of Tibetan wooden bowl painting, or Shiyi to witness the traditional making of Tibetan incense sticks.

Great Bend of the Jinsha River

We will make a stop at a scenic spot to view the Great Bend of the Jinsha River, where the river flows through a steep valley forming a U-shaped bend.

Overnight
Meili
Meals
Breakfast included

A scenic day in Meili

Rise early for a morning sunrise at Kawagebo. Thereafter, you will visit Feilai Temple to appreciate the scenic mountains. Afterwards, we will drive to Kala Mountain for a 2-hour hike to Mingyong Glacier (2,600m).

Mingyong Glacier beneath snow-capped peaks near Meili
Overnight
Meili
Meals
Breakfast included

Meili to Shangri-La

After a leisurely morning, you will be transferred approximately 160 km (111.85 miles) / 3 hours into the fabled land of Shangri-La (3,460m).

Prayer flags framing Songzanlin Monastery near Shangri-La
Overnight
Shangri-La
Meals
Breakfast included

The fabled land of Shangri-La

Start your tour with a visit to the famous Songzanlin Monastery, Yunnan's largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery. You will also make a stop at Dukezong ancient town or the award-winning Shangri-La Highland Craft Brew to sample 6 distinctive all-natural Shangri-La beers.

Songzanlin Monastery reflected in the lake below
Overnight
Shangri-La
Meals
Breakfast included

Hotel to airport via Potatso National Park

Escape to the wilderness of Potatso National Park before transferring to the airport for your onward journey.

Horses grazing in a meadow at Potatso National Park
Meals
Breakfast included
Hotel information

Where you will stay.

In Lijiang

2 recommended stays

Jinmao Hotel Lijiang, Unbound Collection

Classic selection · Snow Mountain View Room, 56 sq m / 602 sq ft

A contemporary stay framed by Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

We like this hotel for guests who want a genuinely comfortable, contemporary base without losing the Lijiang backdrop. The traditional-influenced architecture sits directly beneath Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and rooms are generous by local standards. We recommend the Snow Mountain View Room, which frames the peak from bed on a clear morning.

Good to know
  • Wake up to direct, unobstructed views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from your bed.
  • HBA design blends Naxi architecture with contemporary luxury and modern art.
  • Next to Shuhe Ancient Town, a quieter alternative to central Lijiang.
Visit hotel website →
Timber entrance pavilion at Jinmao Hotel Lijiang at dusk with Jade Dragon Snow Mountain behind
Snow Mountain View Room with balcony at Jinmao Hotel Lijiang
Tea pavilion set over the water at Jinmao Hotel Lijiang
Aerial view of the Naxi-style courtyards at Jinmao Hotel Lijiang
The Smoke House restaurant at Jinmao Hotel Lijiang

Amandayan

Signature selection · Courtyard Suite, 72 sq m / 775 sq ft

A quiet Aman courtyard above the UNESCO-listed old town

We choose Amandayan when guests want the quietest, most refined stay in Lijiang. Elegant Chinese fabrics, Yunnan pine and Dong Bei elm run through every suite, each opening onto a gracious courtyard or terrace looking over the old town rooftops or Lion Hill. We recommend the Courtyard Suite for the private outdoor space, a rare luxury this close to the old town.

Good to know
  • Perched atop Lion Hill, with the most iconic panoramic view of Lijiang's rooftops.
  • The property houses a 170-year-old pavilion library once used by Naxi scholars.
  • Suites are crafted from local Yunnan pine and elm, arranged in classic courtyards.
Visit hotel website →
Lijiang old town rooftops below Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, seen from Amandayan
Timber-panelled courtyard suite interior at Amandayan, Lijiang
Snow mountain view over the old town from Amandayan in spring
Outdoor swimming pool in the courtyard at Amandayan, Lijiang
Black Dragon Pool and pavilion below Jade Dragon Snow Mountain near Amandayan

In Benzilan

One recommended stay

Songtsam Lodge Benzilan

Benzilan · Superior Room, 34 sq m / 366 sq ft

A white-walled Tibetan retreat above the Yangtze

This is our pick for Benzilan because it captures the region's Tibetan architecture rather than imposing something foreign on it. The lodge is nestled in a green valley by the Yangtze River, looking onto a hilltop prayer house, with the valley opening to a starry night accompanied by a serene stream and cow bells. We recommend the Superior Room for the valley outlook.

Good to know
  • Nestled in a green valley by the Yangtze, facing a sacred hilltop prayer house.
  • Set in a quiet Tibetan village where traditional white-walled style remains pure.
  • An ideal acclimatization stop at 2,000m before the higher Tibetan plateau.
Visit hotel website →
Songtsam Lodge Benzilan set among terraced valley fields
Superior Room at Songtsam Lodge Benzilan
Stained-glass dining lounge at Songtsam Lodge Benzilan

In Meili

One recommended stay

Songtsam Lodge Meili

Meili · Deluxe Room with Snow Mountain View, 50 sq m / 538 sq ft

Every window facing Mt. Kawagebo

We stay here for one reason above all: every window in the lodge faces a blessed view of Mt. Kawagebo flickering in and out of the clouds. Set in the Tibetan settlement of Gujiunong, it is a comfortable retreat rather than a five-star hotel, and that suits the remote, sacred setting. We recommend the Deluxe Room with Snow Mountain View for exactly that reason.

Good to know
  • Every room faces Kawagebo, the highest and holiest sacred peak in Yunnan.
  • Set in tiny Gujiunong village for deep immersion in remote Tibetan life.
  • The library and rooftop lounge are the best spots for the 'Golden Peak' sunrise.
Visit hotel website →
Songtsam Lodge Meili built into the mountainside
Twin room with mountain view at Songtsam Lodge Meili
Dining hall at Songtsam Lodge Meili

In Shangri-La

2 recommended stays

Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City

Classic selection · Standard Room, 40 sq m / 430 sq ft

Atop Dukezong Ancient Town's commanding heights

We favor this hotel for its position seated atop the commanding heights of Dukezong Ancient Town, and for rooms genuinely designed around Tibetan culture rather than a generic international template. The 99 guest rooms and suites are built for a modern sanctuary feel with panoramic views. We recommend the Standard Room for its outlook over the ancient town.

Good to know
  • Hillside setting with bird's-eye views of the world's largest prayer wheel.
  • Interiors pay homage to the 'Moonlight City' with Tibetan carpets and Thangka art.
  • The hotel bar is the old town's premier spot for craft cocktails with a view.
Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City lit at night above Shangri-La
Guest room with town view at Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City
Lounge with panoramic view at Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City

Hidden Valley Resort

Signature selection · Tibetan Tent, 47 sq m / 506 sq ft

A glamping valley between the reclining Buddha mountains

For guests who want the most immersive finish to the trip, we recommend Hidden Valley Resort. It sits in a serene valley between the reclining Buddha Mountains and lush forest, offering farm-to-table dinners and a range of cultural immersions from a boutique Tibetan residence and glamping tent. We recommend the Tibetan Tent for the full glamping experience.

Good to know
  • Set in a pristine 7-hectare valley at 3,160m, surrounded by alpine meadows.
  • Tents feature underfloor heating and en-suite bathrooms for high-altitude comfort.
  • Exclusive access to private hiking trails toward the sacred Abudje Lake.
Visit hotel website →
Glamping tents at Hidden Valley Resort with riders passing by
Interior of a Tibetan tent at Hidden Valley Resort
Communal lounge and kitchen at Hidden Valley Resort
Official quotation

Rates & what is included.

The indicative cost covers the full journey for the party size shown. The single supplement applies only when one guest occupies a room alone. All rates in CNY.

Classic selection
  • Jinmao Hotel Lijiang, Unbound Collection · Lijiang · Snow Mountain View Room, 56 sq m / 602 sq ft
  • Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City · Shangri-La · Standard Room, 40 sq m / 430 sq ft
Indicative cost per person
CNY 28,500
Single supplement
CNY 8,300
Signature selection
  • Amandayan · Lijiang · Courtyard Suite, 72 sq m / 775 sq ft
  • Hidden Valley Resort · Shangri-La · Tibetan Tent, 47 sq m / 506 sq ft
Indicative cost per person
CNY 37,500
Single supplement
CNY 16,100
Benzilan
  • Songtsam Lodge Benzilan · Benzilan · Superior Room, 34 sq m / 366 sq ft
On request
Meili
  • Songtsam Lodge Meili · Meili · Deluxe Room with Snow Mountain View, 50 sq m / 538 sq ft
On request

Based on 2 guests sharing twin rooms. Minimum 2 guests to operate. Single supplement added only for single-room occupancy. All rates in CNY.

What's included

  • Accommodation on twin sharing basis in hotel as stated, on bed & breakfast basis
  • All transportation and transfers on an air-conditioned minivan
  • Local English-speaking expert guide in each city
  • All entrance fees to sights stated
  • VIP seating for the Impression Lijiang show

What's not included

  • International or domestic airfare
  • Lunches and dinners
  • Beverages in restaurants where meals are included
  • Gratuities
  • Personal expenses, e.g. telephone bill and laundry
  • Visa
  • Travel insurance
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