7‑Day Colorful Yunnan Paradise Tour: Lijiang, Shangri‑La & Lugu Lake

Day 1: Lijiang Arrival & Ancient Town Discovery
Welcome to Yunnan province travel at its finest! Your private Yunnan tour guide will greet you at Lijiang Sanyi Airport or Railway Station. Relax in a luxury air‑conditioned vehicle as you transfer to your boutique hotel in Lijiang Ancient City.
In the afternoon, embark on a vibrant Lijiang tour—stroll through Yuhu Village at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, discover stone‑walled Naxi homes, and browse local handicrafts.
At Dongba Culture Museum, immerse yourself in over 10,000 Dongba relics and learn about the mysterious Naxi script. Golden hour finds you at Black Dragon Pool Park, where the mirror‑calm waters reflect the snowy peak (the best month to visit Yunnan is April–May for clear skies). Return through Sifang Street Square—a colorful Yunnan nightlife hub—then capture sweeping views of the ancient town at sunset.

Day 2: Snow Mountain Majesty & Baisha Murals (B, L)
This morning’s Yunnan tour takes you up Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere.
Glide by tramway to Spruce Meadow (3,000 m) and drink in panoramic vistas of the 13 sacred peaks.
Opt for the spectacular Impression Lijiang show—an epic outdoor performance under the blue sky (book early in peak season).
On your customized travel in China itinerary, visit Blue Moon Valley’s kaleidoscopic pools and White Water River for photo‑worthy moments.
Explore Baisha Village’s ancient murals at Dabaoji Palace and Liuli Temple—over 1,000 years of Tibetan‑Buddhist artistry.

Day 3: Lugu Lake – Kingdom of Women (B, L)
Set off on a scenic 4‑5‑hour drive through lush Yunnan countryside to Lugu Lake, the “mother lake” of the Mosuo people. Arrive in time for a peaceful canoe ride to Liwubi Island—explore its yellow‑sect monastery and feel why Mosuo call this “Home of the Matriarchal Tribe.” Wander lakeside paths at sunset, then join a joyous Mosuo bonfire party in Lige Village, dancing beneath the stars.

Day 4: Mosuo Culture & Return to Lijiang (B, L)
Rise early for a Lugu Lake sunrise—an unforgettable spectacle on your Yunnan travel itinerary. Visit Zhamei Monastery’s soaring Maitreya statue and intricate murals. Discover Little Luoshui Village’s matriarchal customs, tour a Mosuo family home, and delve into their unique festivals at the Mosuo Museum. Late afternoon, return to Lijiang, reflecting on why Yunnan is worth visiting for its living cultures.

Day 5: Tiger Leaping Gorge & Shangri‑La Arrival (B, L)
Drive along the Jinsha River to the “First Bend of the Yangtze”—a painterly panorama on any Yunnan China tour. Continue to Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world’s deepest canyons. Hike the 1,000‑step plank road to Tiger Leaping Rock for adrenaline‑charged views. Then ascend into the highlands en route to Shangri‑La, the legendary “Garden of Eden.”

Day 6: Shangri‑La Monastery & Alpine Meadows (B, L)
Your Shangri-La travel day begins at Songzanlin Monastery—Yunnan’s “Little Potala”—where saffron‑robed monks chant amid gilded halls. Explore Pudacuo National Park’s Shudu and Bita Lakes via wooden boardwalks, breathing crisp alpine air. Experience Tibetan hospitality with butter tea and snacks in a local family home—a highlight of any tours to Yunnan province.

Day 7: Dukezong Ancient Town & Departure (B)
Complete your Yunnan travel itinerary with Dukezong Ancient Town’s 1,300‑year‑old Tibetan quarter. Climb Guishan Hill for sweeping views of whitewashed houses and rolling hills. Spin the world’s largest prayer wheel, then transfer to the airport for your flight home—leaving you with memories of a truly colourful Yunnan adventure.