4 Days Lijiang Dali Tour

• Dali Arrival-- Free activitiies
• 4-Star Hotel
• None

Upon arriving in Dali, our driver will meet you at the airport or high-speed railway station. Check into a characteristic guesthouse within the Ancient City (with pictures of a Bai ethnic courtyard and distant views of Cangshan Mountain). Unpack your bags and embark on your first experience of Dali's "wind, flowers, snow, and moon" charm.

Recommended Itinerary:

Take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Dali, exploring your favorite cafes, bars, and more.

• Xizhou Ancient Town - Erhai Lake - Shuanglang - Dali Ancient City
• 4-Star Hotel
• Breakfast

After breakfast, follow Intoexplore to Xizhou Ancient Town. Xizhou is the best-preserved Bai ethnic ancient town in Dali, with a history spanning over 1,400 years. Compared to the hustle and bustle of Dali Ancient City, Xizhou offers a purer, more pastoral atmosphere—gentle winds rustling through wheat fields, dancing tie-dye fabrics, and deep-rooted ancestral homes. It was also a major filming location for the TV series "Meet Yourself." You can also learn tie-dyeing techniques and create a unique piece of clothing.

Next, head to Erhai Lake, the second-largest freshwater lake in Yunnan, shaped like a human ear, stretching 42 kilometers north to south at an elevation of 1,972 meters. As one of Dali's "Four Scenic Wonders" (Erhai Moon), it combines Bai ethnic culture, wetland ecosystems, and popular Instagrammable spots, making it a must-visit healing destination in Dali.

To the northeast of Erhai Lake lies Shuanglang Ancient Town, one of the most well-preserved Bai ethnic villages along the Erhai coastline, known as the "First Town for Scenic Views of Cangshan and Erhai." Shuanglang is bathed in blue hues during the day—the shimmering waves of Erhai Lake and the reflections on white walls; at night, it glows warmly—with the lights of bars and the twinkling lights of fishing boats. If Dali Ancient City feels too noisy, Shuanglang is an ideal retreat. Along the lakeside promenade, you can freely cycle or take a leisurely walk to watch the sunset.

To the west of Erhai Lake is Dali Ancient City, which serves as both an observation deck for Erhai Lake and a living theater at the foot of Cangshan Mountain. Standing on the city walls, you'll have the world of humanity on your left and the picturesque landscape on your right. You can ascend the city gates to capture panoramic views of the ancient city, learn tie-dyeing to create a unique piece of clothing, or visit the market to satisfy your taste buds with local delicacies.

• High-speed train to Lijiang--Yulong Snow Mountain - Glacier Park - Blue Moon Valley
• 4-Star Hotel
• Breakfast

After breakfast, take a high-speed train (approximately 2 hours) to the beautiful city of Lijiang. Follow Intoexplore to immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of Yulong Snow Mountain.

 First, visit Ganhaizi (elevation 3,100 meters), where you can gaze at the snow-capped mountains from afar and take stunning photos. Then, take the large cable car to Glacier Park (elevation 4,500-4,600 meters). As you ascend the cable car, observe the gradual transformation of the landscape from Yunnan pine forests to cold fir forests, alpine meadows, and finally, exposed glaciers. This is the core area of Yulong Snow Mountain, comprising ancient glacial relics and modern glacial landscapes. It is the southernmost marine glacier in China and one of the closest to the equator globally. On clear days, you can also enjoy a panoramic view of Ganhaizi.

In the afternoon, head to Blue Moon Valley (elevation 2,800 meters). Blue Moon Valley consists of four interconnected lakes, each displaying different colors due to varying mineral content and light refraction. Standing by the lake, you can capture the stunning combination of turquoise waters, white travertine beaches, and the snow-capped mountain backdrop. In winter, the reflection of the snowy peaks on the lake is particularly spectacular.

Alternative Routes:

If you're concerned about the high altitude of Glacier Park and find it difficult to adapt, you can choose to take the small cable car to Yunshanping (elevation 3,500 meters), a circular meadow surrounded by towering spruce forests, blooming with wildflowers in summer and covered in snow in winter. Alternatively, you can take the medium cable car to Maoniuping (elevation 3,700 meters), one of the best vantage points for overlooking the thirteen peaks of Yulong Snow Mountain and an excellent location to experience primitive Tibetan culture. You can also consult Intoexplore's travel advisors for personalized route recommendations.

Note: Even in summer, the temperature on the snow mountain is 5-10°C lower than in Lijiang city, so bring a jacket. Be cautious when walking on slippery walkways (during rainy or winter seasons) and do not cross the fences.

• Lijiang Ancient City - End of the Trip, Departure
• None
• Breakfast

Visit the beautiful Lijiang Ancient City. As one of China's Four Great Ancient Cities, it was founded in the late Song and early Yuan dynasties, with a history spanning over 800 years. As a key town on the Ancient Tea-Horse Road, it is renowned for its small bridges, flowing waters, Naxi ethnic residences, and vibrant nightlife. In 1997, it was listed as a World Cultural Heritage site. Stroll through the streets of Dayan Flower Lane, enter a non-heritage experience center, and handmake Dongba paper, the thousand-year-old papermaking technique of the Naxi ethnic group). You can stamp it with Dongba characters or experience traditional blue dyeing techniques to create a handkerchief or cloth bag.

Finally, based on your arrangements, we will escort you to the airport or railway station to conclude your trip in Lijiang.