2 Days Lijiang Cultural & Natural Tour

Lijiang Arrival--Yulong Snow Mountain--Spruce Meadow--Blue Moon Valley

4+ stars Hotels

Breakfast & Lunch

Follow intoexplore and immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Yulong Snow Mountain.

Morning:
Depart from Lijiang Old Town and head to the foot of the snow mountain. Your first stop is Ganhaizi (elevation: 3100m), a scenic meadow offering stunning views of the mountain—perfect for photography. Then, take the large cableway up to Glacier Park (elevation: 4500–4600m). As the cable car ascends, you can observe a striking ecological transition from Yunnan pine forest → fir forest → alpine meadow → exposed glacier. This area is the core scenic zone of Yulong Snow Mountain, featuring both ancient glacial relics and modern glacial formations. It is the lowest-latitude oceanic glacier in China, and one of the closest snow-capped glaciers to the equator in the world. On clear days, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the entire Ganhaizi below.

Afternoon:
Head to Blue Moon Valley (elevation: 2800m), composed of four interconnected lakes. Each lake reflects a different shade due to varying mineral content and light refraction. From the lakeside, you can capture the crystal-blue waters, bright white calcium terraces, and snow-capped peaks all in one frame. In winter, the snow-covered mountains mirrored on the lake’s surface are especially magnificent.

Alternative Routes:
If you are concerned about the high altitude of Glacier Park, consider taking the small cableway to Spruce Meadow (elevation: 3500m), a round-shaped alpine meadow surrounded by tall spruce forest. It is blanketed with wildflowers in summer and snow in winter.
Another option is the middle cableway to Yak Meadow (elevation: 3700m), one of the best spots to see the full panorama of Yulong’s thirteen peaks, and a great place to experience authentic Tibetan culture.
Contact intoexplore's travel consultants for personalized route recommendations.

Travel Tips:
Even in summer, temperatures at the snow mountain are 5–10°C lower than in downtown Lijiang—bring a warm jacket.
Be cautious on wooden walkways during the rainy or winter season as they may be slippery. Do not cross safety barriers.

Shuhe Old Town--Baisha Old Town--Yuhu Village

4+ stars Hotels

Breakfast & Lunch

After breakfast at the hotel, follow intoexplore for a day of cultural immersion beyond Lijiang's main tourist hubs.

Morning:
Start with a visit to Shuhe Old Town, located about 4 km northwest of Lijiang Old Town. Once a vital stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, Shuhe is quieter and more authentic than the bustling Dayan (Lijiang Old Town). Its laid-back atmosphere makes it ideal for slow travelers. Along its cobbled streets, you’ll find cozy cafés, leather workshops, tie-dye studios, and local vendors selling fresh produce and handmade crafts, offering a glimpse into everyday local life.

Next, head to Baisha Old Town, the oldest Naxi settlement in the Lijiang plain and the birthplace of the Mu clan chieftains. Far less commercialized than Shuhe or Dayan, Baisha retains a deeply traditional feel and is perfect for travelers seeking an in-depth cultural experience. Sip a cup of "Snow Mountain Coffee" and explore bronze workshops, tie-dye studios, or Dongba paper-making houses—where you can try your hand at traditional Naxi crafts.

Afternoon:
Continue on to Yuhu Village, considered the real hidden gem of Lijiang and said to have inspired the Shangri-La in Lost Horizon. The village homes are built from glacier moraine stones without cement, giving them a rugged and natural charm. Here, you can ride a horse along a section of the Tea Horse Road, watch locals make yak butter tea and barley pancakes, and experience a way of life that has remained unchanged for generations.