Is Lijiang truly one of China's most beautiful cities? At a height of 2,400 meters at the slopes of the Himalaya, it is certainly an inspiration and a refreshment. Regarded as the Venice of the Orient with its dizzying array of water canals, quaint bridges and cobble-stoned streets, Lijiang was declared an Unesco World Heritage Site in 1997. Lijiang was an important stop on the ancient caravan route to Tibet; it has an ancient history.

Dag 1: Lijiang is one of China's most beautiful cities

The driver will pick you up in your hotel in Dali to start your 180 km drive through mountains and impressive valleys. You also will encounter many stone masonries.
It will take around 1,5 hours to get from Dali to Lijiang. The driver will bring you directly to your hotel. Take it is easy, as you will soon experience the altitude of 2,400 meters.
In the afternoon you have plenty of time to discover the car-free Old Town of Lijiang. In the evenings, locals are often dancing and just relaxing at the town square. Take a look, don't miss it.

Lijiang consist in an old and a new part. The old town is a maze of narrow streets along which channels flow. You will find a lot of souvenir shops, on the outside of the old town you will still find the old houses.
In Lijiang you can find the Naxi minority, the major non-Chinese population. Their houses are decorated with carvings in panels, doors and window frames. Naxi women trade at the local markets in Lijiang.

The Old Town is illuminated by red lampions in the evening. You might witness a Naxi concert, or at least other locals singing lirics on the streets; dancing, singing, yelling, drinking. Enjoy!

Day 2: Naxi-village, Tibetan monastry and Jade Dragon Mountain

After breakfast, the driver will pick you up for a full day touring.
First you will visit the old town Baisha with it's old temples and palace with frescos. Maybe, you will meet the famous Dr. Ho. We walk through a typical Naxi-village.
If you have experience Baisha, you will continue to WenfenSi Tibetan monastery high in the mountains. A very rewarding walk will show you great views at Jade Dragon Mountain.
Then, you drive back to Lijiang city to visit the Black Dragon Pook Park.
This very rewarding day will end in your hotel. Again you have time to enjoy the vibrant and colourful evening in Lijiang.

Day 3: Explore Lijiang city

A day to enjoy yourself!! Or, pick one of our suggestions:

• Around LashiHei Lake - Ride your bike: we will bring you with rented bikes to the lake. Click for more detailed information.
• Visit the temple on top of Lion Hil
• Trekking through the Tiger Leaping Gorge: this is actually one of the excursions we offer. A two days trekking through a most impressive Gorge with steep mountains and deep valleys: The Tiger Leaping Gorge.
    

After enjoying your last breakfast in Lijiang, the Lijiang module ends. You will be brought to Shangri-La. Or, let us know where you would like to go. When you decide to go to Shangri-La we can make a photo stop in the Tiger Leaping Gorge. We can also bring you to the airport to fly to Kunming or Lhasa. If you want a flight from Shangri-La, we of course escort you there.

• Tip: would you like to spend more time in/around Lijiang, take a look at our two days excursion to the Tiger Leaping Gorge.