6-Day Go Beyond Shangrila for Wine & Tibetan Culture of Yunnan
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About This Experience in Lijiang
Why Visit Lijiang?
Lijiang, China offers a wealth of attractions, cultural experiences, and activities for visitors. From historic landmarks to modern attractions, Lijiang provides an unforgettable travel experience with something to discover around every corner. Explore local cuisine, discover unique culture, and create lasting memories in this remarkable destination.
Getting to Lijiang
You can reach Lijiang, China by air, train, or road depending on your starting location. The city offers various transportation options including taxis, public transit, and private transfers to help you reach your destination. Many hotels can arrange airport transfers, and local transportation options vary by location.
What's Included
- Bottled water
- English speaking guide / trip leader
- Alcoholic Beverages
- Airport pick-up on the first day
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- 7 nights in nice, authentic boutique guesthouses
- Airport drop-off on the last day.
What's Not Included
- Transportation / flight tickets to and from Yunnan
- Activities during your free time, not mentioned in the itinerary
- Gratuities
Cancellation Policy
Additional Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Meeting and Pickup
Pickup Information
Pickup Option: Pickup available for all travelers
Pickup Time: 1440 minutes before departure
Itinerary
Arrive in Lijiang
Arrive and check into the hotel in Shuhe... 24 hours
Arrive and check into the hotel in Shuhe old town at any time, airport pick up is available on this day until 3pm. Free time to explore the cobblestone streets and boutique tea & coffee shops of Shuhe old-town by foot. We’ll kick things off at a local Naxi minority restaurant to meet your trip leader and fellow travelers, within walking distance of your hotel.
Lijiang - Hada Village - Wine Tasting - Tofu Making
Depart Lijiang and head deep into the mountain... 24 hours
Depart Lijiang and head deep into the mountain canyons to Hada, a beautiful small village nestled inside a green river valley. After a local lunch we’ll visit a winery just up the hill from Hada village, with the best valley views around. Lounge on the patio and sample the only white wine’s we’ll be trying on this trip. At a local home, we’ll be taught by our hosts how their family has made tofu since ancient times.
Hada Village - Tongle Village - Cizhong Wine Tasting & Cathedral
After breakfast, we’ll depart for a rustic hillside... 24 hours
After breakfast, we’ll depart for a rustic hillside village hidden completely off the tourist track. In fact, it’s the oldest and most preserved Lisu minority village left in Yunnan. We’ll explore the 300 year old houses and see local life like you never have before. The real highlight here is the food, a local cured ham leg porridge that stews for 4 hours before being served. We’ll head further up the canyon into Cizhong village, with one of the oldest cathedrals in China founded by a French missionary in 1867, where locals still practice catholicism. From France, he also brought a type of wine grape that has since died out there – making Cizhong the only place in the world with this grape. Among the cathedral and grape vines deep within the canyon, you’d forget you’re in China. Relax on the patio (with wine), walk the vineyards (with wine), and learn about how grapes are picked, harvested, and processed (with wine), while enjoying their red wine that you’ll literally only find here!
Cizhong - Jeep Ride - Yubeng Village & Meili Mountain
We’ll make our way toward Meili Mountain and... 24 hours
We’ll make our way toward Meili Mountain and Yubeng village, locally referred to as “Heaven on Earth.” Then we’ll hop in jeeps* for a bumpy ride that climbs to an altitude of 4000m before descending into Yubeng. Yubeng is made up of 23 families who have been largely inaccessible to the rest of the world for most of history. Breath-taking views from all angles take you from lush valleys and glaciated ridges all leading up to the nearby Meili Mountain. You’ll have plenty of time to relax, explore by foot, and experience this unique wonderland. *Due to limited space in the jeeps, you will only be able to bring a small overnight bag/backpack for these two nights. The rest of your luggage will be stored securely in our van.
Yubeng Village - Waterfall Hike
After a leisurely morning, you’ll have plenty of... 24 hours
After a leisurely morning, you’ll have plenty of time for a hike to the Sacred Waterfall above Yubeng. From many miles around, Tibetan pilgrims venture to visit this Sacred Waterfall, pray, and be blessed by its waters. It is one of the most culturally significant landmarks in Tibetan culture. The waters are said to cleanse your soul, wash away your sins, and shower you in blessings for the year to come. This strenuous hike climbs 300m at high altitude. It’s a 15km round trip journey, which has been made accessible with a paved trail and stairs. Good walking/hiking shoes and layered outdoor clothing are necessary in this alpine environment. Or, stay back and explore Yubeng village, relax by the fire or rooftop depending on the weather, and take in the mesmerizing views.
Yubeng Village - Jeep Ride - Wine Tasting - Shangrila Old Town
After breakfast, we’ll hop back in the jeeps... 24 hours
After breakfast, we’ll hop back in the jeeps to our van and enjoy a local lunch. Stretch your legs and take in the view of the Jinsha river and its 360-degree bend, a stunning high-altitude landscape. Wine tasting at our 3rd winery with more incredible mountain views. Free Time in Shangrila: There’s a lot to do here, and we’ll let you follow your curiosity. Window-shop for local handicrafts, or check out the local tea and coffee scene. Before dinner, we’ll visit the biggest Tibetan prayer wheel in the world. This is all walking distance from your hotel. After dinner, explore the Shangrila old town – where you’ll be staying for two nights.
Shangrila Old Town - Shangrila Grasslands - Songzanlin Monastery
Take in the ultimate views of the incredibly... 24 hours
Take in the ultimate views of the incredibly vast Shangrila grasslands where you’ll see horses and yak graze and local Tibetan villages skirt the mountains. For lunch, we'll BBQ on large slabs of white stone that are heated up and brought to your table where we’ll grill a selection of local meats and veggies, plus melt-in-your-mouth tofu, directly on the stone.
Songzanlin Monastery rests above a pedestrian-only village that... 2 hours
Songzanlin Monastery rests above a pedestrian-only village that features a handful of authentic Tibetan temples. We’ll climb up to see the largest Tibetan Monastery in Yunnan, dating back to 1679. Its grand appearance, full of frescos, sculptures, and immaculate architecture offers sweeping views of the nearby highland landscape from a viewpoint 3300 meters high.
Shangrila Old Town - Airport Drop-off & Departure
Enjoy your last moments in Yunnan before you depart 24 hours
Enjoy your last moments in Yunnan before you depart. Feel free to explore Shangrila old-town for some last minute shopping or cafe hopping. Airport drop-off is included any time today. For those departing later, we’ll be happy to make some recommendations for the day. Or, if you’re heading back to Lijiang we can help you with bus schedules or private car service.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cancellation policy?
All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
How do I book this tour?
Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.
Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.