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Overview
Most first-time travellers choose Yunnan or Sichuan. This route links them into a ladder: starting from the high-altitude snow mountains, ancient towns, and forest villages of the northwest, spending the night in Shangri-La at over 3,000 metres, then descending to the basin where ancient irrigation systems still nourish the plains and life moves at the leisurely pace of a teahouse. A train, a flight, and a private minivan connect this arc; on the high-altitude days, the vehicle is equipped with oxygen and pulse oximeters. By the end of the journey, you will be able to explain how altitude shapes lifestyle—this is the answer you take home.
LyrikTrip Travel Designer
Your itinerary and remarks will be confirmed before landing; a licensed English-speaking local guide will accompany you on tours of each region.
Why you'll love this trip
- Ideal for couples and families who are happy to walk at high altitude and travel across two provinces.
- Set out from Yunnan’s highlands, then embrace the slow pace of Sichuan’s teahouses.
- Take the cable car to Yunshanping at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, then watch <em>Impression Lijiang</em> performed in an open-air theatre.
- Journey along the slow-travel route to Shangri-La, wandering through pristine forests at dawn and feeling the highland air at dusk.
- In families where Nixi black pottery is crafted, savor a feast of chicken cooked in black clay pots.
- Start your day in the mountains of the golden snub-nosed monkey habitat, then head to Tiger Leaping Gorge to listen to the sounds of the Jinsha River.
- Spend the morning at the Chengdu Panda Base, then explore local street restaurants by tuk-tuk in the evening.
- Stand beside the statue of Bodhisattva Samantabhadra at the Golden Summit of Mount Emei, then gaze up at the Leshan Giant Buddha from the water.
Things to do
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FoodNatureShowFoodNatureCraftFoodNatureGorgeCityFoodCultureNatureFoodWellnessHeritageCultureTempleNatureHeritageFoodNatureShowFoodNatureCraftFoodNatureGorgeCityFoodCultureNatureFoodWellnessHeritageCultureTempleNatureHeritageFoodItinerary
Arrivals
Kunming · Day 1
· Kunming in, the rails up to Lijiang
Transfer to a high-speed rail upon arrival in Kunming; overnight in Lijiang tonight.
High-speed train
Lijiang · Day 2
· Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
The snow-capped mountain at eye level, with a stage set against it.
Private car
Shangri-La · Day 3
· The forest road up to Shangri-La
Drive along the forest road to Shangri-La, using the evening to acclimatise to the plateau.
Private car
Tacheng · Day 4 - Day 5
· Nixi black pottery, on to Tacheng
A village fires its pots the way it always has, and lunch comes out of them.
· Snub-nosed monkeys & Tiger Leaping Gorge
In the morning, explore the forests where the Dian black snub-nosed monkeys live, and in the afternoon, visit Tiger Leaping Gorge to view the Jinsha River.
Flight
Chengdu · Day 6 - Day 12
· Down to the basin: Chengdu
You fly off the plateau and land where life runs on teahouse time.
· Sanxingdui Museum (pending confirmation)
Tour arrangements and fees are subject to the final itinerary confirmation.
· Pandas & a Sichuan kitchen
Pandas at their busiest hour, then dinner you cook yourself.
· Mount Qingcheng & Dujiangyan
Tai Chi under Taoist trees, then a waterworks that has run for two thousand years.
· To Mount Emei: crafts, kung fu, a dusk temple
Heritage still made by hand, and a temple after the crowds go.
· Emei's Golden Summit
Take the cable car to the Golden Summit; the sea of clouds depends on the weather. After descending, visit the monasteries.
· Leshan Giant Buddha and Tea Farmers, Return to Chengdu
From Mount Emei to Leshan, enjoy a cruise and a visit to a tea farmhouse before heading to Chengdu Airport.
Private car
Dujiangyan · Day 9
Private car
Leshan · Day 10 - Day 11
Private car
Chengdu · Day 6
Departures
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Hotels
These are sample stays typically included in the itinerary. Final pricing depends on the hotel level selected.
Lijiang
Halfway Hostel
The most famous one in Hu Tiao
Shangri-La
Chang Palace
A luxury palace-style hotel in Dukezong Old Town, Shangri-La, Yunnan.
Tacheng
Songtsam Tacheng
Hada Collective, Qibie Village, Tacheng Town, near Songtsam Tacheng.
Chengdu
Atour Hotel Chengdu Taikoo Li Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street
A simple Chengdu stay near Chunxi Road, ideal for travellers who want easy walks, food stops and short city transfers.
Dujiangyan
Atour Hotel Dujiangyan Imixpark
Nestled within the scenic Dujiangyan area of Chengdu, this hotel is situated within the Rongcheng Mall, a vibrant hub featuring shopping, dining, and a cinema.
Mount Emei
Mozhuang Chanyi Hotel
Secluded in the mountains, a Zen retreat — Emei Mountain Mozhuang Zen Hotel, nestled within the Mount Emei Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, far from the hustle and bustle.
Leshan
Rezen Select Leshan Zhanggongqiao
The hotel is located in the Jiazhou International Commercial Centre, situated in the bustling city centre with convenient transportation links.
Tacheng
Habuda Yungu Homestay Weixi
Nestled within the terraced fields of Tacheng Town, Weixi Lisu Autonomous County, this area boasts majestic rivers and mountains, idyllic countryside, a rich history, and a hospitable local culture.
Shangri-La
Songtsam Linka Shangri-La
Boutique Tibetan-design retreat with prayer-flag courtyards and views of Songzanlin Monastery.
Chengdu
Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
With its superior location, it is a desirable place to stay in Chengdu.
Leshan
Borrman Hotel (Leshan High-Speed Railway Station Wanda Plaza)
Nestled on Longyou Road in the heart of Leshan’s vibrant north, this hotel enjoys a prime location in the city’s renowned, social-media-favoured district. Just a 10-minute drive from Leshan High-Speed Railway Station and the main coach terminal.
Lijiang
Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa
Five-star Naxi-design resort with private courtyards and views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Dujiangyan
Howard Johnson Conference Resort Chengdu
Adjacent to the Qian Shan Scenic Area of Mount Qingcheng and close to the new mountain gate, surrounded by lush trees with an elegant environment and fresh air.
Tacheng
Lapu Zangyun Lodge Weixi Tacheng
Enjoy a distinctive wine estate tour that combines mountain-top tasting with a serene countryside retreat at its base.
Shangri-La
Hylandia by Shangri-La
Shangri-La Group hotel offering a spa, pool, and premium facilities in Shangri-La County, Yunnan.
Chengdu
The Temple House
Boutique luxury hotel set within a restored Qing-dynasty courtyard near Taikoo Li, boasting one of Chengdu's most striking design statements.
Leshan
Gongxin Hotel
Located on Yungan Road, Yaocheng Town, with convenient transport links.
Lijiang
Shan Quan Guesthouse
The host’s wife is from France, which is very convenient for French travellers.
Lijiang
Halfway Hostel
The most famous one in Hu Tiao
Shangri-La
Chang Palace
A luxury palace-style hotel in Dukezong Old Town, Shangri-La, Yunnan.
Tacheng
Songtsam Tacheng
Hada Collective, Qibie Village, Tacheng Town, near Songtsam Tacheng.
Chengdu
Atour Hotel Chengdu Taikoo Li Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street
A simple Chengdu stay near Chunxi Road, ideal for travellers who want easy walks, food stops and short city transfers.
Dujiangyan
Atour Hotel Dujiangyan Imixpark
Nestled within the scenic Dujiangyan area of Chengdu, this hotel is situated within the Rongcheng Mall, a vibrant hub featuring shopping, dining, and a cinema.
Mount Emei
Mozhuang Chanyi Hotel
Secluded in the mountains, a Zen retreat — Emei Mountain Mozhuang Zen Hotel, nestled within the Mount Emei Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, far from the hustle and bustle.
Leshan
Rezen Select Leshan Zhanggongqiao
The hotel is located in the Jiazhou International Commercial Centre, situated in the bustling city centre with convenient transportation links.
Tacheng
Habuda Yungu Homestay Weixi
Nestled within the terraced fields of Tacheng Town, Weixi Lisu Autonomous County, this area boasts majestic rivers and mountains, idyllic countryside, a rich history, and a hospitable local culture.
Shangri-La
Songtsam Linka Shangri-La
Boutique Tibetan-design retreat with prayer-flag courtyards and views of Songzanlin Monastery.
Chengdu
Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
With its superior location, it is a desirable place to stay in Chengdu.
Leshan
Borrman Hotel (Leshan High-Speed Railway Station Wanda Plaza)
Nestled on Longyou Road in the heart of Leshan’s vibrant north, this hotel enjoys a prime location in the city’s renowned, social-media-favoured district. Just a 10-minute drive from Leshan High-Speed Railway Station and the main coach terminal.
Lijiang
Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa
Five-star Naxi-design resort with private courtyards and views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Dujiangyan
Howard Johnson Conference Resort Chengdu
Adjacent to the Qian Shan Scenic Area of Mount Qingcheng and close to the new mountain gate, surrounded by lush trees with an elegant environment and fresh air.
Tacheng
Lapu Zangyun Lodge Weixi Tacheng
Enjoy a distinctive wine estate tour that combines mountain-top tasting with a serene countryside retreat at its base.
Shangri-La
Hylandia by Shangri-La
Shangri-La Group hotel offering a spa, pool, and premium facilities in Shangri-La County, Yunnan.
Chengdu
The Temple House
Boutique luxury hotel set within a restored Qing-dynasty courtyard near Taikoo Li, boasting one of Chengdu's most striking design statements.
Leshan
Gongxin Hotel
Located on Yungan Road, Yaocheng Town, with convenient transport links.
Lijiang
Shan Quan Guesthouse
The host’s wife is from France, which is very convenient for French travellers.
Lijiang
Halfway Hostel
The most famous one in Hu Tiao
Shangri-La
Chang Palace
A luxury palace-style hotel in Dukezong Old Town, Shangri-La, Yunnan.
Tacheng
Songtsam Tacheng
Hada Collective, Qibie Village, Tacheng Town, near Songtsam Tacheng.
Chengdu
Atour Hotel Chengdu Taikoo Li Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street
A simple Chengdu stay near Chunxi Road, ideal for travellers who want easy walks, food stops and short city transfers.
Dujiangyan
Atour Hotel Dujiangyan Imixpark
Nestled within the scenic Dujiangyan area of Chengdu, this hotel is situated within the Rongcheng Mall, a vibrant hub featuring shopping, dining, and a cinema.
Mount Emei
Mozhuang Chanyi Hotel
Secluded in the mountains, a Zen retreat — Emei Mountain Mozhuang Zen Hotel, nestled within the Mount Emei Scenic Area, a UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage site, far from the hustle and bustle.
Leshan
Rezen Select Leshan Zhanggongqiao
The hotel is located in the Jiazhou International Commercial Centre, situated in the bustling city centre with convenient transportation links.
Tacheng
Habuda Yungu Homestay Weixi
Nestled within the terraced fields of Tacheng Town, Weixi Lisu Autonomous County, this area boasts majestic rivers and mountains, idyllic countryside, a rich history, and a hospitable local culture.
Shangri-La
Songtsam Linka Shangri-La
Boutique Tibetan-design retreat with prayer-flag courtyards and views of Songzanlin Monastery.
Chengdu
Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
With its superior location, it is a desirable place to stay in Chengdu.
Leshan
Borrman Hotel (Leshan High-Speed Railway Station Wanda Plaza)
Nestled on Longyou Road in the heart of Leshan’s vibrant north, this hotel enjoys a prime location in the city’s renowned, social-media-favoured district. Just a 10-minute drive from Leshan High-Speed Railway Station and the main coach terminal.
Lijiang
Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa
Five-star Naxi-design resort with private courtyards and views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.
Dujiangyan
Howard Johnson Conference Resort Chengdu
Adjacent to the Qian Shan Scenic Area of Mount Qingcheng and close to the new mountain gate, surrounded by lush trees with an elegant environment and fresh air.
Tacheng
Lapu Zangyun Lodge Weixi Tacheng
Enjoy a distinctive wine estate tour that combines mountain-top tasting with a serene countryside retreat at its base.
Shangri-La
Hylandia by Shangri-La
Shangri-La Group hotel offering a spa, pool, and premium facilities in Shangri-La County, Yunnan.
Chengdu
The Temple House
Boutique luxury hotel set within a restored Qing-dynasty courtyard near Taikoo Li, boasting one of Chengdu's most striking design statements.
Leshan
Gongxin Hotel
Located on Yungan Road, Yaocheng Town, with convenient transport links.
Lijiang
Shan Quan Guesthouse
The host’s wife is from France, which is very convenient for French travellers.
Included / Excluded
What's Included
- Private vehiclesAir-conditioned private vehicles for all listed sightseeing and transfers, including station and airport pick-ups
- High-altitude supportSupplemental oxygen and a pulse oximeter arranged for the van on the highland Yunnan days
- GuidesLicensed English-speaking guides throughout every region
- RailKunming to Lijiang high-speed train ticket, first class
- Hotels11 nights in selected four-star, five-star or quality boutique stays, breakfast daily
- Tickets and experiencesAll listed attractions, cable cars and scenic-area shuttles, the Blue Moon Valley shuttle, the Lijiang old-town maintenance fee and the Tiger Leaping Gorge escalator, plus the hands-on and cultural experiences in the confirmed itinerary
- Included mealsWild mushroom hot pot · Nixi black pottery chicken feast · Tuk-tuk food tasting · Sichuan cooking class dinner · Lunch at Qingcheng Mountain · Tea farmer's meal. Regular meals at Qingcheng Mountain include meat dishes; vegetarian options must be requested in advance at the time of booking.
- AlsoTravel accident insurance
Not Included
- Long-haulInternational flights into Kunming and onward travel from Chengdu
- Domestic flightDomestic flight costs from Lijiang to Chengdu are subject to the final quotation and confirmation; they are not included in the package until confirmed.
- SanxingduiTickets to the Sanxingdui Museum, English-language tours, and related fees are not included by default; inclusion is subject to the final quote and confirmation.
- MealsBeyond the included meals, lunches and dinners stay flexible: each day your guide recommends and books around the group's tastes
- PersonalVisas, gratuities, single-room supplement, personal spending, and optional activities not included in your confirmation
Special Notes
Weather, seasonal conditions, and availability may affect certain excursions; specific arrangements are subject to final itinerary confirmation.
- Altitude — The Yunnan days run between about 2,400 and 3,300 metres, with the highest night on Day 3 in Shangri-La; from Day 6 you descend to the Chengdu Basin's roughly 500 metres. The Shangri-La evening is kept free to allow your body to acclimatise, and oxygen and a pulse oximeter are provided in the van on the highland days.
- Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys — Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys are wild animals; the visit is scheduled for the morning. Sightings cannot be guaranteed, and specific trails and commentary will depend on the day's opening conditions.
- Golden Summit — Visibility of the sea of clouds is weather-dependent; access to the Golden Summit and temple sites is subject to the scenic area’s opening status on the day.
- Impression Lijiang — An open-air, seasonal performance that runs on the venue's own calendar; seating is outdoors, so dress for mountain weather.
- Tea farmer participation — The tea-making activities available depend on the tea season; visit and meal arrangements are subject to the final confirmation.
- Sanxingdui — Sanxingdui entry tickets, English-language guided tours, and associated costs will be confirmed in the final itinerary; if not included, the day can be changed to sightseeing in central Chengdu.
- Hotels and venues — Named in your confirmation; or similar always means the same class and comparable location, never a quiet downgrade.
Is Twelve Days Your Length?
Tell us your dates and who's coming: we will shape the length around you.
Have the full window?
This is the whole staircase: Yunnan's high country first, then the Sichuan basin, in their proper order.
Shorter on days?
We trim a region, not the pace: keep Yunnan, keep Sichuan, or tell us what matters most and we will cut the line to fit.
Travelling with older parents or kids?
The intensity of high-altitude and mountain walking can be adjusted according to the fitness of your companions; cable cars are available on designated sections.
Good to Know
- Group
- This route can be booked for as few as one guest, and the Qingchengshan experience also accepts single-person bookings; specific departure times are subject to written itinerary confirmation.
- Altitude
- The Yunnan days run between about 2,400 and 3,300 metres, with the highest night on Day 3 in Shangri-La; from Day 6 you are down at roughly 500 metres
- Language
- English-speaking guides throughout
- Shopping Policy
- No shopping stops or commission detours on the route; your time is dedicated solely to the places listed here.
- Tailoring
- Fully flexible. Days, stops, and pace can be added, removed, or swapped. We'll reshape the plan together before you confirm and pay.
- Payment
- A 10% deposit, minimum $399, secures your dates and resources; the balance is due 14 days before departure.
- Flexibility
- Walking distances adapt to your pace throughout; weather-dependent items and their backups are listed in Special Notes
- Best season
- Spring and autumn are ideal across both provinces; summer is lush and green, while winter is quiet and crisp.
- Ports
- Kunming In · Chengdu Out
- Book in advance
- Local cultural garden visits can be arranged according to your booking; please refer to your confirmed itinerary for specific venues and reservation requirements.
Your Private Concierge Service
Jenny
China Private Travel Route Consultant
“A concierge desk offering bilingual planning services for bespoke China journeys”
Our China team carefully tailors the pace of the itinerary, hotel arrangements, and local reception services to suit the style of each route.
20+
Years
300+
Trips Designed
24/7
On-Trip Care
Step 01
Tell us what excites you
Not your dates and budget — your curiosity. Where have you always wanted to go? What do you want to feel? We start there.
24h
First concept delivered
Step 02
We design it around you
Your specialist builds the itinerary from scratch — routes, hosts, hotels, and experiences you won't find anywhere else.
100%
Private, never off-the-shelf
Step 03
Lock it in with 30%
When the plan feels right, a 30% deposit holds your trip. Balance due 30 days before departure.
30%
Deposit to confirm
Step 04
Travel. We handle the rest.
Your Trip Pack arrives before you fly. On the road, your concierge is one message away — for the expected and everything you didn't plan for.
24/7
Support throughout your journey
Cancellation terms agreed in writing
English-speaking concierge
Secure payment via Stripe
Guest Reviews
4.9 / 5 · from 523 verified reviews
E
Emily Carter
🇺🇸 Seattle, USA
Perfect for couples
“My partner and I had an amazing time in China. Everything was arranged for us — transfers, hotels, guides. No stress at all.”
May 2026
C
Claire Brooks
🇬🇧 London, UK
Great for families
“Traveled with my two kids and had zero issues. The team made sure the pace wasn't too rushed and included things the kids would enjoy. Communication was easy throughout. Will definitely use them again for our next Asia trip.”
Apr 2026
L
Laura Bennett
🇨🇦 Toronto, Canada
Alisa made the whole experience easy
“Alisa was our point of contact throughout and she was brilliant — patient, knowledgeable, and always quick to reply. The trip itself was wonderful. Beijing and Guilin were highlights.”
Mar 2026
M
Mark Henderson
🇺🇸 Denver, USA
Good service, minor hiccup but sorted quickly
“Really good service. There was a small mix-up with one of our restaurant bookings but it got sorted quickly. The rest of the trip was seamless.”
Feb 2026
R
Rebecca Miller
🇺🇸 Boston, USA
Really listened to what we wanted
“Really helpful team. They listened to what we wanted and delivered. Beijing and Xi'an were incredible.”
Jan 2026
China Ready
We've solved the hard parts. Here's everything a first-time Western traveller needs to know before arriving.
Do this before you fly
VPN & Internet Access
What's blocked
Google, Gmail, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and most Western news sites are inaccessible in China without a VPN.
Download before you leave
It's nearly impossible to download a VPN once inside China. Install and test at home. Recommended: Astrill (most reliable), Mullvad, ExpressVPN — subscribe to at least two in case one stops working.
Hotel Wi-Fi tip
Some hotels block VPN connections on their Wi-Fi. Use your phone's mobile data as a hotspot if the VPN drops.
Good news
WhatsApp works perfectly through a VPN, so your messaging stays unchanged. Apple iMessage and Signal also work.
Your concierge sets this up on Day 1
Paying in China
China is cashless
Alipay and WeChat Pay are used for almost everything — restaurants, taxis, markets, tickets. Cash is rarely accepted in cities.
International cards now work
Foreign Visa/Mastercard can now link directly to Alipay (set up in minutes, $5,000 single transaction limit). Your concierge walks you through the setup on your first morning.
Carry some cash
We recommend ¥500–800 RMB in cash for the rare vendor that won't accept digital payment, and for small towns.
Booking this trip
Your deposit and balance are charged via Stripe — the same trusted platform used by Airbnb and Booking.com. USD billing, no surprise conversion fees.
We handle the paperwork
Visa & Entry
Do you need a visa?
Most US, UK, EU, Australian, Canadian, and New Zealand passport holders need a tourist (L) visa for stays over 10 days. We provide a visa invitation letter with every booking — it significantly speeds up approval.
240-hour visa-free transit
Citizens of 55+ countries (including USA, UK, most of EU, AUS, NZ, Canada) can enter China visa-free for up to 10 days if transiting through eligible ports. This covers our 12-day itinerary only if you have a confirmed onward flight.
Processing time
Apply 4–6 weeks before departure. Standard processing: 4–7 business days. Express (3 days) and same-day options available at most Chinese consulates.
What we provide
Visa invitation letter, hotel confirmation for all nights, suggested itinerary document — everything the consulate needs, formatted correctly.
Our responsibility, always
Safety & Practical Tips
Is China safe?
China consistently ranks among the safest countries for foreign tourists. Violent crime against visitors is extremely rare. Cities have extensive CCTV coverage and a visible police presence.
Emergency numbers
Police: 110. Ambulance: 120. Your concierge is your first call for any non-emergency situation — she has local contacts for every city on the itinerary.
Health & medications
Bring a full supply of any prescription medication. International pharmacies exist in major cities but may not carry your brand. Travel insurance is required — we can recommend policies that cover China specifically.
Language
English fluency outside hotels and tourist sites is limited. Your guides all speak English. We provide a printed pocket card with essential Chinese phrases and emergency contacts for every traveller.
Before You Book
Everything worth knowing before you book.
No. The line works as a staircase with two or three nights in each region and cable cars or shuttles for the climbs.
The source places the Yunnan stretch at about 2,400–3,300 m with the highest night in Shangri-La. Altitude affects people differently so the high days stay gentle and the figures require final confirmation.
No. It is arranged only after tickets, English interpretation and added cost confirm; otherwise the Chengdu city day moves here.
Petit déjeuner quotidien et six repas nommés sont inclus. Les autres déjeuners et dîners restent flexibles selon les préférences du groupe.
