01
Overview
大多数初次旅行者会选择云南或四川。而这条线路将它们串联成阶梯：从西北部的雪山、古镇和林间村落的高海拔出发，在香格里拉海拔三千多米处过夜，然后飞降至盆地，那里古老的灌溉系统依然滋养着平原，生活节奏如茶馆般悠闲。火车、一趟航班和一辆私人面包车连接起这条弧线；在高海拔的日子里，车上备有氧气和脉搏血氧仪。旅程结束时，你将能解释海拔如何影响生活方式——这正是你带回家的答案。
LyrikTrip旅行设计师
您的行程及备注在落地前已确定；持牌英语当地导游将陪同您游览每个地区。
Why you'll love this trip
- Perfect for couples and families willing to walk at high altitude and travel across two provinces.
- Journey through Yunnan’s highlands, then savor the unhurried teahouse life of Sichuan.
- Take a cable car to Cloudspruce Meadow at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, then watch “Impression Lijiang” performed in an open-air theater.
- Journey along the slow-travel route to Shangri-La: wade through pristine forests at dawn and breathe in the high-altitude air at dusk.
- In a household that crafts Nixi black pottery, enjoy a chicken feast prepared in its vessels.
- In the early morning, step into the mountain forests where Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys live, then head to Tiger Leaping Gorge to hear the rush of the Jinsha River.
- Visit Chengdu's panda park in the morning, then explore neighborhood restaurants by tuk-tuk in the evening.
- Stand beside the statue of Bodhisattva Samantabhadra on Golden Summit in Mount Emei, then gaze up at the Leshan Giant Buddha from the water below.
Things to do
02
03
04
05
06
07
08
09
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Nature
Show
Food
Nature
Craft
Food
Nature
Gorge
City
Food
Culture
NatureFood
Wellness
Heritage
Culture
Temple
Nature
Heritage
FoodNatureShowFoodNatureCraftFoodNatureGorgeCityFoodCultureNatureFoodWellnessHeritageCultureTempleNatureHeritageFoodNatureShowFoodNatureCraftFoodNatureGorgeCityFoodCultureNatureFoodWellnessHeritageCultureTempleNatureHeritageFoodItinerary
Arrivals
Kunming · Day 1
· Kunming in, the rails up to Lijiang
After arriving in Kunming, switch to high-speed rail; tonight’s stay is in Lijiang.
高铁
Lijiang · Day 2
· Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
The snow mountain at eye level, and a stage set against it.
包车
Shangri-La · Day 3
· The forest road up to Shangri-La
Drive along a forested road to Shangri-La, leaving the evening for acclimatizing to the plateau.
包车
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 mountain forests where the endangered golden snub-nosed monkeys make their home. In the afternoon, visit Tiger Leaping Gorge to see the Jinsha River.
航班
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)
The visit schedule 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 up to the Golden Peak; the sea of clouds depends on the weather. Afterwards, explore the temples on the descent.
· Leshan Giant Buddha & Tea Farmers, Return to Chengdu
From Mount Emei to Leshan, enjoy a boat tour and a tea farm visit before heading to Chengdu Airport.
包车
Dujiangyan · Day 9
包车
Leshan · Day 10 - Day 11
包车
Chengdu · Day 6
Departures
Free PDF
Read it on your own time
We'll send this itinerary guide to your inbox for free.
No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.
Hotels
These are sample stays typically included in the itinerary. Final pricing depends on the hotel level selected.
Lijiang
Halfway Hostel
The most famous on in Hu Tiao
Shangri-La
Chang Palace
A luxury palace-style hotel in Dukezong Old Town, Shangri-La, Yunnan.
Tacheng
Songtsam Tacheng
Hada Community, Qibie Village, Tatown, near Songtsam Sertar.
Chengdu
Atour Hotel Chengdu Taikoo Li Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street
A simple Chengdu stay near Chunxi Road, good for travellers who want easy walks, food stops, and short city transfers.
Dujiangyan
Atour Hotel Dujiangyan Imixpark
Nestled in the scenic Dujiangyan area of Chengdu, the hotel is located within the Dayrongcheng Mall, a vibrant hub offering shopping, dining, and cinema entertainment.
Mount Emei
Mozhuang Chanyi Hotel
A secluded retreat in the mountains, offering a Zen-inspired stay at Eméishān Mòzhuāng — a Zen hotel nestled within the Mount Emei scenic area, a UNESCO World Heritage site of both cultural and natural significance, far removed from the bustle of everyday life.
Leshan
Rezen Select Leshan Zhanggongqiao
Located in the Jiazhou International Commercial Center, this hotel is in the bustling downtown area with convenient transportation access.
Tacheng
Habuda Yungu Homestay Weixi
Nestled within the terraced fields of Tacheng, Weixi Lisu Autonomous County, this land boasts majestic mountains and rivers, serene pastoral beauty, a rich history, and warm, kind-hearted locals.
Shangri-La
Songtsam Linka Shangri-La
Boutique Tibetan-design retreat with prayer-flag courtyards and Songzanlin Monastery views.
Chengdu
Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
Located near Jianshe Road and the Eastern Suburb Memory Park, its prime location makes it a desirable choice for accommodation in Chengdu.
Leshan
Borrman Hotel (Leshan High-Speed Railway Station Wanda Plaza)
Located on Longyou Road in the vibrant city of Leshan, this hotel is situated in the northern core area and is only a 10-minute drive from Leshan Railway Station and the Long-distance Bus Terminal.
Lijiang
Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa
Five-star Naxi-design resort with private courtyards and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain views.
Dujiangyan
Howard Johnson Conference Resort Chengdu
Adjacent to the Front Mountain Scenic Area of Mount Qingcheng and near the new mountain entrance, this property is surrounded by lush trees, offering an elegant environment with fresh air.
Tacheng
Lapu Zangyun Lodge Weixi Tacheng
Enjoy a distinctive winery tour featuring mountain-top tastings and immersive countryside living at the foothills.
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 inside a restored Qing-dynasty courtyard near Taikoo Li with one of Chengdu's strongest design statements.
Leshan
Gongxin Hotel
Located on Yungan Road in Kuancheng Town, offering convenient transportation.
Lijiang
Shan Quan Guesthouse
Wife of the host is from France, so much convenient for French travelers.
Lijiang
Halfway Hostel
The most famous on in Hu Tiao
Shangri-La
Chang Palace
A luxury palace-style hotel in Dukezong Old Town, Shangri-La, Yunnan.
Tacheng
Songtsam Tacheng
Hada Community, Qibie Village, Tatown, near Songtsam Sertar.
Chengdu
Atour Hotel Chengdu Taikoo Li Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street
A simple Chengdu stay near Chunxi Road, good for travellers who want easy walks, food stops, and short city transfers.
Dujiangyan
Atour Hotel Dujiangyan Imixpark
Nestled in the scenic Dujiangyan area of Chengdu, the hotel is located within the Dayrongcheng Mall, a vibrant hub offering shopping, dining, and cinema entertainment.
Mount Emei
Mozhuang Chanyi Hotel
A secluded retreat in the mountains, offering a Zen-inspired stay at Eméishān Mòzhuāng — a Zen hotel nestled within the Mount Emei scenic area, a UNESCO World Heritage site of both cultural and natural significance, far removed from the bustle of everyday life.
Leshan
Rezen Select Leshan Zhanggongqiao
Located in the Jiazhou International Commercial Center, this hotel is in the bustling downtown area with convenient transportation access.
Tacheng
Habuda Yungu Homestay Weixi
Nestled within the terraced fields of Tacheng, Weixi Lisu Autonomous County, this land boasts majestic mountains and rivers, serene pastoral beauty, a rich history, and warm, kind-hearted locals.
Shangri-La
Songtsam Linka Shangri-La
Boutique Tibetan-design retreat with prayer-flag courtyards and Songzanlin Monastery views.
Chengdu
Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
Located near Jianshe Road and the Eastern Suburb Memory Park, its prime location makes it a desirable choice for accommodation in Chengdu.
Leshan
Borrman Hotel (Leshan High-Speed Railway Station Wanda Plaza)
Located on Longyou Road in the vibrant city of Leshan, this hotel is situated in the northern core area and is only a 10-minute drive from Leshan Railway Station and the Long-distance Bus Terminal.
Lijiang
Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa
Five-star Naxi-design resort with private courtyards and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain views.
Dujiangyan
Howard Johnson Conference Resort Chengdu
Adjacent to the Front Mountain Scenic Area of Mount Qingcheng and near the new mountain entrance, this property is surrounded by lush trees, offering an elegant environment with fresh air.
Tacheng
Lapu Zangyun Lodge Weixi Tacheng
Enjoy a distinctive winery tour featuring mountain-top tastings and immersive countryside living at the foothills.
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 inside a restored Qing-dynasty courtyard near Taikoo Li with one of Chengdu's strongest design statements.
Leshan
Gongxin Hotel
Located on Yungan Road in Kuancheng Town, offering convenient transportation.
Lijiang
Shan Quan Guesthouse
Wife of the host is from France, so much convenient for French travelers.
Lijiang
Halfway Hostel
The most famous on in Hu Tiao
Shangri-La
Chang Palace
A luxury palace-style hotel in Dukezong Old Town, Shangri-La, Yunnan.
Tacheng
Songtsam Tacheng
Hada Community, Qibie Village, Tatown, near Songtsam Sertar.
Chengdu
Atour Hotel Chengdu Taikoo Li Chunxi Road Pedestrian Street
A simple Chengdu stay near Chunxi Road, good for travellers who want easy walks, food stops, and short city transfers.
Dujiangyan
Atour Hotel Dujiangyan Imixpark
Nestled in the scenic Dujiangyan area of Chengdu, the hotel is located within the Dayrongcheng Mall, a vibrant hub offering shopping, dining, and cinema entertainment.
Mount Emei
Mozhuang Chanyi Hotel
A secluded retreat in the mountains, offering a Zen-inspired stay at Eméishān Mòzhuāng — a Zen hotel nestled within the Mount Emei scenic area, a UNESCO World Heritage site of both cultural and natural significance, far removed from the bustle of everyday life.
Leshan
Rezen Select Leshan Zhanggongqiao
Located in the Jiazhou International Commercial Center, this hotel is in the bustling downtown area with convenient transportation access.
Tacheng
Habuda Yungu Homestay Weixi
Nestled within the terraced fields of Tacheng, Weixi Lisu Autonomous County, this land boasts majestic mountains and rivers, serene pastoral beauty, a rich history, and warm, kind-hearted locals.
Shangri-La
Songtsam Linka Shangri-La
Boutique Tibetan-design retreat with prayer-flag courtyards and Songzanlin Monastery views.
Chengdu
Hilton Chengdu Chenghua
Located near Jianshe Road and the Eastern Suburb Memory Park, its prime location makes it a desirable choice for accommodation in Chengdu.
Leshan
Borrman Hotel (Leshan High-Speed Railway Station Wanda Plaza)
Located on Longyou Road in the vibrant city of Leshan, this hotel is situated in the northern core area and is only a 10-minute drive from Leshan Railway Station and the Long-distance Bus Terminal.
Lijiang
Pullman Lijiang Resort & Spa
Five-star Naxi-design resort with private courtyards and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain views.
Dujiangyan
Howard Johnson Conference Resort Chengdu
Adjacent to the Front Mountain Scenic Area of Mount Qingcheng and near the new mountain entrance, this property is surrounded by lush trees, offering an elegant environment with fresh air.
Tacheng
Lapu Zangyun Lodge Weixi Tacheng
Enjoy a distinctive winery tour featuring mountain-top tastings and immersive countryside living at the foothills.
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 inside a restored Qing-dynasty courtyard near Taikoo Li with one of Chengdu's strongest design statements.
Leshan
Gongxin Hotel
Located on Yungan Road in Kuancheng Town, offering convenient transportation.
Lijiang
Shan Quan Guesthouse
Wife of the host is from France, so much convenient for French travelers.
Included / Excluded
What's Included
- Private vehiclesAir-conditioned private vehicles for all listed sightseeing and transfers, with 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 through 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 Cuisine Cooking Class Dinner · Mount Qingcheng Lunch · Tea Farmer's Meal. The standard Mount Qingcheng lunch includes meat dishes; please request a vegetarian option in advance when booking.
- AlsoTravel accident insurance
Not Included
- Long-haulInternational flights into Kunming and onward travel from Chengdu
- Domestic flightFees for domestic flights from Lijiang to Chengdu are subject to the final quote and confirmation; they are not included in the package until confirmed.
- SanxingduiTickets to the Sanxingdui Museum, English-language guided tours, and related fees are not included by default; final inclusions will be determined by the quotation 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 in your confirmation
Special Notes
Weather, seasons, and booking availability may affect certain excursions; please refer to your confirmed itinerary for final arrangements.
- Altitude — The Yunnan days run between about 2,400 and 3,300 meters, the highest night is Day 3 in Shangri-La, and from Day 6 you are down at the Chengdu Basin's roughly 500 meters; the Shangri-La evening is kept free to let your body adjust, and oxygen and a pulse oximeter are arranged for the van on the highland days.
- Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys — As a wild animal, sightings of the Golden Snub-Nosed Monkey are subject to availability; visitation is scheduled for the morning, but encounters cannot be guaranteed. Specific trails and guided commentary will be determined by the site's daily operational status.
- Golden Summit — Visibility of the sea of clouds depends on the day's conditions; tours of the golden summit and monastery are also subject to the scenic area's daily operating status.
- 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 season; visit and meal arrangements are subject to final confirmation.
- Sanxingdui — Sanxingdui admission tickets, English-language guided tours, and associated fees are subject to confirmation in the final itinerary; if not included, the day can be switched 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.
Traveling with older parents or kids?
Adjust the intensity of high-altitude and mountain hiking to suit your companions' fitness levels; cable cars are available on certain segments.
Good to Know
- Group
- This itinerary can be booked for a single guest. Solo reservations are also accepted for the Mount Qingcheng experience; please refer to the written itinerary for confirmed timing.
- Altitude
- The Yunnan days run between about 2,400 and 3,300 meters, highest night Day 3 in Shangri-La; from Day 6 you are down at roughly 500 meters
- 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, locks 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 ideal across both provinces; summer runs green and full, winter quiet and crisp
- Ports
- Kunming In · Chengdu Out
- Book in advance
- Visits to the local cultural park can be arranged per booking; specific venues and reservation requirements are subject to the confirmed itinerary.
Your Private Concierge
Jenessa
Private China Route Concierge
“A bilingual planning desk for tailor-made China journeys.”
Our China team tunes pacing, hotels and local hosts around each route style.
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 traveler 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 traveler.
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.
Daily breakfast and six named meals are included. Other lunches and dinners remain flexible around the group's tastes.
