8 Days Dali-Shangri La-Lijiang Cycling Tour along The Ancient Tea Horse Caravan

Tour Overview

Start a 8-day adventure through southwestern China’s picturesque landscapes on this Dali-Eryuan-Shaxi-Lijiang cycling tour. This epic journey will transport you back in time to the ancient Tea Horse Trade...

Code of Tour: YET0000058479

Length of Travel: 10 Day

Destinations of Tour: Dali Old Town-Xiagun-Haidong-Shuanglang-Eryuan-Liantie-Shaxi-Jiuhe-Tiger Leaping Gorge Town-Shangrila-Lijiang

Departure City: Dali

Price of Tour: Request

Type of Tour:

Features of Tour: Cycling tours

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Brief Itinerary

• Day 1: Kunming — Dali
• Day 2:Dali – Haidong – Shuanglang
• Day 3: Shuanglang – Eryuan – Liantie
• Day 4: Liantie – Qiaohou-Shaxi
• Day 5: Shaxi – Jiuhe –Shigu- Shangri-La
• Day 6: Shangri-La -Tiger Leaping Gorge Town-
• Day 7:Lijiang Cycling Tour(30KM)
• Day 8: Lijiang Depature

Google Map

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Kunming — Dali

Sightseeing and Activities: the sightseeing on the way

Accommodation: Dali Landscape Hotel (大理兰林阁酒店）or similar standard hotel

Meals: None

• Arrival in Kunming and Transfer to Dali
  • Once you arrive in Kunming, a driver will be waiting to take you to the railway station, where you will board a bullet train for your journey to Dali. Upon reaching Dali, you will proceed to your hotel for check-in.

Day 2-: Dali – Haidong – Shuanglang

Sightseeing and Activities: visit Tianjing Pagoda (Heaven Mirror), visit Little Putuo Island, visit Changyu Village

Accommodation: Dali Shuanglang Daoyigang Lanchao Hotel（大理双廊岛依港蓝巢酒店） or similar standard hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

• Cycling Adventure Around Erhai Lake
  • In the early morning, you will begin your cycling journey along Erhai Lake, departing from Dali Old Town and heading towards Shuanglang Town.
  • Your route will take you along the West Huanhai Road, leading to Xiaguan Town, where you’ll stop at Erhai Lake Park for a brief rest. Next, you’ll continue your ride along East Huanhai Road to Haidong Town, where you can enjoy lunch featuring local specialties.
  • After your meal, you’ll resume cycling towards the Tianjing Pagoda (Heaven Mirror) and Little Putuo Island in Wase Town.
  • Be sure to stop by Changyu Village en route to Shuanglang Town. Arriving in Shuanglang Town in the late afternoon, you’ll have the freedom to wander through Shuanglang Old Town and admire the unique architecture of the Bai ethnic people.

Day 3–: Shuanglang – Eryuan – Liantie

Sightseeing and Activities: visit Nanzhao Love Island （南召风情岛）and Erhai Lake, cuoye G,ddess of Mercy (Guanyin) Statue, Nanzhao Palace, the Square of Patron Saint Culture, Taihu Lake Stones and the Big Banyan Trees, Ride along the Erhai Lake from Shuanglang Town to Shangguan Town, visit  Patron Saint Temple abd Shaping Monday Bazaar, Riding to Niaodiao Mountain.

Accommodation: Guesthouse or similar standard hotel(

Meals: Breakfast

• Morning Adventures Following Breakfast
  • Following your breakfast, you will have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Nanzhao Love Island （南召风情岛） and Erhai Lake.
  • A boat ride will take you to Nanzhao Island, where you’ll explore notable attractions such as the Shayimu Statues—representing the fisher girl from legend, the Acuoye Goddess of Mercy (Guanyin) Statue, Nanzhao Palace, the Square of Patron Saint Culture, Taihu Lake Stones, and the magnificent Big Banyan Trees.
• Scenic Cycling Experience
  • After enjoying the morning’s beauty, you will cycle along Erhai Lake, traveling from Shuanglang Town to Shangguan Town. On your route, be sure to stop by the Patron Saint Temple, also known as Hongshan Ben Zhu Miao or Jingdi Shrine.
• Cultural Exploration in Shaping Village
  • Next, embark on a biking excursion to Shaping Village in Shangguan Town, where you can experience the vibrant Shaping Monday Bazaar of the Bai ethnic community.
  • Your journey continues as you cycle towards Eryuan County, passing through Dengchuan and Yousuo Towns, and visiting various Bai ethnic villages along the way.
  • Take in the stunning farmlands in the Xiashankou Hot Spring Area, a picturesque basin nestled in Eryuan County.
• Lunch and Challenging Climbs
  • Upon reaching Eryuan County, enjoy a lunch break in Cibihu Town before resuming your ride to Fengyu Town. The adventure then takes you to Niaodiaoshan Mountain, renowned for its dense, unspoiled forests.
  • This challenge involves tackling a significant incline as you make your way up to the Niaodiaoshan Mountain Pass, which sits at an elevation of 2,900 meters, starting from Fengyu Town at 2,214 meters.
• Evening Arrival and Celebration
  • Your cycling journey for the day will conclude at Niaodiaoshan Mountain Pass. From there, you’ll take a bus ride to Liantie Town due to the steep and winding road conditions. Arriving in Liantie Town by late afternoon, you’ll enjoy a delightful lunch at Lanxiang Orchid Inn, where a Bai ethnic bonfire party awaits you in the courtyard, offering a festive end to your exciting day.

Day 4-: Liantie – Qiaohou-Shaxi

Sightseeing and Activities: visit  Qiaohou Town, Shaxi Old Town, visit Shi’ao Ancient Bridge and Yujin Bridge

Accommodation: Shaxi Aoyou Zige Hotel(沙溪古镇鳌岫紫阁酒店) or similar standard hotel.

Meals：Breakfast

• Morning Ride Through Charming Villages
  • After your breakfast, you’ll embark on a cycling journey through the picturesque villages of Xinsheng, Tuguan, Yuananyi, and Yanqu, ultimately reaching Qiaohou Town (乔后镇) after a scenic 17-kilometer ride.
• Scenic Route Along the Heihuijiang River
  • Throughout the day, your ride will take you along the Heihuijiang River, which spans an impressive 349 kilometers and flows through notable locations including Lijiang, Dali, Menghua, and Yongchang. This river is affectionately referred to as “one water across the four places.”
• Qiaohou Town: The Convergence of Rivers
  • Situated at the convergence of Misha River and Heihuijiang River, Qiaohou Town offers a perfect spot to take a break. After some rest, you will resume your cycling journey along the Heihuijiang River towards Shaxi Old Town.
  • The Misha River gets its name from Misha Town (弥沙乡), a historical tea and salt trading hub. In the past, people would transport tea and salt from Misha Town and Mijing Village (弥井村) to Shaxi Old Town, often embarking on a challenging five-hour hike on the Ancient Tea Horse Road.
• Arrival at Historic Shaxi Old Town
  • After cycling 30 kilometers through the captivating Heihuijiang Valley, you will arrive at Shaxi Old Town, which once served as a key stop for the Ancient Tea Horse Caravan.
  • The town’s significance began during the Tang Dynasty (618–907) as a trading post for tea and horses. Shaxi flourished during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368–1912) and is now recognized as one of the most well-preserved horse caravan towns along the ancient trade route connecting Yunnan to Burma and Tibet. Efforts to preserve its rich heritage are underway through a collaboration between the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zürich (ETH) and the People’s Government of Jianchuan County.
  • Notably, Shaxi’s Sideng market square was included on the World Monuments Watch List of 100 Most Endangered Sites in 2001.
• Exploring the Treasures of Shaxi
  • Upon arriving in Shaxi, take your time cycling around the charming Old Town. You will visit significant landmarks, including the Shi’ao Ancient Bridge (石鳌古桥), Yujin Bridge (玉津桥), the Ancient Stage, and Sideng Street, all showcasing traditional Bai architectural styles.
  • As you wander the ancient streets, immerse yourself in the history of the Tea Horse Caravan.
  • The Heihuijiang River flows gracefully along the eastern edge of Shaxi and is adorned with numerous beautiful old bridges. Scenic paved and dirt paths meander alongside the river, making it an ideal setting for a stroll, jog, or bike ride.
  • Enjoy the serene beauty of the river and its surroundings, particularly at sundown, which is perhaps the best time to take in the breathtaking views of the Heihuijiang.

Day 5: Shaxi – Jiuhe –Shigu- Shangri-La

Sightseeing and Activities: visit Shizhongsi Grottoes , Baoxiang Temple, Haiyunju Temple, cycling around Jianhu Lake,Visit Shizhong Temple and Jinhua Old Town, visit The Fist Bend of Yangtze River, visit Shigu Old Street, Stone Drum, the Iron Chains Bridge and The Memorial Hall of The Long March, , visit Dukezong Old Town,visit Guishan Hill Park and Guishan Monastery, visit the Giant Prayer Wheel, cycling in Shigu Town, and transfer to Shangri La with Yangtze River Valley scenery and the wonderful view of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain

Accommodation: Shangri-La Tiankui Hotel in Dukezong Old Town or similar standard hotel.

Meals: Breakfast

• Morning Transfer to Shibaoshan Mountain
  • After enjoying breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Shibaoshan Mountain
  • . Your first stop will be the Shizhongsi Grottoes, followed by a visit to Baoxiang Temple and Haiyunju Temple.
  • You can then take the steps leading up to see the Wild Monkeys that reside behind Baoxiang Temple. Shibaoshan, or Stone Treasure Mountain, is located approximately 10 kilometers north of Shaxi on the route to Jianchuan.
  • This mountain holds the distinction of being one of the earliest nature reserves and religious sites in China, officially protected since 1982.
• Discovering the Grottoes
  • Within this area, you will find a total of seventeen grottoes featuring 140 intricate carvings, with the most notable concentration found around Shizhong Temple (Stone Bell Temple).
  • Historical records indicate the existence of additional grottoes that are yet to be discovered, so be on the lookout for unexpected finds during your exploration.
  • The carvings are among the oldest and most exquisite in China, characterized by delicate stone craftsmanship, vivid imagery, and distinctive local ethnic features.
  • Among the most remarkable is the Yoni Shrine, a natural cleft in the cliff that strikingly resembles female genitalia, with a continuous stream of mountain water flowing over it. While this shrine is unique among Buddhist sites, scholars believe it reflects Bai matriarchal traditions, and it continues to be a place where women come to pray for fertility and safe childbirth.
  • Scenic Cycling Around Jianhu Lake
    Next, you’ll be transferred to Jianhu Lake in Diannan Town and set off on a cycling tour around Jianhu Lake (剑湖/Sworld Lake). This area is home to a rich diversity of birdlife, with 94 species spread across 62 genera and 32 families, representing 11.6% of the bird population in Yunnan Province, which boasts a total of 810 species.
• Lunch in Jinhua Old Town
  • Your ride will take you from Jianhu Lake to Jinhua Old Town (剑川县金华古镇), where you can enjoy a delicious lunch.
• Journey to Jiuhe Town
  • After lunch, you’ll continue your cycling adventure towards Jiuhe Town, a vibrant Bai ethnic town populated by both Bai and Naxi communities. As you ride, you’ll be treated to beautiful views of ethnic villages and farmland, characterized by rich red soil.
  • Exploring Shigu Town
    Arriving in Shigu Town, you’ll have the chance to visit several notable attractions, including the First Bend of the Yangtze River (长江第一湾), the bustling Shigu Old Street (石鼓镇集市), the Stone Drum (石鼓), the Iron Chains Bridge (铁索桥), and the Memorial Hall of The Long March (红军长征纪念馆).
• Transfer to Shangri-La
  • Your cycling for the day will conclude in Shigu Town, from where you will be transferred to Shangri-La. Enjoy the stunning scenery of the Yangtze River Valley, complemented by captivating views of both Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山) and Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山) along the way.
• Evening Exploration in Shangri-La
  • Upon your arrival in Shangri-La, you will explore several significant sites including Dukezong Old Town (独克宗古城), Guishan Hill Park (龟山公园), Guishan Monastery (龟山寺), and the Giant Prayer Wheel (大转经筒).

Day 6: Shangri-La –Tiger Leaping Gorge Town

Sightseeing and Activities: move to Napa Lake, visit the [Tibetan villages] and the[Tibetan Family Home-Made, Visit Songzanlin Monastery,Explore Lijiang Old Town

Accommodation: Lijiang Pullman Resort or similar standard hotel

Meal: Breakfast

• Morning Transfer to Napa Lake
  • After enjoying your breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Napa Lake, where you will have the opportunity to explore the charming Tibetan villages and experience a traditional Tibetan family home meal.
• Visit to Songzanlin Monastery
  • Next, you’ll visit Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province. This stunning site offers a glimpse into the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of the region.
• Transfer to Lijiang
• In the late afternoon, you’ll make your way to Lijiang.
• Discovering Lijiang Old Town
  • Once in Lijiang, take the time to wander around the picturesque Lijiang Old Town. Highlights of your exploration will include Bar Street, Square Street, the iconic Water Wheels, and the historic Ancient Houses of the Naxi ethnic people, all showcasing the unique charm and history of this cultural hub.

Day 7: Lijiang Cycling Tour(30KM)

Sightseeing and Activities: visiting Black Dragon Pool Park and [Dongba Culture Museum,Ride to Dongba Valley, explore the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Blue Moon Valley, Ride downhill to Baisha Old Town, visit Shuhe Old Town

Accommodation: Lijiang Pullman Resort or similar standard hotel.

Meal: Breakfast

• Discovering the Beauty of Lijiang
  • Nestled in the northwest of Yunnan Province in Southwest China, Lijiang is a captivating travel destination that beautifully blends historical landmarks, snow-capped mountains, serene lakes, and diverse ethnic cultures. It’s renowned globally for its UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Old Town of Lijiang, which boasts a history extending over 800 years.
• Following Joseph’s Journey
  • Today, you will retrace the steps of Joseph Rock as you cycle towards the foot of the stunning Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. This magnificent mountain, also known as Yulong Mountain, is the southernmost glacier located in the Northern Hemisphere. It features 13 peaks, with Shanzidou being the tallest at an impressive altitude of 5,600 meters (18,360 feet). Stretching 35 kilometers (22 miles) in length and 20 kilometers (13 miles) in width, the mountain can be viewed from Lijiang Old Town, situated just 15 kilometers (nine miles) away.
  • From this vantage point, the snow-covered mountain, often shrouded in mist, resembles a majestic jade dragon resting among the clouds, which inspired its name.
• Cycling Adventure Begins
  • Your cycling adventure will commence at the park entrance after visiting Black Dragon Pool Park (黑龙潭公园) and the Dongba Culture Museum (东巴文化博物馆).
  • You will then ride 15 kilometers to Dongba Valley (东巴谷), where you can take a short break before continuing along the sandy paths to explore the various wonders of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, including the scenic Pearl Lakes (珍珠湖), the Water Protection Station of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山水源保护站), and Longnv Lake (龙女湖) and Blue Moon Valley（蓝月谷）
• Lunch at Yuhu Village
  • You will arrive at Yuhu Village (玉湖村) for lunch in a traditional Naxi ethnic courtyard, the Yuhu Family (玉湖人家餐厅). Following your meal, prepare to visit Joseph Rock’s Former Residence and Museum (洛克故居).
• About Joseph Rock and His Time in Lijiang
  • Between 1922 and 1949, Joseph Rock dedicated much of his life to studying the flora, cultures, and languages of Southwest China, with a primary focus on Yunnan, Sichuan, southwest Gansu, and eastern Tibet.
  • Many of the Asian plants he collected are now housed in the Arnold Arboretum. Rock resided in Yuhu Village, known as Nguluko during his time there, and many of his belongings are now cherished family heirlooms within the community.
  • His significant work, “The Ancient Nakhi Kingdom of Southwest China” (1947), remains a definitive study of the region, and before his passing, he managed to prepare his Naxi dictionary for publication.
• Scenic Ride to Baisha Old Town
  • You will then ride downhill towards Baisha Old Town (白沙古镇), taking in the beautiful sights of Yushuizhai Scenic Area, Yufeng Monastery, and Yulong Village along the way.
• Cultural Experience in Baisha Old Town
  • Upon reaching Baisha Old Town, you’ll have the opportunity to learn how to write Dongba pictographs at Jinxiu Culture School located on Baisha Street.
• Final Cycling Journey to Shuhe Old Town
  • As you continue, you’ll pass by traditional wooden houses of the Naxi ethnic people before arriving at Shuhe Old Town (束河古镇) to conclude your cycling adventure.
• Afternoon Exploration in Shuhe Old Town
  • In the late afternoon, you will have the freedom to explore Shuhe Old Town at your leisure. If you wish, you can take a short walk of 2 to 3 kilometers back to the Pullman Resort from Shuhe Old Town.

Day 8:  Lijiang Depature

Sightseeing and Activities: None

Accommodation: None

Meals: Breakfast

Depature from Shangri-La

Service Includes

• Accommodation: Comfortable lodging in hotels, guesthouses, and local inns throughout the tour.
• Meals: Daily breakfast and selected lunches and dinners featuring local cuisine.
• Bicycle Rental: High-quality mountain bike and necessary accessories (helmet, repair kit, etc.) for the duration of the tour.
• Expert Guide: Services of an experienced local guide who is knowledgeable about the region’s history, culture, and cycling routes.
• Transportation: Support vehicle for luggage transfer and emergencies, providing assistance whenever needed during the cycling journey.
• Entry Fees: Admission to national parks, cultural sites, and attractions along the cycling route.
• Itinerary Planning: Well-structured itinerary designed to maximize your experience, including off-the-beaten-path locations.
• Cultural Experiences: Opportunities to engage with local communities, including visits to traditional markets and cultural performances.

Service Excludes:

• Personal expensesof a purely personal nature such as laundry, snacks, drinks and travel gears, etc.
• Travel Insurance.Our tour package includes Travel Insurance we buy from our insurance company/agent in China. Although, we still highly suggest that you purchase your own Travel Insurance from your insurance company/agent before your trip.