Lijiang Shangri La itinerary: Explore Lijiang – Shangri La Travel for 5 Days 4 Nights

Not everyone is an “expert” in making a great and appropriate itinerary, especially for destinations abroad that are not big cities like Lijiang and Shangri La. Don’t worry! Check out Lijiang Shangri La itinerary 5 days 4 nights in this article!

Lijiang and Shangri-La are two destinations that make anyone who sets foot there fall in love. On one side is the poetic ancient citadel, where the gray tiled roofs reflect on the clear canal, on the other side is the legendary land with mountains and endless grasslands.

The 5-day 4-night journey to Lijiang – Shangri-La promises to bring a memorable experience. Let’s explore Lijiang – Shangri La travel experience with detailed itinerary, attractive destinations and unmissable experiences!

Day 1: Arrive in Lijiang – Stroll Around the Ancient Town

To start your journey to explore Lijiang and Shangri La, you need to choose the right means of transportation from Kunming. If you want to save time, the high-speed train is the ideal choice, taking only about 3 – 3.5 hours with a ticket price of 208 – 220 CNY (about 730,000 – 770,000 VND).

If you prefer a more leisurely and slow journey, you can choose the 9.5-hour night train. It helps you rest comfortably and wake up in Lijiang early the next morning. In addition, the plane is the fastest option, taking only about 1 hour of flight, but the cost is quite high, about 500 – 800 CNY (about 1.75 – 2.8 million VND).

In Lijiang, there are many means of transportation to get you to the center quickly, so don’t worry too much. The first place to visit in Lijiang is the ancient town. If you arrive at Lijiang train station, you just need to take a taxi and it takes about 20 – 30 minutes to get to the ancient town. If you arrive at the airport, you need to travel about 29 km to the ancient town, which takes about 40 minutes.

Stroll in Lijiang Ancient Town

Lijiang Ancient Town is a destination that bears the mark of time. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, it possesses an ancient beauty with mossy stone roads, hundred-year-old wooden roofs and canals winding through every corner of the street. You only need to buy a 50 CNY (about 175,000 VND) entrance ticket to explore the ancient town and many nearby landmarks.

Sifang Square is the first stop when you visit the ancient town. This is the busiest place in the ancient town with vibrant cultural activities. From here, small alleys lead to a peaceful space, with the sound of water flowing over the wooden bridge, bringing a feeling of relaxation and extremely “healing”.

If you are passionate about history, Mu Fu Mansion is a place worth visiting, with an entrance fee of 60 CNY (about 210,000 VND). This building was once likened to a miniature Forbidden City, associated with the once powerful Mu family.

Admire the View from Wan Gu Lou (Wangu Pavilion) & Explore Local Cuisine

When the lights gradually light up Lijiang, Wan Gu Lou on Lion Hill is the ideal place to take in the sparkling scenery. The 33m high building opens up a panoramic view of the entire old town and the magnificent Jade Dragon Snow Mountain range in the distance. The entrance fee is about 50 CNY (175,000 VND).

The journey will be more complete when you enjoy Naxi cuisine at a local restaurant. Rich Yak beef, fragrant mushroom hotpot or Naxi turtle cake all bring unforgettable experiences. If you want to understand more about the culture of this land, you should spend time for the Naxi ancient music performance at the Naxi Theater from 20:00 – 21:30. Traditional melodies will end a day of exploring Lijiang in the most memorable way.

Day 2: Lijiang – Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Blue Moon Valley

On the second day in Lijiang, you should go to admire Jade Dragon Snow Mountain – one of the beautiful landscapes that cannot be missed in Yunnan. The majestic scenery with white snow all year round will be a great “background” for you to freely take pictures.

From Lijiang Old Town, you can go to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain tourist area by bus or shared car. The bus departs from Bailong Square for 15 CNY (~52,600 VND), travel time is about 1.5 hours. If you share a car, the cost ranges from 20 – 50 CNY (~70,000 – 176,000 VND) and shortens the time to about 50 minutes.

The entrance ticket to the tourist area costs 100 CNY (~350,800 VND). If you want to combine many attractions such as Ngoc Thuy village, Ngoc Phong temple or Bach Sa mural village, you should buy a package ticket for 230 CNY (~807,000 VND), valid for 7 days.

Conquering Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is 5,596 m high, standing out with 13 snow-capped peaks all year round. To conquer the snow mountain, you need to take a cable car to the Ice Park at an altitude of 4,680 m. The round-trip ticket costs 140 CNY (~491,000 VND), including the local bus. If you want to experience at a lower altitude, you can choose Van Sam grass field (60 CNY ~210,508 VND) or Duong Nguu grass field (65 CNY ~228,050 VND).

Reaching the top of the mountain, the white snow scene opens up before your eyes, the magnificent ice columns reflect the light with a sparkling jade effect like a fairyland. At this time, don’t forget to take lots of photos! However, you need to note that because the mountain is high, the thin air can cause fatigue, you should prepare an oxygen tank, warm water, and do light exercise to adapt.

Blue Moon Valley

Leaving the top of the mountain, the journey continues to Blue Moon Valley – a blue river winding at the foot of the mountain. The river water originates from melted snow and ice, is clear and reflects the natural scenery like a giant mirror. The valley consists of four main lakes and the White Water Terraces.

Each lake has its own shade, changing according to weather conditions. On sunny days, the water surface is bright blue like jade, but when it rains, the limestone at the bottom of the lake turns the water milky white. This is also an impressive photo spot, especially when the water reflects the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

In addition to sightseeing, if you can arrange your time, enjoy the outdoor performance show ”Impression Lijiang” at Ganhaizi. Tickets cost from 190 – 248 CNY (~667,000 – 870,000 VND), with two shows per day at 12:50 and 14:20 during peak season. This is a work by director Zhang Yimou, bringing together 500 actors from Naxi, Bai, Tibetan ethnic groups… The show recreates indigenous culture with energetic dances and songs against the backdrop of the majestic Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

After finishing the journey, you return to Lijiang to rest and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the old town. A meal of Yak hotpot or the famous bridge noodles will help you regain energy, ready for the next experiences.

Day 3: Travel from Lijiang to Shangri La – Tiger Leaping Gorge

The third day of the Lijiang – Shangri La journey will take you to an impressive experience of conquering the spectacular route from Lijiang to Shangri La and exploring the wonder of Tiger Leaping Gorge. Lijiang is about 120km from Shangri La, there are three suitable ways for tourists to travel: high-speed train, inter-provincial bus or car rental.

High-speed train is the fastest means of transport, taking only about 1.5 hours with a ticket price from 49 CNY (~172,915 VND). If traveling by bus, the travel time ranges from 2 to 4 hours depending on the route, with a ticket price of about 80-88 CNY (~280,678 – 308,745 VND). However, renting a private car is still the optimal option to be able to flexibly stop and explore the attractions along the way.

Visit Tiger Leaping Gorge

On the way to Shangri La, Tiger Leaping Gorge is a must-see destination. Located about 80 km from Lijiang, this is one of the deepest gorges in the world, famous for the Jinsha River rushing between towering cliffs. According to legend, a tiger jumped across the narrowest part of the river to escape, and this place has been named Tiger Leaping Gorge ever since.

The main sightseeing area is the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, which has the most spectacular scenery. The road to get here is quite convenient with a parking lot near the entrance. From the parking lot, you just need to walk a few hundred meters along the stairs to reach the sightseeing area. If you want to save energy, you can also use the elevator up and down with a ticket price of 70 CNY (~245,592 VND). The ideal time to stop in this area is about 1-1.5 hours, enough to enjoy the majestic beauty of nature and record many memorable moments.

Arrive at Shangri La to Rest and Prepare for the Next Journey

Leaving Tiger Leaping Gorge, the car continues to move along National Highway 214 to Shangri-La. The remaining distance is about 40 km, lasting about 1 hour depending on traffic conditions. The scenery on both sides of the road gradually changes, from majestic mountains to vast grasslands typical of the Tibetan plateau.

Shangri La city is located at an altitude of about 3,200 m above sea level, so taking time to adapt is necessary. In the late afternoon, you should rest at the hotel, or take a light walk to ensure your health in preparation for tomorrow’s tour.

Day 4: Shangri La – Songzanlin Monastery, Napa Lake

After days of exploring Lijiang and Shangri La, today is an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the spiritual beauty and wild nature of the Tibetan plateau. Day 4 itinerary takes you to Songzanlin Monastery – the largest monastery in Yunnan province, before enjoying the poetic scenery at Napa Lake.

Morning: Visit Songzanlin Monastery

Start the day with a journey to Songzanlin Monastery, one of the most important Tibetan Buddhist structures in China. Built in the 17th century under the reign of the fifth Dalai Lama, this monastery has a strong Tibetan architectural imprint with bright red walls, sparkling gold roofs and exquisite murals. Not only is it known as the “Little Potala Palace”, it also preserves many cultural heritages and solemn Buddhist rituals.

You can take bus number 3 or number 16 to get to the monastery or choose a taxi for about 25 CNY (about 88,000 VND). The entrance fee is 55 CNY (about 192,966 VND), plus 20 CNY (about 70,169 VND) if using the internal sightseeing bus. Spend about 2-3 hours to admire the entire monastery grounds, stroll around Lamuyangcuo Lake – considered the “Lake of the Goddess” according to Tibetan beliefs, and enjoy the sacred atmosphere of this land.

Afternoon: Explore Napa Lake

After leaving Songzanlin Monastery, the journey continues to Napa Lake – a beautiful wetland located in the middle of a vast grassland. From the monastery, take bus number 12 to Napa Lake. This is the largest freshwater lake in the Shangri-La region, famous for its seasonal landscape.

During the flood season (June – September), the vast lake reflects the majestic mountains. When the water recedes, the grasslands appear with golden grasslands, creating a beautiful natural picture. Napa Lake is also home to many rare migratory birds such as the black-necked crane. If you come in winter, you will have the opportunity to see thousands of birds spreading their wings and flying over the lake with a spectacular view.

Rent a bicycle or walk to explore this area, enjoy the fresh air and rare peace of Shangri-La. After a day of experiencing the culture and nature of Shangri La, you return to the hotel to rest or enjoy local cuisine such as Yak beef, Tibetan butter tea or cow’s milk hotpot.

Day 5: Shangri La – Dukezong Old Town – Return to Kunming

Early in the morning, the peaceful atmosphere of Shangri La provides a perfect start before the journey ends. Dukezong Ancient Town is an ideal stop to enjoy the last moments in this paradise-like area.

Stroll Around Dukezong Ancient Town

Dukezong is not only an ancient town but also a witness to more than 1,300 years of Tibetan history. The stone-paved roads lead through white houses bearing Buddhist imprints, creating a mysterious and ancient space.

The first destination is Guishan Park, where you can see the whole old town from above. Don’t forget to admire the Giant Prayer Wheel, a prominent structure with a height of 21 meters and a weight of 60 tons. It takes at least four people to rotate this wheel, and each rotation means praying for luck and peace.

Leaving Guishan Park, Moon Square is a suitable place to relax and feel the slow pace of life of this land. If you are interested in culture and history, the Diqing Museum and the Long March Red Army Museum right next to the square are worth visiting.

Dukezong is also a great place to find souvenirs with a strong Tibetan influence. The shops along Square Street sell a variety of products such as silk scarves, silver jewelry, incense, Thangka paintings and Tibetan butter tea. Prices vary depending on the quality, but in general, a good cup of butter tea costs around CNY 15, while a small Thangka painting can cost from CNY 200 or more.

Travel to Lijiang or Shangri La Airport

After sightseeing and shopping, it’s time to leave Shangri La for the return trip. If you choose the high-speed train to Lijiang, the journey takes about 1.5 hours and costs from CNY 56 for economy class. The earliest departure is at 10:30, the latest at 17:50. In addition, long-distance buses are also a suitable option, departing from 08:20 to 18:20 with a ticket price of CNY 75 – 79 (~263,000 – 277,000 VND).

If you choose to fly directly from Shangri La to Kunming, taxi is the only means of transport to Diqing airport, taking about 20 minutes with a cost of CNY 30 (~105,300 VND). Here, many flights during the day help connect quickly to Kunming, ending an impressive journey of discovery.

Frequently Asked Questions When Traveling to Lijiang – Shangri La

Does traveling to Shangri-La cause altitude sickness?

Shangri-La is located in the highlands with an average altitude of about 3,500m, so it can cause altitude sickness. To limit the effects, you should bring anti-altitude sickness medicine, drink plenty of water, avoid strenuous activities immediately upon arrival and get enough rest.

What to prepare when going to Shangri-La?

Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, warm clothes, motion sickness medicine and necessary personal medicines. Snacks such as bread or biscuits are also useful when traveling long distances.

What to eat in Lijiang and Shangri-La?

Lijiang has “Baba” (pan-fried buns) and Naxi three-cup tea. Shangri-La has Tibetan, Sichuan and many other options at restaurants in the old town.

Is there an entrance fee to Lijiang Old Town?

Lijiang Old Town does not have an entrance fee, but there is a conservation fee of 80 CNY (~280,700 VND) to visit some of the highlights inside.

How to get around Lijiang Old Town?

Walking is the best way to explore the old town. You should use a map or hire a tour guide to conveniently visit the more famous spots.

The journey to explore Lijiang – Shangri-La is not only a trip through a beautiful land but also an opportunity for you to immerse yourself in the slow pace of life, enjoy the beauty of nature and learn about the unique culture. From the nostalgic ancient streets to the endless green grasslands, every moment brings a new and memorable feeling. If you are looking for a trip that is both poetic and majestic, this is definitely an option not to be missed.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Yunnan you can refer to

• Private Kunming Downtown Day Tour
• Kunming Changshui International Airport Transfers
• Stone Forest Admission Ticket in Kunming
• Private Kunming Downtown Day Tour
• Kunming Private Car Charter
• Jiuxiang Scenic Region Admission Ticket & Chairlift in Kunming
• 6-day luxury trip to Shangri-La in Dali, Lijiang, Yunnan
• Roaming in Yunnan for 6 days
• Dreamy Yunnan·Cool Northwest Yunnan 6 days and 5 nights
• [Dream Yunnan·Essence of Northwest Yunnan] In-depth pure play in Yun
• Yunnan Nationalities Village Ticket

Read more Yunnan guide here.