Journey’s Mirage

After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart by coach at 9:00 AM for the 5A National Scenic Area – Stone Forest Scenic Area (battery car service included). Formed 270 million years ago, the Stone Forest is the cream of the world’s karst landforms, renowned for its grandeur, uniqueness, ruggedness, grace, serenity, mystery and vastness. Towering stone pillars pierce the clouds, with clusters of karst caves and underground rivers scattered throughout. The stone peaks take on an array of fantastical shapes – like swords, pagodas and mushrooms. Nearly all major karst formations found across the globe converge here, forming a comprehensive panorama of karst geology and landforms, truly deserving of its reputation as the "Unsurpassed Wonder of the World".

Later, we will travel by coach to Seagulls at Dianchi Lake to admire the beautiful "Pearl of the Plateau" – Dianchi Lake, and gaze at the Western Hills, fondly known as the "Sleeping Beauty Mountain". You can interact with the lovely seagulls that migrate here from afar.(Special Note: The seagull viewing at Haigeng Dam of Dianchi Lake is only available annually from November 1st to March 15th of the following year. No arrangements will be made for this activity outside this period due to seasonal constraints. Please note that Dianchi Lake is a complimentary attraction – no replacement or refund will be provided if you choose not to visit.)

For lunch, we have specially arranged a Yi ethnic-style meal – a classic traditional delicacy of Yunnan Province. The dish features well-marbled meat with crispy skin, tender and juicy texture, glossy and moist appearance, bright red color and a savory flavor that falls off the bone easily, embodying the rich characteristics of Yunnan cuisine.

After lunch, we will take a coach to Chuxiong. The sacred Yi People’s Long Street Banquet kicks off with the Fire Festival Ceremony & Welcome Ritual, where the Yi people will share the legendary stories of their ethnic group with guests from afar. If you don’t know how to dance the Left-Foot Dance, the young Yi men and women will be happy to teach you – the best way to experience the local culture is to let loose and have fun! In addition, feel free to enjoy some drinks and embrace the bold spirit of "drink to your heart’s content and eat hearty portions of meat" at the warm and hospitable Yi People’s Long Street Banquet.(Reminder: In case that excessive number of participants may affect the dining quality, our agency reserves the right to make temporary adjustments to the catering arrangement. We assure you that the nutritious dinner will still become one of the most wonderful memories of your trip.) You will join the hospitable Yi people in a joyous "Ethnic Celebration". Later, follow the Yi people to participate in the Fire Festival Ceremony & Bonfire Party, and let the laughter and joy accompany you until bedtime. Check into the hotel after dinner.

After breakfast, we will depart by coach at 9:00 AM for Dali, and board the Erhai Lake Cruise to embark on an unparalleled Cangshan-Erhai feast. Bathed in sunshine, the lake shimmers gently like an emerald inlaid at the foot of the Cangshan Mountains, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature and poetry at every step. Here, you can fully enjoy the 360° panoramic views of Erhai Lake, with surprises and touching moments awaiting you at every turn.

After lunch, we will head to Xizhou Ancient Town – once viral across the internet for its stunning scenery of wheat waves swaying in the wind. As the filming location of the hit TV drama Meet Yourself, Xizhou’s idyllic beauty has once again become the poetic paradise people yearn for. Follow in the footsteps of Liu Yifei and embark on a healing "Wind-Blown Journey" in Dali. Wander along the stone-paved streets, where passers-by and the gabled tile-roofed houses form a beautiful picture against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds. If you feel tired from walking, grab a cup of coffee, slurp a bowl of Dali’s signature rice jelly shrimps, or bite into a Xizhou Baba that’s crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Watch the hustle and bustle of the crowd and indulge in this slice of tranquil daily life.Corner Tower – the earliest internet-famous check-in spot in Xizhou. This ancient semi-enclosed building houses the Xizhou Photo Studio, whose interior decoration bears traces of the vicissitudes of the last century. You can take a set of retro portraits here, or pick one or two Xizhou-themed fridge magnets as souvenirs.The Yellow Wall of Linden Centre – surrounded by vast farmland, the simplicity of its yellow walls and grey tiles has attracted numerous tourists for photos. It offers distinct views across the four seasons, and is affectionately known by local residents as "a cultural dream blooming in the rice fields". In summer, it’s a sea of lush green rice/wheat that soothes your restlessness; in autumn, cool breezes sweep over golden rice paddies, letting you savor the joy of harvest; in winter and spring, the fields are blanketed with rapeseed flowers, making a leisurely stroll through the sea of blooms an absolute delight. Under the blue sky and white clouds, every snap you take is a stunning shot, bringing to life the fairy-tale world in Hayao Miyazaki’s cartoons and making you fall deeply in love with this place.

Later, we will head to the viral stunning coastline of Erhai Lake for the Dreamy S-Curve Cycling experience. Pick your favorite bicycle and cherish every moment of relaxation. The gentle breeze caresses your face, as you cycle between the blue sky and the glistening Erhai Lake. Ride north past the internet-famous Couple Trees, and south through the Covered Bridge S-Curve and the Lonely Tree, along with other popular check-in spots… Enjoy the idyllic scenery of Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake along the way. This is the best vantage point on the ecological corridor for zero-distance contact with nature – a must-visit internet-famous spot in Dali where you can take photos freely and embrace the most authentic and laid-back Dali lifestyle on the Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor.

Complimentary Ethnic Costume Photoshoot (4 digital photos per family) – On the Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor, bathed in the glow of blue sky and white clouds, you can marvel at the filter-free beauty of Cangshan Mountains and Erhai Lake. While soaking in the stunning scenery at the Covered Bridge S-Curve, our photographer will capture these unforgettable and leisurely Dali moments for you.

Next, we will proceed to enjoy the 24K Sea View Afternoon Tea. We have carefully prepared an exquisite spread of pastries, fruits, and teas, set against Dali’s breathtaking landscapes. Blending seamlessly into nature, every corner exudes a sense of freedom and relaxation, perfect for savoring the lazy afternoon hours.

Afterwards, we will transfer by coach to our hotel for check-in.

After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart by coach at 8:00 AM for a visit to Dali Ancient City, a renowned historic and cultural city. Five main streets stretch horizontally across the city from south to north, while eight lanes run vertically from west to east, forming a neat grid-like layout. The city still preserves a large number of buildings dating back to the Ming Dynasty, Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China era, dotted with ancient structures including temples, academies and churches. Wander along the weathered ancient city walls and streets to explore the history and charm of the Ancient Nanzhao Kingdom.

During the free time, you can visit iconic check-in spots such as the South Gate, Wuhua Tower and Honglong Well. There is also a wide variety of local delicacies waiting for you to taste, including traditional yogurt, roasted milk fan, stuffed tofu skin, cold chicken rice noodles, papaya jelly and assorted plums.Crossing-the-bridge Rice Noodles: A classic representative of Yunnan cuisine. It features a flavorful signature broth enhanced by a selection of savory side dishes, and is finally served with Yunnan’s unique rice noodles. Warm and rich in flavor, it is an unmissable treat for every visitor to Yunnan.

Later, we will take a coach to Lijiang, then proceed to visit Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, a 5A National Scenic Area. Perennially shrouded in clouds and snow, the mountain exudes unparalleled grandeur. We will take the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Glacier Cableway (complimentary thermal clothing and portable oxygen cylinders are provided; complimentary items are non-refundable if unused) to ascend the snow-capped peak. Pass through shifting temperatures and layers of clouds to enjoy the stunning scenery that showcases the beauty of all four seasons, with clouds swirling around you. Overlook all the landscapes of the snow mountain from a height and feel the breathtaking momentum of the "jade dragon" surging toward the river.

Next, we will head to Blue Moon Valley (complimentary battery car service is provided; no refund will be issued if the battery car cannot be used due to time constraints). The valley’s water originates from the eternal snow and ice of the snow mountain, which melts and flows down the steep cliffs, converging into mountain streams and rivulets, and finally forming crystal-clear, refreshing rivers in Blue Moon Valley. On sunny days, the water glows blue, and the valley is crescent-shaped, looking like a blue moon inlaid at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from a distance.

After the tour, we will proceed to watch either Impression Lijiang or Lishui Golden Sand (complimentary show; no refund for non-attendance). Directed by Zhang Yimou, Impression Lijiang is staged at the world’s highest performance venue at an altitude of 3,100 meters, with the snow mountain as its natural backdrop. Starring over 500 non-professional actors from more than 10 ethnic minorities, the show uses authentic dances and songs to perform a soul-stirring musical drama in harmony with heaven and earth, and in resonance with nature. Alternatively, Lishui Golden Sand is presented in the form of a dance poem. It embodies the unique ethnic cultural charm of the northwestern Yunnan plateau nurtured by Lijiang’s magnificent mountains and rivers, and is a cultural treasure of the ancient and splendid Naxi Kingdom. Selecting the most representative cultural symbols of various ethnic groups in Lijiang, the show comprehensively displays the unique and profound ethnic culture and spirit of Lijiang.

Subsequently, you can make your own way to Lijiang Ancient City. Small bridges, flowing water, traditional houses, flagstone paths… everything here will take you through time and space, bringing you back to the prosperous Lijiang Ancient City hundreds of years ago where villagers lived in comfort and affluence. In addition to wandering along the ancient alleys and soaking up the laid-back vibe of the city, you can also explore the streets and lanes to taste a variety of local delicacies, savoring the flavors of Lijiang on your tongue—golden and crispy fried jelly, sweet or savory Lijiang Baba, lingeringly sweet preserved fruits, soft and chewy Naxi rice cakes… (Lijiang Ancient City is an open scenic area. After the tour, please make your own way to the hotel.)

After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart at 09:00 for a tour of Shuhe Ancient Town. An age-old town brimming with time-honored charm, Shuhe is an authentic Naxi ethnic town located northwest of Lijiang Ancient City. Once an important relay station on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, the town is nestled against mountains and beside rivers, boasting a layout similar to that of Dayan Ancient City. With scattered houses arranged in an orderly manner and clear streams gurgling through the lanes, it presents a truly picturesque scene.

After lunch, we have specially arranged the grand song and dance performance Lijiang Romance Park. Adopting the visual impact of an IMAX 3D blockbuster, the show recreates Lijiang’s thousand-year history and legends, including The Creation of the Naxi People, The Mosuo Kingdom of Women by Lugu Lake, The Legend of the Caravan, The Splendor of the Mu Mansion and The Third Kingdom of Jade Dragon. It leads the audience on a journey through the snow-capped mountains, to the vast and primitive wilderness, to the Mosuo flower towers by Lugu Lake, to the wind-swept and rain-lashed Ancient Tea Horse Road, to the resplendent Mu Mansion, to the romantic and tragic Third Kingdom of Jade Dragon, and to the idyllic Shangri-La, inviting them to a beautiful and romantic encounter. The entire performance integrates tens of thousands of sets of high-tech machinery with original ecological art, such as gravity-defying moon-walking performance high above the stage, the divine roc saving the ancestors, high-altitude beam-colliding stunt, water mines, flood scenes, waterfalls, rain curtain walkways, and large-scale mechanical snow mountain models, depicting a cultural legend filled with spirit and flesh, blood and tears, life and death, as well as love and affection.

After the show, we will take the high-speed train from Lijiang back to Kunming, and check into the hotel upon arrival.

Today is the last day of the trip, and we will arrange airport drop-off in accordance with your flight schedule.