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Tea Road Tales

🕑  9 Days

đź“Ť Dali, Shaxi & Lijiang

🕑  9 Days

đź“Ť Dali, Shaxi & Lijiang

Follow the ancient Tea Horse Road through the highlands of Yunnan, where ethnic cultures, caravan towns, and dramatic landscapes await. This adventure blends history, rural life, and active discovery—perfect for cultural explorers looking to slow down and dive deep.

Follow the ancient Tea Horse Road through the highlands of Yunnan, where ethnic cultures, caravan towns, and dramatic landscapes await. This adventure blends history, rural life, and active discovery—perfect for cultural explorers looking to slow down and dive deep.

About This Tour

Once a major trade route between Tibet and southern China, the Tea Horse Road is now a path to some of the most culturally rich and scenic corners of Yunnan.

From Dali’s Bai heritage and Shaxi’s ancient market town to the cobbled lanes of Lijiang, this itinerary is a relaxed but immersive trip with chances to hike, ride horseback, and engage with ethnic traditions.

Highlights

  • Riding horses along ancient Tea Horse Road caravan paths through rice terraces and remote villages in Shaxi.

  • Learning traditional Bai crafts like tie-dye and batik in hands-on village workshops.

  • Cruising Erhai Lake at sunset and taking in the mountain reflections and serene temple views.

  • Wandering Lijiang’s cobbled streets, with snow-capped peaks in the distance and traditional Naxi culture at your fingertips.

  • Staying in boutique courtyard guesthouses, soaking in the slow rhythms of rural life.

  • Visiting ancient grotto temples at Shibaoshan carved into cliffs over 1,000 years ago.

Photos

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Dali

  • Morning: Arrive in Dali and check in to your boutique hotel near the old town.

  • Afternoon: Take a gentle walk through Dali Old Town, known for its laid-back vibe, mountain views, and Bai-style houses.

  • Evening: Enjoy a welcome dinner with Bai minority cuisine, featuring mushrooms, fish mint, and local cheese.

  • Morning: Visit the iconic Three Pagodas and Chongsheng Temple.

  • Afternoon: Cruise or bike along the shores of Erhai Lake, stopping at small Bai villages.

  • Evening: Watch the sunset over the lake, then explore Dali’s lively night markets or bars.

  • Morning: Join a batik or tie-dye workshop in a nearby Bai village to learn local textile techniques.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Dali Museum or take a short cable car up the Cangshan Mountains for panoramic views.

  • Evening: Have a relaxed dinner in the old town—try a hot stone pot meal or roasted duck with wild herbs.

  • Morning: Drive to Shaxi, an ancient trading town on the Tea Horse Road (approx. 2.5–3 hours).

  • Afternoon: Check into your traditional courtyard guesthouse and explore the stone alleys and market square.

  • Evening: Stroll along the Yujin Bridge at sunset and enjoy a farm-to-table dinner by candlelight.

  • Morning: Horseback ride or hike through Shaxi’s old caravan routes, past rice paddies and walnut trees.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Shibaoshan Grottoes, with ancient Buddhist carvings and clifftop temples.

  • Evening: Relax in your guesthouse courtyard or try local barbecue under the stars.

  • Morning: If your visit aligns, explore the Friday Market, where Yi and Bai people gather to trade.

  • Afternoon: Visit a tea farm or take a cooking class with a local family.

  • Evening: Enjoy your last night in Shaxi with a traditional musical performance or storytelling session.

  • Morning: Drive to Lijiang (approx. 2.5–3 hours), arriving by midday.

  • Afternoon: Walk through the UNESCO-listed Old Town, with cobbled lanes, canals, and wooden homes.

  • Evening: Sample Naxi hotpot or yak stew for dinner and explore the lantern-lit streets.

  • Morning: Visit Black Dragon Pool and the Dongba Culture Museum to learn about the Naxi people.

  • Afternoon: Optional: Take a short hike or cable car ride near Jade Dragon Snow Mountain.

  • Evening: Attend a Naxi music performance or sip tea at a rooftop cafĂ© with views of the mountain.

  • Morning: Enjoy a relaxed breakfast and final walk through Lijiang’s quieter lanes.

  • Afternoon: Transfer to the airport or train station for your departure.

  • Evening: Optional extension or rest day for travelers continuing elsewhere.

What's Included

  • Private chauffeur service to and from the airport at the start and end of the trip.
  • All transfers by car, train, or plane with booking assistance.
  • Admission fees and activities as indicated in the itinerary.
  • English/Spanish-speaking guide.
  • Assistance with hotel reservations throughout the trip.
  • Local SIM card with data or support for eSIM.

How to Book Your Adventure

Save your Spot

Once you’re happy with the itinerary, simply confirm your booking and make the payment to reserve your adventure.

Enjoy your Journey

From your arrival to your last stop, we’re here to make sure every part of your adventure runs smoothly.

Let’s Talk

Send us a message. We’ll get to know your travel style, interests, timeline, and budget.

Tailored Planning

We design a custom itinerary that matches your interests—whether you’re into nature, food, culture, or a bit of everything.

How to Book Your Adventure

Let’s Talk

Send us a message. We’ll get to know your travel style, interests, timeline, and budget.

Tailored Planning

We design a custom itinerary that matches your vibe—whether you’re into nature, food, culture, or a bit of everything.

Save your Spot

Once you’re happy with the itinerary, simply confirm your booking and make the payment to reserve your adventure.

Enjoy the Journey

From your arrival to your last stop, we’re here to make sure every part of your adventure runs smoothly.

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EnvĂ­anos un mensaje

  • chrisp@teamkitsune.com
  • +86 13512140225
  • Mon - Fri 9:00am - 6:00pm

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Contacto

  • chrisp@teamkitsune.com
  • +86 13512140225
  • Mon - Fri 9:00am - 6:00pm

Kitsune (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. © 2025.

All rights reserved.

Kitsune (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. © 2025. All rights reserved.