Welcome to Lijiang, a very impressive ancient city! Upon arrival at Lijiang airport/railway station, your guide and driver will meet you in the arrival hall and transfer you to the hotel.
The Old Town of Lijiang has a history of more than 800 years, which was listed in UNESCO World Heritage in 1997. It’s known for its beautiful traditional buildings and its water networks in ancient city
The Mu family ruled Lijiang until 1723 and its mansion, in the south of the old town, comprised more than 100 buildings. Destroyed by the Qing, it was built after the earthquake on the ruins of traditional houses with a mixture of Han, Naxi, Bai and Tibetan architectural styles.
Then visit the Black Dragon Pond Park at the northern end of the city, it is a picturesque enclave where the elegant Deyue Lou rises in the middle of a pond full of tents, with the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the background.
Today, we will visit the villages around Lijiang. The village of Baisha was the cradle of the Naxi ethnic culture. Baisha's frescoes have a history of more than 500 years. They show us the local life and religious elements.
Yuhu village is located at the foot of the snow-covered mountain, about ten kilometres north of Lijiang. There is an artificial lake in the village. The reflection of the mountain on the lake is one of the most famous landscapes in Lijiang. The village houses are built of stone. It's special. In the village, you can also visit the former residence of Joseph Rock, a famous American photographer.
Ancient Town of Shuhe, a miniature of the old town of Lijiang, is a well-preserved village. You can see the water flow, old houses, small alleys and local ethnic groups.
Today we will drive 2 hours from Lijiang to visit Tiger Leaping Gorge, which is one of the deepest canyons in China, and gets its name from the tiger that supposedly fled from hunters saving the canyon from a jump at its narrowest point. Going through the canyon, with peaks of up to 4,000 meters, is quite an adventure. The route, 30 kilometers long and along the cliff, is well marked, has complicated sections and passes through villages where you can rest.
Surrounded by mountains and rivers, the First Bend of the Yangtze River has a picturesque landscape. Three rivers meet here and turn suddenly. In addition, it is an important place that connects the interior and the old road for the trade of tea and horses in Tibet.
On this day you will be free until your guide transfers you to the airport for your flight to your next destination.