12 Days 11 Nights Three Parallel Rivers and Snow Mountains

Itinerary Day by Day

Day 1 Lijiang Arrival

Welcome to Lijiang, a city located on the border betweenQinghai-Tibet and Yunnan-Guizhou Plateaus. The magnificent snow-cappedmountains and colorful minority cultures are the major attractions in Lijiang.Your guide will meet you at the airport and help you check in your hotel.

Black Dragon Pool

The Black Dragon Pool is a park in Lijiang. The lake in the park is the headwater for the Lijiang City. Scaling to the top of the Xiang Mountain in the park, tourists can have the best views of the Lijiang Ancient City and a snow-capped mountain.

Lijiang Ancient Town

Lijiang Ancient Town has been one of the most tourist destinations since it was selected as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1997. It is also one of the most romantic places in China. Ancient houses and streets and modern bars and restaurants are in a perfect harmony here.

Day 2 Visit to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain

Baisha Murals

Around 500 years ago, a local leader in Baisha claimed his allegiance to the Chinese emperor. And then, he built lots of temples and asked local artists to paint on the walls of these temples. The 558 pieces of Baisha murals are mainly about religions and nature.

Plateau Grasslands of Jade Dragon Snow-Capped Mountain

You need to take a cable car ride and hike to visit the colorful plateau grasslands of the Jade Dragon Mountain, where you can see various flowers and trees and have a far view of the mountain. The altitude of the grasslands is around 3000 meters.

Yufeng Monastery

Initially built in 1700, the Yufeng Monastery is renowned for its murals of four great Buddhist warriors and camellias. It is said the murals were drawn by the eighth abbot of the monastery, and the camellias were planted by the tenth abbot.

Former Residence of Joseph Rock

Joseph Rock was an American adventurer who arrived in Lijiang from the border between Thailand and Myanmar in 1922. He spent 27 years in Lijiang and was the first people to introduce Lijiang to the Western world. You can see some of his clothes and tools in his former residence.

Day 3 Tiger Leaping Gorge

You will visit the First Bend of the Yangtze River and hike on the Tiger Leaping Gorge today, and then drive to Shangri-La for sightseeing.

The First Bay of Yangtze River

The First Bay of Yangtze River is actually the intersection of Yangtze, Nu and Lancang Rivers. The First Bay of Yangtze River is located at the east end of QinghaI-Tibet Plateau. The drastic drop in altitude make all these three rivers roaring past the bay.

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Due to the drastic fall, the river behind the Tiger Leaping Gorge looks a like an angry dragon. Thousands of tourists go to the gorge to admire the spectacular river view every year. The gorge is also a place of interest for hiking fanciers.

Dukezong Ancient Town

The Dukezong Ancient Town is the best preserved ancient residential area for Tibetan People. It was the last stop for ancient merchants who transported tea to Tibet. Local people like to dance on the city square, and you are welcome to join in them.

Guishan Hill

Standing on the top of the Guishan Hill, you can have a far view of the magnificent snow-capped mountains and the ancient Shangri-La city. You can also see the world’s largest prayer wheel for Tibetan Buddhism.

Day 4 Buddhist Monastery Tour

Songzanlin Monastery

Built in 1683 AD, the Songzanlin Monastery is a sacred place for Tibetan Buddhists who live in Sichuan or Yunnan. With an altitude of 3380 meters and located on a mountain, the Sozanlin Monastery enjoys a reputation of “Lesser Potala”.

Pudacuo National Park

With an altitude of 3500 meters, the plateau lakes, forests, and pastures are the major attraction in the park. The climate is mild there. The average temple is 5.4 degrees centigrade. In the highest temperature in summer is 13.2 degrees, while the lowest in winter is -3.8 degrees.

Dabao Monastery

The Dabao Monastery was built by a master monk of Tibetan Buddhism in the early 15th century. It is one of the earliest monasteries of Tibetan Buddhism in Yunnan. Unlike most other monasteries, it is not large. However, the exquisite carvings on the Buddhist stones make the monastery worth a visit.

Day 5 Three Parallel Rivers and Snow Mountains

Dongzhulin Monastery

Around 500 years ago, a master monk traveled to Yunnan and saw a mountain which looked like a pyramid, so he decided to build the Dongzhulin Monastery there. Check out if the “pyramid” still visible nowadays when you visit the monastery.

The First Bend of Jinsha River

The bend, which looks like a horse’s hoof, is the first attraction of the Three Parallel Rivers Area you will visit during this tour. You will admire the bend on an observation terrace.

Baima Snow Mountain Natural Reserve

You will admire the colorful plants and various animals, including the rare snub-nosed monkeys, in the reserve. Besides, you will have a far view of the 5430-meter high Baima Snow Mountain.

Meili Snow Mountain Sunset

The Feilaisi Temple is the place where you will stay tonight. Before sleeping, you can admire the Buddhist relics in the historical temple, which was built in 1614 AD. And admire the amazing sunset on the 6740-meter high Meili Mountain in the temple.

Day 6 Lancang River Grand Canyon

You will drive to Cizhong Village after today’s sightseeing.

Mingyong Glacier

Different from most glaciers, which are located in high-altitude area, the lowest part of the Mingyong Glacier is only 2800 meters high, only 800 meters higher than the Lancang River, another river of the Three Parallel Rivers Area which is roaring under the Mingyong Glacier.

Lancang River Grand Canyon Hike

“Lancang” means millions of running elephants in local language. Local people describe it in this way to emphasize the torrential water in the river. You can admire the these ”elephants” while hiking in the canyon today. Besides, you can see some Tibetan people's houses during the hike.

Cizhong Village

A Catholic Church was built in 1921 on the halfway of a mountain near the Cizhong Village by several French missioners. Standing on the bell tower in the church, you can have a bird view of the Cizhong Village.

Day 7 Drive to Bingzhongluo

Today, you will drive to Bingzhongluo, a beautiful town lives a variety of minority ethnic groups. You can admire the awe-inspiring Nujiang River Gore on the road.

Day 8 Bingzhongluo Tour

Today, you will visit Nujiang River, the third river of the Three Parallel Rivers Area.

The First Bend of Nujiang River

Like most rivers in Yunnan, the water in the Nujiang River also flows rapidly. You will admire the bend on a terrace, where is 500 meters higher than the river.

Stone Houses of Nu Ethnic Group

The Nu people are the earliest residents on the banks of Nujiang River. They are good at making stone tools, such as stone hoes, knives, and stone-roofed houses, which are more watertight than tile-roofed houses.

Peach Blossom Island

The Peach Blossom Island is actually a village located on a peninsula on the Nujiang River. There are only 20 families on the island. Most of them are Nu people. Every March is the best time to admire the peach blossom in the village.

Puhua Temple

There are 11 pieces of ancient frescos and dozens of statues in the temple. In 2009, a white pagoda was built in the temple. It is one of the newest Buddhist buildings in China.

Visit a Local People’s House

You will visit a local people’s house to learn about their daily life, traditions, and costumes.

Day 9 Drive to Liuku

You will drive to Liuku Town today. The sceneries along the road are beautiful. A local dinner will make you refreshed！

Day 10 Drive to Tengchong

Dai People’s Banyan Tree Village

Due to the humid and hot weather, the local Dai people planted banyan trees to surround their village. These trees work as sunshade for the villagers.

Heshun Ancient Town

The Heshun Ancient Town is the hometown of thousands of oversea Chinese, so you the buildings in the ancient town are a combination of Western and Oriental styles. Besides, the ancient town is only 70 kilometers away from Myanmar, so there are many Burman merchants in the town.

Day 11 Tengchong Tour

Laifeng Mountain National Park

The Laifeng Mountain is home to over 300 species of birds, 50 species of wild animals, and thousands of plants. The Laifeng Mountain is actually a volcano, which looks like a shield.

Dieshuihe Waterfall

Situated on a 30-meter high cliff, the Dieshuihe Waterfall looks like a huge curtain. Due to the abundant sunshine, tourists can often see rainbows hanging on the waterfall.

Beihai Wetland Park

The same with most natural attractions in Yunnan, the Beihai Wetland Park is also a colorful world. A variety of plants and clear lakes may make you think it is a massive grassland rather than wetland.

Hot Sea Scenic Spot

As one of top three geothermal areas in China, the Hot Sea Scenic Spot provides tourists with over 80 hot spring pools. Soaking in the hot spring will help you get refreshed after these 11 exciting days in Yunnan.

Day 12 Tengchong Departure

Today, you will be transferred to the Tengchong Airport for back trip. Hoped you liked Yunnan and our service in last 12 days and best wishes to you!

Price: What’s Included & What’s Excluded

Price: 0

The above price is based on a private tour for 2 people. Price varies depending on travel date, group size, hotel class, program in your itinerary and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.

What’s Included?

Experienced drivers & air-conditioned vehicles

Professional licensed English-speaking local guide

Hotel accommodation with breakfasts

Domestic flights (economy class) or high-speed trains (second class) listed in the itinerary

Admission tickets, activities, meals listed in the itinerary

Accident insurance

Our service from tour planning, handling, operational and finishing your trip

What’s Excluded?

International airfares

Entry visa fees

Personal expenses

Single room supplement

Recommended optional activities

Arrival/departure flights or train on the first and last day

Tips or gratuities for guides and drivers

Important Trip Notes for Booking a Private China Tour

How do I book a private China tour?

It is very simple to book a private China tour. Select the tour you are interested, and click “Make an Enquiry for Free”. Tell us your demands and likes while submitting the form. During this process, you don’t need to pay immediately. After sending us your requirements, one of our professional travel experts will get back to you within 0.5 to 24 hours. When all the information have confirmed, then you make the deposit. Please feel free to contact the travel expert directly if you have any questions prior to booking.

Extend Your China Tour

The above itinerary is the sample one that most travelers would go like that. The tour can be customized based on your likes, interests and budget. At the same time, if you want to extend this tour, just tell us your favored destinations and things to do. Our professional travel experts will redesign the trip totally for you and your group at the best price. Tell us your ideas now >>

Transportation

In a private tour, it means you will transfer to the tourist attractions in one city by private vehicle. The private car we selected is spacious, comfortable and air-conditioned. And the driver we use are very experienced. As for traveling between two destinations, we use domestic flights (economy seat) or high speed trains (second class seat, usually less than 6 hours). The local guides and drivers will pick you up at the airport/train stations, and escort you to the hotel.

Meals

“B” stands for breakfast. You will have it at your hotel in the morning.

“L” stands for lunch. The restaurants we will arrange for you are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. All are in good sanitary conditions. Your guide will assist you with ordering the dishes.

“D” means dinner. All dinners are excluded in the itinerary. You have the chance to taste some authentic Chinese food and local snacks.

If you have special dietary requirements (vegetarian, halal, kosher, Indian, or gluten-free), please let us know before your booking. We will try our best to take care of you.

Accommodation & Hotel Condition for Your China Tour

Have a good sleep everyday is very important during your China tour. In a private tour, you can decide on your own which hotel class you want - luxury 5 star, comfortable 4-star or economic 3-star.

All the hotels in each destination we selected are at good location, close to commercial street or tourist attractions. And, all the hotels we use have a business relationship for many years and they have windows, air-conditioners, hot water, showers, wifi... (except for basic accommodation condition when travel to Mount Everest) to ensure you luxury and comfortable sleep experience. The staff can speak English and they will provide you the high quality service. If you have any requirements, you can ask them to help.

Latest Yunnan Tours Reviews from Our Customers

Discover what our customers are saying about the latest Yunnan Tours. Browse through their recent reviews and feedback on tour arrangements, guides, transportation, attractions, dining, hotels, and detailed itineraries to plan your own unforgettable China tour. View All Customers Reviews >>

Wayne C

Singapore

I Left My Heart In Zhangjiajie

I'm a Singaporean traveller who booked a private solo tour. I chanced upon AOT after I googled and decided to travel last min. My planner from AOT named Rita was very patient towards all my request and changes, she is knowledgeable and provided excellent advice for my 8 days trip arrangement from Shanghai, Zhangjiajie N Chongqing. Although there were very minor hiccups just like any overseas holiday, it was still a well planned trip.

I would like thank all my tour guides and drivers (师父) for looking after me so well. Special mention to Zhangjiajie Tour Guide named Ms Rita Wang, she looks after her client with her sincerest heart into the smallest details such as eating habits and my lifestyle. (Example: Turning A/C on knowing we Singaporeans can't live without A/C in car & also I don't even have to look at menu to order food becos she knows what I want to eat) Also thank you 杨师父 who tagged team with Rita, he is a very good skilled safe driver and knows how look after me during long haul journey drive inter cities.

I would strongly reccomended anyone who wants to travel to look for Rita or her colleagues from Asia Odyssey Travel.

Lastly, thank you to all whom I've crossed path during my trip. I'm grateful to all people in China for the warm hospitality. 感恩大家的招待和爱。

I left my heart in Zhangjiajie

Destination(s): Beijing, Xian, Shanghai, Zhangjiajie

Date of Experience: Apr 06, 2024

Tour Customized by: Rita

You May be Interested in This Tour: 11 Days China Scenic & Cultural Tour in Group (Shanghai Zhangjiajie Xian Beijing)

Luigi M

Italy

I hope to go to China again.

A very well organized trip and excellent tour guide. Asia Odyssey travel has always answered very quickly to my questions.

Destination(s): Beijing, Xian, Shanghai

Date of Experience: Mar 25, 2024

Tour Customized by: Rex

You May be Interested in This Tour: 8 Days Beijing Xian Shanghai Small Group Tour

HELEN HUANG

Malaysia

10 DAYS GUIZHOU EXPERIENCE

10 DAYS GUIZHOU EXPERIENCE A memorable and awesome holiday with friends made possible with an excellent guide Howard and driver Mr Yueh (Xiao Yue). The itinerary arranged was excellent and we get to experience the different aspects of Guizhou from its ethnic culture to different scenic nature and local cuisines. Thank you Asia Odyssey Travel and especially to Howard and Xiao Yue. Helen Huang

Date of Experience: Mar 20, 2024

Tour Customized by: Vincent

You May be Interested in This Tour: Customized Tour

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12 Days 11 Nights Three Parallel Rivers and Snow Mountains

Itinerary at a Glance

Itinerary Day by Day

Price: What’s Included & What’s Excluded

Important Trip Notes for Booking a Private China Tour

Accommodation & Hotel Condition for Your China Tour

Photo Gallery for This Itinerary

Latest Yunnan Tours Reviews from Our Customers

12 Days 11 Nights Three Parallel Rivers and Snow Mountains

Itinerary at a Glance

Itinerary Day by Day

Price: What’s Included & What’s Excluded

Important Trip Notes for Booking a Private China Tour

Accommodation & Hotel Condition for Your China Tour

Photo Gallery for This Itinerary

Latest Yunnan Tours Reviews from Our Customers

Highly Recommended China Tours in 2024