Lijiang to Shangri-La HuXiang Road Private Scenic Tour

Discover the natural beauty of the Tiger Leaping Gorge, Haba Snow Mountain, Pudacuo National Park and White Water Terrace on a full-day tour from Lijiang or Shangri-La. 

Visit the Naxi village of Haba, the Napa Lake grassland, Sumtseling Monastery and the Dukezong Ancient Town in Shangri-La.

Start your tour with pickup from your hotel in Lijiang and head to the first stop, the Tiger Leaping Gorge. Stand on the observation deck and see the towering peaks on both sides of the canyon reaching high into the clouds, steep and precipitous. Watch as the river surges in the narrow canyon, stirring up huge waves.

Continue to the Haba village and see the tall pine, spruce, and other trees. Hear the crisp singing of birds and the sound of squirrels scurrying between the branches. Learn about the 112 species of mammals, 446 species of birds, and 7,084 species of plants that have been recorded in Lijiang.

Rare animal elves hidden deep in the Haba Snow Mountain

Yellow-throated pheasant

In addition to the unique color of the throat, the yellow-throated pheasant has other distinctive features. It has more maroon patches on both flanks, and these are distributed in the upper part, and the waist is grayish in color. In addition, the tip of its beak is sharp and curved, which is a great tool for digging up the rhizomes of various plants from the soil.

Red muntjac

red fox

In Haba Village, experience the purest Naxi folklore

Next, arrive in Haba Village, home to the Naxi people. See the traditional Naxi architecture in the houses, which are characterized by wooden structures, sloping roofs, and intricate carvings.

Local festivals

Naxi Torch Festival: This is one of the traditional festivals of the Naxi people, usually held on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month. On this day, villagers light torches and parade around the village, symbolically to dispel evil and pray for peace. Visitors can participate in the lively atmosphere of the festival and enjoy the traditional song and dance performances of the Naxi people.

Naxi Sanduo Festival: This is a grand festival for the Naxi people to worship the "Three Flowers", the protector god of their own nation, which is held on the eighth day of the second lunar month every year. At that time, the people of the Naxi people from all over the country will gather in the Sanduo Pavilion at the foot of Yulong Mountain, and hold a solemn worship ceremony called "Sanduo Song" with the sacrifice of the whole sheep. Visitors can visit Sanduo Pavilion on this day to watch the sacrificial ceremonies and learn about the religious beliefs and cultural traditions of the Naxi people.

Pass the Haba Snow Mountain, the main peak of which is 5,396 meters above sea level. See the Baishui Terrace, a natural limestone terrace that resembles a frozen waterfall.

Enter the Pudacuo National Park and see the Napa Lake grassland, under the gentle touch of the sun, like a large green blanket. In the distance, see herds of yaks and sheep leisurely nibble on the green grass.

Choose to go deep into the secret place of Shangri-La, Niru Village. See the women dressed in colorful Tibetan costumes, and delicate embroidery and accessories show off their exquisite craftsmanship.

Finally, reach the Dukezong Ancient Town in Shangri-La. Nestled amidst majestic mountains, the town features traditional Tibetan architecture with stone houses and sloping roofs. As you wander through its cobblestone streets, be greeted by prayer flags fluttering gently in the breeze, filling the air with a sense of spirituality.

Choose to return to Lijiang via highway or stay over at Shangri-La City. 

You may also start from Shangri-La and choose to return to Shangri-La or stay over at Lijiang.