Depart Lijiang and head deep into the mountain canyons to Hada, a beautiful small village nestled inside a green river valley. After a local lunch we’ll visit a winery just up the hill from Hada village, with the best valley views around. Lounge on the patio and sample the only white wine’s we’ll be trying on this trip. At a local home, we’ll be taught by our hosts how their family has made tofu since ancient times.

After breakfast, we’ll depart for a rustic hillside village hidden completely off the tourist track. In fact, it’s the oldest and most preserved Lisu minority village left in Yunnan. We’ll explore the 300 year old houses and see local life like you never have before. The real highlight here is the food, a local cured ham leg porridge that stews for 4 hours before being served. We’ll head further up the canyon into Cizhong village, with one of the oldest cathedrals in China founded by a French missionary in 1867, where locals still practice catholicism. From France, he also brought a type of wine grape that has since died out there – making Cizhong the only place in the world with this grape. Among the cathedral and grape vines deep within the canyon, you’d forget you’re in China. Relax on the patio (with wine), walk the vineyards (with wine), and learn about how grapes are picked, harvested, and processed (with wine), while enjoying their red wine that you’ll literally only find here!

We’ll make our way toward Meili Mountain and Yubeng village, locally referred to as “Heaven on Earth.” Then we’ll hop in jeeps* for a bumpy ride that climbs to an altitude of 4000m before descending into Yubeng. Yubeng is made up of 23 families who have been largely inaccessible to the rest of the world for most of history. Breath-taking views from all angles take you from lush valleys and glaciated ridges all leading up to the nearby Meili Mountain. You’ll have plenty of time to relax, explore by foot, and experience this unique wonderland. *Due to limited space in the jeeps, you will only be able to bring a small overnight bag/backpack for these two nights. The rest of your luggage will be stored securely in our van.

After a leisurely morning, you’ll have plenty of time for a hike to the Sacred Waterfall above Yubeng. From many miles around, Tibetan pilgrims venture to visit this Sacred Waterfall, pray, and be blessed by its waters. It is one of the most culturally significant landmarks in Tibetan culture. The waters are said to cleanse your soul, wash away your sins, and shower you in blessings for the year to come. This strenuous hike climbs 300m at high altitude. It’s a 15km round trip journey, which has been made accessible with a paved trail and stairs. Good walking/hiking shoes and layered outdoor clothing are necessary in this alpine environment. Or, stay back and explore Yubeng village, relax by the fire or rooftop depending on the weather, and take in the mesmerizing views.

After breakfast, we’ll hop back in the jeeps to our van and enjoy a local lunch. Stretch your legs and take in the view of the Jinsha river and its 360-degree bend, a stunning high-altitude landscape. Wine tasting at our 3rd winery with more incredible mountain views. Free Time in Shangrila: There’s a lot to do here, and we’ll let you follow your curiosity. Window-shop for local handicrafts, or check out the local tea and coffee scene. Before dinner, we’ll visit the biggest Tibetan prayer wheel in the world. This is all walking distance from your hotel. After dinner, explore the Shangrila old town – where you’ll be staying for two nights.

Songzanlin Monastery rests above a pedestrian-only village that features a handful of authentic Tibetan temples. We’ll climb up to see the largest Tibetan Monastery in Yunnan, dating back to 1679. Its grand appearance, full of frescos, sculptures, and immaculate architecture offers sweeping views of the nearby highland landscape from a viewpoint 3300 meters high.

Enjoy your last moments in Yunnan before you depart. Feel free to explore Shangrila old-town for some last minute shopping or cafe hopping. Airport drop-off is included any time today. For those departing later, we’ll be happy to make some recommendations for the day. Or, if you’re heading back to Lijiang we can help you with bus schedules or private car service.