Lijiang & Diqing: Landscape & Snub-nosed Monkeys

DAY 1: Lijiang Arrival

Lijiang arrival, we will pick you up from airport.

Stay overnight at Banyan Tree (3 nights) in Lijiang.

DAY 2: Lijiang

Start early to capture the sunrise over the snow-capped peaks of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. After breakfast, take the shuttle bus to the Yunshanping scenic area and continue photographing the majestic snow mountains and towering spruce trees.

In the afternoon, visit Black Dragon Pool Park to photograph the stunning reflection of the snow mountains alongside the traditional pagoda.

Overnight stay in Lijiang.

DAY 3: Lijiang

Begin the day early with a visit to Black Dragon Pool Park to capture the snow-capped mountains at sunrise and its reflection in the lake.

In the afternoon, explore Lijiang Ancient City for street photography and to capture the charm of its historic gates.

DAY 4: Lijiang - Tacheng

After breakfast, drive to Tacheng County, stopping along the way to visit the iconic Tiger Leaping Gorge. Here, you can capture dynamic shots of the fast-flowing water carving its way through the dramatic canyon.

Overnight in a hotel inside the nature reserve.

DAY 5: The Black-and-White Snub-nosed Monkey

Start early with a visit to a natural reserve to photograph the Black-and-white snub-nosed monkey, a unique species found only above 2500-5000 meters of Yunnan.

Spend about two hours capturing these beautiful creatures. The best time of the day to withness them is about 8:30-11am.

In the afternoon, drive to Feilaisi Monastery, stopping along the way to photograph the 'Grand Bend of the Jinsha River.' You will also encounter the mountain pass at altitude of 4100 meters.

Overnight in Feilaisi.

DAY 6: Meili Snow Mountain

Start early to photograph the gorgeous Meili Snow Mountains, visible only from October to April. Capture the first light touching at the snow mountain peaks at sunrise.

In the afternoon, visit Mingyong Glacier to photograph the glacier and surrounding snow-capped peaks.

Overnight in Feilaisi.

DAY 7: Meili - Shangri-la

Start early again to capture the Meili Snow Mountain from a different vantage point. It is an even closer-touch to the snow mountain peaks.

After breakfast, drive to Shangri-La to photograph the vibrant Songzanlin Monastery and its surroundings. Climb a nearby hill to capture a panoramic view of the monastery. "It is one of most photogenic monasteries I ever visited".

In the late afternoon or evening, visit Shangri-La Dukezong Ancient City for stunning cityscape photography.

Overnight in Shangri-La.

DAY 8: Sunrise & departure

On the final morning, head to a scenic viewpoint to capture the Songzanlin Monastery bathed in morning mist at sunrise. The first light illuminating the misty monastery offers stunning photographic opportunities, beautifully blending the natural landscape with the intricate architecture.

After breakfast, we can transfer you to either Shangri-La Airport or Lijiang Airport for your departure.

• If you’re flying to Kunming after the trip, Shangri-La Airport is a convenient option.
• If you plan to explore other destinations in China, Lijiang Airport may be more suitable.