Yunnan's Living Cultures
茶馬古道

7-DAY ADD-ON PROGRAM

Program Overview

This 7-day Yunnan journey takes you through the highlights of Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La, specially designed for junior and senior high school groups and their teachers. Explore the vibrant cultures of China’s ethnic minorities set against the stunning landscapes of Southwest China. Trace the history of the Ancient Tea Horse Road, venture into one of the world’s most magnificent gorges, and connect with local communities to experience their daily lives.

Suggested Time

March — June
Sep — Jan

Group Size (6:1 Ratio)

12 Students
2 Chaperons

Suggested Ages

12 — 22

Program Highlights

CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Experience the living traditions of the Bai, Naxi, and Tibetan peoples through village visits, family exchanges, and hands-on activities.

ICONIC LANDSCAPES

Cycle by Erhai Lake, hike Tiger Leaping Gorge, and take in the breathtaking views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the Tibetan highlands.

HERITAGE & DISCOVERY

Walk the Ancient Tea Horse Road, explore old towns and monasteries, and uncover stories that connect history with today’s way of life.

Day 2, Dali old town

Itinerary

Day	Highlights
1-3 Dali, Lijiang	Bai Culture & Erhai Lake Begin in Dali, a charming town framed by Cangshan Mountain and Erhai Lake. Explore Bai minority culture through hands-on activities such as traditional tie-dyeing and home-cooked meals in a Bai household. Cycle along the lakeshore past meadows, rice fields, and the iconic Three Pagodas. On the way to Lijiang, stop in Shaxi, once a vital hub on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, where courtyards, stages, and riverside villages tell centuries of history.
4-5 Lijiang, Shangri-La	Lijiang: Naxi Traditions & Snow Mountain In Lijiang, discover the world of the Naxi people. Take in postcard views of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain at Black Dragon Pool and wander through Yuhu Village, where American explorer Joseph Rock once lived. Students will join a Naxi family to experience local life—trying on traditional dress, learning to make tofu and paper, sampling snacks, and practicing Dongba script. Then, hike through the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge before continuing to Shangri-La, with an evening of music and dance in the Old Town.
6-7 Shangri-La	Shangri-La:Tibetan Spirit & Highland Skies Immerse yourself in Tibetan culture at Songzanlin Monastery, the largest in Yunnan, and witness a traditional blessing ceremony. At the Thangka Center, admire exquisite sacred art and try painting your own with guidance from a Tibetan artist. The journey ends with a farewell hotpot dinner and bonfire celebration before departure the next day.

Options

Teamwork (ages 16+)
Build your own raft with pipes and tires by the river. Guided by professional coaches from our partner outdoor education team, students set goals and take part in activities where learning is built into fun, team-based games.
Lugu Lake, Tengchong
Yunnan is remote and often a once-in-a-lifetime destination. If time allows, consider extending your journey to Tengchong and Lugu Lake, two of the province’s most iconic destinations. Tengchong is famous for its hot springs, volcanic landscapes, and wartime history, while Lugu Lake is celebrated for its stunning highland scenery and the unique matrilineal culture of the Mosuo people.