South of the Clouds
Overview
Yunnan—which literally means “South of the Clouds” due to its location just south of the Tibetan Plateau—is home to some of the most diverse cultures, ecology, and terrain in China. With verdant low-lying valleys, spectacular white-capped mountains, rustic towns and villages, and a lively mix of ethnic minority communities, Yunnan has long inspired poets and travelers alike.
On this journey, you can explore Yunnan’s diversity, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lijiang; the ancient trading posts along the Tea & Horse Caravan Trail of Dali and Shaxi; meet Bai, Dai, Naxi, and Tibetan ethnic minority communities and experience their way of life; explore the region's botanical and geological wonders at Jade Dragon Snow Mountain; and finally, conclude in Shangri-La, a remote outpost of the deeply spiritual Tibetan world.
The WildChina Collection’s South of the Clouds trip offers you modern comforts along one of the oldest trade routes in the world, “The Eternal Road”. Now you can follow in the footsteps of traders, winding through spectacular valleys lined with ancient sites and unique tribal cultures in the shadow of the mighty Himalayas.
Trip Highlights
- Visit ancient cities such as Lijiang Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Dali, former capital of the Nanzhao Empire
- Participate in traditional lifestyles of China’s frontier regions, including Bai, Dai and Tibetan villages
- Follow ancient trading routes that linked Burma, India and China, or hike at Tiger Leaping Gorge one of China’s great natural wonders
- Undertake your own journey to enlightenment among the snow-capped peaks and Tibetan monasteries of Shangri-La
8 days, 7 nights
CNY 9,880
Upon Request
Dali
Shangri-La
Evening Residence
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A uniquely elegant and authentic heritage mansion in the traditional Bai style. The Linden Center is an educational and cultural retreat owned by an American couple, Brian and Jeanee Linden. Housed in a traditional courtyard mansion originally built by a powerful local warlord, the center offers a range of activities in a meticulously restored, peaceful setting.
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The Songtsam Retreat, a collection of 24 dry stone structures spread out over 21 acres of hillside, is surely one of the most spectacular hotels in the world. Designed to take you away to a lost world of timeless tranquility and endless silence, the Retreat is an ideal location for those seeking to escape.
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Translated as "Old Horse Inn," Laomadian is a cozy, bucolic haven perfect for those wishing to absorb the stimulating atmosphere of China's rich history of bustling trade. It is a rustic lodging house in Shaxi originally used by traders traveling along the Tea and Horse Caravan Trail and the Southern Silk Road.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive Dali
Arrive in Dali
Upon exiting the arrival hall of Dali Airport, you will be met by a WildChina guide and transferred by private vehicle to the Linden Centre, your residence for the next two nights. (1 hour drive from airport)
The Linden Centre
You will have time to relax and settle into this elegant hotel, a unique heritage mansion renovated in the traditional Bai style and aligned with feng shui design principles to ensure peace and prosperity reign over the house. Guests are encouraged to linger in the courtyards, gardens and bamboo groves of the compound and also to explore the nearby mountain village to experience the warmth and hospitality of the Bai people first-hand.
Cangshan Mountains
In the afternoon, as an introduction to Yunnan’s scenery and wildlife, we will explore the Cangshan Mountains to the west of Dali. The range contains 18 peaks over 3,500 meters (11,483ft), as well as waterfalls, temples and abundant flora and fauna. The “Jade-Cloud Road” offers view over Dali City, and there are plenty of opportunities for short walks and exploration.
Dinner in Dali Old Town
In the evening, we head to the old town of Dali. Built in the 14th century, it was once the main city of Yunnan and the capital of the Nanzhao Kingdom, whose influence extended deep into China. Surrounded by a moat and wall, the old town of Dali is reputed for its graceful living and delightful Bai architecture. We will stroll through its pleasant streets, laid out in a chessboard pattern, followed by a dinner of typical local cuisine.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2 – Xizhou Village
Morning in Xizhou
We begin the day with a walking tour of the Xizhou Village, a traditional ethnic Bai village on the shores of Erhai Lake. We explore the markets, taking in some of the most beautiful buildings in the village. In addition, don’t miss the chance to try “Xizhou pizza”, a culinary specialty known throughout southwest China or experience the “three-course tea ceremony” in an ornate historical mansion.
Cooking Lesson and Lunch
For lunch, a local chef will offer guests a chance to learn how to make traditional Chinese food by accompanying us to the market and then helping us select, prepare and cook the food at the hotel.
Afternoon Activities
A traditional local farmer escorts us through his produce fields, describing farming techniques which have been practiced in the area for thousands of years. We then take horse-drawn carts to a neighboring town, where we further explore temples and buildings in the area.
Dinner is at the Linden Center.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 – Dali to Shaxi: Ancient Trade Routes
Drive to Shaxi
Drive time from Dali to Shaxi is approximately 4 hours.
Shibaoshan Grottoes
Uncover the 1,300-year-old Shibaoshan Grottoes. These magnificent rock carvings showcase the dissemination of Mahayana Buddhism from Tibet to Yunnan province along the Ancient Tea and Horse Caravan Road. We then take a short walk from Shibaoshan to Shaxi (40 minutes).
Explore Shaxi
Take a late-afternoon walk in the trading town of Shaxi. Until the middle of last century, Shaxi flourished thanks to its position on the Ancient Tea and Horse Caravan Road and Southern Silk Road, along both of which goods and ideas were exchanged between southwestern China and Tibet, Burma and India. After years of neglect, Shaxi is now undergoing an extensive architectural renovation with aid from the World Monuments Fund.
Rest at Laomadian
After dinner in the old town, we spend the night at Laomadian. Translated as “Old Horse Inn,” Laomadian is a renovated, rustic lodging house in Shaxi town originally used by traders on the ancient tea-horse trading route.
Day 4 – Shaxi to Lijiang
Sident Market
Visit the Friday morning Sident market where locals from around the region come to trade animals, groceries, and handicrafts. Sident Market is the only existing trade market that traces its origins directly from the Tea and Horse Caravan Trail.
Shihe Village and Town of Jianchuan
Shihe Village is most famous for its woodcarvings. Join a master-carpenter and participate in a workshop to create this piece of art, a skill that is on the brink of extinction. Additionally, explore Jianchuan Old Town with its local shops.
Drive to Lijiang
Our drive to Lijiang takes 3.5 hours on paved county highways. Lijiang Old Town lies in the shadow of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and has entranced visitors for centuries with its singular architecture, quaint bridges, and narrow canals. Kublai Khan praised Lijiang for its charm in 1254, and UNESCO classified it as a World Heritage Site in 1997.
An Evening on Your Own in Lijiang
Lijiang was once a key cultural and commercial hub for the exchange of goods and ideas between southwestern China and Tibet, Burma and India. Today, Lijiang’s atmospheric cobblestone streets, willow-lined waterways and decorative arched bridges offer ample opportunities for browsing souvenir and arts and crafts shops, and are also filled with many cafes and restaurants serving local or Western food. Most areas are within walking distance of our hotel.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5 – Lijiang to Shangri-La: Into the Himalayas
Morning Stroll in Lijiang Old Town
We begin the day with a stroll down quieter side lanes that provides encounters with Lijiang’s Naxi residents, who, like their ancestors, depend on the mountain water that flows through the town’s canals.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
An unforgettable sight, Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the world’s deepest canyons through which the mighty Yangtze River roars is funneled down 34 rapids in just 15 kilometers (9 miles). We will approach through the Lijiang valley, along a road which hugs to the gorge’s cliffs. Upon arrival, we will walk along the gorge for approximately 45 minutes and eat lunch at a local restaurant.
Drive to Shangri-La
We continue by car, driving 3-4 hours to Shangri-La, a small town on the Tibetan Plateau with an altitude of 3,200 meters (10,500ft), nearly as high as Lhasa. Thick, unspoiled forest and spectacular mountain scenery is interspersed with Yi and Tibetan villages along our route. We may also catch a glimpse of yaks grazing at pasture along the way.
Rest and Dinner at Songstam Retreat
Our residence in Shangri-La is the Songtsam Retreat, a collection of 24 dry stone structures spread out over 21 acres of hillside. Perched high on the hills overlooking Shangri-La, each suite enjoys commanding views over the valley, including the Songzanlin lamasery. We will dine at the hotel for dinner and suggest you keep the evening relaxing as you acclimatize to the thin air and high altitude of 3,200 meters (10,500ft).
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 – Shangri-La (3,200m or 10,500ft)
Songzanlin Monastery
Constructed in 1679 and full of precious artifacts, the Songzanlin Monastery or ‘the little Potala Palace’ is actually the biggest Buddhist monastery in Yunnan and is currently home to 700 monks. During our visit, we will add colorful prayer flags adorned with Buddhist sutras to the thousands placed by previous pilgrims and may then follow devotees on the kora or the sacred path around the monastery. We cap our visit with tea and an optional private audience with a senior lama in his chambers (Private audience are subject to schedule of lamas and can only be arranged for groups of over 6 persons.)
Shangri-La Old Town
Known as Gyalthang in Tibetan, Shangri-La was a gateway to the historic Tibetan province of Kham and an important station for trade caravans along the Ancient Tea and Horse Caravan Road. Today, it remains an important center for Yunnan’s Tibetan community. We will stop by a teahouse to learn more about the town’s colorful history as a trading port. We will also explore local social enterprises, including a yak cheese producer, traditional Tibetan rugs, handicraft workshops, and we may even stop by a NGO, and see the work being done to protect and promote the local culture.
Dinner with local Tibetan family
A local family will treat us to an authentic Tibetan meal in their home. Expect yak to feature on the menu, since savory yak-butter tea, stewed yak meat and yak cheese are all staples of the local diet, highlighting the importance of the hardy animal to the people of this remote region. For groups with over 4 persons, we’ll party Tibetan-style by singing, dancing and drinking to our trip to Shangri-La after our dinner!
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 – Shangri-La
Day Option 1: Day hike in the Himalayas
After an hour’s drive from Shangri-La, we will hike for 5 hours. Our guide, a Tibetan from the area, will lead us to areas that only an insider knows. There are many beautiful places in the Himalayas, but this is an especially majestic area and a great way to experience it.
Day Option 2: The Ringha Holy Kora
In the time-honored fashion, we join pilgrims to complete a circumambulation of the kora, the sacred circuit around the Ringha Temple. The act of walking the kora clockwise around a sacred object is carried out by pilgrims as a devotional exercise. We drive to Tsalang Village, a small community of 8 families, where we begin our 6 hour holy kora. Descending into the sacred Ringha Valley, with views of the Gangdreng mountain range, we then hike up the sacred Ringha Hill to visit Ringha Temple. Its small size in no way diminishes its significance to the Tibetan faithful who have covered the exterior of Ringha Temple with a kaleidoscopic mantle of prayer flags.
Dinner at Raven Hot Pot
Located in Shangri-La Old Town, Raven Hot Pot was a favorite of star chef Anthony Bourdain when he toured the area. A convivial experience, a hot pot meal centers on a pot of simmering stock into which ingredients are cooked fondue-style by the diners. Typical ingredients include thinly sliced meat, leafy vegetables, mushrooms, wonton, egg dumplings and seafood.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 – Departures
Transfer to the Airport
Relax while we handle your luggage and arrange for transportation to the airport. For guests with time in the morning, you are free to explore the hotel amenities or ask our guides for optional activities.
Meals included: Breakfast
Rates
All WildChina Collection circuit programs are private tours, and departures are available everyday, subject to guide and hotel availability. To book your WildChina Collection trip, a minimum of 2 guests is required. You are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. When you book a WildChina Collection trip, you can expect the following:
- Services of your WildChina guide
- Accommodation at a WildChina Collection or similar standard hotel
- Transportation during your program
- Scheduled meals, activities, and entertainment
- Close-up interactive experiences with local people
Rate Card - South of the Clouds
| Rates per person Based on double occupancy |
Low Season Nov 1 to Mar 31 |
High Season Apr 1 to Oct 31 |
| 2 to 3 pax Based on twin sharing |
13,770 | 15,300 |
| 4 to 6 pax |
9,980 | 10,880 |
| 7 to 9 pax |
8,575 | 9,345 |
| 10 plus |
7,785 | 8,690 |
| Single Supplement |
2,808 | 3,269 |
| Weekend Supplement per weekend night |
N/A | N/A |
Single supplement apply for guests living in a single room.
Weekend nights include Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.
All prices are in Chinese CNY. Your land package price will be confirmed when we respond to your enquiry. Prices are subject to change without notice. Prices for trips vary and depend on number of persons and time of booking and travel.
Guests under 12 at the time of travel are eligible for child rates when living with an adult in the same room. Child rates are 85% of adult rates. Extra beds may not be available in some hotels, and guests may have to share between 2 twin beds.
The quotation includes:
- All land costs, as noted in the itinerary.
- All accommodation, based on double-occupancy.
- All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary.
- All meals, featuring local cuisine, as noted in the itinerary. Drinking water and snacks are also included.
- Services of an English-speaking local guide.
The quotation excludes:
- Airfare to and from destination is not included
- Chinese Tourist Visa, which is required for most foreign passport holders.
- Travel and medical insurance
- Meals not included in the itinerary and alcohol.
- Expenses of a personal nature (e.g. mini bar, personal telecommunications, laundry, etc.)
- Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary.
- Full payment is due 30 days prior to departure. Payment details will be e-mailed to you upon program confirmation.
- Tour prices quoted on website are per person and based on double occupancy. Our travel consultants will e-mail you the final quote upon receiving your inquiry. The final quote will depend on number of persons in group and time travelled.
Cancellation & Modification Policy
To modify or cancel your reservation, please e-mail us with specific instructions at collection@wildchina.com. Penalties for both modifications and cancellations are listed below and will be charged to the credit card provided.
- If reservation is modified or cancelled 31 days or more prior to trip departure, loss of deposit.
- If reservation is modified or cancelled 21 - 30 days prior to trip departure, 25% of total tour price will be forfeited.
- If reservation is modified or cancelled 14 - 20 days prior to trip departure, 50% of total tour price will be forfeited.
- In the event of no-show on the day of arrival, no refund will be issued, and the reservation will be cancelled.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do I book this trip?
2. Do I need a visa to enter China?
3. What inoculations should I get before visiting China?
4. How do I get to the starting city? How do I return home?
5. How strenuous is this trip? What are the effects of high altitude?
6. What types of meals are served on this trip? Can you accommodate allergies and food preferences?
7. Who is the Tour Guide?
8. What types of vehicles are used and how much driving is involved? What are the roads like?
9. What do we need to carry ourselves? Is there luggage assistance?
10. Are tips included?
11. When is the best time to visit?
12. What if I would like to extend my stay in China?
13. What is included/excluded in the tour cost?
14. What is the deposit/payment deadline?
15. What kinds of emergency procedures are in place?
16. Do I need travel insurance?
17. What if WildChina cancels the trip prior to departure?
Please book the trip by clicking ‘Book Now’ on the web-site. The site will take you to an inquiry form where you will be required to fill in your preferred trip and personal information.
Before submission, please read and agree to our reservation and cancelation policy. It will normally take us 48 hours (2 working days) to process your inquiry. Departure is subject to guide and hotel availability. A WildChina travel consultant will contact you via email on availability and next steps.
If you have any questions, please contact us at collection@wildchina.com
2. How do I get a visa? What kind of visa should I get?
Nearly all foreign visitors to China require a tourist visa (L Visa).
Travelers must apply for a tourist visa in person at any Chinese Embassy or Consulate. If the traveler cannot go in person, a traveler’s representative must visit the embassy on behalf of the traveler to submit the application; in some countries such as the United States, this can include representatives from third party visa service companies, such as Zierer Visa Service, http://www.zvs.com/home.aspx?login=57381 (applications and instructions can be downloaded online using this link, or call toll free at 1-866-788-1100 and mention WildChina account #57381 for preferred pricing.)
Typically, it takes about 5-7 business days to process the visa. Please note that the requirements change from time to time without notice and requirements may differ depending on nationality.
Please visit your country’s Chinese Embassy website for visa forms and specific requirements for tourist visa applications. Visa applications should usually be submitted at least 60 days prior to departure. Visas are valid for 1 to 3 months of travel.
3. What inoculations should I get before visiting China?
In general, no vaccinations are required. You are advised to consult www.cdc.gov. Please also contact your local international travel clinic for information regarding inoculations and other relevant health-related information.
4. How do I get to the starting city? How do I return home?
Both Dali and Shangri-La have regular flights connecting to Kunming, which offers daily flights to major international gateway cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong.
To ensure you do not miss any portions of your program, please arrive in Dali Airport before 2pm on Day 1.
| Airport Code | Arrival/Departure Time | |
| Arrival | Dali Airport (DLU) | Before 2 pm |
| Departure |
Diqing Airport (DIG) | Anytime |
This journey is considered moderate touring with some moderate walking. Our itinerary includes full days of activities, starting early in the morning and ending in the evening. We take hikes of up to 3-4 hours at altitudes of up to 3,000 meters and our longest drive is 3-4 hour long on mountainous, winding paved roads. The full range of activities in this journey requires a moderate amount of stamina in order to get the most out of your vacation.
For guests with physical difficulties, many places in Shangri-La are not fully accessible. It is strongly recommended that persons requiring assistance be accompanied by a companion who is capable of and totally responsible for providing assistance. Neither WildChina nor its suppliers may physically lift or assist Guests onto transportation vehicles.
The altitude in Shangri-la is 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) above sea level. At approximately 2,400 meters (8,000 feet), people usually start to feel the effects of altitude sickness, though some people may experience effects at lower or higher altitudes. Each person can respond to a change in altitude differently, with symptoms such as headache, nausea, fatigue, breathlessness, limited capacity for physical exertion, and loss of appetite.
The best way to avoid altitude sickness is to pace yourself carefully (especially when climbing), drink plenty of water, eat light, high-carbohydrate meals and snacks, and avoid alcohol, smoking and heavy foods. If the symptoms are mild, the treatment is rest, painkillers (preferably aspirin-based) for headache, and anti-sickness pills for vomiting. You may wish to bring along Diamox, which can be used as a preventative. (It is not necessary to take it beforehand - keep it on hand in case you experience altitude sickness). Check with your physician before using Diamox for dosage and side effect information. WildChina will prepare oxygen bottles in vehicles.
For more information, please consult your doctor.
6. What types of meals are included? Can you accommodate allergies and food preferences?
Typically, breakfast consist of a buffet with Western and Chinese options.
Lunch and dinner are usually at local restaurants which showcase local cuisine. Lunches and dinners usually include entrées, meat, vegetables, rice, and fruit. In Shangri-la, we will enjoy Tibetan cuisine, which includes a good amount of barley flour-based items, such as dumplings and noodles, as well as red meats including yak and mutton.
In order to offer you and your family and friends the chance to choose restaurants and eat amongst yourselves, there are a few meals that are not included in the itinerary when in large gateway cities. Please see itineraries for details.
While some of our meals may be somewhat different from that which many guests are accustomed to, WildChina believes in offering the opportunity to experience this vital aspect of ethnic minority culture. Western meals can be arranged in Lijiang, The Linden Centre, and Songtsam Retreat upon request when booking this trip.
WildChina provides ample bottled water, tea and snacks throughout the journey.
WildChina provides vegetarian options at every meal. WildChina will make a reasonable effort to accommodate special dietary needs at an additional charge where necessary. Unfortunately, we may not be able to accommodate all special dietary needs requested, including a guarantee that food is prepared in a nut-free environment. Please consult our travel consultants in advance of your departure to advise us of your needs.
The true face and heroes of WildChina, our guides have been rigorously selected for their combination of client servicing, local knowledge, and likeable personalities.
Our guides and drivers are paid fairly and are not allowed to engage in activities that involve kick-backs. Hence, we do not take guests to shops or choose tourist restaurants.
8. What types of vehicles are used and how much driving is involved? What are the roads like?
Depending on group size, we travel in well-maintained, air-conditioned sedans or vans. All vehicles are driven by experienced local drivers and are air-conditioned. Our journey includes a drive of approximately 3.5 hours from Dali to Shaxi, 3.5 hours from Shaxi to Lijiang, and 4-5 hours from Lijiang to Shangri-La on paved, winding roads. Some roads, particularly those leading to village visits, may be unpaved and bumpy.
9. What do we need to carry ourselves? Is there luggage assistance?
Luggage assistance is included for all parts of this journey. For all hikes, we recommend guests bring a small daypack to carry one bottle of water and personal items (e.g. camera, extra layer or two of clothing, parka, hat, sunglasses, extra pair of socks, sunscreen, etc.). WildChina staff will supply additional water.
We realize that tipping is a sensitive subject for all travelers. While tips are widely accepted, we would like to stress that this is at your own personal discretion.
While everyone is recommended to tip based on services rendered, our clients often ask we provide some basic guidelines. The main guide may often receive the following discretionary tip of 20-30 USD per day per group, if services are rendered timely and professionally. Tips can be paid in USD, RMB or your local currency.
Some outstanding guides receive twice or three times as much depending on service quality and also the size of the group.
The driver may sometimes receive a tip of around 50% to 70% of what the guide receives.
11. When is the best time to visit?
The best times to take this journey are autumn and spring when the climate is most comfortable. Summer is the rainy season in Yunnan, which results in muddy roads and longer drives.
The winter months are cold with the temperature in Shangri-la falling to -15°C (5°F) in the winter. However, the area is less touristed, and most local festivals occur over winter.
12. What if I would like to extend my stay in China?
Trips of the WildChina Collection are non-customized. However, if you would like to extend your stay, please feel free to contact us and we will refer you to our consultants, who can assist in booking additional nights at the hotel or developing a customized trip.
13. What is included / excluded in the tour cost?
A detailed outline of price inclusions and exclusions can be found on the Dates and Rates tab.
14. What is the payment deadline?
Please see the Dates and Rates tab.
15. What kind of emergency procedures are in place?
All WildChina travelers must purchase through WildChina an International SOS (an AEA company) Service Plan, which provides for emergency evacuation to the nearest medical facility of international standards. The plan costs US$30, which will be added to your final payment. This is mandatory unless travelers can proof their current insurance covers SOS international evacuation insurance. Please note: this is NOT medical insurance.
All WildChina travelers are also required to provide a copy of their medical insurance card prior to trip departure.
In the event of a medical emergency, WildChina’s first call of action would be to contact the International SOS 24-hour center, where doctors would instruct our staff on appropriate next steps, which may include rest, a visit to a SOS-recommended hospital, or, in extreme cases, evacuation.
16. Do I need travel insurance?
We highly encourage travelers to purchase travel insurance, including coverage of trip cancellation.
17. What if WildChina Collection cancels the trip prior to departure?
WildChina Collection reserves the right to cancel a trip at any time prior to its commencement for any reason, including, when in our opinion, the safety and the quality of the trip would be compromised. If we cancel the trip prior to its commencement, we will attempt to re-book you on a separate date, or refund in full your land package price. If you did not book airfare through us, we will reimburse you for reasonable airline cancellation charges (subject to proof), provided you have exercised best efforts to mitigate such charges / fees.
For additional information, please contact us at collection@wildchina.com.
Travel Tips
Preparing for Your Trip
Recommended Reading
Discover more about this destination. The Amazon Book store offers great books and maps to help you get the most of your travel. For a selection of reading recommendations to enhance your WildChina Collection Vacation, please click here.
Required Travel Documentation
Nearly all foreign visitors to China require a tourist visa.
Travelers must apply for a tourist visa in person at the Chinese Embassy or Consulate in their jurisdiction. If the traveler cannot go in person, someone else must visit the embassy on behalf of the traveler to submit the application; in some countries, this can include representatives from third party visa service companies, such as Zierer Visa Service, http://www.zvs.com/home.aspx?login=57381 (applications and instructions can be downloaded online using this link, or call toll free at 1-866-788-1100 and mention WildChina account #57381 for preferred pricing.)
Typically, it takes about 5-7 business days to process the visa. Please note that the requirements might change from time to time without notice and that the requirements may differ depending on nationality.
Visa applications should usually be submitted at least 30 days prior to departure.
What to Pack
Please limit your baggage to one piece of luggage per person plus one carry-on. Chinese airports are strict in enforcing excess baggage fees.
Since a majority of our programs take place outdoors, attire should be casual and comfortable. As temperatures fluctuate quite a bit in this region, we recommend you to dress in layers. The following is a list of clothing and other items you may want to bring. Please note that many of these items are available in China, but you may not find your favorite brands.
| Clothing |
Miscellaneous |
| T-shirts (short and long-sleeved) | Passport |
| Collared shirts |
Medication |
| Jeans or long pants |
Camera/video camera |
| Casual Dress/Skirt (optional) |
Sunglasses |
| Shorts |
Sunscreen |
| Lightweight rain jacket |
Umbrella |
| Hat |
Toiletries |
| Close-toed/Walking shoes |
Insect repellent |
| Electric plug adapter |
Weather conditions
Dali and Lijiang
In general, Dali and Lijiang enjoy a temperate climate all year around. However, the daily temperature fluctuation is large, averaging at 10°C. We recommend layered clothing in all seasons.
- Heaviest rain in the summer (July). Driest in winter (January)
- Winter temperatures: 5°C to 18°C
- Autumn / Spring temperatures: 10°C to 23°C
- Summer temperatures: 18°C to 25°C
Shangri-La
Daily temperature variation is large, averaging up to 20°C. Layered clothing is highly recommended for all seasons, including summer when occasional snowfalls do occur.
- Heaviest rain in summer (June to September). Rainfall occurs year-round, and we recommend rain proofs all the time.
- Winter temperatures: - 4°C to 5 °C
- Autumn/Spring Temperatures: 3°C to 13°C
- Summer Temperatures: 12°C to 20°C
Health
While in Shangri-La, we reach heights of up to 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) above sea level. At approximately 2,400 meters (8,000 feet), people usually start to feel the effects of altitude sickness, though some people may experience effects at lower or higher altitudes. Each person can respond to a change in altitude differently, with symptoms such as headache, nausea, fatigue, breathlessness, limited capacity for physical exertion, and loss of appetite.
Sun radiation is very strong all year around due to the high altitude, and sun bock is required to protect you from sun-burn.
Arrival and Departure
Upon arriving at Dali Airport, you will be met outside the customs/exit area by your WildChina guide, who will escort you to your hotel. At the conclusion of your program, you will be escorted to the Diqing Shangri-La Airport for your return flight home.
| Airport Code | Arrival/Departure Time | |
| Arrival | Dali Airport (DLU) | Before 2 pm |
| Departure |
Diqing Airport (DIG) | Anytime |
During Your Trip
Currency
Currency in China is called the renminbi (RMB) or the Chinese yuan (CNY). The largest denomination of the CNY is the 100 yuan. The current exchange rate is approximately US $1 = CNY 6.6.
Only CNY is accepted for payment in China. In general, cash is the major medium of exchange. Using your debit card in local ATMs – available at the airports and the city center – is the most efficient way to obtain cash in China. Mastercard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels and high-class restaurants and department stores, but cash is still the medium for smaller shops and markets. Hotels, banks, and credit card companies typically impose a 3% to 5% fee for currency exchange transactions.
Tipping
We realize that tipping is a sensitive subject for all travelers. While tips are widely accepted, we would like to stress that this is at your own personal discretion.
While everyone is recommended to tip based on services rendered, our clients often ask we provide some basic guidelines. The main guide may often receive the following discretionary tip of 20-30 USD per day per group, if services are rendered timely and professionally. Tips can be paid in USD, CNY or your local currency.
Some outstanding guides receive twice or three times as much depending on service quality and also the size of the group.
The driver may sometimes receive a tip of around 50% to 70% of what the guide receives.
Language
Mandarin is the official language in China. However, in Shangri-la where many minorities live, you will encounter people speaking Tibetan or other local dialects, many with no etymological link with Mandarin.
