A Guide to Xishuangbanna, Lijiang, and Shangri-La During the Qingming Festival

Where to go for the Qingming Festival holiday? We highly recommend a 9-day in-depth trip to Xishuangbanna, Lijiang, and Shangri-La! From tropical rainforests to snow-capped mountains, the scenery is magnificent. With this guide, you'll fall in love with this route! 🌈🍃Itinerary: D1-D2: 🛬 After arriving in Xishuangbanna, check in to your hotel and enjoy some free time. The next day, visit the Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the General Buddhist Temple, and Manting Park, and embrace nature. D3-D4: Explore Wild Elephant Valley and the Primeval Forest Park for close encounters with animals. Then, discover the Dai ethnic minority cultural heritage village and enjoy the excitement of the Water Splashing Festival at Dai Garden. D5: ✈️ Fly to Lijiang, check in to your hotel upon arrival, and enjoy free time to prepare for the next leg of your journey to Shangri-La. D6-D7: Depart from Lijiang to explore Tiger Leaping Gorge and Pudacuo National Park. Afterwards, visit the magnificent Ganden Sumtseling Monastery and experience the unique charm of Napa Lake and Yila Grassland. Finally, return to Lijiang by vehicle. D8: Experience the unique romance at the foot of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Take the cable car up to the Glacier Park and visit Blue Moon Valley and White Water River. D9: 🛫 Transfer to the airport for your return flight, marking the end of this meaningful trip. Must-see attractions: 🏞️ Jade Dragon Snow Mountain: This is the sacred mountain of the Naxi people. Its 13 peaks stretch into the distance, resembling a silver dragon soaring through the sky. 🆒 The ever-changing scenery offers different beauty during the day and night, waiting for you to discover. 🌳 Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden, CAS: Here, you'll be surrounded by lush greenery. The Exotic Flowers and Rare Plants Garden is captivating, and the tropical rainforest scenery is spectacular. Marvel at the wonders of nature and 👀 enjoy the scenery and savor life. 🏰 Manting Royal Garden: Want to visit exotic architecture? Then come to Manting Royal Garden, which features Dai and Thai-style buildings. The authentic style will make you feel like you're in a foreign land. 🐘 Wild Elephant Valley: Want to explore the tropical rainforest and experience the charm of elephants? Come to Wild Elephant Valley, where you might encounter a herd of wild elephants roaming in the forest, adding a touch of surprise to your journey. Essential travel tips: 1️⃣ Photo spots 📸: The tropical rainforest and ethnic minority customs of Xishuangbanna are extraordinary photo spots. From another perspective, the old town of Lijiang and Sifang Street are dazzlingly lit at night, making for stunning photos. A sunrise over the clouds in Shangri-La is irresistibly beautiful❗️ 2️⃣ Local customs 🌺: Respecting local culture and customs is paramount in these three locations. Remember not to rashly participate in mysterious rituals during Dai celebrations in Xishuangbanna. The Naxi music performances in Lijiang are a cultural experience not to be missed. In Shangri-La, try lighting prayer flags in the local way and experience the power of faith. 3️⃣ Airport transportation 🚗: For transportation in these three locations, you can choose the airport bus or take a taxi to the city center, which is safe and convenient. The journey between Lijiang and Shangri-La is relatively long, so it's best to arrange a private car in advance or choose a shuttle bus provided by a group tour. Overall, Xishuangbanna, Lijiang, and Shangri-La each have their own unique charm, and every part of the journey is worth remembering. Have a wonderful trip and return home filled with joy!🌈