[2025 Shangri-La Attraction] Travel Guide for First bay of the Yangtze River (Updated Jul)

🏼♂️The ultra-detailed itinerary is here! Taking you to explore Yunnan's most beautiful check-in spots~ Ten days of self-drive fun in western Yunnan, visiting 5 ancient cities and 4 ancient towns Ancient Cities: Dali, Lijiang, Dukezong, Jianchuan, Weishan Ancient Towns: Shuhe Ancient Town, Shuanglang Ancient Town, Xizhou Ancient Town, Guandu Ancient Town For ancient cities, I highly recommend Jianchuan and Weishan Ancient Cities, which are just beginning to commercialize, offering authentic ancient city life and endless local delicacies. Dukezong has some regional characteristics, while Dali and Lijiang are more about the hustle and bustle. For ancient towns, Shuhe is highly recommended, and Xizhou Ancient Town is also nice, but be sure to go early. After 9:30 AM during summer vacation, it gets crowded and hot, making it less enjoyable. The least favorite is Shuanglang - the scenery is not as good as the west coast, overly commercialized, and generally unfriendly. Two favorite spots: Napahai in Shangri-La and the most beautiful kilometer along Erhai Lake, perfect for self-drive and photography. 🌈Day 1: First Impressions of Lijiang Lashi Lake → Shuhe Ancient Town → Mufu Palace → Lijiang Ancient Town 🌟Tip: Lijiang Ancient Town is liveliest at night, so wait for dusk to explore! 🌅Day 2: First Glimpse of Shangri-La Ans Homestay (amazing sunrise view of Golden Mountain!) → Black Dragon Pool Park → Songzanlin Scenic Area → Gadan Songzanlin Monastery → Napahai (Yila Grassland) → Dukezong Ancient Town 📸Recommended photo spot: The golden roof of Songzanlin Monastery is perfect at dusk! 🏔️Days 3-4: In-Depth Shangri-La 📍Stay: Impression Tianlu Hotel, Shangri-La 📍Explore: Pudacuo National Park 📍See: Natural "Cotton Castle" Baishuitai 📍Stay: Tiger Roar·Yunbo Jinsha Homestay (gorge-view room!) 🌊Day 5: Canyon Wonders Tiger Leaping Gorge (Shangri-La section) → First Bend of the Yangtze River → Jianchuan Ancient Town → Shaxi Ancient Town ⚠️Note: Wear anti-slip shoes for Tiger Leaping Gorge! 🏯Day 6: Ancient Architecture Tour Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas → Weishan Ancient Town 🏨Stay: Shaxi·Muyuanju Homestay (exquisite Chinese courtyard) 🌊Day 7: Erhai Lake Stroll Xizhou → Panxi Village → Caicun Village → Erhai Lake Ecological Corridor (great for cycling!) → Three Pagodas Reflection Park → Dali Ancient Town 🏝️Day 8: Shuanglang Highlights Shuanglang → Nanzhao Folk Island → Wenbi Village → Ideal State ("Little Santorini") 🏛️Day 9: Kunming Finale Yunnan Provincial Museum → Stone Forest Scenic Area 🚗Transport tip: Stone Forest is about 1.5 hours from Kunming 🔥Top 5 Must-Visit Spots: 1️⃣Stone Forest Scenic Area: Geological wonder formed over millions of years 2️⃣Tiger Leaping Gorge: Thrilling and awe-inspiring rapids 3️⃣Pudacuo: Fairy tale world on the plateau 4️⃣Chongsheng Temple Three Pagodas: Iconic landmark of Dali 5️⃣Dali Ancient Town: Favorite of artsy travelers 💡Reminders: ✅July is rainy season - bring rain gear and sunscreen ✅Be mindful of altitude sickness in highland areas ✅Large temperature differences in ancient towns - pack a jacket ✅Book scenic spot tickets and unique homestays in advance 📸Photo Outfit Suggestions: White long dress for Baishuitai Light-colored outfits by Erhai Lake Ethnic-style clothing for ancient towns

If you have limited time but still want to visit Shangri-La, you can refer to this one-day tour guide! Tour route: Lijiang - First Bend of the Yangtze River - Tiger Leaping Gorge - Lunch - Napa Hai Yila Prairie - Dukezong Ancient City - Return to Lijiang Itinerary: The driver will confirm the time and location with you the night before departure. In the morning, the group will depart from Lijiang. We'll pass by the viewing platform of the First Bend of the Yangtze River, where you can stop and take photos. Then, we'll arrive at Tiger Leaping Gorge to enjoy the scenery and see the turbulent floodwaters. After lunch, we'll head to Napa Hai Yila Prairie for photos and fun. (You can ride horses on the prairie, take photos with baby sheep, and take Tibetan costume photos, etc.) Afterward, we'll go to Dukezong Ancient City, taste yak jerky, and have a cup of yak milk tea. Walk to Guishan Park in Moonlight Ancient City to turn the golden cylinder and pray for family and friends. Go to the Big Buddha Temple to pray for health and go to the viewing platform to see the panoramic view. After the tour, the driver will take everyone back to Lijiang. Detailed costs: Transportation: Round-trip transportation between the two locations Tickets: Included for major scenic spots Meals: Taste local specialties Tour guide: Local team leader to guide the tour, familiar with the scenic spots and road conditions We organize our own tours to ensure a truly pure travel experience! The guide will lead you to explore and have fun along the way! 👉If you have enough time, sisters 👭, you can also choose our Shangri-La business car pure two-day tour: Day 1: Lijiang ~ First Bend of the Yangtze River ~ Tiger Leaping Gorge ~ Pudacuo National Park ~ Dinner Tusi Feast ~ Check into Shangri-La Hotel (including breakfast, lunch, and dinner) Day 2: Hotel breakfast ~ Dukezong Moonlight Ancient City ~ Napa Hai Yila Prairie ~ Return to Lijiang (including breakfast and lunch) Includes all scenic spot tickets, Pudacuo National Park environmental protection car, cold-proof clothing, oxygen, bonfire party, Tusi banquet, meals (three lunches and one breakfast), accommodation (one night in Shangri-La), tour vehicle, and pick-up and drop-off. Special offers are available for the trip. Contact the editor to learn more about the route itinerary~

Located in Shigu Town, Yulong Naxi Autonomous County, Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, China, the First Bend of the Yangtze River is a renowned tourist destination famous for its magnificent natural scenery and rich historical and cultural background. Its unique geographical environment makes it an ideal sightseeing spot for tourists. ### Magnificent Natural Scenery 🌄🌊 The First Bend of the Yangtze River is a remarkable large bend formed as the river flows through Lijiang City. From an aerial view, the river makes a nearly 180-degree turn here, resembling a winding giant dragon, which is truly spectacular. Standing on the viewing platform, you can admire the beautiful scenery where majestic mountains and emerald green waters complement each other, making every moment mesmerizing. ### Rich Historical and Cultural Heritage 🏯📜 The First Bend of the Yangtze River not only boasts enchanting natural landscapes but also has a rich historical and cultural heritage. It was one of the important stations on the ancient Tea Horse Road, a bustling hub of commerce and cultural exchange. Today, visitors can learn about the prosperity of ancient trade and experience the blend of history and culture. ### Sightseeing Activities 🚶♂️📸 At the First Bend of the Yangtze River, you can participate in various sightseeing activities. You can stroll along the riverside trails, enjoy the natural beauty along the way, and take stunning photos; or take a boat ride to experience the rushing and grandeur of the river firsthand. There are also many unique folk villages where you can visit traditional Naxi and other ethnic minority homes to learn about their lifestyles and customs. ### Travel Tips 📌🚗 1. **Best Travel Time**: Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit, with pleasant weather and beautiful scenery. 🌸🍂 2. **Transportation**: You can take a bus or taxi from Lijiang City to Shigu Town, which is convenient. 3. **Notes**: Please respect the local natural environment and cultural customs during your visit and maintain good travel etiquette. The First Bend of the Yangtze River is a paradise that combines magnificent natural scenery with rich historical and cultural heritage. Whether you are admiring the stunning river bend or exploring the local history and culture, this place will bring you endless surprises and memories. Come and experience the charm of this magical land! 🌊🏞️✨

📍From the snow-capped mountains to the East China Sea, the Yangtze River, this ancient river, has witnessed the glory and vicissitudes of Chinese civilization. Today, let's explore the Yangtze River and feel its charm and mystery. 🌿Natural Beauty🌿 • In the early morning, when the first ray of sunlight shines on the river, the sparkling water looks like countless diamonds jumping. The banks of the Yangtze River are full of greenery, the most precious gift nature has given us. 🏞️Cultural Journey🏞️ • The Yangtze River is not only a river but also a cultural corridor. From the magnificence of the Three Gorges to the tranquility of ancient towns, every step is a sediment of history, and every place is a cultural heritage. 🐟Ecological Treasure🐟 • The Yangtze River is home to countless rare creatures. The finless porpoise frolics on the water, and the baiji dolphin dives underwater. They are witnesses to the biodiversity of the Yangtze River. 🚢Aerial View🚢 • From the air, the Yangtze River looks like a giant dragon, winding and majestic. Every aerial shot is a new discovery of the magnificent scenery of this great river. 📸Photography📸 • Whether it's the river at sunrise or the reflection of lights at night, every moment of the Yangtze River is worth capturing with a camera and becoming an eternal memory. 🍃Environmental Protection🍃 • While enjoying the beautiful scenery of the Yangtze River, we should also take action to protect this mother river. Let's work together to reduce pollution and protect the environment, making the water of the Yangtze River clearer and the sky bluer.

The view is really amazing there . It’s also possible to have coffee up there .

🍁Shangri-La in autumn 🌲The forest is dyed like an oil painting~! 🚗D1: Lijiang - the first bay of the Yangtze River - Tiger Leaping Gorge - Pudacuo National Forest Park 🚌d2: Gaden Songzanlin Monastery (optional) — Dukezong Ancient City — Yila Grassland — Lijiang Ancient City Optional [Private Tour] 1⃣Exclusive independent car & 1 single and 1 group for pure fun without shopping~ 2⃣Selected colorful attractions: Tiger Leaping Gorge + Pudacuo National Forest Park + Dukezong Ancient City + Yila Grassland~ 3⃣Selected high-end Tibetan hotels, an in-depth combination of secret culture and accommodation experience! Shangri-La Diqing Pudacuo National Park Tiger Leaping Gorge (Shangri-La Section) Dukezong Ancient City Yila Grassland

🏞Surroundings ✅A land of wilderness, a paradise next to Shuhe Ancient Town. Qiao Xiaodao said that in fact everyone has a small house in their heart, just like returning to childhood. Here you will be awakened to the innocent days in your heart. ✅Shuhe Ancient Town was originally a post station on the "Ancient Tea-Horse Road". The "Dashiqiao" and Dajue Palace built during the Wanli period of the Ming Dynasty are still well preserved. In the northwest corner is the beautiful and clear "Jiuding Dragon Pond", whose spring water comes from Yulong Snow Mountain. ✅Baisha Ancient Town still retains the original and simple traditional Naxi village style. Historically, Baisha Village is the birthplace of the Mu chieftain family and the earliest settlement of the Naxi people after entering Lijiang. ✅Yuhu Village, the village closest to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, is The snow-capped mountains are just around the corner, which is very shocking. Stone The house is also very stylish, and Joseph Locke once lived here. ✅The first bend of the Yangtze River, where three rivers converge and the Jinsha River turns north, giving birth to the prosperous Chinese economy. Looking down at the towering cliffs, the river is like a jade belt, winding into a huge V-shape. Its magnificence makes people marvel at the magic of nature. ✅Laojun Mountain Danxia, ​​with the Jinsha River on one side and the Lancang River on the other, is the highest Danxia in the world. The scenic area is divided into four tourist routes: 1. Qiangui Mountain is the preferred route, 2. River Valley Ecological Corridor Route, 3. Lusheng Love Song Corridor, 4. Anqini Plank Road is a great place for via ferrata rock climbing. ✅Jade Dragon Snow Mountain is the snow-capped mountain group closest to the equator and the highest mountain in Lijiang with an altitude of 5,596 meters. The natural scenery of Yunshanping, Yaoniuping and glaciers hidden deep in it make Jade Dragon Snow Mountain even more fascinating.

Every time I go to a strange place by car, I always hold back my sleep, because the scenery on the road is the most beautiful. Wanli Yangtze River rushes from the "Roof of the World" - the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and enters Yunnan Province in the Batang County. Together with the Lancang River and the Nu River, it runs through the deep valleys of the Hengduan Mountains to form a magnificent landscape of "three rivers coexisting". The road from Lijiang to Tacheng will pass through the first bay of the Yangtze River. The scenery here is beautiful, the scenery is pleasant, the river is gentle, and the river valley is wide, as if it is a small river. The position of the viewing platform is a bit short, but you can still see the appearance of the first bay, but it is difficult to shoot without a wide-angle lens. It is said that you can go to the farmhouse on the mountain to take pictures, but it is a fee. About the origin of Jiangwan, folklore: the three sisters of Nujiang, Minjiang and Jinshajiang travel together, and there was a dispute halfway. The older sister and the second sister stubbornly went south. The Jinsha girl decided to go to the east where the sun rises. Looking for light and love, after the ancient drums, bid farewell to the two sisters, resolutely turned to the east. The Golden Sands turned around and formed the first bay of the Yangtze River. I really like the stories of these legends, depicting each river as vivid.