China
Private
10 days from £7,940
Private Tour
Xishuangbanna to Shangri-La– 10 Days
Join us on Yunnan'’s Ancient Tea Route Adventure, a 10-day journey tracing the legendary trade path through China'’s most culturally diverse and scenic province. From the lush rainforests of Xishuangbanna to the snow-capped highlands of Shangri-La, this immersive itinerary follows the footsteps of tea traders, monks, and nomads. The origins of the Silk Road date back to China's Han Dynasty, which established extensive trade networks connecting China to Central Asia and beyond. Along the way, explore ethnic minority villages, vibrant markets, sacred Buddhist sites, and well-preserved ancient towns like Shaxi and Lijiang. Expert-led experiences offer unique insights into Dai, Aini, Bai, and Tibetan traditions, while luxury stays ensure comfort throughout your journey.
Expect curated encounters with tea-growing families, monastery visits, local feasts, and serene hikes through valleys and mountains. The ancient Tea Horse Road was part of a broader network of trade routes, including the overland Silk Road through Central Asia and the Maritime Silk Road, which linked China to other countries and regions. From sipping Pu'’er tea with farmers to watching traditional dance in Shangri-La'’s square, every day brings a new connection to Yunnan'’s rich heritage. This tour blends cultural depth, spiritual landscapes, and natural beauty—crafted for travellers seeking authentic experiences along China'’s ancient Tea Horse Road, which historically connected many regions and countries through these trade networks, highlighting China's pivotal role.
XISHUANGBANNA TEA CULTURE & DAI TRADITIONS: Discover the heart of Yunnan’s tea culture in Xishuangbanna. Visit Dai ethnic villages, explore bustling markets, and share tea with local Aini families. Learn about Pu’er tea cultivation while enjoying scenic hikes, monastery visits, and cultural performances that reveal the region’s rich traditions and warm hospitality.
HISTORIC SHAXI OLD TOWN & BAI CUISINE: Step back in time in Shaxi, a well-preserved stop on the Ancient Tea Route. Wander cobblestone streets, hike in surrounding valleys, and join a Bai cooking class. Experience the charm of historic lodges, taste regional dishes, and connect with the area’s diverse ethnic heritage.
LIJIANG & SHAXI GROTTOES CULTURAL HERITAGE: Explore the ancient Shibaoshan Grottoes with centuries-old Buddhist carvings before arriving in Lijiang’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. Discover the town’s preserved architecture, artisan shops, and mountain views, all while experiencing the historical and cultural layers that have shaped Yunnan’s Tea Route.
SHANGRI-LA MONASTERY & TIBETAN TRADITIONS: Visit Songzanlin Monastery, meet monks, and explore Tibetan culture in Shangri-La. Hike around Napa Lake, visit pottery-making villages, and savour yak butter tea. Evenings feature traditional dance performances, offering an immersive cultural farewell to the mystical landscapes of Yunnan’s Tibetan Plateau.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
Journey through Yunnan'’s breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural tapestry on a 10-day tour. From Xishuangbanna'’s lush forests to Shangri-La'’s Tibetan Plateau, explore ancient routes, traditional villages, and spiritual sites, immersed in the diverse heritage and natural wonders of this enchanting region. These ancient routes connected China not only to the west, but also south to South and Southeast Asia, facilitating trade and cultural exchange across vast distances.
Start your 10-day trip in Xishuangbanna, a gem in the southern part of Yunnan province, China, and a key stop on the ancient Tea Route. Upon arrival at Jinghong airport, a guide will meet you and transfer you to the luxurious Anantara Xishuangbanna Resort and Spa. Nestled in the forest by the Luosuo River, the resort is a haven of comfort, with rooms that blend modern luxury with traditional Dai architecture. Your tea journey begins with a welcome dinner at the resort, where you'’ll try the local tea and set the tone for the days ahead.
Today, get to the heart of Xishuangbanna’s culture, home to the ethnic Dai community, whose traditions are similar to those of neighbouring Thailand. Visit the Dai Ethnic Folklore Village and experience the local culture through music, dance and traditional customs. Wander through beautifully maintained gardens and pavilions and gain a deeper understanding of the Dai way of life. Back at the Anantara Resort, enjoy an evening of Dai cuisine or choose from Chinese and Thai dishes, with the resort as your backdrop.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Start the day with a visit to the Menghai daily market, a bustling marketplace where local farmers and various ethnic groups gather to sell their fresh produce, spices, teas and vegetables. The colourful display and lively atmosphere gives you a glimpse into local life. Then visit an ethnic Bulang village, followed by a scenic hike to a local monastery to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s spiritual practices. Experience the art of tea with an Aini family, famous for their tea cultivation, especially the Green Pu’er tea. Finish the day with a dinner hosted by the Aini and get a taste of local hospitality before returning to your resort.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Fly to Dali and stop for lunch with traditional Bai flavours. Then proceed to Shaxi, a historic stop on the Ancient Tea Route, where time stands still in its Old Town. Spend the afternoon wandering through Shaxi’s cobblestone streets and admiring its preserved architecture. For accommodation, the Laomadian Lodge or the Old Theatre Inn offer authentic stays, echoing the town’s history and charm, and set the scene for a night of tradition.
Meals Included: Breakfast
The valley around Shaxi is the perfect setting for today’s adventures. Hike in the morning through the landscape home to the Bai and Yi ethnic minorities and enjoy a picnic lunch. Take a cooking class and learn to prepare traditional Bai dishes and connect with the local culinary heritage. Return to Shaxi for dinner and another authentic meal with fresh local ingredients and a selection of indigenous teas to round off the day of cultural and gastronomic discovery.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue your journey to the Jianchuan Shibaoshan Grottoes, ancient Buddhist sanctuaries nestled in Shibaoshan Mountain. These grottoes, remnants of the Dali Kingdom, are adorned with centuries-old frescoes, statues and stone carvings that tell stories of devotion and artistry. After immersing yourself in this spiritual heritage, hike back to Shaxi for lunch and then drive to Lijiang. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is charming with its well-preserved Old Town, where time stands still among the cafes and handicraft shops.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend the morning in Lijiang’s Old Town before driving for 4 hours to Shangri-La, a mystical town on the Tibetan Plateau. Stop at a Yangtze River viewpoint along the way for a cup of hot tea. Upon arrival in Shangri-La, check into a hotel that combines modern comfort with Tibetan style, such as the Banyan Tree Ringha or the Songtsam Shangri-La and get ready for an evening of Shangri-La’s unique culture.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit Songzanlin Monastery, the largest in Yunnan and a centre of Buddhist learning with over 700 monks. This is a rare opportunity to meet a monk and access areas of the monastery not open to the public. After lunch in a local restaurant, wander through Shangri-La’s Old Town and end the day with a dinner of traditional Tibetan dishes. The evening concludes with a cultural dance performance to give you a taste of local traditions.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Hike around Napa Lake, where the mountains and valleys provide the perfect setting for a picnic lunch. Then visit Nixi village, famous for its 1,000-year-old black pottery tradition. Your Shangri-La adventure ends with a farewell dinner of Tibetan flavours like yak butter tea and yak cheese. The day ends with a dance performance in the town square, a fitting farewell to this magical region.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your journey through Yunnan’s heartlands ends with a gourmet breakfast at your hotel. Enjoy the flavours and memories of the past 10 days before a chauffeured drive to Deqen (DIG) airport and your departure, with stories of ancient routes, spiritual encounters and the beauty of this hidden China.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Inspired by the legendary Tea Horse Road, this tour was designed to offer adventurers a glimpse into the ancient trade routes that shaped the cultural and economic landscape of Yunnan.
The Tea Horse Road and the Silk Road both date back to ancient times, with the Tang Dynasty marking a peak in trade and cultural exchange between China, Central Asia, and beyond. The Silk Road connected the country's western regions with central Asia and the diverse regions of northern China, southern China, and the east coast, facilitating the movement of goods, people, and ideas. Archaeological discoveries across these areas, including Shandong province, have revealed widely distributed stone tools and artifacts from the later period of Chinese prehistory. The Chinese Academy has played a crucial role in advancing archaeological research and deepening our understanding of the country's ancient history. Today, the legacy of these routes continues to shape the lives of Chinese people, influencing cultural traditions and national identity.
In modern times, the New Silk Road—also known as the Belt and Road Initiative—is a global road initiative inspired by these ancient networks. It now connects two thirds of the world's countries and population, extending China's economic and geopolitical influence to regions as far as the Middle East, Indian Ocean, and Arabian Sea.
The journey through Xishuangbanna to Shangri-La, via historic towns like Jinghong, Lijiang, and Shaxi, aims to immerse travellers in the rich tapestry of ethnic cultures, breathtaking natural beauty, and the time-honoured tradition of tea cultivation.
This expedition draws those intrigued by history, culture, and nature, inviting them to experience the vibrant life along one of the world'’s oldest trade routes, making it ideal for enthusiasts of outdoor activities, cultural exploration, and wildlife discovery.
On Yunnan’s Ancient Tea Route Adventure, you’ll experience a multi-layered journey through southern China’s most beautiful landscapes and cultures. In Xishuangbanna, you’ll stay at luxury resorts surrounded by rainforest and river and discover the roots of ancient tea culture with Dai and Aini communities.
Visit ethnic markets, hilltop monasteries and share meals with local families. In Shaxi, walk the cobblestone streets of an untouched Old Town that once was the hub of the Tea Horse trade.
Participate in hands-on cooking and craft experiences with Bai and Yi hosts. Then head to Lijiang and Shangri-La where Tibetan culture, temples and highland scenery bring the journey to a climax.
Prices From
Yunnans Ancient Tea Route Adventure
Prices are per person, based on double occupancy and do not include international airfare to/from your destination. All prices and fares are quoted in British pounds (GBP) and are subject to change. Please refer to the terms and conditions of this trip for further details.
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The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
The difference with the Asian Geographical is, that each of our holidays is designed with extreme precision of a mountaineering expedition.
Your entire holiday is designed around your personal preferences
Travel at your own pace with full itinerary flexibility
Choose from handpicked, luxury hotels & resorts across Asia
Enjoy seamless logistics, private transfers, and 24/7 assistance
Our package holiday team has decades of experience in luxury Asia travel
Receive first-hand advice from specialists who know each destination intimately
Gain access to hidden gems and authentic local experiences
Our aim is to stay committed to responsible travel in Asia
We partner with eco-conscious providers
Itineraries include experiences that preserve Asia’s cultural and natural heritage
Travel with complete confidence under full ATOL protection
Fully bonded and financially protected for your peace of mind
Established in 2014
