Do you offer private and/or customized trips?

Private trips can be arranged based on availability. This is ideal for families, large groups, or guests who don’t want to join with other travelers. An additional private trip fee will be charged (which is waived for groups of 8 or more). Click here to request a private trip.We are happy to make simple customizations to private trips, such as the start time/date or the duration of the trip.Beyond that, we generally do not arrange customized tours. We work very hard to create our tour routes and build strong relationships with our vendors to ensure the quality and service they provide. It’s also important for us to share the stories of each destination and vendor that we visit. If your request involves visiting a destination or vendor that we don’t have an existing relationship with, we will politely decline.

Is this trip family-friendly and what is the price for children?

We generally recommend join-in tours for children aged 8+. With that said, we ask parents to use their own judgement to determine whether the itinerary of this trip is appropriate for their children without impacting the experience of other guests. Due to the schedule each day, it is important that we stay on time and there may not always be an opportunity for you to take breaks or go back to your hotel for rest. With that said, this trip has a good amount of built-in free time. Due to the limited capacity on our join-in trips, discounts are not generally provided for children. This is always determined on a case-by-case basis and depends on the size of your family, the ages of your children, and how many hotel rooms you will require.Booking a private trip for your family is always an option, based on availability. This allows you some added flexibility during the itinerary to make sure nothing starts too early/late and so you have time to rest when needed.Travelers with children should always contact us before booking so we can provide detailed prices for you.

Do you recommend this trip for elderly travelers?

We welcome all travelers, but ask that guests use their own judgement to determine whether the itinerary of this trip is appropriate without impacting the experience of other guests. We do not recommend this trip for anyone who is unable to be on their feet for 1-2 hours at a time, or requires mobility assistance such as a wheelchair or walker.Booking a private trip is always an option. This gives you some added flexibility during the itinerary to make sure you have extra time when needed during the day.

Can solo travelers join this trip and why do you charge a single occupancy fee?

Yes! Our join-in trips are perfect for solo travelers because it gives you the ability to travel with others and the advantage of being able to try a large variety of food. All of our join-in trips have a minimum of 4 people. Our website will accept your solo booking and we’ll keep in touch to let you know when the minimum number of people has been met. If it’s not met, and we are unable to reschedule you to another date that works for you, we will provide a full refund for your booking. The single occupancy fee for this trip is $309 USD. This is necessary because accommodation is the largest cost of the entire trip, and it is designed to be split by two people. While we do our best to make this reasonable (the single occupancy fee doesn’t cover the entire gap), it is necessary for us cover this cost.Feel free to contact us at any time if you’d like us to check your dates of interest and we’ll let you know if anyone else has booked the trip or if there are nearby alternative dates.

How much food and drinks will I get?

If you know anything about Lost Plate, you know that you’ll never go hungry. All meals are included on this trip. You can expect simple yet hearty breakfasts, plus lunches and dinners that offer a huge variety of dishes in large quantities. We often visit family-owned restaurants that specialize in one type of cuisine or dish, and there’s a reason why we visit every single place. Our goal is to make food the highlight of your trip!Meals include local beer, soft drinks, and bottled water.

What if I’m vegetarian or have special dietary requests?

All dietary requests must be communicated at the time of booking. When booking online, you will have the opportunity to let us know if you have any dietary requirements or special requests. Please use the following information to understand if this trip is right for you.This tour can accommodate vegetarian travelers, including those who are pescatarian and those who do not eat beef, pork, seafood, shellfish, and/or mutton. However, there will not always be direct substitutes for every dish that we try on the tour. Instead, we’ll order extra vegetarian items. Please note that every stop we visit during the trip does use meat in their kitchen. It is important for us to know how flexible your restrictions are (ie; are you able to have meat broth used for hotpot). This tour can also accommodate gluten-free travelers since rice and rice noodles are the primary staple foods. However, soy sauce is widely used in Chinese cuisine and will be difficult to avoid. Please communicate your strictness with us. This tour cannot accommodate severe allergies as we do not have full control over the preparation for your food. Travelers that don’t eat nuts are welcome, but kitchens do use nuts and cross-contamination is possible.If you have any questions not answered here, please contact us prior to booking.

Am I able to arrive early or stay late?

Yes! Feel free to arrive early in Dali or stay in Lijiang after the trip. In fact, it’s a good idea if you need some time to adjust to the higher altitude. We are able to pass on our special hotel rates to you so you don’t need to switch hotels as well. Just let us know your dates and we will check rates and availability for you. Please note that airport pick-up/drop-off is not available if arriving/departing outside of our itinerary.

How do I apply for a Chinese visa and is this a service you provide?

We ask all travelers to independently apply for their tourist visa to China. We typically are not arranging your entire trip to China, so this gives you flexibility on the dates and duration for your visa application. We are able to provide documents such as your trip itinerary and hotel confirmations to aid with your visa application. The price of obtaining this visa is not included in the tour price.Visa policies change often and vary by nationality. You should do your own research to understand if your nationality will require a visa, and what the process and timeline is for your nationality.

What is not included in the price of this trip?

Your tourist visa for China.Transportation/flight tickets to and from Yunnan. This gives you the flexibility to arrive and depart when you would like, on the flights of your choice.Shopping and activities during your free time.While basic travel insurance will be provided by Lost Plate, coverage is not all-encompassing. Each guest should obtain their own health and travel coverage.Optional gratuities for your guide.

How physically fit do I need to be to enjoy this trip?

We’ve rated this trip a level of 2 out of 3. While there are no strenuous activities required during the itinerary, you will need to be on your feet for a few hours at a time while visiting some destinations. The itinerary also involves changing hotels 4 times during the trip, and includes multiple car rides of approx. 2-3 hours.The hiking activities in Tiger Leaping Gorge are the most demanding of the trip, but they are optional. You can still experience incredible views without taking part in these activities.

What is the weather like?

This entire trip takes place at elevations between 2,000–2,700m (6,500–8,858ft) above sea level, where lower oxygen levels may be noticeable, especially during activities like climbing stairs or hiking.Yunnan has earned the phrase “the place of eternal spring” due to it’s generally pleasant weather year-round. Winters are sunny, dry and mild, while summers are known as “rainy season,” when showers are common (which also block the sun’s heat). There really isn’t a bad time of year to visit this region of Yunnan.

What information is provided in your China Travel Guide PDF and online pre-trip briefing?

We’re excited to provide all of our trip guests a self-curated travel guide to China. This detailed PDF includes information about the following:Visa policiesMobile plans, internet, and VPNsEssential mobile apps for payment and travelCultural overview & etiquetteLanguage guideHealth & safetyApproximately 1-2 weeks before the trip begins, we will host an online pre-trip briefing and Q&A session for all travelers joining your trip. This will cover important information you need to know before arrival, a review of your itinerary, and time for Q&A. It will last approximately 30 minutes, and a recording will be available for those who are unable to attend the live session.

Eat Your Way Through Yunnan's Tea & Horse Road: Dali, Lijiang & Shangrila

8 days / 7 nights

Start: Dali (DLU) End: Lijiang (LJG)

Activity Level 2

From $1500 USD / person

Activity Level 1:

These trips have a relaxed itinerary with modern and comfortable accommodations, have less time in the car, and require low physical fitness (ie; walking during sightseeing for 1-3 hours at a time).

Activity Level 2:

These trips require changing hotels/cities at least once. Locally owned boutique accommodations are comfortable with modern amenities. Some longer car rides exist. Activities like hiking or cycling may be included in the itinerary but are optional.

Activity Level 3:

These longer trips require an adventurous spirit and a moderate level of physical fitness due to the sights that we visit and the varying weather conditions we may experience. Longer car rides will happen due to remoteness or distances traveled.

You can review detailed itineraries for all of our multi-day trips on our website to gain a better understanding about each trip’s activities.

The Essentials:

Eat your way through Yunnan’s Tea Horse Road, traveling from Dali to Shaxi and Lijiang, plus a unique overnight stay in Tiger Leaping Gorge. Along the way, you’ll explore local markets, discover Yunnan’s coffee culture, join a hands-on cooking class with a Naxi local, and dig into locally-made rice noodles, wild mushroom hotpot, and Bai minority feasts.

Price

Join-in trips start at $1,500 USD per person, which may increase slightly due to seasonality. You can browse the calendar for each trip’s specific price. A $500 USD per person deposit is required to reserve your spot. Click here for more pricing details.

Optional add-on

Extend your trip to Shangrila for Tibetan monasteries, highland landscapes, and yak hotpot (see details below).

Group Size

Small groups of 2-10, or contact us to ask about a private trip

Accommodations

Boutique guesthouses and hotels that offer comfort and modern amenities while exemplifying Yunnan architecture and culture.

Inclusions

Highlights

Browse our scheduled group departures above,

or click here to request a private trip.

QUICK LINKS:

Day to Day Itinerary:

This itinerary is subject to changes and adjustments based on seasonality and local operations.

Dali

Arrival & Check-in: Airport pick-up is available from Dali’s airport (DLU). Flight arrivals should be at or before 3pm.

Evening Food Tour: Kick things off with a walking food tour through Dali, Lost Plate style. Taste your way through the old town with locally-made rice noodles, crispy fried cheese, and other regional specialties, ending with an unforgettable Dai minority feast served on the biggest platter you’ve ever seen!

Driving: None

Hotel: A modern boutique guesthouse near Dali’s old-town with beautiful mountain and lake views.

Dali

Morning Market + Old-town: Start the day with a local breakfast and a visit to one of Dali’s busiest markets, where locals shop for fresh produce, spices, and street snacks. Then slow things down with a coffee tasting and free time to explore the old-town’s charming lanes and hidden corners.

Rose Farm Experience: Visit a rose farm outside the city, sip fresh rose water, and learn how to make Dali’s famous rose cakes alongside your guide.

Erhai Lake Afternoon: Spend the afternoon strolling or biking along the lake, taking in Dali’s mountain views and relaxed lakeside atmosphere.

Dinner by the Lake: Wrap up the day with dinner at a lakeside favorite known for local shrimp, fresh fish, and regional Yunnan flavors.

Driving: Around 1 hour total in and around Dali

Hotel: Same as previous night

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Xizhou & Shaxi

Xizhou Old-town: Depart Dali and head to Xizhou, a beautiful Bai minority town filled with historic homes and cobblestone streets. Snack on freshly baked Xizhou Baba and watch it being made in a traditional charcoal oven.

Bai-Style Lunch: Enjoy a memorable local lunch featuring freshly-caught fish, tender chicken served with chili and rice cakes, plum-fried pork, fried eggs with jasmine flower, and more classic Bai dishes.

Bai Tye-dye Workshop: Learn traditional Bai dyeing techniques and create your own hand-dyed handkerchief to take home.

Arrival in Shaxi & Courtyard Dinner: Arrive in Shaxi, a peaceful village once known as a stop along the ancient Tea Horse Road, and settle in with a cozy family-style courtyard dinner featuring local cheese and cured ham.

Driving: 30 minutes (Dali to Xizhou), 1.5 hours (Xizhou to Shaxi)

Hotel: Boutique courtyard guesthouse in Shaxi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Shaxi

Slow Morning & Free Time: Start the day at a relaxed pace, wandering Shaxi’s quiet streets and popping into local cafés for a slow morning in one of Yunnan’s most charming villages.

Wild Mushroom Hotpot Lunch: For lunch, dig into a Yunnan classic: wild mushroom hotpot loaded with locally foraged varieties, simmered into a rich and comforting broth.

Tuktuk Village Ride: In the afternoon, hop on a tuktuk for a scenic ride through nearby villages. Along the way we’ll stop at a hillside café and visit a unique bookstore tucked away in the countryside.

Bai Minority Dinner: Tonight’s dinner brings more local flavors to the table, featuring specialties like tree moss with eggs, lemongrass pork ribs, and Shaxi-style cheese dishes.

Driving: None

Hotel: Same as previous night

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge: Today we head into one of China’s most dramatic landscapes! Take in breathtaking canyon views and choose between relaxing at the guesthouse or joining an easy optional hike with a coffee shop stop along the way.

Villa Stay in the Gorge: Tonight’s accommodation is a true highlight, with private boutique villas surrounded by mountain scenery and unbeatable views.

Bonfire Night: After dinner, join the locals for a bonfire evening filled with music and dancing under the stars.

Driving: About 2 hours (Shaxi to Tiger Leaping Gorge) + 30 minutes to the hotel

Hotel: Private boutique villas in Tiger Leaping Gorge

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tiger Leaping Gorge > Lijiang

Morning with a View: Enjoy sunrise over the mountains from your room and a slow breakfast before heading to Lijiang.

Explore Shuhe Old-town: Wander Shuhe’s cobblestone streets, one of Lijiang’s quieter and more charming old-towns where your hotel is located.

Naxi Hotpot Dinner: Tonight’s dinner is a hearty Naxi-style hotpot featuring cured pork ribs simmered in broth, served hot on a stone slab for extra flavor and warmth.

Driving: Around 2 hours total

Hotel: Boutique courtyard guesthouse in Shuhe Old-town

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lijiang

Local Market Visit: Start the day exploring Lijiang’s oldest market, where locals shop for herbs, spices, produce, and everyday essentials.

Naxi Cooking Class: Join a private cooking class with a Naxi local and prepare three traditional dishes, learning the techniques and flavors behind Lijiang’s traditional food culture.

Old-town Free Time & Coffee Break: Enjoy free time to explore Lijiang Old-town’s cobblestone lanes, canals, and architecture, with plenty of time for a café stop.

Final Naxi Feast: Tonight’s dinner is the grand finale: a huge spread of Naxi minority dishes, including roast pork belly with mint, fried eggplant, spicy fish, and plenty more. The perfect last night in Yunnan.

Driving: Around 30 minutes total in and around Lijiang

Hotel: Same as previous night

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lijiang

Option 1: For those departing today, drop-off at Lijiang’s airport or train station is available at any time.

Option 2: Extend your trip to Shangrila for an additional two nights.

Shangrila (optional)

Depart Lijiang: The 2.5 hour drive will have you in Shangrila by lunch

Marble Stone BBQ: Get ready for one of Shangrila’s most famous meals, where heated marble slabs are brought to your table for grilling yak, pork belly, veggies, and tofu, complemented by their incredible homemade sauces.

Songzanlin Monastery: In the afternoon, visit Songzanlin Monastery (built in 1679), the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan, perched above the valley with sweeping views and stunning Tibetan architecture.

Shangrila Old-town: After check-in, enjoy some free time to explore the charming cobblestone streets and shops of Shangrila’s old-town on foot.

Dinner: Eat at a beloved family-run spot known for their yak hotpot, yak pizza, and famous flower-shaped pot stickers.

Driving: 2.5 hours to Shangrila, short drives around Shangrila

Hotel: Boutique guesthouse in Shangrila Old-town

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Shangrila (optional)

Pudacuo National Park: Spend the morning exploring one of Shangrila’s most stunning natural landscapes, known for its crystal-clear lakes, trails, meadows, and high-altitude wetlands. Highlights include: Shudu Lake, Militang Pasture, and Bita Lake, with scenic boardwalk paths and shuttle stops along the way.

Dukezong Old-town: Return to Shangrila for a relaxed afternoon at your own pace. Wander the cobblestone streets, browse local shops, or visit Yunnan’s largest prayer wheel.

Dinner: Sit down for a special meal that blends Tibetan flavors with locally sourced ingredients and a modern local twist. Expect dishes like spinach-and-pumpkin Lhasa tofu, highland “pearl chicken,” and crispy barley rice crackers topped with minced pork, all paired with live Tibetan music.

Driving: Short transfers between the park and town.

Hotel: Same as previous night

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Shangrila (optional)

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Shangrila before your departure. Shangrila airport or train station drop-off is available anytime.

Must-See Tour Highlights:

Visit ancient old-towns and fairytale villages as you discover the best local cuisine you'll only find with us.

Visit a beautiful rose farm while your guide instructs you on how to make one of the most popular local treats: rose cakes.

All meals are included, plentiful, and include beer! Enjoy cured meats, fried cheese, hotpots, and dozens of plates every day.

Explore Shaxi and the surrounding countryside, stopping at a hidden-away hillside cafe and exploring a one-of-a-kind book store completely tucked away in an ancient neighboring village.

Get the unique chance to spend the night in Tiger Leaping Gorge, in your own private villa, with incredible balcony and poolside views.

Explore Lijiang's oldest market to shop shoulder to shoulder with Naxi locals before preparing lunch in a private cooking studio with a local Naxi family.

Visit ancient old-towns and fairytale villages as you discover boutique cafes and the best local cuisine you'll only find with us.

Visit a beautiful rose farm that sprawls for acres while your guide instructs you on how to make one of the most popular local treats: rose cakes.

All meals are included, plentiful, and include beer! Enjoy cured meats, fried cheese, hotpots, and dozens of plates every day.

Explore Shaxi and the surrounding countryside, stopping at a hidden-away hillside cafe and exploring a one-of-a-kind book store completely tucked away in an ancient neighboring village.

Get the unique chance to spend the night in Tiger Leaping Gorge, in your own private villa, with incredible balcony and poolside views.

Explore Lijiang's oldest market to shop shoulder to shoulder with Naxi locals before preparing lunch in a private cooking studio with a local Naxi family.

Spend 8 days in the land of cured ham legs, homemade breads, bubbling bowls of rice noodles, and fried local cheese. It’s where Chinese artists come to escape the nation’s newfound love of tarmac. Local live-music bars and evening bonfire square-dance sessions are opt-ins we highly recommend on this tour. And to us, that constant ebb and flow of peoples and their appetites in a climate well suited to agriculture means it’s the perfect storm for all things crazy delicious.

We have personally curated this 7-night, 8-day food and sightseeing tour from Dali to Lijiang with a few stops in between – and it’s become one of our most popular trips! It’s a great balance between fun interactive activities and free-time to explore the old towns of Yunnan on your own.

This tour takes place at high altitude, with elevations ranging between 2000m and 2500m above sea level.

Where We'll Stay:

Dali Iridescent Clouds Hotel

Wuliu Hotel

Yachajiao Manor

The Bivou

The villages visited during this trip do not offer well-known hotel brands. Accommodations may change based on group size and availability. If so, an equivalent will be used.

Join-in trips require a minimum of 4 people to operate. You should only purchase your transportation to/from Yunnan after you receive a tour confirmation notice. Private tours (for an additional fee) are always an option if your join-in trip does not hit the minimum amount of people.
A deposit of $500 USD per person is required to secure your spot. This deposit is non-refundable for any reason unless the trip is cancelled by Lost Plate due to the minimum group size not being met.
Solo travelers not sharing a room will incur a single occupancy fee of $309 USD. See more details in our FAQ below.
Payment of your remaining balance will be collected 14 days before the trip starts.
If you need to cancel, the amount you have already paid cannot be refunded. This is because spots on each trip is limited, and because we arrange accommodations when you reserve your spot. You are able to transfer your spot to someone else.
Payments can be made by credit card, WeChat, or Alipay.

This tour takes place at high altitude, with elevations ranging between 2000m and 2500m above sea level.

Where We'll Stay:

Dali Iridescent Clouds Hotel

Wuliu Hotel

Yachajiao Manor

The Bivou

Accommodations may change based on group size and availability. If so, an equivalent will be used.

Join-in trips require a minimum of 4 people to operate. You should only purchase your transportation to/from Yunnan after you receive a tour confirmation notice. Private tours (for an additional fee) are always an option if your join-in trip does not hit the minimum amount of people.
A deposit of $500 USD per person is required to secure your spot. This deposit is non-refundable for any reason unless the trip is cancelled by Lost Plate due to the minimum group size not being met.
Solo travelers not sharing a room will incur a single occupancy fee of $309 USD. See more details in our FAQ below.
Payment of your remaining balance will be collected 14 days before the trip starts.
If you need to cancel, the amount you have already paid cannot be refunded. This is because spots on each trip is limited, and because we arrange accommodations when you reserve your spot. You are able to transfer your spot to someone else.
Payments can be made by credit card, WeChat, or Alipay.

Watch:

Chinese STREET FOOD in Dali + China’s BIGGEST Platter of Food!!

Yunnan’s Xizhou Village – Hidden Street Food They DON’T Show Tourists!

Xizhou Baba = The Best Street Food in Dali!

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Eat Your Way Through Yunnan's Tea & Horse Road: Dali, Lijiang & Shangrila

Price

Optional add-on

Group Size

Accommodations

Inclusions

Highlights

QUICK LINKS:

Day to Day Itinerary:

Dali

Dali

Xizhou & Shaxi

Shaxi

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Tiger Leaping Gorge > Lijiang

Lijiang

Lijiang

Shangrila (optional)

Shangrila (optional)

Shangrila (optional)

Must-See Tour Highlights:

Where We'll Stay:

Dali Iridescent Clouds Hotel

Wuliu Hotel

Yachajiao Manor

The Bivou

Where We'll Stay:

Dali Iridescent Clouds Hotel

Wuliu Hotel

Yachajiao Manor

The Bivou

Watch:

Our Trips Hit Different.

Guest Reviews:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do you offer private and/or customized trips?

Is this trip family-friendly and what is the price for children?

Do you recommend this trip for elderly travelers?

Can solo travelers join this trip and why do you charge a single occupancy fee?

How much food and drinks will I get?

What if I’m vegetarian or have special dietary requests?

Am I able to arrive early or stay late?

How do I apply for a Chinese visa and is this a service you provide?

What is not included in the price of this trip?

How physically fit do I need to be to enjoy this trip?

What is the weather like?

What information is provided in your China Travel Guide PDF and online pre-trip briefing?

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