Post-MTP Chengdu 2027 group trip
Shangri-La & the mighty Tiger Leaping Gorge
Post-MTP Trip 5: a Yunnan mini-trip
Four days. Another planet.
From the ancient streets of Lijiang to snow-capped mountains, one of the deepest gorges in the world and the Tibetan-influenced landscapes around Shangri-La.
I ADORE Yunnan. It’s one of the most beautiful parts of China and it feels nothing like the huge cities most people picture. After big city vibes in Chengdu, you’ll feel like you’re on another planet among the temples and monks.
No time for one of the longer post-conference trips? This is a brilliant option. Short, relatively easy logistically, but still a proper adventure: mountains, old towns, Tibetan culture and some seriously spectacular scenery.
Tour highlights
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Lijiang Old Town
Plus Black Dragon Pool
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Jade Dragon Snow Mountain
And the blue waters of Blue Moon Valley
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Tiger Leaping Gorge
Viewpoints and a short hike
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Songzanlin Monastery
Tibetan Shangri-La and Napa Lake
Trip facts
- Dates
- Trip length
- After MTP
- The group flies from Chengdu to Lijiang on 25 October (flight included)
- Finishes
- Shangri-La, 28 October
- Nights
- 3 nights in local 4-star hotels
- Guide
- English-speaking local guide, plus driver and transport
Day by day
The Itinerary
Day 1: Chengdu → Lijiang
· Lijiang
MTP’s done, so the group leaves Chengdu together and flies down to Lijiang, arriving in the afternoon.
Bags dropped, and straight out to Lijiang Old Town and Black Dragon Pool, with the mountains as a backdrop to one of the most beautiful old towns in China. Dinner together to finish.
Day 2: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain & Blue Moon Valley
Lijiang
A full day in the mountains. First Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, one of the most dramatic sights in Yunnan.
Then the surreal blue-green waters of Blue Moon Valley. Honestly, the colour looks fake. It isn’t. Back to Lijiang for another night.
Day 3: Tiger Leaping Gorge → Shangri-La
Shangri-La
The big adventure day. We drive from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge, stop at the major viewpoints and get out for a short hike through this enormous gorge.
Then higher into the mountains to Shangri-La, where we explore Dukezong Old Town and its giant Tibetan prayer wheel before bed.
Day 4: Tibetan Shangri-La
· Trip ends in Shangri-La
Our final day is all about the Tibetan side of Yunnan. Songzanlin Monastery first, then the countryside around Napa Lake.
A bit of final sightseeing time and the trip officially finishes in Shangri-La. Not bad for four days out of Chengdu.
Who’s behind it
Johnny Ward
Irish guy, first Irish person to visit every country, and the first to complete the Ultimate Explorer’s Grand Slam (every country, 7 summits, both poles). I’ve taken thousands of people to some of the weirdest places on earth, and now Luis and I are giving MTP more ways to head somewhere special with friends.
I’ll be leading the Tibet overland that week, so this one is run by an English-speaking local guide, with a driver and transport sorted throughout.
I ADORE Yunnan.
Big scenery, short trip
Why Yunnan?
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Ancient towns
Lijiang Old Town and Dukezong: proper old China, a world away from the megacities.
-
A colossal gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest and most dramatic gorges in the world.
-
Tibetan culture
Monks, prayer wheels and Songzanlin Monastery, high up around Shangri-La.
Before you book
Good to Know
How does this fit with MTP Chengdu?
MTP runs 21–24 October 2027. The group leaves Chengdu together on 25 October, the morning after it finishes, flies to Lijiang, and finishes in Shangri-La on 28 October. One of the easiest post-MTP trips to add.
Do I need a Chinese visa?
Your Chinese visa isn’t included. Check what your passport needs and make sure it covers this trip as well as the conference.
Is the flight from Chengdu included?
Yes. The Chengdu to Lijiang flight is included, along with a driver and transport for the rest of the trip.
How hard is it?
Logistically it’s relatively easy: short, with the flight, a driver and transport sorted. The most active bit is a short hike in Tiger Leaping Gorge. Shangri-La is high up in the mountains, so if altitude is a concern for you, ask before booking.
What are the hotels and meals like?
Three nights in local 4-star hotels (two in Lijiang, one in Shangri-La), with breakfast each morning. Other meals aren’t included.
How do I get home from Shangri-La?
The trip officially finishes in Shangri-La on 28 October. Onward travel from there isn’t listed as included, so plan your own way home or onwards.
How do I book?
There’s no online booking yet. DM me on Instagram to grab a spot or ask anything.
Price and what’s included
What’s included
- 3 nights in local 4-star hotels
- 3 breakfasts
- Flight from Chengdu to Lijiang
- English-speaking guide
- Driver and transportation
- Guide and driver tips
- Entrance tickets listed in the itinerary
What’s not included
- Chinese visa
- Personal expenses
- Anything not specifically listed as included
Tour price
$1,399
Per person sharing · 4 days
- No online booking yet: DM me on Instagram to grab a spot
- Trip finishes in Shangri-La on 28 October 2027
Post-MTP Chengdu 2027
Next stop Lijiang.
Old towns, snow-capped mountains, Tiger Leaping Gorge and Tibetan Shangri-La, all in four days. There’s no online booking yet, so DM me on Instagram to grab a spot or ask anything.
Rather email? johnny@onestep4ward.com
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