14 days in China Itinerary

The cultural capital of the Naxi people, one of the 55 minority ethnic groups in the country, Lijang traces its history back over 800 years, with the city developing from a trading post on the ancient Southern Silk Road.

You'll discover tucked-away gems like Baisha Ancient Town and Ancient City Zhongyi Market. Your cultural itinerary includes sights like Mufu Palace and Lugu Lake. When in Lijiang, make a side trip to see Yulong (Jade Dragon) Mountain in Yulong County, approximately Yulong County away. There's more to do: appreciate the history behind Sanyan Well and contemplate the long history of Shuhe Ancient Town.

To see reviews, other places to visit, where to stay, and more tourist information, read our Lijiang day trip planning website.

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic to Lijiang is an approximately 32-hour flight. Due to the time zone difference, you'll lose 12 hours traveling from Punta Cana to Lijiang. When traveling from Punta Cana in August, plan for colder days in Lijiang, with highs around 23°C, while nights are a bit cooler with lows around 22°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 10th (Thu) to allow time to travel to Shangri-La County.

Known previously as Zhongdian, Shangri-La County gained its current name in an attempt by city officials to promote tourism.

On the 11th (Fri), explore the wealth of natural beauty at Potatso National Park. Keep things going the next day: take in the spiritual surroundings of Sumtsaling Monastery and then walk around Guishan Park.

Ask Klarna Trips to suggest an itinerary and make planning a trip to Shangri-La County fast, fun, and easy.

The Route module can help you plan travel from Lijiang to Shangri-La County. Cap off your sightseeing on the 12th (Sat) early enough to catch the flight to Lhasa.

The capital of the Tibet Autonomous Region, Lhasa possesses a wealth of Tibetan Buddhist sites of historical and cultural importance.

Dorje Drak Monastery and Barkhor Street are good opportunities to explore the local culture. Step off the beaten path and head to Norbulingka (Precious Stone Garden) and Great Mosque. The adventure continues: see Off-Road Tours, take in the spiritual surroundings of Drepung Monastery (Zhebang Si), hit the best photo ops around with an inspiring photography tour, and steep yourself in history at Sera Monastery.

For where to stay, other places to visit, ratings, and tourist information, read Lhasa travel planning app.

You can fly from Shangri-La County to Lhasa in 4 hours. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or drive. In August, daily temperatures in Lhasa can reach 25°C, while at night they dip to 13°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 16th (Wed) early enough to fly to Dunhuang.

Once a vital stop-off on the Silk Road trade route, Dunhuang today offers travelers of all persuasions a place to rest in the middle of the desert.

On the 17th (Thu), take in the natural beauty of Crescent Moon Pool, take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Mingsha Shan - Echoing-Sand Mountain, and then get engrossed in the history at Dunhuang Folk Museum. Keep things going the next day: don't miss a visit to Shazhou Nightly Market, steep yourself in history at Mogao Caves, and then explore the world behind art at Grotto Art Exhibition Center.

For more things to do, ratings, maps, and other tourist information, refer to the Dunhuang day trip planning site.

Getting from Lhasa to Dunhuang by flight takes about 7.5 hours. Other options: drive; or take a train. Finish your sightseeing early on the 19th (Sat) so you can travel back home.