1-Day Lijiang Dongba and Naxi Culture Private Tour

5.0 (2 reviews) one day Free cancellation Private tour

out of 5

2 reviews

5.0

Black Dragon Pool. — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Blue Moon Valley — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Take in the breathtaking vistas of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain from various scenic viewpoints while immersing yourself in the rich Naxi culture, an essential part of life in Lijiang. This is an experience you won’t want to miss! Spend a day delving into the fascinating world of Dongba culture and the daily life of a traditional Naxi family. Learn the art of writing ancient Dongba hieroglyphs from an authentic Dongba disciple, discover the significance of traditional Naxi dances, and even try your hand at making delicious local dumplings. At the end of your cultural journey, enjoy the fruits of your labor by sharing a home-cooked Naxi dinner with the family. A perfect day of culture, tradition, and unforgettable memories!

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At a glance

Duration: one day
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Your group only
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: Chinese, English
Operated by: Wonders Of Yunnan Travel

Ages: Adults (10–80 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Supplement for the meals for the tour guide and driver
Included: Entrance tickets to the attractions listed in the itinerary
Included: Experienced and licensed local English-speaking tour guide
Included: Bottled water: 2 half-liter bottles of drinking water per person per day
Included: gas， tolls and parking fees and including all pick-ups and drop-offs
Included: 24/7 English-speaking customer services
Included: Government taxes
Included: Meals as listed in the itinerary: 1 dinner per person
Included: Tourism-licensed and safety-checked private vehicle with skilled driver

Not included

Not included: Chinese visa
Not included: International and domestic flights and/or train
Not included: Accommodation
Not included: Personal travel insurance
Not included: Meals not listed in the program (breakfast and lunch)
Not included: Attractions not in the itinerary
Not included: Additional days caused by unexpected nature disasters. e.g. landslides etc.
Not included: Personal expenses
Not included: Tips for drivers and guides (highly appreciated but not requested)
Not included: Anything not listed in inclusions

Itinerary

Black Dragon Pond Park

1 h 30 min Admission included

Get picked up at your hotel in Lijiang Old Town， Head to the Black Dragon Pond Park， one of the most iconic views in China of the impressive Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the background of a beautiful traditional Chinese garden. Stop by the Dongba Museum right next door， a little gem where you can learn about the Naxi minority and the Shamanic Dongba culture and the unique matriarchic Naxi sub branch of the Mosuo Minority living around Lugu Lake.
Dongba Cultural Museum

one hour Admission included

Later， we stop by Dongba Cultural Museum， exploring the unique culture of the Naxi people， focusing on their Dongba traditions. It features ancient Dongba scriptures， ritual items， folk art， and traditional clothing， offering a glimpse into the history and spiritual practices of this ethnic group.
Lijiang

3 min

In the afternoon， embark on a 30-minute drive to visit a Naxi family in either Shuhe or Jade Dragon Village， depending on the family’s availability. Upon arrival， a Dongba disciple will guide you in the art of writing the ancient Dongba characters， a unique living hieroglyph still in use by the Naxi people today. Next， enjoy an immersive introduction to Dongba dance， an integral part of Naxi culture and religion. This dance， which mimics the movements of animals， is performed during various ceremonies， including sacrificial rites， and offers insight into the Naxi people's ancient social life. After the cultural experience， join the family in preparing traditional local dishes and enjoy a delicious homemade dinner together， offering a true taste of Naxi hospitality.

Following the meal， you’ll return to Lijiang Old Town or your hotel around 6:00 PM， concluding your enriching experience.

Meeting point and pickup

The operator picks every participant up from their accommodation or the points below.

Pickup points

Using your ticket

A current valid passport is required on the day of travel

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.

Good to know

Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
A maximum of 10 people per booking
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Passport name, number, expiry and country is required at time of booking for all participants
Full payment will be collected in advance, including all admission fees, fuel, and equipment rental.