Lijiang, Lugu Lake & Shangri-La Loop

A self-drive loop starting from Lijiang, connecting Mosuo villages at Lugu Lake, Shangri-La, and Baishuitai.

Covering about 900 km in total with an average of 2 to 3 hours of driving per day, this route is suitable for standard passenger cars. Stay two nights at Lugu Lake to explore the lakeside, then drive through the mountains to Shangri-La, returning via Baishuitai and Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge. The drive from Lugu Lake to Shangri-La is the longest stretch, requiring an early start. This itinerary skips the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain glacier to prioritize the lakes and Tibetan areas. Perfect for couples and friends who enjoy road trips.

Mountain roads are prone to landslides in July and August, and high-altitude sections can freeze in winter.

Day by day

Day 1 · Pick Up Car in Lijiang & Explore the Old Town

Lijiang Old Town & Jade Dragon Snow Mountain（Old Town of Lijiang (Dayan)、Mu Mansion、Wangu Pavilion (Lion Hill)）

Pick up your car at the airport and drive about 50 minutes to the parking lot outside the Old Town. Only walking is allowed inside the Old Town.

Stay: Lijiang Old Town

Day 2 · Drive Over the Mountains to Lugu Lake

Lugu Lake（Lugu Lake Viewpoint、Daluoshui Village、Lige Peninsula）

Drive about 200 km along the winding Li-Ning Highway (approx. 4 hours) to reach the lakeside by afternoon.

Stay: Lige Peninsula

Day 3 · Lakeside Loop, Islands & Walking Marriage Bridge

Lugu Lake（Liwubi Island、Goddess Bay (Zhaojiawan)、Caohai Wetland & Walking Marriage Bridge）

The lakeside road is about 60 km with good pavement, taking 1 to 2 hours of driving, including a ride on a traditional wooden pig-trough boat.

Stay: Lige Peninsula

Day 4 · Long Mountain Drive to Shangri-La

Lugu Lake（Yongzhonglin (Zhamei) Temple & Mosuo Culture） → Shangri-La（Dukezong Ancient Town）

About 300 km of mountain roads taking 5 to 6 hours. Fill up your tank before departure as this is the longest drive of the trip.

Avoid driving on mountain roads after dark, as service points along the way are scarce.

Stay: Dukezong Ancient Town

Day 5 · Songzanlin Monastery & Napa Lake

Shangri-La（Ganden Sumtseling (Songzanlin) Monastery、Napa Lake & Yila Grassland）

Drive about 20 minutes from the Old Town to Songzanlin Monastery, then spend 1.5 hours in the afternoon looping around Napa Lake.

Stay: Dukezong Ancient Town

Day 6 · Baishuitai & Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge to Lijiang

Shangri-La（Baishuitai Terraces） → Lijiang Old Town & Jade Dragon Snow Mountain（Tiger Leaping Gorge）

Drive back to Lijiang via Baishuitai and Tiger Leaping Gorge, covering about 300 km over 5 to 6 hours.

This visit is limited to the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge scenic area; Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge and the High Trail are closed.

Stay: Shuhe Ancient Town

Day 7 · Baisha, Blue Moon Valley & Car Return

Lijiang Old Town & Jade Dragon Snow Mountain（Baisha Village、Blue Moon Valley）

Drive 15 minutes from Shuhe to Baisha, 40 minutes to Blue Moon Valley, and then head to the airport to return the car.