4 Days Yunnan Dali Old Tea Horse Road Experience Tour
Tour Overview
If you are interested in Yunnan’s ethnic minorities and the Ancient Tea Horse Road, this 4-day Yunnan adventure is exactly what you are looking for. You will experience a unique and authentic Bai ethnic and Tea-horse Ancient Road by visiting two historic towns, Shaxi and Nuodeng. They were once important stops on the trade routes connecting inland China with Tibet (border), India, and Southeast Asia.
Besides, explore the rich Buddhist relics of Mt. Shibaoshan, where there is also stunning natural scenery. Through this trip, learn about the traditional handicrafts, salt making, and ham making of the Bai ethnic group, and have the opportunity to enjoy specialty cuisine. You can also use Bai ethnic herbal soup for a relaxing foot bath.
Travel destinations: Dali, Shaxi, Nuodeng
Suitable for: Culture Explorers
Tour type: Private
Highlights of this tour:
- Visit Shaxi and Nuodeng, two ancient towns on the ancient Tea Horse Road.
- See the Bai ethnic minority culture and customs.
- Marvel at Mt. Shibaoshan‘s scenery and rich Buddhist relics.
- Learn about the Bai people’s traditional handicrafts, salt production, and ham making.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Dali to Shaxi Ancient Town TourDiscover Ancient Towns, Explore Bai Handicrafts, Visit Sacred Grottoes
After breakfast, your tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel according to the agreed time. We start this Ancient Tea Horse Road adventure by driving from Dali to Shaxi.
En route, you will explore the ancient city of Jianchuan, which has a history of over 650 years and preserves more than 40 buildings from the Ming Dynasty, 146 buildings from the Qing Dynasty, as well as other civil and structural buildings from the Republic of China to the last century. This is an important post town for commercial, political, and cultural exchanges in history.
Jianchuan Ancient Town You will be led to visit a workshop showcasing the Bai ethnic handicraft "Buzha". Buzha is a colorful fabric made of embroidery and wormwood. In the tradition of the Bai ethnic group, it is said to be able to ward off insects and evil spirits.
In the afternoon, we will transfer you to Mt. Shibaoshan. Because there are many strange peaks and rocks, it is named "Shi Bao". There are relics built during the Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties on the mountain, as well as precious grottoes and cliff statues, which are very worth visiting. Baoxiang Temple is located on a cliff and enshrines Guanyin Bodhisattva. People believe that Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva can fulfill wishes and protect from disasters.
After the visit, we went to Shaxi Ancient Town for an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Shaxi Ancient Town
Mt. Shibaoshan - Day 2: Shaxi to Nuodeng TourUncover Trade Route History Via Historic Streets and Market Square
In the morning, you will be led to visit Shaxi Ancient Town, which used to be an important stop on the Tea Horse Ancient Road. With the decline of the Old Tea Horse Road, this place has gradually been forgotten. But as a result, Shaxi is now quieter and more quaint and has better preserved the style of Tea Horse Town back then.
Stroll along the cobblestone streets, pass by ancient houses and shops, and explore Sideng Market Square, which was once the center of commerce and culture.
Shaxi Ancient Town Visit a private museum where you can listen to more stories about the Tea Horse Ancient Road. The museum is operated by a local family and houses a collection of cultural relics and documents. You will gain a deeper understanding of the origin, development, and decline of this trade route, as well as anecdotes of tea merchants, porters, and horses.
Afterward, drive to Nuodeng, a millennium old Bai ethnic village hidden behind Cangshan Mountain. This place is famous for making salt and ham.
Accommodation: Nuodeng
- Day 3: Nuodeng Exploration TourExplore Ancient Salt Well, Savor Local Ham, and Enjoy Herbal Relaxation
Today is a whole day of exploration in Norden. Stroll along the streets paved with stone slabs, visit distinctive five-roofed courtyards, and learn about local culture. You will visit the ancient Nuodeng salt well, which has been in operation for over 2,000 years. Salt once brought together merchants and flourishing industries in this small mountain village.
Nuodeng Ancient Village Your lunch will include mouth-watering Norden ham. This ham is made from local black-haired pigs and has been cured for at least three years, renowned for its fresh, tender, and fragrant meat.
In the afternoon, experience relaxing with a Bai herbal foot bath in a wooden tub, with mint, ginger, and pepper. This can improve blood circulation and relieve fatigue.
Stay in a cozy Nuodeng guesthouse for the night.
Accommodation: in Nuodeng
Nuodeng Ham - Day 4: Nuodeng to Dali Tour, Departure
Enjoy your free time until your designated driver picks you up. Head to Dali airport for your departure. This is the end of your 4-day Yunnan Ancient Tea Horse Road tour from Dali. Safe travels!
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
