Stray far from the tourist crowds and head into the rugged highlands north of Lijiang. Here, footpaths wind through deep valleys where the Jinsha River churns far below, and sleepy villages cling to the slopes, untouched by time. These peaks once formed a natural fortress, their legendary passes holding back the Mongol horde. Now, they guard the traditions of diverse ethnic communities, their ancient ways of life woven into a landscape of raw, untamed beauty.
- Meeting a local Dongba shaman to learn more about the history and customs of the Naxi people
- Crossing Taizi Pass, where Kublai Khan famously crossed in the 13th century
- Walk along a rocky path carved into sheer rock faces
- Gliding over the turquoise waters of the Jinsha River on a one-hour boat ride
Day 1: Lijiang (2,410 m) to Wumu Village (2,160 m)
Set off from The Bivou Lijiang: Nestled at the base of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang has captivated visitors for generations with its ancient stone bridges, winding canals, and distinctive architecture. Although parts of the old town have grown into a lively tourist destination, quieter alleyways still offer glimpses of daily life among the Naxi people, who continue to rely on the mountain-fed waters flowing through the village. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, Lijiang serves as a captivating entry point to the more secluded ethnic communities of Yunnan.
Travel to Wumu Village: The journey from Lijiang to Wumu Village takes approximately four hours. Perched on a steep mountainside with sweeping views of the Jinsha River Valley, Wumu is celebrated for its deep-rooted Dongba culture—encompassing the ancient beliefs, rituals, and script of the Naxi people. The village sits at the end of a newly paved road that winds steadily uphill, rewarding travelers with constantly shifting panoramas. Upon arrival, we will visit the Wumu Community Center, where a local Dongba heritage master will introduce you to the traditions and stories of this secluded mountain community. Tonight we will stay at Huahuasei Lodge, set up by Jeff and Wendy, enjoying a dinner at the lodge.
Day 2: Wumu Village (2,160 m) to Baoshan Stone Village (1,770 m)
Full Day Hike: Prepare for a full day of trekking through the Jinsha River Valley, covering approximately 15 kilometers over 7–8 hours. The route rewards hikers with stunning panoramic views of towering mountains, rugged gorges, and lush rice terraces. En route, we’ll pass through the quaint village of Yanke, where we’ll pause for a simple lunch before resuming the journey to Baoshan Stone Village, arriving as evening sets in.
Dramatically situated in the heart of the Jinsha River Valley, Baoshan Stone Village is an extraordinary Naxi community where gates, houses, and even everyday furniture are hewn directly from the mountainside stone. The village rests atop a colossal boulder, locally revered as the petrified head of a dragon from ancient myth. Baoshan endures as a vibrant stronghold of Naxi tradition, where age-old ceremonies and festivals—including Meng Ben, the Festival of Heaven Worship—continue to be performed by Dongba priests, preserving a living cultural legacy. Tonight, we will stay in a local family guesthouse in Baoshan Stone City, and enjoy a tasty homemade dinner.
Day 3: Baoshan Stone Village (1,770 m) to Upper Liuqing Village (2,350 m)
Full Day Hike: Today’s trek covers approximately 14 kilometers over about 7 hours, with the highlight being the exhilarating ascent over the historic Taizi Pass, situated at an altitude of 2,600 meters. Taizi Pass holds deep historical significance—it was here that Kublai Khan and his Mongol army crossed the Jinsha River in the 13th century, a strategic move that led to the conquest of the Dali Kingdom. From the pass, sweeping views of the Jinsha River Valley unfold below, offering a dramatic panorama and a powerful setting to reflect on the region’s storied past.
Pass through the hand-carved 60m and 90m tunnels before emerging at Upper Liuqing Village. Tucked away in the mountains, this remote village preserves a way of life largely unchanged by modernity. With limited exposure to tourism, its economy remains rooted in agriculture and animal husbandry, with local farmers cultivating key crops such as pepper and walnuts amidst the rugged terrain. Overnight in basic guesthouse in Upper Liuqing Village.
Day 4: Upper Liuqing Village (2,350 m) to Lijiang (2,410 m)
Full Day Journey: Today begins with a challenging 16-kilometer hike from Upper Liuqing Village to Lower Liuqing Village Pier (elevation 1,540 m), lasting approximately 6 hours. From there, we’ll enjoy a scenic one-hour boat ride along the Jinsha River before a 2-hour drive back to Lijiang.
The Hike: The trail descends from Upper Liuqing to Lower Liuqing Village Pier, winding past terraced farmland worked by Naxi farmers and dotted with grazing goats and local children at play. Lower Liuqing Village itself clings to the mountainside—a small cluster of traditional tiled-roof homes connected by meandering earth paths, all overlooking the vast Jinsha River Valley below.
The Boat Journey: Upon reaching the valley floor, we’ll embark on a thrilling one-hour boat ride across the calm turquoise waters of the Jinsha River. A local ferryman will guide us from Lower Liuqing Village Pier to Ahai Dam Pier (elevation 1,510 m), offering a unique perspective of the towering gorge walls from the water. This boat ride is memorable.
Return to Lijiang: From Ahai Dam Pier, our vehicle awaits us for the 2-hour drive back to Lijiang, completing a full day of diverse landscapes and memorable experiences.