A Family Travel Guide from Beijing to Lijiang, Shangri-La, and Yubeng

Number of days：7 days
Average cost: 5,000 yuan
With whom：parents and children
Updated: 2025.08.01

Day 1: Beijing - Lijiang Shuhe Ancient Town

Morning: Depart from Beijing and arrive at Lijiang Sanyi International Airport. Proceed to Shuhe Ancient Town to check in.

You may wish to arrange some light activities based on your arrival time, such as strolling through the ancient streets to experience the Naxi culture, sampling local snacks, and enjoying a delicious mushroom hotpot and tender barbecue in the evening.

Rest early to reserve energy for the rest of your journey. Avoid strenuous exercise when you first arrive in the plateau.

Additional notes for high-altitude hiking:

•Precautions for climbing: Due to the lack of oxygen in high altitude areas, any climb will be more strenuous. It is recommended to adopt a "slow walk + frequent rest" rhythm. There is no need to pursue speed. Adjust at any time according to your own and your children's physical condition. Do not force yourself.

•Do it within your ability: If you experience shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue or other discomfort, stop and rest immediately. If necessary, use oxygen from a supply station or return to a lower altitude. Safety is always the first priority.

This tip is crucial. High-altitude environments require higher physical strength and adaptability, especially when traveling with children. Flexibility, compromise, and prioritizing physical comfort can make the trip smoother~

Day 2: Lijiang - Shangri-La - Meili Snow Mountain

Morning: Charter a car to Shangri-La, then pick up in Lijiang. Enjoy the natural scenery of snow-capped mountains, meadows, and more along the way.

Noon: Arrive at Dukezong Ancient Town, check out the giant prayer wheel (requires multiple people to turn it together) and pray for your family; for lunch, enjoy the special yak hotpot and experience Tibetan cuisine.

(Alternative Afternoon-Evening Plan: Visit Dukezong Ancient Town and its unique architecture and shops. Choose accommodation based on your schedule: If time permits, stay near Songzanlin Temple (convenient for visiting the next day).)

(If staying near Songzanlin Temple): Visit Songzanlin Temple (the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan, boasting magnificent architecture and a rich religious atmosphere), then proceed to the Meili Snow Mountain Observation Deck.

Arrive at the Meili Snow Mountain Observation Deck at 6:00 PM to enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped peaks. Accommodation will be at a hotel across from the Observation Deck or near Feilai Temple. If children experience altitude sickness, administer oxygen and rest immediately.

Day 3: Meili Snow Mountain - Yubeng

7:30am: Depart from Feilaisi Hotel and arrive at the entrance of Yubeng Ninong 40 minutes later. Park your vehicle at the parking lot and hike up the entire route for 15-20 minutes to the ticket office to purchase your ticket.

Hiking Yubeng: Officially embark on the 15-kilometer, full-ascent route, divided into three sections (each approximately 5 kilometers, with two aid stations and abundant merchandise). The second section is more challenging, while the third section is in better condition but requires persistence.

After arriving at Xia Yubeng Village, you can take the village's off-road vehicle to Shang Yubeng. Shang Yubeng offers beautiful scenery and is a good value. However, since you were not physically fit that day, we recommend taking the village vehicle up the mountain (60 yuan/person for adults, 30 yuan/person for children). After checking in, get enough rest. Remember not to shower that day to prevent altitude sickness.

Day 4: Shang Yubeng Surroundings - Rest

Morning: As we were traveling with three children, we did not complete the entire glacial lake hike (the local guide recommends this for those with experience and good stamina). We chose to take the children on some activities along the way and climb to the pass to enjoy the scenery. If it has just rained, there are mushrooms to pick along the way (for fun only, not recommended for consumption). The hike is approximately 7 kilometers.

Return to the hotel around 3:00 PM for lunch. Afterwards, enjoy the view and take photos on the hotel rooftop. In the evening, play cards at the hotel to recharge your batteries for the next day's Shenpu Waterfall hike (the most recommended route by locals).

Day 5: Upper Yubeng Village - Shenpu Waterfall

Overview: 15 kilometers, starting with a 3-kilometer hike from Upper Yubeng Village to Lower Yubeng Village (downhill, the road is under repair, so please be careful).

Route Features: The Shenpu Waterfall route is generally easy to walk, mostly on paved roads. The initial climb is minimal, while the latter part has more but acceptable climbs. It's a great place to take children for a playful stroll.

Refueling Point Information:

Approximately 3 kilometers up, there's a rest pavilion. It's recommended to bring your own water and snacks.

Another 3 kilometers up, there's a supply station with abundant food. You can also purchase pine and cypress incense powder and prayer flags, used by Tibetans in their traditional sang rituals.

Final Sprint: The climb from the supply station to the summit of Shenpu Waterfall is approximately 2 kilometers. While the climb is physically demanding, it offers breathtaking views of the waterfall. Upon arrival, hang prayer flags and pray.

Descent: After the tour, we'll descend the mountain (an easy route). We chose to arrange for the children to ride horses while the adults walked. The return to our hotel takes approximately 2 hours. Dinner will be served at a restaurant near the hotel around 5 PM.

Day 6: Yubeng Village - Lijiang

Departure: After breakfast at the hotel at 7:30 AM, we'll take an off-road vehicle from Upper Yubeng Village to Lower Yubeng Village, followed by a motorcycle ride (approximately 4 kilometers, 20 minutes). We'll choose the fastest return route to save time. Arrive at the second stage of the supply station, then hike 10 kilometers to reach the Ni Nong parking lot at 12:00 PM.

Return to Lijiang: Depart from the parking lot by car, arriving in Deqin County one hour later. Lunch will be served around 1:00 PM. Rest at appropriate times along the way. Arrive at a B&B near Lijiang Airport around 8:00 PM (total journey approximately 8 hours).

Evening: Dinner upon arrival in Lijiang (approximately one hour), followed by a rest and recharge.

Day 7: Lijiang - Beijing

Return: The next morning, fly back to Beijing from Lijiang, ending the trip.

Preliminary Preparations

1.Transportation: Fly directly from Beijing to Lijiang Sanyi International Airport, then take a taxi to Shuhe Ancient Town, a 40-minute drive. We booked a round-trip Yubeng hiking tour from Lijiang in advance. Each vehicle carries eight people, and the fee is 1,980 yuan per person, the same for adults and children. The guide will provide raincoats, trekking poles, and oxygen in advance.

2.Equipment: Yunnan's climate can be unpredictable, so bring warm clothing even in the warmer months. Ultraviolet rays are strong on the plateau, so be sure to bring high-factor sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Hiking in Yubeng requires comfortable hiking shoes and hiking poles. If you are traveling with children, you may want to prepare some common medicines, such as antipyretics, cold medicines, and gastrointestinal medicines.

3.Prevent altitude sickness: Start taking anti-altitude sickness medication, such as Rhodiola rosea, one week in advance. You may also want to prepare a portable oxygen cylinder for use when you feel unwell.