Overview
Embark on an unforgettable China Local Tour with a horse riding adventure through the wild landscapes of Yunnan. This 8-day journey takes you off the beaten path to explore the pristine grasslands, alpine lakes, and remote trails of Shangri-La and Lijiang. Designed for nature lovers and adventure seekers, our Yunnan horse riding tour offers a unique way to experience local ethnic culture, dramatic gorges, and hidden forest paths. Highlights include horse riding in Dali, the legendary Tiger Leaping Gorge, and the breathtaking scenery of northern Yunnan.
General Information
Duration: 8 Days
Tour Type: China Horse-Riding Tours
Start/End: Lijiang / Shangri-la
Tour Customizable: Absolutely!
Destination Covered
- Lijiang
- Shangri-La
- Yesong
- Lianhe
- Jisha
- Shangril-La
What's Included
- Entrance fee to the attractions listed in the itinerary
- Meals mentioned in the itinerary
- Private land transfer with licensed drivers
- Fluent English-Chinese speaking local tour guide travel with you throughout the tour
- Transportation listed in the itinerary in China
Tour Highlight
🐎 Uncover remote trails on a Yunnan horse riding tour, traveling through pristine landscapes from Lijiang to Shangri-La with expert local guides.
🌿 Experience authentic horse riding in Dali Yunnan tour style, exploring vast grasslands, forested hills, and ancient ethnic villages.
🏞️ Ride through the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge, alpine lakes, and high mountain terrain on this immersive horse riding tour in China
🏕️ Stay overnight in local villages like Yesong, Lianhe, and Jisha, for a culturally rich Yunnan horse riding tour off the beaten path.
🐴 Perfect for adventurers seeking a horse riding in Dali Yunnan tour, this 8-day journey offers a rare mix of nature, culture, and connection.
Full Itinerary
Step into the heart of Yunnan to begin your unforgettable horse riding tour in China, starting with cultural immersion in Lijiang Old Town.
Morning
Our local guide will greet you upon arrival at Lijiang Sanyi Airport, then transfer to your downtown hotel for check-in and a short rest.
Afternoon
Enjoy lunch at the hotel before visiting the UNESCO-recognized Lijiang Old Town, where narrow lanes, canals, and cobblestone streets reveal the secrets of Naxi Dongba culture and the legacy of the 1996 earthquake reconstruction.
Evening
Wrap up your day with a panoramic view from Wanguolou Pagoda and enjoy dinner back at the hotel. Prepare for the first step into your Yunnan horse riding tour adventure.
Discover the ancient trade routes and serene lakeshores on a full day of horse riding in Dali Yunnan tour style.
Morning
After breakfast, begin your horseback journey from Lashihai Lake, the largest lake in Lijiang, known for its biodiversity and open riding paths. This part of the yunnan horse riding tour immerses you in nature's raw beauty.
Afternoon
Continue riding to Shuhe Ancient Town and Baisha Village, both key points on the historic Tea-Horse Road. Explore Ming-dynasty architecture, local temples, and the cultural roots of the Naxi people.
Evening
Return to your hotel in Lijiang for a well-deserved dinner and rest. The horse riding tour in China continues tomorrow through the mountains toward Shangri-La.
Ascend into mystic highlands and wild gorges on this scenic transition day of your horse riding tour in China.
Morning
After breakfast, depart Lijiang for Shangri-La. En route, visit The First Bend of the Yangtze River and historic Shigu Town, rich with ethnic culture and riverside scenery.
Afternoon
Enjoy lunch in Shigu, then travel through the dramatic Tiger Leaping Gorge - one of the world’s deepest canyons. This landscape perfectly frames your yunnan horse riding tour experience with raw beauty.
Evening
Arrive in Zhongdian (Shangri-La), settle into your hotel, and enjoy dinner. Optional evening walk in Dukezong Ancient Town for an added taste of Tibetan culture.
Venture deeper into highland pastures and traditional villages - an essential part of this yunnan horse riding tour off the tourist trail.
Morning
Saddle up after breakfast for your first full day of riding in Shangri-La. Start with Napa Lake, an ecological treasure surrounded by grazing yaks and snow-capped peaks.
Afternoon
Ride on to Bulun Village and break for lunch. Continue through serene terrain to Yesong, where you’ll stay in a rustic but welcoming local homestay.
Evening
Experience authentic village life and enjoy a homemade dinner as your horse riding tour in China brings you closer to the local rhythm of life.
Embrace open meadows and ethnic hospitality as your horse riding in Dali Yunnan tour experience grows even more personal.
Morning
Today’s ride takes you from Yesong uphill to panoramic viewpoints, then down through lush grasslands toward Lugu Village.
Afternoon
Pause for lunch at a local farmhouse. In the afternoon, ride on through Tuili and reach Lianhe Village, your stop for the night.
Evening
Enjoy dinner with your host family in Lianhe. This rural leg of your yunnan horse riding tour offers a peaceful escape far from the cities.
Ride along tranquil riversides and forest paths, continuing your deep-dive into the hidden trails of this horse riding tour in China.
Morning
After breakfast, ride for about two hours to Yangtangqu along scenic riverbanks and then descend to Tuanjie Village.
Afternoon
Lunch is served at a local home. After a break, ride onward to the day's final destination - Jisha Village - where you'll be welcomed into a local homestay.
Evening
Dinner is shared in a warm village setting, another highlight of this off-the-beaten-path yunnan horse riding tour.
Explore national parks and Tibetan heritage as your final full day captures the spiritual side of this horse riding in Dali Yunnan tour.
Morning
Start the day with a visit to Pudacuo National Park, China’s first national park featuring untouched wetlands, alpine lakes, and rare flora.
Afternoon
After lunch, continue to Songzanlin Monastery - Yunnan’s largest Tibetan monastery and often called the “Little Potala Palace.”
Evening
Return to Shangri-La and check in at your hotel. Enjoy dinner and relax as your horse riding tour in China nears its end.
Say farewell to the breathtaking landscapes and warm local hospitality that defined your yunnan horse riding tour.
Morning
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your onward flight. We hope this unique horse riding in Dali Yunnan tour leaves you with unforgettable memories of China’s wilderness and culture.
Ready for adventure?
Get in touch with us today to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime horse riding tour in China, crafted for those who crave nature, culture, and unforgettable mountain trails. Whether you’re drawn to the peaceful villages of Shangri-La or the ancient trade routes of Lijiang, our curated Yunnan horse riding tour offers a rare glimpse into a side of China few travelers get to see.
Don’t miss the chance to join our most authentic horse riding in Dali Yunnan tour - where meaningful connections, dramatic landscapes, and once-in-a-lifetime memories begin.
Mia T., Denmark –
The ride into Baisha village was my favorite. I loved how quiet everything was. No cars, no chaos, just the sound of hooves on old stone roads. This felt like entering a forgotten world that only China local tour operators can help you discover.
Ethan C., USA –
My favorite day was riding from Yesong to Lugu village. The sky was endless and the air smelled of pine and wildflowers. I’ve never felt so far from stress and noise. If you want something more meaningful than a typical sightseeing trip, trust this China tour company.
Jonathan D., Canada –
Before this trip, I thought I knew China. But nothing prepared me for the richness and depth I found in Yunnan. The tour combined adventure and cultural connection in a way I had never experienced. A huge thanks to the amazing team of China local tour operators.
Raj P., India –
The horses were gentle and well-trained. As a first-time rider, I felt completely safe. The guides were patient and deeply knowledgeable. This was not just a horse riding tour in China, it was a journey through culture, stories, and landscapes that take your breath away.
Lily C., USA –
If you’re looking for comfort and five-star hotels, this isn’t your tour. But if you’re looking for soul and truth and breathtaking landscapes, this is it. I felt more alive on this trip than I have in years.
Julia M., Sweden –
I went alone and left with a group of friends from around the world. The trail brought us together in a way no city tour ever could. We helped each other through muddy trails, laughed over village dinners, and created bonds I never expected.
Mia S., Germany –
The landscapes changed constantly. One morning I was riding through misty grasslands and that same afternoon I was winding along a mountain trail with prayer flags fluttering above me. This yunnan horse riding tour gave me more than I imagined.
William N., UK –
What impressed me most was how much care went into every day of the tour. We weren’t rushed. We had time to enjoy meals, talk with locals, and explore at our own rhythm. I felt respected as a traveler. A real gem among tour operators in China.
Camila H., Brazil –
I had never ridden a horse before this tour, and now I can’t imagine a better way to explore Yunnan. The riding pace was perfect and the trails were magical. The forests, the lakes, the old towns… everything came alive. I’m already planning my next horse riding tour in China.
Mark J., Australia –
From the first moment I met my horse to the final sunset in Shangri-La, every part of this tour felt intentional. The guides were locals who truly understood the land. I’ve joined many trips before but this was my first time working with China local tour operators and the difference was clear.
Ella V., USA –
This was more than a vacation for me. I came here feeling burnt out and left feeling like myself again. Riding through quiet mountain paths and staying in simple homestays gave me the peace I didn’t know I needed. This yunnan horse riding tour is unforgettable.
Sebastian F., Austria –
If you’re wondering whether to book this tour, stop wondering. Do it. Horse riding in Dali Yunnan gave me more than adventure - it gave me a reset. The perfect mix of nature, heritage, and human warmth.
Lauren E., USA –
Some tours blur together. This one stays sharp in my memory. Every village, every meal, every ride. Especially our guide in Tiger Leaping Gorge—he sang folk songs as we rode, and I can still hum the melody.
Oscar G., Sweden –
I came for the adventure but found something deeper. The rhythm of the horse taught me patience. The landscapes reminded me how beautiful silence can be. This is why I trust experienced china tour companies. They create journeys, not just tours.
Elise N., Denmark –
The air in Shangri-La was so crisp it almost hurt. Riding into that clean sky, surrounded by mountains, made me feel small in the best way. This wasn’t just sightseeing. This was feeling alive again.
Jack L., USA –
This tour wasn’t flashy. It didn’t need to be. It was real. And that’s what made it powerful. If you’re tired of fake travel and want something that stays with you, book this yunnan horse riding tour. It’s the best travel decision I’ve ever made.
Sofia P., Spain –
Every day felt like a chapter in a story. The ancient town of Shuhe, the prayer flags fluttering in the wind near Napa Lake, the rugged trails through Tuanjie village… I wrote it all down in my journal, and I’ll be reading it again and again.
Ryan M., USA –
Waking up in a wooden cottage in Lianhe, hearing roosters and distant cowbells, then hopping on my horse for another ride through misty hills - this isn’t something you get from a brochure. This horse riding tour in China felt personal, not packaged.
Noor A., UAE –
This tour changed how I see China. It’s not just cities and crowds. There are hidden corners, ancient villages, and paths only horses can take. I’m grateful to the tour operators in China who design experiences like this with care and heart.
Leon H., Belgium –
I never imagined I’d ride a horse across mountain passes in Shangri-La, but here I am, telling everyone I know to do the same. The landscapes are breathtaking, but what stays with me are the quiet conversations and small kindnesses along the way.
Maya R., USA –
My favorite moment? Sitting around a wood stove in a village I couldn't pronounce, drinking yak butter tea after a full day of riding. No internet, no noise, just stories and laughter. This is what travel should be. A huge thank you to the china local tour operators who made this possible.
Nathan C., New Zealand –
Horse riding through Baisha village felt like stepping into a painting. But what really made this tour unforgettable was the people. Our guide knew every stone, every trail. The homestay family in Yesong treated us like their own. I came back changed.
Hannah F., UK –
There were moments I literally stopped my horse just to breathe in the scenery. Vast, wild, peaceful. It’s rare to feel so free and so connected at the same time. This is why I trust china tour companies that work with local operators—they give you access to the soul of a place.
Matteo D., Italy –
I was amazed by how thoughtfully every detail was arranged. From Lijiang’s ancient streets to remote villages only reachable on horseback, this was real China. I’ve done many horse riding tours in different countries, but nothing like this one in China.
Emily J., USA –
I booked this because I wanted an escape. What I found was belonging. The horse riding in Dali Yunnan gave me time to slow down and listen. To nature. To people. To myself. Don’t think twice - this tour is special.
David S., France –
I wasn’t sure what to expect but this tour was hands-down the most meaningful trip I’ve ever taken. The horses were well cared for, and the guides respected both nature and culture. If you're looking for a tour handled by real china local tour operators who care, this is the one.
Clara W., Australia –
I cried a little when we left Shangri-La. Not because I was sad, but because I felt full. Riding across grasslands with yaks in the distance, sharing meals in homestays, hearing Tibetan chants in Songzanlin Monastery… this yunnan horse riding tour touched my heart.
Lucas T., Germany –
What I loved most was the complete absence of tourist traps. It was just us, the horses, the mountains, and villages untouched by time. Our guide grew up in Baisha and shared stories I’ll never forget. This is what tour operators in China should aim for - authenticity, not show.
Zoe K., Canada –
Horse riding in Dali Yunnan was more than scenic. It was grounding. I felt like I was part of something older and wiser. The gentle rhythm of the horse, the smell of pine and wood smoke, the smiles of locals waving from their doorsteps… it’s hard to explain unless you go. Don’t miss this horse riding tour in China.
Julian B., UK –
I thought I signed up for a simple horseback adventure, but it turned into a powerful connection with the land and its people. From the grandeur of Tiger Leaping Gorge to sipping tea in a tiny farmhouse in Lugu village, every day felt like a gift. Huge thanks to the best china tour company I've experienced.
Ava M., USA –
I still remember the quiet morning mist over Lashihai Lake as my horse gently stepped forward. That moment stayed with me long after the tour ended. This yunnan horse riding tour felt like a journey back in time. The local guides made everything so personal, and the homestays were warm and welcoming. If you want something real, this is the tour.
Mia N., Denmark –
From Lijiang’s old canals to the echoing canyons of Tiger Leaping Gorge, every day was a story worth telling. Thank you to the China local tour operators who planned this with such care and depth. If you’re reading this and considering the tour - book it now. You won’t regret it.
Lucas B., USA –
I’ve done motorbike tours before, but doing it on horseback was a different level. You feel every mile, every breath of the mountains. Definitely one of the best horse riding tours in China I could’ve picked.
Naomi F., Israel –
Imagine riding through valleys that smell of pine and yak butter, waving to kids in traditional dress. That’s this tour. This is the only horse riding in Dali Yunnan tour that felt this human and heartfelt. Don’t just travel - experience!
Jack D., South Africa –
I booked this thinking it would be scenic - and sure, it was - but it was also surprisingly spiritual. Being in places like Songzanlin Monastery after riding all day was moving. Best travel choice I’ve made in years. Hats off to this China tour company.
Charlotte K., Sweden –
What stood out the most was how connected everything felt - the land, the locals, the horses. No rushing, just you and nature. This is exactly the kind of experience China local tour operators should be proud to offer.
Liam P., Ireland –
Pudacuo National Park by bus was pretty, but nothing compares to exploring China on horseback. I still dream of the morning mist over Yesong pasture. If you're considering this horse riding tour in China, don’t hesitate. It’s rare, raw, and real.
Sophie G., Netherlands –
The scenery was unreal - from alpine meadows to lakes and stone villages. Our guides were passionate and respectful of local customs, and I really appreciated the slow travel pace this Yunnan horse riding tour allowed. 10/10 would recommend.
Ethan H., USA –
Horseback riding through ancient Naxi villages? Yeah, that’s something I’ll be bragging about for years. If you want to see real China - not just cities and crowds go with one of the best tour operators in China and do this ride. It’s unforgettable.
Isabella J., France –
My partner and I booked this horse riding in Dali Yunnan tour on a whim - and it turned out to be the best decision of our trip to Asia. Every village had a story. Every trail had a view. The team made everything effortless while we just enjoyed the ride.
Daniel M., Germany –
I’ve traveled extensively, but nothing compares to this journey on horseback through Yunnan. The ride into Baisha village under sunset light was pure poetry. This tour proves why good China tour companies matter - it’s all about the details.
Sarah T., New Zealand –
Riding through Shangri-La’s mountain trails was magical. The horses were well-cared-for, and our guides were truly locals—knowledgeable and kind. If you're looking for tour operators in China who really know the region, this is it.
Benjamin R., Canada –
I was hesitant about doing a multi-day horse riding tour in China, but now I’d do it again in a heartbeat. From Tiger Leaping Gorge to ancient temples, this trip blends nature, culture, and real adventure. Trust me—ditch the tour buses and saddle up instead.
Emma L., Australia –
Shuhe, Baisha, and Shangri-La all on horseback? Yes, please! I’ve done tours around the world, but this Yunnan horse riding tour stands out for its authenticity. Homestays added a warm, personal touch I’ll never forget. Kudos to the China local tour operators for making it all seamless.
Thomas W., UK –
The landscapes, the people, the FOOD—this wasn’t just a trip, it was a soul-stirring experience. My favorite moment? Riding through Napa Lake’s grasslands at dawn, with only the wind and the horses. This horse riding tour in China gives you both adventure and peace. Huge thanks to this incredible China tour company for such smooth arrangements!
Olivia C., USA –
What an unforgettable adventure! I had always dreamed of exploring rural China on horseback, and this yunnan horse riding tour exceeded every expectation. The views from Napa Lake and the ancient charm of Baisha Village were simply magical. Huge thanks to the china local tour operators for organizing this so seamlessly. If you're seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience, don’t miss this tour!
Adam B., New Zealand –
This wasn’t just a highlight of my China trip. It was the highlight of my entire year. The balance of nature, culture, and freedom made this tour deeply memorable. I’ve done many adventures before, but this yunnan horse riding tour stands alone.
Yuki A., Japan –
Riding through Napa Lake at sunset was a moment I will treasure forever. The colors in the sky, the reflection in the water, and the rhythm of the horses created something truly magical.
Noah L., South Africa –
There’s a quiet magic in the way the tour flows from place to place. We never rushed. We soaked in every view, every encounter, every quiet conversation over tea. The guides knew exactly when to share stories and when to let silence speak. Truly special.
Leo B., Germany –
What I appreciated most was the balance between adventure and comfort. We were on the move each day, but the homestays felt like home and the food was nourishing and authentic. This tour was so well thought out by the China local tour operators.
Mateo Z., Argentina –
The old towns of Shuhe and Baisha were like walking through a dream. Every building held stories. Every alley had character. Experiencing them from horseback made it even more magical. Tour operators in China should be proud to offer something this unique.
Felix W., Netherlands –
I brought my teenage son along and it was the best bonding experience we’ve ever had. We rode side by side, talked without distractions, and laughed with locals during our homestays. This China tour company gave us a trip we’ll never forget.
Thomas E., UK –
Pudacuo National Park was breathtaking, but nothing beat the mornings spent riding past fields of barley with snow-capped peaks ahead. This was more than adventure. It was a return to something simple and pure. A must-try horse riding tour in China.
Dylan K., Ireland –
We shared stories around fire pits. We crossed rivers on horseback. We saw stars so bright they lit up the mountain paths. It wasn’t just a trip. It was a reminder of how beautiful life can be when we disconnect and wander with intention. Absolutely recommend this yunnan horse riding tour.
Emily S., UK –
I signed up for this as a weekend adventure, but it ended up being a deeply moving week. Riding into small villages, learning about the Naxi people, and sleeping in wooden homes gave me a sense of connection I didn’t expect. I highly recommend this to anyone seeking a different side of China.
Daniel J., USA –
I’ve never done a horse riding tour before, but this one opened a new door for me. It was challenging in parts, but so rewarding. The sense of accomplishment I felt each night was worth it all.
Grace H., USA –
As someone who loves cultural immersion, this tour exceeded all my hopes. From the local markets to the family dinners, every day brought a new connection. I’d only ever booked group tours before, but after this I’ll always look for China local tour operators.
Ben F., USA –
This tour reminded me of the importance of slow travel. Every step of the horse brought me deeper into Yunnan’s history and spirit. I’m grateful to the China tour company for putting together something so real.
Isabelle F., France –
Riding into Baisha village under a pink sunset was one of those moments you wish you could freeze forever. The ancient homes, the silence of the mountains, and the warm welcome at every stop made this feel deeply human. Horse riding in Dali Yunnan is now on my must-do-again list.
Lucas M., France –
We rode through fields of barley, past yaks grazing in silence, and stopped in villages where time seemed to have paused. This yunnan horse riding tour reminded me why I love slow travel. Every moment was textured and real.
James L., South Africa –
The horses were strong and reliable, and the guides treated them with love and respect. That mattered to me. I could tell this China tour company truly cared about sustainability and community involvement. It made the experience feel right.
Marcus C., USA –
If you think you’ve seen China, think again. This tour takes you into places that buses can’t reach and guidebooks don’t describe. I was blown away by how untouched and spiritual the landscapes felt. I will always be thankful to the tour operators in China who organized this with such care.
Sofia R., Italy –
The pace of travel on horseback is so different. You slow down. You notice every tree, every smile from villagers, every shift in the wind. I felt connected to the land in a way I never have before. This horse riding tour in China was worth every moment.
Olivia T., USA –
There’s something magical about waking up in a small wooden home, stepping outside to see your horse waiting, and setting off to explore another village. It felt raw and real. I’m grateful I chose a tour with experienced tour operators in China who value authenticity.
Sophie V., Belgium –
The moment we reached Tiger Leaping Gorge, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. Massive cliffs, roaring rivers, and trails that felt like they belonged in a storybook. Seeing it all from horseback made it even more powerful.
Amelia K., USA –
The first time I saw the sunrise over the hills of Shangri-La while on horseback, I knew this tour would change something inside me. It’s not just a vacation, it’s an experience that slows you down and brings you closer to nature and tradition. I’m glad I chose this China tour company.
Natalia Z., Poland –
There is something profoundly calming about moving through nature on horseback. I found a kind of peace here that I’ve never experienced before. This yunnan horse riding tour brought me closer to the earth and to myself.
Andre R., Portugal –
I’ve done a lot of hiking trips, but this horse riding in Dali Yunnan tour gave me something different. It was peaceful yet exciting. Each day ended with hot tea, stories, and a deep sense of gratitude. I’ll be talking about this trip for years.
Grace P., Australia –
I remember riding along the river near Yangtangqu. The sky was clear, and the wind carried the scent of wildflowers. We didn’t say much, but that silence felt full. This is what a real journey feels like.
Ines G., Switzerland –
I’ve always loved cultural travel, but this tour went beyond expectations. From the songs sung by our guide to the ancient murals in Baisha, everything was a lesson in beauty and resilience.
Amelie B., Belgium –
What I remember most vividly is the rhythm of the horse’s steps blending with birdsong and the faint sound of temple bells in the distance. Every sense was awakened. This horse riding in Dali Yunnan tour was one of the most beautiful journeys of my life.
Juan M., Mexico –
Each day brought a new surprise. One day we were exploring an ancient monastery, the next we were sharing lunch with a local family in a remote village. This horse riding tour in China delivered variety, depth, and meaning.