Workshops · Encounters · Day Adventures
Not every journey needs to follow a fixed itinerary. Our local experiences offer a flexible way to explore Southwestern China through hands-on workshops, outdoor adventures, and meaningful encounters with local communities, while spending time where local life naturally unfolds.
Whether you’re interested in learning traditional crafts, joining a cooking class, hiking through alpine landscapes, or discovering everyday village life, these experiences can be enjoyed on their own or combined to create a journey tailored to your interests.
Explore Our Experiences
Lijiang Cooking Class
Start your day with a visit to a bustling local market, where you’ll discover the incredible variety of ingredients that make Yunnan cuisine so unique while gaining a glimpse into local life and food culture.
Afterwards, learn to prepare traditional Yunnan dishes in a hands-on cooking class and enjoy the meal you’ve created.
NZD 85 pp
(approx. USD 50)
Dali Indigo Dyeing Workshop
Set within a traditional Bai courtyard, this hands-on workshop introduces you to the art of indigo dyeing, a centuries-old Bai craft that uses natural plant-based dyes.
Learn traditional techniques, create your own unique textile, and gain insight into local culture and craftsmanship.
From NZD 60 pp
(approx. USD 35)
Dali Village Market Day
Join locals at one of the traditional market days held in villages around Dali, where local communities gather to trade, shop, and catch up with friends and neighbours.
Depending on the day, each market offers an unique experience, with seasonal produce, wild ingredients, handmade goods, allowing you to experience a side of the region that most visitors never get to see.
Price on Request (transport included)
Dali Tea Making Experience
Spend time in a tea garden on the slopes of Cangshan Mountain learning how tea is picked and harvested.
Afterwards, visit a local studio to take part in the tea-making process and enjoy a tasting while discovering the traditions behind Yunnan’s tea culture.
From NZD 65 pp
(approx. USD 38)
Tile Cat Workshop
Learn about Dali’s traditional tile cats, a distinctive folk art found on the rooftops of Bai homes.
In this hands-on workshop, you’ll create your own tile cat while discovering the stories, symbolism, and craftsmanship behind this unique local tradition.
From NZD 60 pp
(approx. USD 35)
Abujicuo Day Hike
Discover the beauty of Abujicuo, one of Shangri-La’s most rewarding day hikes. Choose between a 10km or 18km route and explore alpine forests, meadows, and a stunning turquoise mountain lake.
The hike operates in a small-group format, with a guide-to-guest ratio of approximately 1:6–8.
From NZD 145 pp
(approx. USD 85)
Whether you’re interested in a single experience, or looking to combine several into a longer journey, we’d be happy to help you plan your trip through Southwestern China.
