The Shangri-La Grand Canyon Balagzong National Scenic Area is located in the northwest of Shangri-La County. It is one of the core scenic spots in the Hongshan area of the "Three Parallel Rivers" World Natural Heritage. It is connected to the Gezabirang Canyon in the east, Nisi Shangqiaotou in the south, Derong County in Sichuan Province in the west, and Dongwang Township in the north.
At Balagzong, standing at a water village approximately 2,000 meters above sea level, you can experience the immersive, three-dimensional landscape shaped by Balagzong's unique topography and climate, bringing you a visually stunning experience! Located at the junction of Yunnan, Sichuan, and Tibet provinces, the scenic area is within the Hongshan Scenic Area of the Three Parallel Rivers Scenic Area and is the core of the Hongshan Scenic Area. The Shangri-La Grand Canyon, formerly known as the "Birang Canyon," now comprises the Nixi Balagzong Canyon and the Geza Birong Canyon. Rock paintings dot the cliffs on both sides of the canyon, mysterious symbols left by the local ancestors that remain undeciphered.
Attractions Location: Bala Village, Nixi Township, Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province
Tickets:
Tickets: Adult ticket 170 RMB
Half-price ticket: minors aged 6 years and above (excluding 6 years old) to 18 years old (including 18 years old);
Senior citizens aged 60 and above (inclusive) but under 70 years old can enjoy half-price discount (with ID card or senior citizen discount card);
Students: Full-time undergraduate students and below can enjoy half-price admission (with valid student ID)
Opening hours:
08:30-16:30 (Monday-Sunday, January 1-December 31)
Official phone number: Ticketing Inquiry
400-6613-399
Transportation:
Take a direct bus to Dukezong Ancient Town or Moonlight Square
Time reference: More than 3 hours
Explore the stunning natural beauty of Shangri-La Balagezong Scenic Area, known for its pristine forests, rivers, and Tibetan cultural sites. This one-day itinerary focuses on immersing yourself in the scenic and spiritual highlights.
Transportation: Taxi or organized tour buses; hiking inside the park.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in Shangri-La Old Town guesthouses or hotels. Try Tibetan barley wine, yak butter tea, and local momos (dumplings).
Souvenirs: Tibetan prayer flags, traditional handicrafts, yak wool products, and local herbal remedies.
Combine Balagezong Scenic Area with nearby Tibetan monasteries and natural sights for a richer experience.
Transportation: Taxi for all locations; walking inside each site.
Accommodation/Food: Guesthouses or boutique hotels in Shangri-La. Enjoy Tibetan hotpot and local yak meat dishes.
Souvenirs: Thangka paintings, Tibetan silver jewelry, dried medicinal herbs.
Add more nature and cultural immersion by visiting nearby villages and natural parks.
Transportation: Taxi or shuttle bus to Pudacuo; walking inside the park and Old Town.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in Shangri-La with Tibetan and Yunnan fusion cuisine options.
Souvenirs: Handwoven Tibetan rugs, natural honey, local wool scarves.
Explore extended Tibetan culture and natural landscapes around Shangri-La and Balagezong.
Transportation: Taxi or rental bike recommended.
Accommodation/Food: Continue staying in Shangri-La; try local yak cheese and barley cakes.
Souvenirs: Handmade wooden carvings, Tibetan traditional clothing, local spices.
Experience deeper Tibetan traditions with village visits and mountain scenery.
Transportation: Private car or taxi recommended for Benzilan.
Accommodation/Food: Stay in Benzilan or return to Shangri-La. Sample Tibetan barley beer and yak steak.
Souvenirs: Tibetan masks, antique jewelry, locally woven fabrics.
Combine the Balagezong Scenic Area with more extensive exploration of the greater Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.
Transportation: Private car or guided tour recommended due to remote location.
Accommodation/Food: Simple guesthouses in Yubeng Village; traditional Tibetan food like tsampa and butter tea.
Souvenirs: Prayer wheels, Tibetan incense, handmade jewelry.
A comprehensive week exploring natural wonders and Tibetan culture centered around Balagezong Scenic Area and Shangri-La.
Accommodation/Food: Boutique hotels in Shangri-La. Try fusion dishes combining Tibetan, Han, and Naxi cuisines.
Souvenirs: Naxi embroidery, Tibetan musical instruments, traditional clothing, and local teas.
It's so beautiful, the secret place of Shangri-La, you must take time to go here, the whole journey takes 4-5 hours, I didn't know it before I went, and I left less time, I will come again next time. There are beautiful peaks, thrilling mountain roads, and exciting rafting.
When I arrived at Balaggezong, I was deeply shocked by the magic of nature. The natural pagoda was so mysterious and spectacular. The Tibetan village of Bala Village and the Shangri-La Grand Canyon also left a deep impression on me. The staff in the scenic area were also very enthusiastic and thoughtful in their service. I hope that more friends who love traveling like me will go to Balaggezong.
It was my first time in Shangri-La. I was a little uncomfortable on the plateau, but I got used to it when I got to Balagzong. The tour guide said the lowest altitude here is only 2050 meters, which was very comfortable. The scenic area is very primitive and undeveloped. It is worth visiting.
The scenery at the Balagzong Scenic Area is breathtakingly beautiful. This season, I truly experienced four seasons in one day. I was amazed by the wonders of nature, and the staff were also fantastic. I was deeply satisfied with my trip and touched by Mr. Sina Dingzhu's spirit. I'll definitely return for a second, third, or even more opportunities to experience the local customs and culture of Balagzong. ❤️
The beauty of the mountains and rivers is not comparable to the small bridges and flowing water in the Jiangnan water towns. It is a secret place. It can purify the soul. The tour guide who brought us was very nice and professional. He also helped us introduce the boss's entrepreneurial experience. The boss is a very sentimental man. He has made a lot of contributions to his hometown. The guy was busy and took us to the surrounding attractions. He was not tired of it. I was not familiar with Balagzong before coming, so I arranged a 2-day itinerary. Super NIAC, I will come again next time
Worth recommending, conscientious praise
The scenery is indeed beautiful, but the service at the scenic area is not very well organized. Groups are required to take buses to designated attractions and are free to move around within a specified timeframe. However, if other tourists do not adhere to the timetable, the driver must wait. The time allotment for each attraction is also not very reasonable, with the village where tourists spend too much time. The story of Sina Dingzhu, who built a road for his hometown, is very touching.
The Balagzong Scenic Area seems to have been created for adventurers, offering a variety of activities designed to prove the brave. Here, the brave feel as if they were walking on the sky, feeling relaxed and refreshed, while the timid, fearful and dauntless, walk with composure. Here, you can hike to the sound of your own breathing, unleash your energy on the high-altitude glass plank road, or scream with abandon on the canyon cable car. Here, no one cares whether you're elegant or respectable, or what planet you're from. The ultimate goal of this uncharted territory is for the brave to triumph, and the timid to be eliminated.
The Balagezong scenic area is quite large and is toured by shuttle bus. It primarily includes the Balazhuoma Lakang, Bala Village, the Shangri-La Grand Canyon, and Tongtianxia. Lunch will be provided in Bala Village. The area has 41 hairpin bends, so those prone to motion sickness should be wary. Overall, I think Balagezong is a decent tourist attraction, so your opinion will depend on your personal preference.
The entrance fee to the scenic area is 150 yuan, and transportation within the area is 60 yuan, which isn't cheap. When we purchased our tickets, we were told the bus wouldn't leave until 10:00. The weather was bad, and since it was probably off-season, there weren't many tourists. Perhaps to save money, the scenic area delayed the bus until 10:16, when we were the first group. Each bus at this scenic area was assigned a guide, and while the service seemed adequate, the guide didn't explain much and restricted our freedom of movement, effectively limiting our time at each attraction. For someone like me who loves photography, not being able to freely manage my time, like being on a tour group, was incredibly inconvenient.
Balagzong is located in Shangri-La, Diqing, Yunnan. It means "the white castle of the Batang people". It is a national scenic spot and a national 4A-level tourist attraction. It is part of the "Three Parallel Rivers" World Natural Heritage. The scenic area consists of cliffs and canyons, plateau lakes, mysterious snow-capped mountains, grasslands and pastures, and virgin forests.
The Balagzong Scenic Area is a scenic area with a bus and a guide. The tour mode automatically forms a small group and follows the tour guide's arrangement. It is said to be four hours, but it is estimated that it will take eight hours to wait for people to wait for people. PS: I think the canyon scenery is the least worth the ticket. Most of the man-made attractions are generally artificial. It would be much better to hike to the Balagzong Sacred Mountain in the other direction.
I sincerely admire the contributions made by the road builders to their hometown, Tashi Delek!
Style, walking, place, there is a way! ! ! !
The beauty of Balagzong can satisfy you, me and him, because no matter you like spring and summer, autumn and winter, mountains and rivers, or rivers, whether you like light clouds and breeze, or thrills, beautiful scenery and delicious food, Balagzong can satisfy you👍👍👍
The natural scenery of the scenic area belongs to a unique fairyland legend. The mountains are so majestic and towering. It is a spiritual tester, waiting for you with tenacious perseverance to feel and share.
Pure natural scenery, magical gallery, Balagzong Grand Canyon with high-end service, the scenic area warmly welcomes people from afar, Tashi Delek.
The scenery is unique, the Jiangnan of Shangri-La. In Balagzon, you can experience the unique scenery of four seasons in one day. I was moved by the entrepreneurial spirit of the founder of Balagzon, Mr. Sina Dingzhu. He designed and built a 61-kilometer winding mountain road, which led the local people out of poverty and into prosperity.
The Balagzong in Shangri-La is really beautiful, especially the natural pagoda is a must-see!
The wonders of nature, the magical and beautiful natural scenery, and the touching story of Mr. Balagezongsna Dingzhu are a must-see place in your lifetime. It's a pity that I didn't have enough time. I will definitely come back next time.
The most beautiful scenic spot in Shangri-La, where there are the most beautiful stories and the most beautiful scenery!
Balagzong is located in Shangri-La, Diqing, Yunnan. It means "the white castle of the Batang people". It is a national scenic spot and a national 4A-level tourist attraction. It is part of the "Three Parallel Rivers" World Natural Heritage. The scenic area consists of cliffs and canyons, plateau lakes, mysterious snow-capped mountains, grasslands and pastures, and virgin forests.
I went to Bala Village yesterday and it felt like I was in a paradise on earth.
There is no playground at all, just a canyon, the scenery is too ordinary, there is no Shangri-La style at all. Bala Village is all newly built, and the original style is not visible.
The Shangri-La Grand Canyon is also called "Balagzong". The park is located more than 80 kilometers northwest of Shangri-La County. Because one end of the canyon is named "Shangge" and the other end is named "Lila", it is named Shangri-La Grand Canyon. It is said that the "Blue Moon Canyon" mentioned in the book "Lost Horizon" is here.
Deep canyons, towering snow-capped mountains, steep cliffs, and primeval forests
Glaciers in winter and waterfalls in summer
Rich meadows and pastures
There are also remote villages and temples in the mountains.
I feel that the Balagzong scenic area is very small and not many people go there, so the whole trip is easy. There are also many attractions in the scenic area.
This scenic area is not particularly well developed yet. It's incredibly large, and without taking the scenic bus, it's practically impossible to explore. One scenic area typically takes a full day, and the attractions are quite scattered. The main attractions include Tibetan culture, temples, mountains, canyons, rivers, and snow. I recommend bringing plenty of snacks. The area was quite sparsely populated, perhaps because I didn't visit on a holiday. The entire valley was remarkably quiet, and I truly felt a sense of peace and tranquility. However, the surrounding facilities are relatively underdeveloped, especially the surrounding developments, such as entertainment, souvenirs, and local specialties.
Hidden deep in the secrets of Shangri-La, a paradise on earth
If you go to Bala Gezong, you must go to the highest point - the natural stupa of Shambhala to experience this unique and magnificent natural landscape. This is a touchable sacred snow-covered mountain that is enough to shock everyone's heart. Otherwise, there is not much point.
It was very shocking, far beyond my imagination. The developer of the scenic area is from Bala Village, and his act of building the road was very touching.
The scenic area is very shocking and beyond imagination. Highly recommended!
Personally, I think there is no difference between traveling to Balagzon on your own and joining a tour group, because you will get on the scenic area's shuttle bus at the entrance of the scenic area, and then be taken to the scenic spots one stop at a time. The scenic area tour guide will explain during the ride, and you can arrange the tour time yourself. You just need to control the return time.
Snow covers the mountains year-round, and in winter they are covered in ice and snow. Despite this, every year many Tibetan believers, photographers seeking great beauty, and seasoned adventure enthusiasts brave the hardships and hike to the Gezong Snow Mountain Pass to explore the sacred mountain and holy lake.
Upon entering the scenic area, I first looked for the Bodhi tree at the entrance. As expected, its dense branches and leaves cling to the cliff face, resembling a phoenix flapping its wings, ready to take flight. Then, I arrived at the most amazing "Shambhala Pagoda." I was in awe of nature's uncanny craftsmanship, how a mountain-mountain pagoda has been so vividly carved. Even more amazing were the two peaks in front of the pagoda: one resembles an unrolled scroll, the other a seated lama chanting. This scene made me sigh: this truly is a place born of faith!
Note: The glass plank road is the best place to take photos. Shoe covers are 1 yuan per person.
Recommended time to visit: 1 day must-see place
There is a small village called Bala Village inside the Balagezong Grand Canyon. The Balagezong Grand Canyon is a tourist attraction that is not yet familiar to the public. It was also the first time I saw such emerald green water.
The Balagzong Scenic Area is about 1-2 hours away from the city. The scenic area is large, so it is recommended to stay for one night and travel for two days.
On the high-altitude glass plank road in Balagzon, the reflection of white clouds is clearly visible on the glass, as if you are above the clouds.
Most of the area is still under construction, and all buildings and facilities are not yet complete. In the scenic area, the thousand-year-old ancient village of Bala has been restored.
So beautiful! Yearning.
It looks like it's time for that plan.
It was August 2018, and the weather was cloudy. Shangri-La, our starting point, was truly average. It couldn't compare to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in grandeur, nor to Lugu Lake in beauty. The Buddhist temple we visited in the morning was newly built, devoid of any genuine worshippers. It was a typical glass-bottomed observation deck (not a plank road), and the darkened dining area of Bala Village (despite its claim to be a thousand-year-old village, it lacked any sense of history). We arrived at Bala Village at 3:00 PM after lunch, which felt like a complete waste of time. In the afternoon, we could have enjoyed a relaxing rafting trip along the canyon plank road (purchased a one-day-in-advance ticket on China-TravelNote for 86 yuan per person). Tongtian Gorge is incredibly similar to Wulong in Chongqing. We could have experienced it more slowly, but we wouldn't have had enough time! Once inside the scenic area, we had to take a 60-yuan bus, so we couldn't change the order of the attractions, which wasted half our time. I recommend getting off directly at the canyon plank road; I'm not sure if the driver will let you in, or taking the hiking route, which seems underdeveloped. We left at 9:30 AM and returned to the city around 6:00 PM. The villagers and bosses here all recommend this place, probably to develop this attraction and apply for 5A and to get more kickbacks. A car of people either returned to the car early or felt bored after insisting on playing to the end.
The ticket price for the Balagzong Grand Canyon is 150 yuan per person, half price for students, and the bus fare within the scenic area is 60 yuan per person. A total of 210 yuan.
It's very similar to Wulong in Chongqing, but it's close to nature. The highest attraction, the glass plank road, is over 3,200 meters above sea level, offering views of the valley floor. You can spend 5 hours exploring all the attractions, making it a good value. There are buses to pick you up at each attraction, but there are also some hiking sections, so if you're prone to altitude sickness, bring an oxygen tank.
The Balagezong Scenic Area is a breathtakingly beautiful place, a beauty beyond words. It encompasses canyons, rivers, craggy rocks, snow-capped mountains, grasslands, lakes, and a vibrant tapestry of Tibetan folk culture. The Balagezong Grand Canyon is particularly breathtaking. The Gangqu River, squeezed by the new mountain building movement to a valley floor just over 1,000 meters above sea level, is flanked by majestic peaks rising to 4,000 to 5,000 meters. At the canyon's edge, the 5,545-meter-high Balagezong Snow Mountain is one of the three sacred mountains of the Kham region. Walking among the clouds and meandering along the river's edge in Balagezong is a truly refreshing experience. Since the scenic area takes over five hours to explore, it's recommended to arrive before 10:00 AM. Starting at this point, you can skip the lunch break, as you'll stop at the third attraction, Bala Village, for lunch. Don't be fooled by the thought that the food in scenic areas is disappointing; that's simply not the case in Balagezong. Supermarkets offer both Tibetan and Han cuisine. A Tibetan teahouse is highly recommended for its reasonable prices, delicious food, and a chance to experience the local culture. Tickets for the scenic area can be booked online and can be purchased directly for 210 yuan per person. When you arrive at the scenic area, park your car in the scenic area parking lot and take the scenic area bus with your ticket. There is a tour guide on the bus, a handsome Tibetan boy. He is a local who used to live in the mountains of Balagezong and now has moved to the river valley. There are five attractions in the whole tour, including the Millennium Bodhi of Balagezong, the Bandanram Observation Deck, the Millennium Ancient Village - Bala Village, the Balagezong Grand Canyon, and the Tongtian Gorge. We went too late in the morning and did not go to the last two attractions. I still feel very sorry about it, so I suggest that beekeepers must leave enough time. The Balagezong Scenic Area has its own microclimate, so the temperature is high.
The Grand Canyon is definitely worth a visit. Its river water used to be crystal clear, but the recent rainy season has washed down the mountain dirt, making it murky. There are many small Mani piles along the river, which Tibetans use for prayers, but these are mostly tourists. I tried rafting, but I wouldn't recommend it. The ticket was too expensive, 120 yuan per person, and the time was very short, so if you've rafted elsewhere, don't try it.
The most beautiful part of the canyon is the mountain. The scenery is really great. There is a glass observation deck at the highest point where you can experience the feeling of standing on a cliff.
There are also more than a dozen small white pagodas in front of the thousand-year-old Bodhi tree at the entrance of the canyon. I observed carefully and found that no matter how big or small the white pagoda is, there is a golden Buddha inside.
The newly built glass viewing platform is amazing! Unlike the one in Wulong we visited before, the glass was scratched and not clear at all. This one is so clean and bright that we jumped on it for a long time and didn't want to leave.
The highest point is more than 3,200 meters above sea level. You can only see the top of the snow-capped mountain from a distance and cannot go to the snow-capped mountain.
There are two viewing platforms on the top of the mountain, one of which is a glass viewing platform, which is quite thrilling. However, I personally think that Balagzong is not fun. I didn’t want to go there again after I went there once, because I only saw the canyon for one day, and I felt that I had seen enough canyons in my life.
The last lost horizon on earth. We had a great guide there. The Tibetan man, Zhaxin Jiangcai, was very hospitable and took us to many places. This is the only place I remember vividly. If you're from far away and want to visit, please contact him locally. Zhaxi Jiangcai is highly recommended at 13150733344. He didn't charge exorbitant fees, and the places he took us to were all stunning.
The clouds in the mountains are very low, and they feel like cotton candy.
When going down the mountain, I saw a thousand-year-old Bodhi tree and a hand-shaped vine, which is said to be a money-catching claw.
It's very average, very average, very average. The places that the sightseeing bus can reach are super average. The beautiful places in the brochure can only be seen on foot!
A scenic spot with a story: a child who emerged from the mountains, dedicated his entire family fortune to building a road for his hometown. The entire scenic area is still under development, so there's not much information online. Here's a detailed introduction. Currently (May 2018), there are five regular scenic spots, which can be roughly divided into two categories. The first category offers scenic plank paths (there are currently three: a. A high-altitude/glass plank path, overlooking the valley from over 3,000 meters above sea level, with views of the Balagzong Snow Mountain in the distance; b. Two canyon plank paths. One, the Shangri-La Grand Canyon, offers a 5-kilometer round-trip view of the stream (where rafting is possible). It's flat and has a nice breeze, but be sure to walk to the end, where there are many rocks where people pile up their māni piles. The other, the Tongtian Gorge, is truly breathtaking. It's a 1.5-kilometer round-trip climb. Compared to the Grand Canyon, this one lacks a stream, only piles of rocks. The canyon is narrow, and when you look up, it appears as a crescent. As for the canyon scenery, it's just average. If you enjoy hiking and nature, you'll want to check it out. The second category is about Tibetan villages and culture (Bala Village, which even has a Buddhist temple). Guided tours are available throughout the scenic area. Our guide was humorous and grew up in the local village. He explained life in the mountains before roads, the customs of the Tibetan people, and knowledge of Tibetan Buddhism. I prefer these cultural attractions to the natural scenery. The scenic area also has snow-capped mountains, large pastures, and alpine lakes, which are under development. While the regular route doesn't currently go back there, you can charter a car from within the scenic area (it's not cheap, so it's suitable for large groups). The most sacred and central attraction is the natural pagoda. Reportedly, the road has been repaired and will officially open to tourists next year. Overall, the scenic area is still relatively pristine, and the facilities are still relatively mature. There's a direct bus from the north gate of Shangri-La, which takes about an hour and a half (along various mountain roads) to the scenic area entrance. The tour is similar to Zhangjiajie, with sightseeing buses transporting visitors to the designated attractions. However, the roads here are difficult and winding, so it's not suitable for those prone to motion sickness. If you have the time, you should definitely visit.
It's quite far from the city, passing by Napahai, the scenery is really average
I don't know why there are no reviews from other users or if there is something wrong with my system. The Shangri-La Grand Canyon in Balagezong is really worth a visit.
This place is really nice, with fresh air, abundant vegetation, and a deserted canyon.
When I went there with my bestie, it was still undeveloped and everything was very primitive. There were only four of us girls that day. The air was so good that it made people feel like they should live there.
Balagzon, a natural pagoda!
A pure land that cleanses the soul...
Dogs aren't allowed in this area of Shangri-La Grand Canyon National Park, as it's a long-standing custom in the village of Bala up the mountain not to keep dogs. At the bottom of the canyon runs the Gangqu River, a river like a jade belt. Its water is as clear as glass, cool and vibrant as jade. Looking up, we see endless cliffs on both sides. We opted not to go rafting, but instead walked along the river, enjoying the tranquility of the canyon. Time flew by.
Tickets 180 yuan New Year special offer
All the way down
It took more than 3 hours
Because we are in a hurry
Going to Feilai Temple
If you go around normally, it will take more than 6 hours.
Highly recommended, but the other attractions in the combined ticket are not very good
[Car rental] I rented a car through a car rental app and drove there. It was off-season and not expensive. Wukong Car Rental requires a 3,000 yuan pre-authorization on your credit card (refundable upon return). Then, another 2,000 yuan will be used to deduct traffic violations (the 2,000 yuan will be refunded after 30 days if no violations are confirmed).
[Grand Canyon] Due to the off-season, there were few cars along the way. The entire route was along the national highway, with high mountains on one side and a dangerous cliff-like area on the other. I was always worried about rockfalls on the mountain side, but luckily, I escaped unscathed. The drive took about two hours, and the best scenery was quite remote. There was a guide to the scenic spots, but since it was off-season and we were just two people, they provided a small car to show us around. The scenery at the Grand Canyon was beautiful, with a serene green river nestled between the steep mountains on either side. I think it was well worth the trip, though the ticket price was a bit high at 210 yuan per person, which included the entrance fee and the sightseeing bus.
#WinterMovies##Shoot on the Road# Bala Gezong, this is the Shambhala of my dreams. A visit to Bala Village is definitely worthwhile, surrounded by snow-capped mountains and overlooking the Shambhala Pagoda. It's a shame the road to the pagoda hasn't been repaired yet, what a shame! Next time I'll bring my loved ones!
Hello, Lanseci, when you went to Balagezong, did you see any accommodation or Tibetan homes in Bala Village?
Next to the main peak of Gezong, a natural stupa, carved by nature like a pagoda, protects the local people. The natural stupa is also a major attraction of the Balagzong Grand Canyon. Along with a nearby stone resembling a Buddhist scripture and another stone resembling an old lama, it forms the Three Treasures of Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha.
Standing at the foot of the sacred mountain of Gezong, in front of the Shambhala Pagoda, with hands folded, praying devoutly, my heart became clear at that moment, on the top of this pure white snow-capped mountain.
It is a place worth visiting. Although it is far away, you will not regret it once you go.
While Pudacuo was being hyped, I personally felt that the Balagezong Grand Canyon was more beautiful. Thanks to the Sina Dingzhu, the village is connected to the outside world, allowing us to enjoy the clear and beautiful water like Jiuzhaigou and the magnificent canyon. It is worth a visit.
The scenery of the valley is beautiful and a bit primitive. The Bala Village inside was where the Tibetans lived before. Later, after the road was built, all of them moved out. Now it has become a Tibetan settlement for visitors.
We went to Shangri-La Grand Canyon on the fifth day. The scenery was nice, but it was quite sunny.
The hotel in the canyon is unique. Looking up at the narrow strip of sky, resting your head on the canyon water, the pristine sounds of nature truly bring you back to nature! The bodhi tree next to the hotel has grown into the shape of a palm, its entire trunk clinging to the rock wall – a magnificent sight! Bala Village is truly a paradise, but unfortunately, our tour group trip was too short to fully appreciate its isolated and isolated atmosphere. Traveling independently is very inconvenient, and the distance is long. I wonder if there's a shuttle bus available.
This was once an untouched paradise on earth; it was once the legendary paradise where gods lived; it was also the Shambhala where people pursue their dreams... This grand canyon, which combines snow-capped mountains, glaciers, forests, meadows, canyons, rivers, plateau lakes and ancient villages, not only shows people the rugged canyons, towering mountains, lush forests, clear lakes and towering ice peaks that are within reach, but also tells people the story of Shangri-La, where the diverse geological landscapes and traditional Tibetan sacred mountain and holy land culture are perfectly integrated.
I personally don't like this so-called tourist attraction, and some places here are still under development, so I can't make a final judgment. I hope it gets better and better. To be honest, it's not easy to get out of the mountains without government funding.
(You can go and read my travel notes)
You can’t feel the beauty of Balagzon just by taking a car tour in the outer scenic area. You have to hike into the mountains to see the beautiful scenery. It is because there is no road that the beauty has been preserved!
This place isn't fully developed yet. Plus, we went early, so it felt like we were there. It was so beautiful. There are two attractions in the entire area: one for viewing Bala Village and the other for the Grand Canyon.
We walked into the Grand Canyon, and at the end, we indulged ourselves by rafting down from upstream. The water there was truly crystal clear. I'm so grateful I chose rafting; it was a truly unique experience.
For those who haven't seen high mountain gorges, experienced the thrill of speeding down a mountainside, or felt the dread of falling rocks strewn across the road, then Balagezong is a perfect place to visit. The scenic area boasts a wealth of natural scenery, and further development and enriched experiences are needed to attract more visitors. If Dali and Lijiang offer a place for daydreaming, then Balagezong offers a place to refresh the soul. Here, you can feel the power of nature, especially the mountains, and begin to understand why Tibetans love and respect their mountains so deeply.
The scenic area can be visited for 2-3 days. The scenery at the natural pagoda and ranch is superb, but the transportation, catering and accommodation in the scenic area are very inconvenient (actually too expensive... more than a thousand yuan a night...), so there are no conditions for two days of fun; the scenery and potential of the scenic area can be given a score of 10, but now, the places that can be visited can only be given a score of 2.
There are five regular attractions in Balagezong:
1. Bala Drolma Lhakhang Temple
2. Echo Wall/Sky-view Glass Plank Road
3. Bala Village
4. Canyon Plank Road
5. Tongtianxia Plank Road
(There are other attractions in Balagezong, which require additional fees to take a bus to, the most famous of which is the Shambhala Pagoda)
The order in which the scenic bus visits these attractions may vary depending on the time of visit. We visited these five attractions in order from 1 to 5. It's worth noting that the distances between the attractions are quite large, and the roads are all winding and dangerous.
The first attraction, Balazhuoma Lhakhang Temple, is a newly built attraction. It is relatively small in scale and lacks a sense of history. It can be walked around in 15 minutes and is not very interesting.
The second attraction is the Sky-Link Glass Plank Road. The one-way walk is 1.4 kilometers, and after reaching the end, you need to return the same way, for a total of 2.8 kilometers round trip. The plank road is flat, with no climbing required. The Sky-Link Glass Plank Road is the most worthwhile attraction in Balagzong. Walking along the plank road offers panoramic views of the Shangri-La Grand Canyon. At the end of the plank road, there is a small glass plank road. You can buy shoe covers for one yuan and then walk on the glass plank road.
However, at the end of the plank road, there is another plank road that I think is more exciting, which is the iron railing plank road. Although it is only about 20 meters long, it is very exciting - you are stepping on iron railings, and the spacing between the railings is only slightly narrower than your feet. Moreover, there is a real cliff under this iron railing plank road, which is quite scary.
After reaching the end, you can return the same way. In addition to walking back, you can also choose a paid project called "zipline". This is not the kind of cable car where you sit in a cabin, but the kind where your feet are in the air, with a height difference of 700 to 800 meters from the ground.
The third place is Bala Village. It has now been transformed into a restaurant and hotel, where you can have lunch.
The fourth attraction is the Canyon Plank Road. While the Sky Plank Road offers a bird's-eye view of the canyon from above, the Canyon Plank Road offers a bird's-eye view of the canyon from below. Built at the bottom of the canyon, it lies close to the canyon's stream. The Canyon Plank Road is 2.5 kilometers long one way and is relatively flat, with minimal climbing. At the end, you must return the same way. If you prefer not to walk back, you can take a raft at the end, at your own expense, back to the starting point.
The fifth is the Tongtianxia plank road. The Tongtianxia plank road is 700 meters one way and it is also the plank road that needs to return to the starting point.
The difference between the Tongtianxia plank road and the Canyon plank road is that there is water under the Canyon plank road, but there is no water under the Tongtianxia plank road. In addition, the Tongtianxia plank road is all climbing plank roads, which is very tiring to climb.
In general, the tour of Balagzong is very long and the ticket price is 170 yuan per person. I personally think the price/performance ratio is average.