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The Shika Snow Mountain Scenic Area is located southwest of Jiantang Town, Shangri-La County, on the southeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, at an altitude of 4,500 meters. It is the only three-dimensional ecological and cultural tourist attraction on the Diqing Plateau with sightseeing facilities.
The word "Shika" comes from the Tibetan transliteration of Shangri-La, which means "mountain with red deer". Red deer in Tibetan Buddhism represent the horses among the countless living beings who are listening to the Buddha's teachings. Therefore, red deer is one of the auspicious animals in Tibetan Buddhism, representing "good luck, longevity, exorcism of evil and righteousness". Therefore, Shika Snow Mountain Scenic Area is the patron saint of Shangri-La in the hearts of the Tibetans in Shangri-La.
Enjoy the boundless beauty of the natural ecology of the rocky beach, and experience the magical charm of mountaintop culture and the sacred mountain culture outside the temple. "In spring, see green grass; in summer, see flowers; in autumn, see the colors; in winter, see snow." No matter when you visit, you will be struck by its breathtaking beauty.
Temperate climate, plateau climate, best travel time: January to March and September to October.
More than 3 hours
Ticket + Cableway Ticket (round trip): 270 yuan
08:00-16:00
Shika Snow Mountain is an important natural landmark in the Zhongdian (now called Shangri-La), known for its stunning snow-covered peaks and rich biodiversity. The mountain is considered sacred by local Tibetan people and holds cultural significance, especially during Tibetan festivals.
Shika Snow Mountain is located near Zhongdian (Shangri-La) in Yunnan Province, China. To get there, you can take a bus or taxi from Zhongdian, which is about a 30-minute drive. The area is also accessible by private vehicles or tour groups.
The mountain is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant. Winter offers snow activities, while summer offers lush green landscapes. The mountain can be visited anytime during daylight hours.
The entrance fee to Shika Snow Mountain is approximately ¥100–¥150, depending on the activities you wish to partake in. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance or through tour operators. Some tours may offer online booking options.
It is not necessary to book tickets in advance for regular entry. However, if you plan to participate in specific tours or activities like skiing or cable car rides, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons.
A visit to Shika Snow Mountain can typically take 3-4 hours if you are just exploring the scenic areas and taking a cable car ride. For hiking or skiing, it could take up to a full day.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some may offer English-speaking guides. Audio guides are typically not available, but tour guides provide detailed explanations about the area and its history.
Start by taking the cable car up the mountain for a quick overview of the area. Then, hike to the summit for panoramic views. If you're interested in Tibetan culture, plan a visit to the nearby Tibetan villages afterward.
Night visits are not common due to the mountainous terrain. However, during special festivals or celebrations, there may be local cultural performances or events in the nearby villages.
Shika Snow Mountain can get crowded during the peak seasons (summer and holidays), but it is less crowded during the spring and autumn months, especially during weekdays.
Basic facilities such as toilets, rest areas, and food stalls are available at the base and cable car stations. There are also shops selling souvenirs and local products near the entrance. Be sure to bring enough water for hikes or outdoor activities.
Shika Snow Mountain is somewhat accessible for elderly and children, especially if using the cable car. However, some hiking trails and the higher elevations may be challenging. There are no specific facilities for disabled visitors in the mountainous area.
Cash is commonly accepted in the area, but mobile payments (such as Alipay and WeChat Pay) are widely used and more convenient for transactions in stores and for tickets.
There are small local restaurants and food stalls near the base of the mountain offering traditional Tibetan dishes such as yak meat, butter tea, and momo (dumplings). For a wider range of dining options, Zhongdian (Shangri-La) has more restaurants.
Vegetarian options are available, but vegan and halal food options may be limited. It is advisable to check with restaurants ahead of time or bring your own food if you have specific dietary needs.
There are several guesthouses and mid-range hotels in Zhongdian (Shangri-La), which is around 30 minutes from Shika Snow Mountain. A few lodges and guesthouses are located closer to the mountain.
There are small souvenir shops near the mountain selling items such as Tibetan handicrafts, prayer beads, yak wool products, and traditional Tibetan clothing.
After visiting Shika Snow Mountain, you can take a taxi or bus back to Zhongdian (Shangri-La) to continue your trip. From there, you can explore other parts of Yunnan or head to the nearest airport for onward travel.
