Take a trip to Shangri-La and rediscover the romance forgotten by life

When it comes to the most captivating place in Yunnan in autumn, it’s not Lijiang or Dali, but Shangri-La.
Golden meadows, colorful forests, a sky glowing blue, paired with the cold white of snow-capped mountains✨
It’s just like a dreamlike oil painting world.

In autumn here, you’ll really only want to say one thing:

“Oh my god, this is just too beautiful!!!”

🍁 Reasons to fall in love at first sight

🧡 September to October is the perfect season, with plenty of sunny days and clear light.
💛 Snow mountains + colorful forests + grasslands all in one frame, every snap is wallpaper-worthy.
🤍 Few people! The temperature is just right, neither cold nor scorching.
💙 Plus that unique “slow time” atmosphere of the plateau, quiet and free.

🗓️ Recommended itinerary|5 days 4 nights is just right

🚗 A route linking autumn colors and snow mountains, starting from Shangri-La, passing through grasslands and forests, arriving at Baima Snow Mountain.
Slow down, stop whenever you want, every shot is beautiful!

🏙️DAY 1|Arrive in Shangri-La ✨ Acclimate to the plateau

Stay near Dukezong Ancient Town, where many Tibetan-style guesthouses hide in the old alleys.

Take an evening stroll + have a cup of butter tea, slowly let your body adjust to the altitude.

🕍DAY 2|Ancient Town → Songzanlin Monastery → Head to Baima Snow Mountain

Morning: Songzanlin Monastery (the golden roof is stunning under the sun🌞)

Afternoon: Head towards Baima Snow Mountain, the scenery along the way is insanely beautiful—
Plateau meadows, yaks, prayer flags, everywhere is a vast scene.

🏔️DAY 3|Stunning sunrise at Baima Snow Mountain + colorful forest spectacle

Set off early to the mountain pass (altitude 4290m) to capture the snow mountain sunrise☀️

Colorful forests, white snow, and blue sky combine into the most breathtaking color canvas.

If the weather is good, you can see the outline of Meili Snow Mountain in the distance.

In the afternoon, take a light hike or enjoy coffee and sunshine at the foot of the mountain.

🍃DAY 4|Return to Shangri-La · Napa Hai Grassland

On the way back, stop at Napa Hai Wetland.

Cattle and sheep leisurely walk on golden meadows, clouds reflect on the lake surface.

Return to the ancient town by evening, casually find a Tibetan restaurant,
Order yak meat hotpot + barley wine for a perfect ending!

🌄DAY 5|Free activities · Return trip

Get up early to capture the morning light and shadows in the ancient town✨

🍲 Must-try Shangri-La flavors

🥘 Yak meat hotpot—warming with a hint of milky flavor.
🍗 Nixi clay pot chicken—a local favorite.
🧈 Butter tea + barley cakes—plateau breakfast must-try.
🧀 Tibetan cheese with honey—sweet to the heart.

🧳 What you must know before you go!

🌞 The plateau UV rays are super strong! Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must!

🧥 Big temperature difference between day and night: 20°C during the day, possibly single digits at night.

💧 Drink plenty of water, less alcohol, don’t overdo it on the first day.

🙏 Always ask permission before taking photos in Tibetan areas, respect local beliefs.

🚗 Self-driving or chartered cars both work, remember to leave plenty of time for photos.

Going to Shangri-La is not just about “seeing the scenery”🌈
It’s about finding a bit of “slow” and “freedom” in the wind of the plateau.

When the sunlight shines on the snow mountains, the wind blows across the grasslands,
At that moment you’ll feel—

🍃 The world can be so quiet, so beautiful.

Post by AmalieJacobsen | Nov 4, 2025

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