3-Day 2-Night Travel Guide to Diqing: Experience All the Scenic Beauty in One Trip

Pre-Trip Preparation

With an average altitude of 3,300 meters, Diqing requires advance preparation. Take altitude sickness medication 1-2 weeks before departure, and pack warm coats, sun protection, moisturizing skincare products, and gastrointestinal medicine.

Itinerary

Day 1: Dukezong Ancient Town - Guishan Park - Songzanlin Monastery

Morning: Arrive in Diqing and check in at Dukezong Ancient Town. Stroll through the ancient town to experience the charm of the thousand-year-old Tea Horse Road.
Noon: Enjoy Tibetan cuisine in the ancient town, such as butter tea, barley pancakes, and yak meat hotpot🥘
Afternoon: Visit Guishan Park to rotate the world's largest prayer wheel for blessings. Then head to Songzanlin Monastery to admire Tibetan Buddhist architecture and feel its solemn sacredness.
Evening: Return to the ancient town to browse specialty shops for souvenirs and try snacks like yak meat skewers and Tibetan yogurt🍗

Day 2: Napahai Yila Grassland - Pudacuo National Park

Morning: Travel to Napahai Yila Grassland, where you can gallop on horseback or walk by the lakeside, admiring the grassland scenery with distant rolling mountains and herds of yaks and horses🐎
Noon: Have a simple Tibetan meal at a nearby restaurant, such as hand-grabbed meat and tsampa.
Afternoon: Visit Pudacuo National Park, stroll along the boardwalk, enjoy the lake and mountain views of Shudu Lake, and breathe in the fresh air🌳
Evening: Return to the city for dinner and rest early to recover from the day's fatigue.

Day 3: Shambhala Time Wheel Mandala Cultural Expo Center - Return Trip

Morning: Visit the Shambhala Time Wheel Mandala Cultural Expo Center to learn about Tibetan Buddhist culture and admire exquisite thangkas and Buddha statues.
Noon: Enjoy a special lunch in the city and purchase local specialties like yak jerky and barley wine.
Afternoon: Depending on your return schedule, head to the airport or train station to conclude your delightful Diqing journey.

Transportation Guide

- External Transportation: You can fly directly to Diqing Shangri-La Airport; alternatively, you can first go to Lijiang and then take a bus or shared car, which takes about 3-4 hours.

- Internal Transportation: Walk within Dukezong Ancient Town; take Bus No. 3 or a taxi to Songzanlin Monastery; for Napahai Yila Grassland and Pudacuo National Park, consider shared rides or joining a day tour for convenience and cost-effectiveness.

Food Recommendations

- Yak Meat Hotpot: High-altitude yak meat is firm and tender with no gamey taste, paired with rich ingredients and a flavorful broth.

- Butter Tea: A perfect blend of butter and tea, savory with a milky flavor, warming and delicious.

- Barley Pancakes: Crispy texture with a rich wheat aroma, perfect with various dishes.

With such stunning scenery and delicious food, this Diqing trip is sure to leave you with profound and beautiful memories💕