Shangri-La Travel Guide

Here is a travel guide for Shangri-La to help you have a wonderful journey.

Pre-Trip Preparation

• Documents: Bring your ID card and other possible documents such as student ID or senior citizen card for ticket discounts.

• Clothing: Shangri-La has low temperatures with significant day-night variations. Even in summer, pack thick outerwear like windbreakers, fleece jackets, thermal underwear, and sun-protective clothing.

• Medications: Prepare altitude sickness remedies like Rhodiola rosea, as well as common medicines for colds, fever, stomach issues, and motion sickness.

• Other Items: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, moisturizing skincare products, power banks, cameras, etc.

Transportation Guide

• By Air: Fly directly to Diqing Shangri-La Airport or first arrive in Kunming or Lijiang before transferring to Shangri-La.

• By Train: First reach Lijiang, then take the high-speed train to Shangri-La (about 3.5 hours).

• By Bus: Direct buses are available from Lijiang, Dali, and other places, offering scenic views along the way.

Attractions

• Pudacuo National Park: China's first national forest park, featuring alpine lakes, pastures, wetlands, and primeval forests—a paradise for photography.
• Songzanlin Monastery: The largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, known as the "Little Potala Palace," with magnificent architecture and precious artifacts. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of Shangri-La.
• Dukezong Ancient Town: A key stop on the Tea Horse Road, laid out like an eight-petal lotus. It houses the world's largest prayer wheel and offers insights into caravan culture and Tibetan life.
• Tiger Leaping Gorge (Shangri-La Section): Famous for its "danger," it’s one of the world's deepest gorges with raging waters. The viewing platform offers a thrilling overlook.
• Napahai Lake: A seasonal alpine lake lush with water plants and grazing yaks in summer, while autumn and winter present unique landscapes.

Food Recommendations

• Yak Meat Hotpot: High-altitude yak meat is tender and flavorful, cooked with matsutake mushrooms and Tibetan herbs in a rich broth.
• Butter Tea: A traditional Tibetan drink, savory and creamy, often paired with tsampa (roasted barley flour).
• Barley Pancakes: Made from barley flour, crispy with a distinct barley aroma.
• Yak Yogurt: Handmade yogurt with a creamy layer on top, slightly sour and sweet—even better with honey.

Accommodation Options

• Luxury: Hotels like Songtsam Linka Shangri-La and InterContinental Diqing Moonlight City offer excellent facilities and stunning views.
• Unique Homestays: Options like Lismar Heartland·Glamping Oxygen Manor or Shangri-La Jinsè·Wildyard·Lakeside Pasture let you experience local charm.