Unexpected! Shangri-La Yijushe hides such warmth

Before coming to Shangri-La, I always worried about the hardships and discomfort of traveling on the plateau. Until I stayed at Yijushe, all concerns vanished—the place doesn’t have a stunning appearance, but like a warm family on the edge of the ancient town, it offers homely warmth and attentive care, allowing every traveler to shed their fatigue and peacefully enjoy the beauty of Tibet🌿

As soon as I arrived at the guesthouse door, the owner greeted me with a smile. The moment he took my luggage, he handed me a steaming cup of sweet tea: “You’ve had a hard journey, drink this to warm up. The floor heating in your room has been on for a while.” Walking into the courtyard, Gesang flowers grow along the bluestone path, colorful prayer flags hang from wooden pillars, and a gentle breeze makes the flags flutter softly, accompanied by a faint scent of butter tea, bringing the lively atmosphere of Tibet right to you.

Opening the door, the room’s decor exudes simple coziness: light wood furniture with natural grain, beige bedding soft and skin-friendly, a simple sketch of Tibetan scenery hanging on the wall, and a vibrant succulent plant in the corner. There are no extra decorations, but every detail reflects the quality of life. By the window, a rattan chair sits next to a small desk. Drawing back the curtains, the blue-tiled roofs of Dukezong Ancient Town come into full view. In the morning, sunlight filters through the clouds, casting a warm golden glow on the rooftops; in the evening, the ancient town’s lights gradually come on, warm yellow halos intertwining to outline the gentle contours of a Tibetan night.

Comfortable lodging is the most reassuring guarantee on a journey. The floor heating is just right, warm even when stepping barefoot on the floor; considering the plateau climate, the room is equipped in advance with an oxygen machine and humidifier, completely dispelling worries about altitude sickness and dryness; the bedding is pure cotton, soft and breathable, so after a tiring day, you can quickly fall into a peaceful sleep. The bathroom, though small, is full of thoughtful touches: the anti-slip mat is laid flat and secure, hot water comes instantly, and moisturizing lotion and hand cream are thoughtfully provided on the washbasin, showing care in every detail.

The location is also a major advantage, with scenery right outside the door: a 4-minute walk takes you into Dukezong Ancient Town, wandering through bluestone alleys, visiting Tibetan handicraft shops, tasting freshly grilled yak meat skewers and sweet curd cakes, and you can return to the guesthouse anytime to rest; a 10-minute walk to Moonlight Square, where locals gather around bonfires in the evening to dance the Guozhuang dance, swaying to the lively rhythm and immersing yourself in the vibrant Tibetan atmosphere; a 15-minute climb to Guishan Park, where you can join in turning the giant prayer wheel to pray, and stand atop the hill to overlook the entire ancient town, with blue tiles stretching out and snow-capped mountains in the distance—every snapshot is breathtaking; the Big Buddha Temple is only a 20-minute walk from the guesthouse, its red walls and golden roofs reflecting the blue sky, exuding a serene Zen vibe that naturally slows your pace.

No worries about distant attractions either, as the owner proactively becomes your “travel guide”: helping to contact reliable drivers in advance, patiently sharing travel tips, reminding you “Napa Lake offers the best views in the afternoon for capturing snow mountains reflected on the lake” and “It’s recommended to listen to the guided tour at Songzanlin Monastery, the Tibetan cultural stories are very interesting”; after returning from Pudacuo National Park, he thoughtfully offers hot butter tea paired with tsampa to dispel the day’s fatigue.

The days at Yijushe have no forced service, only natural care. It’s like a “surprise station” on your Tibetan journey, using gentle details to let every traveler feel the warmth of home. If you plan to visit Shangri-La, this little retreat hidden in the everyday life is definitely worth putting on your top list.

Post by Thalia_Eclipse | Oct 27, 2025