What to Do in Shangri-La in 6 Days? Travel Guide and Tips

Day 1 | Morning

Pudacuo National Park

Opening Hours: Open from 8:30am-4:00pm

Ticket Price: 100 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 4-6 Hours

Location: Pudacuo National Park Scenic Spot, Hongpo Village, Shangri-La, Diqing, China (near Shuoduhu Road)

Located in the center of the Shangri-La Scenic Area, Pudacuo National Park is an important part of the world's natural heritage, called the Three Rivers Convergence. It consists of three parts, namely Bitahai, Shuduhu, and the Xiagei Folk Culture Village. The park has beautiful scenery, a well-preserved ecological environment, quiet and clear mountain lakes, vast pastures, wetlands filled with flowers and lush virgin forests. Every spring, the park is filled with blooming rhododendrons, while the Autumn brings with it the rich colors of changing leaves.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Jerry: I went there in winter, so the park was covered in snow. The temperature was good, little over 0 degrees Celsius. People were playing in the snow, and the animals seemed enjoy it as well.

Trip.com User: This park was so beautiful. I would go again if I could. If you have time, check it out!

Day 1 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Pudacuo National Park, Tiger Leaping Gorge next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Opening Hours: Open from 8:00am-5:30pm

Ticket Price: 45 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 0.5-1 Days

Location: Tiger Leaping Gorge(Hutiaoxia Town), Shangri-La County, Diqing Prefecture

Tiger Leaping Gorge is famous for its size. It is located in the eastern part of Hutiaoxia Town, Shangri-La County. It is divided into three sections: upper, middle and lower gorges, with a total length of about 20 kilometers. In the middle of the gorge is the Jinsha River. On both sides are the snow-capped mountains of Yulong and Haba. The narrowest part of the river is only twenty or thirty meters and with the huge drop, the river flows very rapidly! Tiger Leaping Gorge is also a world-renowned hiking resort visited by many outdoor enthusiasts every year.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: CATATAN : Sebenar nya utk rute terbaik dan paling bagus bisa sewa mobil ( sekitar 200CNY ) di QIAUTOU minta anter ke NAXI GH lalu mulai hiking ke TEA HORSE GH / HALF WAY GH bermalam dan lanjut besok menuju finish di TINA GH dan sore lanjut ke SHANGRILA / LIJIANG jam 3pm. Utk hiking dr QIAUTOU sampai NAXI GH itu trek sulit dan tidak terlalu bagus ( boleh di coret dr daftar , ini dari pengalaman saya yg sudah melalui semua trek).

Gaviota798: Tiger leaping Gorge has been one of my favorite places in this part of China. You are free to track and hike without having to walk a million steps. the Gorge itself was heavy with rain when we went. If you don’t want to do the link hike you can have one of the home-stays or hostels take you up and enjoy the quiet night stay. We did go summer of 2020 so few people were traveling.

Day 1 | Evening

After visiting the glorious Tiger Leaping Gorge, YOLO Guesthouse nearby is the best place to stay.

YOLO Guesthouse

Day 2 | Morning

Balagezong Grand Canyon

Opening Hours: 8:00-19:00

Ticket Price: 170 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 0.5-1 Days

Location: Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Shangri-La County, Nixi Township, Yunnan

Balagezong Grand Canyon offers breathtaking natural scenery. Here, you can visit the deep canyon, the awe-inspiring snowy mountains. You can choose to kayak in the valley, or visit the primitive, photogenic ancient Tibetan villages. You will also see a thousand-year Bodhi tree, the branch of which resembles human palms. It's quite fantastic. The naturally-formed Buddhist tower is also a special attraction in the park. You have to trek from the end of the Jiala village road in order to visit the Buddhist tower.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Wandering Laowai: It takes about 2 hours via bus to get to Balagezong from Shangrila. From there you buy your entrance ticket and hop onto a bus which winds throughout the canyon, stopping frequently at villages and lookout spots. There is no other way to travel throughout this area, so you stay with the same bus and group all day long. Fortunately there was none of the blaring microphones that you are used to hearing when you see similar groups. There was a guide who lead us around a few sections (sans microphone), but he only spoke Chinese. It takes the whole day but was very much worth it. We went in the middle of December and the views of snow capped mountains and the surrounding environment were gorgeous.

SJC1975: For mountain lovers this is a must visit location! We recommend you take your own car so you can drive yourself around the various locations without having to rely on the parks shuttle bus service. some amazing views and locations to visit inside the park. Stay two or more nights would be our recommendation depending on how much you love staying in the mountains. Would certainly come here again.

Day 2 | Afternoon

Sungtseling nearby is the top choice before you leave Balagezong Grand Canyon and hit the road.

Sungtseling

Opening Hours: Open from 7:30am-7:00pm

Ticket Price: 90 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: No. 3, Niwang Road, Jiantang Town, Shangri-La County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Sungtseling—or Ganden Sumtseling Monastery—is also known Guihuasi (Temple of Returning to Norms). It is a large Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan and is also one of the centers of the Gelug (Yellow) School of Buddhism. Built in 1679, the temple was given its name by the fifth Lama. Sungtseling is built into, around and on the mountainside. As it looks similar to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, it is sometimes affectionately called the Little Potala Palace. Because of the temple's many cultural and religious treasures as used in Tibetan Buddhism, this site is absolutely worth a visit.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: The Songzanlin Temple is known as the "Little Potala Palace". The temple is built on the mountain and is very magnificent. The temple has a variety of colorful Tangka, gold and silver censers, Buddha Buddha, so that people's soul is quiet and peaceful.

Day 2 | Evening

Don’t forget to book Clouds Glamping in advance, because all the tourists head to Sungtseling love staying at it.

Clouds Glamping

The Clouds Glamping is an ideal spot for travelers wanting to discover the city. Visitors to Shangri-La will find that the Clouds Glamping is a fantastic accommodation choice.

With multiple attractions nearby including Yunjie Gelanping Camping Site, Campnese梵塵·德拉露營地 and Habacun, guests will find plenty to keep themselves occupied.

This hotel makes a great place to kick back and relax after a long day of sightseeing. This Shangri-La hotel offers parking on site.

Our guests consider this hotel to have excellent service.

Day 3 | Morning

Shika Snow Mountain

Opening Hours: 8:00-16:10

Ticket Price: 220 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-4 Hours

Location: Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Shangri-La City Blue Moon Valley Shika Snow Mountain Scenic Area

Shika Snow Mountain is located in the southwest of Shangri-La County, about 7 kilometers from the county and adjacent to Napa Sea. In the local Tibetan language, Shika Snow Mountain means "mountain with red deer". Although it is called snow mountain, the rocks are exposed when the spring comes. In the lower mountains, the meadows are dense and the azaleas are in full bloom. It's pleasant to wander among there.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Misty: I have been to this place 4 years ago as a solo traveller, and would love to go back once travel restrictions are eased.

Hooooo: It was stunning! liked the top of the mountain and a small village in a valley.

Day 3 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Shika Snow Mountain, Baishui Terrace next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Baishui Terrace

Opening Hours: 7:00-17:00

Ticket Price: 30 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: Baidi Village, Sanba Township, Shangri-La County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Baishui Terrace is located in Sanba Township, Shangri-La County and is the birthplace of Naxi Dongba teaching.According to legend, the gods of the Naxi people used to creat the terraces in order to let the local Naxi people learn how to cultivate the farmland. Therefore, the descendants were praised as the "fairy people".

Day 3 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City

The Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City is a great choice for guests looking for accommodation in Shangri-La, having been recently opened in 2021.

Shangri La Airport is located approximately 7km away from this hotel. Famous local attractions Ancient City Tibetan Scripture Hall, Yueguang Plaza and Diqing Museum of the Red Army Long March, can all be reached with a short walk.

In their spare time, guests can explore the hotel's surroundings. This Shangri-La hotel features parking on site.

There's never a dull moment at this hotel, our guests indicate that the facilities are excellent. This hotel is particularly popular with those traveling with families.

Day 4 | Morning

Shudu Lake

Ticket Price: 40 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Shudu Lake, Shangri-La, Deqen, China

Shudu Lake is located in the northeast of Shangri-La County, in the scenic area of Pudacuo National Park. On late autumn mornings, under the blue sky and white clouds, the water vapor on the surface of the Shudu Lake is condensed, with the mist swirling over the water's surface attracting countless photographers to view this wonder. On the shore of the lake is a grassland with beautiful scenery. The grassland has a walk along the lake where you can stroll along the boardwalk, take pictures, and enjoy the natural splendor.

Reviews from Real Guests:

JaceBG: Shudu Lake, on the north side of the park, is a 20-minute bus ride from the park entrance. Enjoy spectacular sceneries as you walk along the lake. This tranquil grassland features a number of interesting plant species, includingmushrooms, spruce trees, and wildflowers, making for an idyllic alpine scene.

LynnMaeyoga: beautiful lakeside trip to enjoy the view and nature

Day 4 | Afternoon

Yila Prairie nearby is the top choice before you leave Shudu Lake and hit the road.

Yila Prairie

Opening Hours: Open from 8:00am-7:00pm

Ticket Price: 30 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Shangri-La, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Located in the northwest of Shangri-La County, Yila Prairie is a beautiful prairie in the Shangri-La area. Yila, Tibetan means "Leopard Mountain", because the legendary Yila Prairie is located in the north of the Leopard Mountain is a "Shenshan", hence the name. Running on the vast grasslands makes people feel relaxed and happy. The Yila Prairie and Napa Sea are actually one and are a seasonal plateau wetland. Whenever the rainy season comes, many rivers such as the Milky River around Shangri-La are here, the water surface rises, and the grassland is submerged. At this time, it is called “Napa Sea”; when the rainy season passes, the water level drops, revealing a large wetland, which is called “ Yila Grassland."

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: There are many ways to get here without paying entrance fee. But you should just get into the main entrance. 100cny ticket including a horse riding tour. Quite fun actually. A half way stop to let you taking photo with the yak at 20cny. The yak owner was very enthusiastic at taking photos for you and instructing you how to pose :)) You can cosplay too (20cny). I love to ride electric bike here too. A short ride from the old town. You should try that instead of taking a cab

LynnMaeyoga: Tila Prairie is beautiful and open grasslands with horses. nature is better with horses.

Day 4 | Evening

Don’t forget to book Arro Khampa by Zinc Journey Shangri-La in advance, because all the tourists head to Yila Prairie love staying at it.

Arro Khampa by Zinc Journey Shangri-La

The Shangri-La Arro Khampa (Xianggelila Aruo Kangba'nansuoda Zhuangyuan) is a stunning Tibetan themed hotel just 5 km (3.1 mi) from Diqing Shangri-La Airport.Diners can enjoy eating at the barbecue, Chinese, Japanese, and Western restaurant facilities. A lobby bar, bar, and coffee shop are on site serving a selection of drinks. Room service is also an option.A business center and meeting rooms are available to those traveling on business.Guests can relax with a massage, or head to the hot spring, spa, or sauna. Other recreational activities include a gym, swimming pools, table tennis, pool, snooker, billiards, basketball, a library, tanning salon, game room, tennis, football, fishing, golf, hiking, skiing, as well as a nightclub and karaoke for guests in the mood for a livelier time. Free Wi-Fi in public areas as well as both free and charged parking are available at the Shangri-La hotel.

Day 5 | Morning

Gadansong Zanlin Temple

Opening Hours: 8:00-18:00

Ticket Price: 115 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 1.0-2.0 Hours

Location: Outskirts of Shangri-La County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Songzanlin Temple, also known as Guihua Temple, is located at the foot of Foping Mountain, 5 kilometers north of Shangri-La. It is not only the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple complex in Yunnan, but also the center of the Yellow Sect in northwestern Yunnan, known as the "Little Potala Palace". The monastery is built on the mountain and looks like an ancient castle. Every year on the 29th day of the 11th lunar month, Tibetans hold the Gedong Festival, which is mainly based on "God Dance" (mask dance). The atmosphere is mysterious and warm.

Reviews from Real Guests:

JeanP: The monastery is beautiful, it is on the outskirts of Shangri-La town, however is definitely worth the drive! I would suggest that you first walk to the other side of the lake so that you can get a beautiful picture of the whole monastery in its full glory! Going up the steep stairs to get to the monetary is worth it! When you reach the top you feel a sense of peace surrounding the building as the monks walk around and enjoy their daily lives.

LynnMaeyoga: outstanding temples and ancient architecture

Day 5 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Gadansong Zanlin Temple, Yunnan Golden Monkey National Park next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Yunnan Golden Monkey National Park

Opening Hours: 8:00-12:00

Ticket Price: 100 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 3-4 Hours

Location: Tacheng Town, Weixi County, Yunnan Province Weixi, Deqen, Yunnan, China

Tacheng Yunnan Snub-nosed Monkey National Park is located in Tacheng, the "Hometown of Reba Art" in Shangri-Laxi, about 62 kilometers away from Weixi County. The Yunnan snub-nosed monkey is a rare animal unique to Yunnan Province. It lives in the deep mountains at an altitude of about 3800-4200 meters. In order to develop tourism, the scenic spot uses artificial feeding to attract monkeys down the mountain. The monkey viewing area in the park is located in the middle of the mountain at an altitude of about 3,000 meters. At the entrance of the park, you can take the scenic environmental protection sightseeing car to the monkey viewing area. Every morning 9:00-9:30 is the time for the rangers to feed, and it is also a good time to watch the monkeys. The forest ranger whistled and threw the cut fruit out, and the golden monkeys scrambled to eat it. Later, the forest ranger would throw the usneas that the golden monkeys liked. The feeding behavior continued until nearly 11:00. Before that, the monkey viewing area was very lively, and then the monkeys would gradually move to the deep mountains to find more food. So if you come to the park after 11 o'clock, the chance of seeing a large number of golden monkeys is almost zero. If you want to see these rare elves, you must enter the park early in the morning. It is recommended to arrive in Tacheng Town in advance and stay overnight in the town. Although the town is not large, accommodation and catering are readily available. Generally, the price of a standard room is between 80-100 yuan. You can ask the innkeeper or restaurant owner to contact the chartered car on your behalf. Generally, the price of a round-trip chartered car is about 150 yuan.

Day 5 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Songtsam Shangri-La Lvgu Lodge is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Songtsam Shangri-La Lvgu Lodge

The Songtsam Hotel (Xianggelila Songzan Lvgu Jiudian) is a Tibetan-style hotel with a good location in Shangri-La sitting next door to Ganden Sumtseling Monastery, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery. The quiet environment of this Tibetan hotel offers beautiful vistas of lakes, mountains, temples and Tibetan village life.

This hotel houses hardwood-floored guestrooms equipped with humidifiers and independent bathrooms.

Tibetan specialties are available for guests to try in the hotel restaurant including yak yoghurt for breakfast, yak meat and highland barely wine. Room service is also available.

Guests traveling on business will find a meeting room at their disposal.

Day 6 | Morning

Dongzhulin Temple

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: 30 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-2 Hours

Location: Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Deqin County, Kadandong Bamboo Forest Temple (East 214 National Highway)Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Deqin County, Kadandong Bamboo Forest Temple (East 214 National Highway)

Dongzhulin Temple is located in Shusong Township, Deqin County, next to the 214 National Road. It was built in 1667. Its original name was "Cuocuo Chonggang Temple", which means the temple by the Xianhe Lake. The original temple was severely damaged during the Cultural Revolution, and the current temple was rebuilt in 1985. Dongzhulin Temple has rich collections and many precious cultural relics. Precious are the three three-dimensional mandala. They are the dojos of Densetsu Vajra, Joy Vajra and Mahavira. The mandala is inlaid with dzi beads, agate, red turquoise and other treasures. There is even a living Buddha's body, which is said to have been saved by local Tibetans in a cave during the Cultural Revolution. In addition, various Thangkas, embroidery, scriptures, Buddha statues, Tara statues, etc. are all rare treasures. Dongzhulin Temple is mainly composed of a large scripture hall in the middle and a circle of monks' houses around it. The Great Sutra Hall has four floors and is supported by 82 large pillars. The bottom floor is where monks usually meditate and chant scriptures. "Three Masters and Disciples"), on both sides are the statues of Sakyamuni, Avalokitesvara, Manjusri, Tara, Samantabhadra and other Bodhisattvas. The second and third floors are the scripture hall and the Buddhist hall, as well as the quiet room for Khenpo (teacher) to chant scriptures and live. The "Three-Dimensional Mandala", the treasure of Dongzhulin Temple Town, is located in the scripture hall on the third floor. Each floor is richly decorated, with sculptures, thangkas, and murals, it looks resplendent and has a solemn and solemn atmosphere. Every year from the 27th to the 29th day of the eighth month of the Tibetan calendar, there will be a Sangha Festival in the temple. On the festival day, a pair of huge multicolored silk and satin embroidered Yama Thangka with a width of 5.2 meters and a height of 8.5 meters will be displayed, which is rare on weekdays. At first sight, it is quite precious. In addition, there are grand Tibetan opera performances and god dancing ceremonies. It is a happy festival for monks and lay people in Kham to pray for blessings and welcome auspiciousness.

Day 6 | Afternoon

Qianhu Mountain nearby is the top choice before you leave Dongzhulin Temple and hit the road.

Qianhu Mountain

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: 20 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-2 Hours

Location: Shangri-La, Deqen, Yunnan, China

Qianhu Mountain is called "Lamdongcuo" in Tibetan language, which means Goddess Qianhu or Fairy Qianhu. Some of the lakes in Qianhu Mountain are as round as mirrors, some as long as swimming fish; some are open and flat, some are deep and quiet; some are half-circled in the depths of mountain depressions, some are hidden in rhododendron bushes, and some are like strings of pearls and jade. , Some are suspended in the middle of the meadow; some strange rocks are exposed like crocodile probes, and some waters are deep like a bottomless abyss...;...;It is really varied. The surrounding area of Qianhu Mountain is covered by virgin forests, mostly tall and straight fir and spruce. The lakeside is covered with rhododendron forests, mostly yellow rhododendrons, red rhododendrons and white rhododendrons, with huge corollas and bright colors.

Day 6 | Evening

Looking for a bed nearby after finishing your journey at Qianhu Mountain? Songtsam Benzilan Lodge is one of your top choices.

Songtsam Benzilan Lodge

The Songtsam Lodges are a series of luxury boutique lodges built in five carefully selected locales.

In a small green valley by Yangtse River, sits Songtsam Benzilan. Amid barley and wheat fields, the lodge is surrounded by white-walled Tibetan houses and close to a white Stupa. From the hotel, it is an easy walk to the nearby hills and traditional Tibetan villages, where temples are decorated with beautiful murals.

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.