Is Shangri La worth visiting, Where is Shangri-La and what makes it so attractive? If you are planning a self-guided trip, prepare carefully for a smooth journey. Discover the latest Shangri-La travel experiences to make your trip more complete and memorable than ever. So, what to do in Shangri La, Yunnan? Let’s check out our Shangri La travel blog (Shangri La blog) with the fullest Shangri La travel guide in this article!
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Deep in the Himalayan mountains in the Northwest of Yunnan, “little Tibet” Shangri-La is a mysterious destination famous for its amazing natural beauty and unique culture. This land is likened to a paradise on land, where soaring snow-capped mountains, green grasslands and clear lakes create a wonderful natural picture. Shangri-La is also known for the diverse cultures of indigenous peoples, creating a rich and profound cultural space.
Follow the article and immediately pocket the extremely interesting Shangri La travel guide below!
Shangri La travel blog: Where is Shangri-La?
Shangri-La is a county-level city in Diqing Tibet Autonomous Region, China. Located in the northwest of Yunnan Province, Shangri-La is the intersection of three provinces, Yunnan, Sichuan and the Tibet Autonomous Region. The city is named after Shangri-La, a fictional land in the novel “Lost Horizon” by writer James Hilton.
The city is also located between three parallel rivers, one of the world’s famous natural heritages. The name “Shangri-La” comes from Tibetan, meaning “sun and moon in the heart”. Not only is it a famous tourist destination, Shangri-La is also a place that attracts researchers and explorers with its unique natural beauty and culture.
Do Vietnamese People Need a Visa to Travel to Shangri-La?
Shangri-La is located in Yunnan Province, China. Therefore, Vietnamese people need a Chinese visa to travel to Shangri-La.
The appropriate visa type when traveling to Shangri-La on your own is:
- Tourist visa (L): For visitors to visit, travel, visit relatives and friends.
- Business visa (M): For visitors to participate in business and commercial activities.
What to do in Shangri-La? Famous Shangri-La Tourist Destinations
Dukezong Moonlight Ancient Town
Dukezong Moonlight Ancient City used to be a trading and resting center for caravans on the way to Tibet. In 2014, the ancient city caught fire, the roads had to be rebuilt, but most of it still retains its special ancient beauty.
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In the ancient city, you can go to Shangri-La Moonlight Plaza, located at the foot of Guishan Park. The highlight of this place is the world’s largest prayer wheel, attracting people and tourists to visit and participate in spiritual rituals.
In addition, tourist attractions such as the Hongjun Long Museum, Diqing Museum, and the Tibetan mast are also interesting destinations where visitors can explore the unique culture and history of this land.
Shangri La travel guide: Pudacuo National Park
Pudacuo National Park, an indispensable part of the Shangri-La Scenic Area, is an ideal destination for visitors who want to explore the magnificent natural beauty of the plateau. Located in the heart of the scenic area, Pudacuo takes visitors into a world of marshy lakes, vast grasslands, and lush forests.
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Pudacuo is not only a beautiful destination for nature lovers, but also a place to preserve many rare animals and plants. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit the park, when the scenery here becomes especially beautiful. Visitors can enjoy the fresh air and explore the eco-tourism routes by car.
Shangri La travel blog: Yila Grassland – Shangri-La Grassland
Yila Grassland, also known as Shangri-La Grassland, is a special attraction for tourists in Shangri-La. This is a place with a “magical” beauty, when its appearance changes dramatically according to the seasons of the year.
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In the summer, when heavy rains fall, the water level rises and floods the entire grassland, creating a small lake that locals call Napa Sea. Conversely, in the spring and after the rainy season, when the water level decreases, the Yila Grassland reappears, creating a breathtaking scene. Visitors can enjoy the excitement of horseback riding on these vast grasslands, immersing themselves in the vast and poetic space of Shangri-La Grassland.
Balagzon – Kingdom of Shambhala
Balagzon, the kingdom of Shambhala, is considered a legendary destination in the journey to explore Shangri-La. Nestled between mountains and rivers, Balagzon is a mysterious and magnificent beauty.
To get here, visitors usually have to drive or rent a shared car from the center of Shangri-La city, which takes about 2 hours. Although quite strenuous, the magnificent landscapes and exploration activities here will satisfy you.
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Known for its majestic landscape, Balagzon is a place where visitors can experience unique sightseeing spots such as canyoning and rafting, hiking on mountain roads, or exploring the ancient Tibetan village of Balaguezong. Balagzon is a gem, giving visitors an unforgettable experience.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge is a must-see destination in Shangri-La, located halfway between Shangri-La and Lijiang. Visitors can spend about 1 hour driving from Lijiang to get here, or return after exploring Shangri-La. With its rugged and majestic terrain, this place attracts visitors who want to challenge themselves.
Lijiang Tiger Leaping Gorge High Road Hiking 1-day Tour
With an entrance fee of 45 yuan/person, you can start your journey by walking along the artificial plank road, exploring the gorge from the mountainside to the lowest point. Then, you continue climbing the plank road and return to the starting point. Although the terrain seems difficult, this will be a place for you to enjoy the majestic scenery and exciting experience. You can complete the whole trip in about an hour, so don’t worry about getting tired!
Baishuitai Scenic Area
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Baishuitai Scenic Area in Shangri-La is a little-known but impressive destination. To get to Baishuitai from Shangri-La city, visitors can take a bus or rent a private car. With its natural sedimentary rock landscape, this scenic area offers a peaceful and mysterious space. Located halfway up the mountain, Baishuitai attracts visitors with its beautiful terraced fields.
Walking or horseback riding is the best way to enjoy the wild beauty of this area. Visitors can stop to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way and take impressive photos.
Meili Snow Mountain
Meili Snow Mountain, also known as Kavabog, is the highest peak in Shangri-La with an altitude of about 6,740 meters. This is not only a mountain, but also a sacred symbol in the hearts of Tibetans. Therefore, since 2001, climbing to the top of Meili Mountain has been prohibited to protect the respect and solidarity between ethnic communities.
To admire Meili Mountain, visitors often go to Feilai Temple located halfway up the mountain. Here, you can watch the beautiful sunrise in the middle of the wild mountains of Shangri La. This is an experience not to be missed, when the morning light penetrates the mist in the middle of the fresh mountains and forests. To get here, you can travel by bus from Shangri-La, the travel time is about 4 hours.
Songzanlin Monastery
Songzanlin Monastery, a special tourist destination in Shangri-La, is a place of worship for Tibetan Buddhism. With an altitude of more than 3,300m, the monastery stretches over an area of more than 30 hectares, built according to a miniature model of the Potala Palace in Lhasa.
A symbol of resilience and faith, the monastery has gone through many ups and downs in history and time. The architecture of Songzanlin Monastery is very unique, with the works forming a unified block, imbued with traditional Tibetan Buddhism. The 5-storey watchtower architecture with gilded tiled roofs and red painted walls creates a unique and eye-catching beauty.
Inside, you will see Buddha statues, sophisticated murals and enjoy the natural beauty of the clear blue lake flowing from the high mountains. Songzanlin Monastery is a spiritual and peaceful destination on a Shangri-La journey.
When is the best time to visit Shangri-La?
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Shangri-La, the “earthly paradise” in the clouds of Tibet, always welcomes visitors with a cool, pleasant and fresh atmosphere all year round. Although each season brings its own beauty, Shangri-La always attracts visitors with its irresistible charm.
Spring (March – May): Shangri-La awakens after the cold winter days, wearing a brilliant peach blossom coat. The warm, pleasant weather and fresh air are the ideal time for visitors to immerse themselves in nature, explore winding roads and enjoy the fresh air.
Summer (June – August): The rainy season brings Shangri-La a fresh and dreamy beauty. The lush green fields, majestic waterfalls and sudden showers create an impressive natural picture. However, visitors should be careful to prepare raincoats and necessary items to ensure a smooth trip.
Autumn (September – October): Shangri-La puts on a brilliant yellow cloak, creating a romantic and poetic scene. This is the ideal time for visitors to admire the roads full of yellow leaves, the misty mountains and the ancient villages nestled in the clouds.
Winter (November – February): Shangri-La is immersed in a mysterious and poetic beauty with snow-capped mountains. Heavy snowfall creates a majestic and magnificent scene, giving visitors unforgettable experiences. However, visitors should remember to prepare warm clothes and all the necessary items to keep their bodies warm in the cold winter.
According to many visitors, the best time to travel to Shangri-La is from March to June and September to October. This is the transition period between spring, summer and autumn, with pleasant weather, romantic scenery and little rain. You should note that from July to August, Shangri-La can have a lot of rain. Therefore, visitors need to check the weather forecast and prepare suitable clothes.
How to Get to Shangri-La
Shangri-La, a “heaven on earth” in the middle of a fairyland, is always a dream destination for tourists. To help you easily plan your journey to explore Shangri-La, we would like to share the following travel guide and useful notes:
By Air
If you want to get to Shangri-La as quickly as possible, choosing a plane is ideal. There are currently no direct flights from Vietnam to Shangri-La, so you need to fly to Kunming first. From Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, China Eastern, China Southern operate flights to Kunming, with an average round-trip ticket price of about 4,000,000 – 7,000,000 VND, flight time of about 1 hour 30 minutes from Hanoi and 2 hours 30 minutes from Ho Chi Minh City.
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After arriving in Kunming, you continue to connect to a domestic flight to Diqing Shangri-La Airport. This journey takes about 1 hour longer and the ticket price ranges from 1,200,000 – 2,500,000 VND depending on the season. The total travel time from Vietnam to Shangri-La by air usually takes from 4 to 6 hours, not including the waiting time for connecting flights.
Tips: book tickets early and keep an eye on promotional fares to save costs, especially during the peak tourist season from April to October.
Travel by Plane + High-speed Train/Bus
If you like to experience the beautiful scenery along the way, the high-speed train is a worthy choice. From Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, you can fly to Kunming first, then continue your journey by high-speed train to Lijiang. The train from Kunming to Lijiang takes about 3 hours, the ticket price ranges from 450,000 – 900,000 VND depending on the seat class.
From Lijiang, you can change to a train or bus to Shangri-La, which takes about 3 more hours and costs about 300,000 – 500,000 VND. This option allows you to enjoy the spectacular mountain roads and easily combine exploring Lijiang before going to Shangri-La.
In addition, the bus is still an economical option for visitors who want to go straight from Lijiang to Shangri-La. The travel time is about 3 and a half hours, the ticket price is about 250,000 – 400,000 VND, and the bus runs many trips a day. However, this route has many steep passes and curves, so if you get carsick easily, remember to prepare anti-sickness medicine!
Means of Transportation in Shangri-La: Experience for First-Time Travelers
Shangri-La is more than 3,000m above sea level, the air is thin and the mountain pass is winding. If you are coming here for the first time, choosing the right means of transportation will determine whether your trip is comfortable or “heart-stopping”. Don’t worry, we will share all about the popular means of transportation in Shangri-La with important notes.
Taxi and Didi
In the center of Shangri-La, traditional taxis and Didi cars are quite popular. The opening price is about 8 – 10 CNY (28,000 – 35,000 VND), moving within the city ranges from 20-40 CNY (70,000 – 140,000 VND). However, don’t expect taxis to take you to places deep in the mountains such as Meili Snow Mountain or Deqin, because drivers usually only accept short trips. In addition, in remote areas or when it is dark, it is difficult to call a car, so if you plan to return late, book a round trip or rent a private car in advance.
Private Car Rental with Driver
This is the most popular option for first-time visitors, especially if you want to explore remote areas such as Pudacuo National Park, Songzanlin Monastery or Meili Snow Mountain. Car rental costs around CNY 600 – 1,200/day (VND 2,100,000 – 4,200,000), depending on the type of car and route. Renting a car with a driver not only gives you peace of mind on winding mountain passes, but also saves time because the local driver knows the route and beautiful stops well. The only downside is that it is expensive if you travel alone, but it is extremely reasonable for groups of 3 – 4 people.
Tourist Bus and Shuttle Bus
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Some attractions such as Pudacuo National Park require you to transfer to the tourist area’s shuttle bus. The ticket price is around CNY 120 (VND 420,000) for both entrance and transportation inside. Local buses are also available, but only serve short routes within the city or from Shangri-La to Lijiang. If you are used to traveling on your own, you should check the bus schedule carefully because the number of trips is quite limited and not flexible.
Join-in Tour or Package Tour
Yunnan Shangri-La Songzanlin Temple Pudacuo One-Day Tour
If this is your first time in Shangri-La and you are not confident about traveling, join-in tours or private tours are a safe choice. These tours usually include shuttle bus, entrance tickets, tour guide, so you don’t have to worry about finding your way or booking a car. The price of a join-in tour to Pudacuo or Songzanlin ranges from 600–800 CNY/day (2,100,000 – 2,800,000 VND). The advantage is that it saves effort and is safe on the mountain roads. You can easily book on Klook to ensure a clear itinerary and no additional costs.
Electric Bike or Motorcycle
It sounds interesting, but in reality, it is not recommended if you are not a “smooth driver” and are not familiar with the terrain. Steep mountain passes, thin air and rapidly changing weather make riding two-wheeled vehicles very dangerous. If you want to experience electric bicycles, you should only ride within the city or around town, avoid mountain roads!
Famous Shangri-La Hotels for Self-Guided Visitors
To make your journey to explore Shangri-La more complete, choosing the right place to stay is extremely important. Below, we would like to suggest some famous Shangri-La hotels, meeting the diverse needs of self-guided travelers.
Holiday Inn Express Shangri La by IHG
With spacious rooms, modern amenities and attentive customer service, this is an ideal stop for those who want to relax and explore the beauty of Shangri-La. (klook, agoda)
- Address: No. 69 Yangtang Road, Jiantang Town
Hilton Garden Inn Shangri-La Hotel
With a convenient location near the center of Shangri-La city, Hilton Garden Inn Shangri-La is an ideal destination for travelers. The hotel offers luxurious rooms, a variety of amenities and perfect service. (klook, agoda)
- Address: 144 Changzheng Avenue Diqing Ti, 674400 Shangri-La
Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City, an IHG Hotel
With luxurious rooms, modern facilities and attentive service, the hotel is a great choice for those who want to experience the purity and tranquility of Shangri-La. (klook, agoda)
- Address: 1000 East Corridor Jinlong Community, 674400 Shangri-La
Yi’s Hostel
With a cozy atmosphere, friendly service and convenient location, this is an ideal place for those who want to experience the unique space of the city without having to pay too much. (klook, agoda)
- Address: Jue Lang No.6, Dukezong, 674400 Shangri-La
Timeless Inn
With comfortable rooms, modern facilities and attentive service, the hotel offers a wonderful vacation experience for visitors. (klook, agoda)
- Address: 38 Cuolang, Beimen Street Old Town, 674499 Shangri-La
Let’s explore the famous Shangri-La hotels and start an exciting self-guided journey to this “heaven on earth”! Don’t forget to book a Shangri-La hotel on Klook today to receive attractive deals and enjoy professional services.
Shangri-La Food Guide – Famous Delicious Specialties
When coming to Shangri-La, visitors not only enjoy the wonderful natural beauty but also have the opportunity to enjoy the unique dishes of the Tibetan plateau.
Rich Yak Beef Ribs Hotspot
If you come to Shangri-La without trying yak beef, your trip is not complete. Hot hot pot or spicy stir-fried beef ribs are famous specialties here. The yak beef is firm, naturally sweet, and has a rich flavor that will make you remember the flavor of this highland forever.
Raw Grains – Mountain Forest Gifts
Raw grains are a traditional grain of the Shangri-La people, often eaten with warm water and a little sugar. This dish is not only good for the stomach but also brings a feeling of warmth in the cold weather. The rich, sweet taste of raw grains will surely make you curious from the first time you enjoy it.
Butter Tea – Unique Tibetan Flavor
Shangri-La cannot be missed without butter tea – a drink associated with Tibetan culture. The tea is mixed with yak oil and salt, creating a unique, rich flavor. While sipping hot tea, you can feel the warmth spreading throughout your body, dispelling the cold of the highlands.
Rich Highland Barley Wine
If you love strong flavors, try traditional barley wine in Shangri-La. This wine is brewed from green barley, naturally fermented, with a light and warm aroma. This is also a drink that often appears in highland festivals, helping visitors understand more about local culture.
What to Buy in Shangri-La? Guide to Buying Souvenirs in Shangri-La
In Shangri-La, special experiences do not stop at the beauty of wild nature or rich culture, but also the diversity of traditional handicrafts.
Brocade Scarves
In the famous ancient market of Shangri-La, visitors can find brocade woven by local people. Shawls made from the typical fibers of the Tibetan people are a popular choice. Priced at around 20 yuan per scarf, these items are not only beautiful but also useful in keeping warm when exploring the highlands.
Tibetan Stupa Symbols
In addition to brocade items, you can also choose to buy stylish Tibetan stupa symbols as souvenirs. With reasonable prices, this is a meaningful gift for loved ones.
Yak Teddy Bear
Considered the symbol of Shangri-La valley, stuffed yaks are a cute souvenir that cannot be missed. For relatives, friends or children, stuffed yaks will be a memorable memory of this peaceful land.
Rose Cake
An interesting souvenir choice is the rose cake, a specialty that dates back hundreds of years. With its sweet taste and gentle aroma of roses, the rose cake is a unique gift that carries the rich cultural flavor of Shangri-La.
The days are sunny but the mornings and evenings are very cold, with temperatures dropping below 5°C in winter. You should bring a thick coat, scarf, non-slip hiking shoes and sunscreen.
Frequently Asked Questions When Traveling to Shangri-La
Do you need to prepare anything special for the altitude when traveling to Shangri-La?
Yes. Shangri-La is located at an altitude of more than 3,000m, so the air is thin, which can easily cause dizziness or difficulty breathing. Drink plenty of water, rest when you first arrive, and bring anti-altitude sickness medicine.
What is the weather like in Shangri-La? What should you wear?
The days are mildly sunny, but the mornings and evenings are very cold, and the temperature can drop below 5°C in winter. You should bring a thick coat, scarf, non-slip climbing shoes, and sunscreen.
What is the safest way to get around Shangri-La?
Taxis are only popular in the center, but to go to distant places such as Pudacuo or Meili Snow Mountain, you should rent a private car with a driver or book a package tour for safety and to save time.
Do you need to bring cash?
Yes. Some suburbs have weak signal and cannot pay via app. Bring enough cash and download offline maps for more convenience when traveling.
What should you note about local culture?
The people are mainly Tibetan. When entering the temple, dress politely, do not take pictures of monks without permission and maintain a respectful attitude in all actions.
The paradise land of Shangri La promises to bring visitors memorable magical experiences. Majestic snow-capped mountains, lush green grasslands, and crystal clear lakes will bring you back to peaceful nature. Through this article, we hope that you have “pocketed” useful Shangri La travel experiences for yourself.
ome best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Yunnan you can refer to
- Private Kunming Downtown Day Tour
- Kunming Changshui International Airport Transfers
- Stone Forest Admission Ticket in Kunming
- Private Kunming Downtown Day Tour
- Kunming Private Car Charter
- Jiuxiang Scenic Region Admission Ticket & Chairlift in Kunming
- 6-day luxury trip to Shangri-La in Dali, Lijiang, Yunnan
- Roaming in Yunnan for 6 days
- Dreamy Yunnan·Cool Northwest Yunnan 6 days and 5 nights
- [Dream Yunnan·Essence of Northwest Yunnan] In-depth pure play in Yun
- Yunnan Nationalities Village Ticket
Read more Yunnan guide here.
