Shangri-La is located in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in the northwest of Yunnan Province. The name Shangri-La first appeared in the novel "Lost Horizon" by British author James Hilton, and it has become synonymous with any earthly paradise. It has magnificent natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and unique ethnic customs.
There are lots of things to do when visiting Shangri-La, so make sure you stay for at least a few nights. Discover its must-see attractions, experience Tibetan culture and taste the hearty Tibetan cuisine.
1. Dukezong Ancient Town
Dukezong Ancient Town is considered to be the largest and best-preserved Tibetan city in China. The town was an essential stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. It is over 1,300 years old and is famous for its rich Tibetan culture and unique architectural style.
Unfortunately, in 2014, Dukezong suffered a massive fire that wiped out some parts of the ancient town, but most of it has been rebuilt. There are local art shops that are worth visiting, especially because the embroidery and the art paintings are very special and unique. It is a good place to buy souvenirs and Tibetan costumes.
2. Songzanlin Monastery
The Ganden Sumtsenling Monastery, also known as Sungtseling and Guihuasi, is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan province and one of the famous large monasteries in Kham Tibetan areas. It plays an important role in the entire Tibetan area and is referred to as the Little Potala Palace.
Songzanlin Monastery is similar to the famous Potala Palace in Lhasa, and is full of Tibetan-style artwork and ornate Buddhist statues. Also, visitors can rent local Tibetan costumes to take cool photos. It is an absolute must-see if you are visiting Shangri-La.
3. The Great Bend of Jinsha River
The Great Bend of Jinsha River, also known as Jinsha River Canyon or sometimes referred to as the "Moon Bay," is situated at the junction of Sichuan, Yunnan, and Tibet. There are high mountains, deep valleys, overlapping peaks, and dangerous cliffs. The winding Jinsha River passes through layers of mountains, forming a horseshoe-shaped big bend here, and offering visitors a truly breathtaking natural wonder.
At the top of the Jinsha River Bend, there is a beautiful and spacious viewing platform. From here, visitors can overlook the panoramic view of the first bend of the Jinsha River.
4. Meili Snow Mountains
Meili Snow Mountains, also known as the Prince Snow Mountain, is famous for its main, Kagebo Peak, and is one of the four sacred mountains in Tibetan Buddhism. Every year thousands of devout pilgrims come here to worship and circumambulate the holy mountain. Trekking with them is one of the most culturally immersive and scenically spectacular experiences in the Tibetan region.
5. Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge, or Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Area, is one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world, renowned for its profound depth and extraordinary views. Folks say that tigers often leap to the other side of the river at the narrowest point using the rock, thus the gorge earns this name.
The gorge is quite spectacular, especially in the narrowest section. When the river is in flood, it would be much more exciting to visit. It is totally worth visiting.
6. Turtle Hill/ Guishan Park
Located right in the city center of Shangri-La, Guishan Park is a hill on which you can find the Guishan Temple as well as the world’s largest prayer wheel.
Legend says that if the prayer wheel is spun three times, the person who spun it will eliminate disasters and pray for good luck. However, it needs at least 7 to 10 persons to move it as it is huge.
At night, the temple is especially spectacular when the entire hill is beautifully lit up.
7. Potatso National Park
Potatso National Park is the first national park in China. It is located in the center of the Three Parallel Rivers. The park offers beautiful views of lakes and surrounding nature, and it is a good place to visit and experience natural scenery.
8. Shangri-La Food
The beauty of Shangri-La lies not only in its scenery, but also in its local food. Tasting local food is an indispensable part of traveling. The local food includes yak meat, matsutake mushrooms, butter tea, highland barley wine, and zanba.
- See more on The best time to visit Shangri-La in Yunnan
- See more on Shangri-La customs and taboos
