You may be familiar with the novel Lost Horizon by James Hilton, which features a fictional utopian lamasery situated in the mountains of Tibet. Shangri-La is a real place, located in the northwestern region of the mountainous, Yunnan province of China. Exploring Shangri-La City is undoubtedly the highlight of a trip to Yunnan. There is a wealth of attractions to explore, particularly for nature lovers, as this region is well known for its stunning views and vistas of snow-capped mountains and vast open plains. In this article, we are pleased to provide further information about this mysterious and gorgeous city.
Things to do
Songzanlin Monastery
The Songzanlin Monastery stands as the most iconic architectural marvel in Shangri-La. Situated at an elevation of 3,380 meters, this grand monastery was constructed in 1670. Holds the title of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. The monastery complex showcases a harmonious blend of traditional Tibetan and Han Chinese architectural styles, highlighted by golden-gilded roofs and vibrant red accents. You can find serene prayer halls where monks gather along with a striking statue of the Buddha. The Songzanlin Monastery is a breathtaking example of architectural grandeur, and when you reach the top floor you can enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of Shangri-La.
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest gorges in the world, reaching a depth of 3,790 meters. It is also considered one of the top 10 most famous hiking trails globally. The trail spans approximately 17 kilometers and is divided into three sections: the Upper Gorge, the Middle Gorge, and the Lower Gorge. The gorge is equipped with four platform levels that extend from the visitor center at the top to the bottom of the river. This amazing gorge is widely regarded as one of China's most stunning natural landscapes that you shouldn't miss!
Haba Snow Mountain
This is an amazing trek not only for hiking enthusiasts but also for those who just simply love nature and mountains. Reaching the summit of Haba Snow Mountain at 5,396 meters above sea level is truly awe-inspiring. However, it's important to be in good physical condition, as this is not a leisurely hike. The climb is not technically difficult, but it offers a great challenge for beginners looking to eventually take on more demanding peaks around the world.
Potatso National Park
Potatso National Park, located on the expansive Tibetan Plateau in Shangri-La, is famous for its stunning landscapes and unique wildlife. The park offers a chance to see the local flora and fauna along with breathtaking views of Bitahai Lake. When hiking around the lake, it's important to walk in a clockwise direction, in keeping with Tibetan Buddhist tradition. If you're not up for a hike, you can also enjoy the scenery by taking a boat ride around the lake.
Dukezong Ancient Town
Dukezong Ancient Town is one of the largest and best-preserved settlements of the Tibetan minority in China. Established in the late 7th century AD, the town boasts over 1,300 years of rich Tibetan culture, language, religion, and traditions.
Inside the town's historic walls, you'll find several must-see landmarks. One of the highlights is the Giant Prayer Wheel, a towering 21-meter-high vertical prayer wheel considered the largest in the world. At Square Street, you can explore a variety of cafes, shops, and restaurants. For a stunning view, visit Guishan Park during sunset. The park, built on a sloping hill with terraced levels, offers panoramic vistas of the entire Dukezong Ancient Town from its highest point.
Feilai Monastery
Feilai Temple is the perfect spot to witness the golden peaks of Meili Mountain at sunrise. The temple offers a cozy warmth in winter and a refreshing coolness in summer, making it a serene retreat throughout the year. Known as a sacred sanctuary, it serves as a haven for relaxation, meditation, and spiritual rejuvenation. In addition, it has long been a beloved place for scholars and artists, offering inspiration for poetry, the crafting of antithetical couplets, and painting.
Napa Lake
Napa Lake is the largest lake in Shangri-La surrounded by lush green grasslands that stretch out like a vibrant carpet. Here, you'll often spot flocks of birds and herds of animals grazing peacefully by the water, blending harmoniously with the landscape. To the west, three snow-capped mountains stand tall, adding to the breathtaking beauty of the area. These mountains are not only a key feature of the enchanting scenery in southwest China but also symbolize the region's vitality and natural energy.
Yubeng Village
Tucked away in a serene valley in China surrounded by lush green forests and rugged, glacier-covered mountains. The village is accessible either by hiking or riding a mule. The valley offers breathtaking views of towering peaks as well as alpine hikes leading to waterfalls and glaciers, making it an incredibly picturesque destination.
If you're hiking from Xidang, your first stop will be Upper Yubeng Village. This area boasts stunning views of the snow-capped mountains, a wider range of guesthouses, and a livelier atmosphere. In contrast, Lower Yubeng offers a more rustic feel with a distinct farm village charm. For those trekking to the glacial lake, Upper Yubeng is the closer option, while Lower Yubeng is situated nearer to the sacred waterfall hike.
Accommodation
Hilton Garden Inn Shangri-La
For a more Western-style accommodation, the Hilton Garden Inn is a nice choice. It offers a pleasant stay with stylish décor, clean rooms, comfortable bedding, and affordable prices. Conveniently located in the heart of Shangri-La City, the Hilton Garden Inn serves as an excellent base for exploring all the local attractions.
Shangri-La Resort
The resort blends traditional Tibetan design with modern aesthetics, creating a unique and relaxing atmosphere. It's the perfect destination for vacation and leisure. The hotel offers a range of amenities, including a 24-hour oxygen bar, fitness center, a restaurant, and an Indoor swimming pool, ensuring a comfortable and rejuvenating stay.
LUX* Tea Horse Road
LUX* Tea Horse Road is nestled in the valley of Benzilan, a renowned Tibetan town located along the Jinsha River. At an elevation of around 2,000 meters, this location offers a comfortable altitude with no risk of altitude sickness, making it an ideal getaway for those seeking a peaceful and accessible retreat.
Foods to Try
In Shangri-La, you can try a variety of Tibetan dishes. Tibetan food is centered around natural ingredients that thrive in the mountainous terrain. Grains serve as the primary carbohydrate, while proteins like yak, goat, or mutton are commonly featured. The dishes are hearty, often oily, and stewed with potatoes, fats, and other robust ingredients.
Butter Tea: Tibet's national beverage made with yak butter.
Pipa Pork: A traditional Tibetan bacon often used in stews or stir-fries.
Tsampa: A staple food made from roasted barley balls.
Thukpa: A hand-pulled noodle dish served in a stew with vegetables and meats.
Travel Tips
1. Shangri-La is located at an elevation of around 3,100 meters, which makes it quite cold in the winter. It tends to rain frequently in the summer, so visiting during spring or autumn is ideal for better weather conditions.
2. Keep in mind that Shangri-La sits at an altitude of 3,160 meters, therefore you might have altitude sickness, especially if you are traveling from a lower elevation.
3. The sunlight and ultraviolet rays are stronger at this altitude. It is important to protect your skin when spending time outdoors. Wear a hat and apply sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
4. When traveling at high altitudes, avoid intense physical activity and refrain from drinking alcohol. To help prevent altitude sickness, make sure to eat some vegetables and fruits.
5. If you're concerned about your physical condition, you may rent a small oxygen cylinder from your hotel in advance and bring some high-calorie energy supplements for emergencies during your journey.
Feel free to chat with our travel consultant if you would like to learn more about Shangri-La or if you would like us to create a personalized travel itinerary just for you!
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