Shangri-La Travel Guide

Shangri-La, often referred to as the “High Mountain Garden,” the “Kingdom of Flora and Fauna,” and the “Kingdom of Non-Ferrous Metals,” is a breathtaking destination. Located 315 kilometers north of Dali along the Yunnan-Tibet Highway, Shangri-La is the capital of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Nestled on the southeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the northern end of the Hengduan Mountains, this area is the heart of the “Three Parallel Rivers” region. It offers a unique blend of snow-capped mountains, deep valleys, expansive grasslands, alpine lakes, pristine forests, and rich ethnic culture.

Shangri-La, in Diqing Prefecture of Yunnan, shares its northern border with Chamdo in Tibet, its eastern border with Ganzi and Liangshan in Sichuan, and its southern and western borders with Lijiang and Nujiang in Yunnan. The landscape is dominated by towering snowy peaks, including Kawagebo, the highest peak in Yunnan Province, standing majestically among a series of mountains over 4,000 meters above sea level. The region is also famous for its dramatic gorges, such as the Tiger Leaping Gorge on the Jinsha River and the Mekong River Gorge.