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.
Most Popular Shangri-La Attractions
Other Attractions in Shangri-La
Shangri-La is really, really cold! The temperature difference is quite significant; you can wear just a light jacket during the day, but you definitely need a down jacket at night!
There aren’t too many people around, but the scenic spots still have quite a few visitors. It’s best to book in advance or arrive a bit earlier.
The Napahai Grassland has begun to turn yellow, and it looks especially beautiful. However, there is a lot of manure, so you have to be careful where you step at all times. It has been drizzling on and off these past few days, but the rain in Yunnan always comes quickly and leaves just as fast. The wind is particularly strong and cold, so it’s best to wear thicker clothes.
If you want to take pictures of monks, women, and others, make sure to obtain their consent in advance to avoid unnecessary trouble. Shangri-La has a strong religious atmosphere, so it’s important to respect the beliefs of different groups. When visiting religious sites, please keep your voice low and refrain from taking random photos.
Shangri-La, I won’t be going a second time. It’s both rustic and expensive. The scenery isn’t particularly special, and it has been heavily marketed.
Shangri-La has truly driven me to the brink of frustration! – The ancient city is full of potholes, making it impossible to drag a suitcase. My friend and I had to struggle to carry everything inside. – The accommodation environment was quite poor, and the owner of the guesthouse spoke to us with impatience. – We went to Napa Lake (纳帕海) to take some photos. In the morning, the weather was clear and sunny, but by noon, it started to… Read more »