Shangri-La, Yunnan, China
Shangri-La, Wild Again
WHEN
All Year Round
PRICE
From USD 1800pp excl. flights
HOW LONG
3 nights ideal length
Located in the northwest of Yunnan Province and bordering Tibet and Sichuan, Shangri-La sits on the southeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Its landscape is defined by dramatic snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, deep river gorges, vast grasslands, and ancient Tibetan settlements. The region is known for its high elevation (average 3,300m), crisp air, and strong Tibetan cultural presence.
Shangri-La is home to some of Yunnan’s most iconic natural and cultural sites, including Meili Snow Mountain, Baima Snow Mountain, Pudaquo National Park, Balagezong Grand Canyon, Haba Snow Mountain, Napahai Lake, Dukezong Old Town, Songzanlin Monastery, and Xiaozhongdian Town.
How to Get There
By Air: Diqing Shangri-La Airport (DIG) offers direct flights from Kunming, Lijiang, Chengdu, Chongqing, and several major Chinese cities.
By Road:
From Lijiang: 2–3 hours by car or bus via the G214 highway.
From Dali: Around 6 hours by car.
From Diqing / Meili Snow Mountain: Approximately 3.5 hours by road.
By Private Transfer: Recommended for travelers who want flexibility, photography stops, or direct access to remote scenic spots.
1. Meili Snow Mountain (Kawagebo Peak)
One of the most sacred mountains in Tibetan Buddhism, Meili Snow Mountain stands at 6,740m, making Kawagebo the highest peak in Yunnan. The area is famous for sunrise views over its jagged snow peaks, the Meili Grand Canyon, and trekking routes such as Yubeng Village.
Highlights: Sunrise platforms in Feilaisi, Yubeng trekking, glacial lakes, sacred waterfalls.
2. Baima Snow Mountain
A major ecological corridor between Yunnan and Tibet, Baima Snow Mountain is known for its high-altitude forests, rare wildlife, and dramatic mountain passes.
Highlights: Baima Pass (4,292m), high-alpine meadows, panoramic mountain viewing points.
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3. Potatso National Park
China’s first national park-level nature reserve, combining pristine forests, wetlands, and alpine lakes.
Highlights:
Bita Lake: Serene walking trails, wooden boardwalks, and peaceful lakeside views.
Shudu Lake: Vast wetlands, grazing yaks, and photogenic valleys.
Ideal for easy walks, wildlife spotting, and families looking for soft outdoor experiences.
4. Balog Zon
A spectacular canyon system combining steep cliffs, turquoise rivers, suspension bridges, and Tibetan villages tucked in the mountains.
Highlights: Balog Zon Skywalk, canyon viewpoints, waterfall valley, hidden temples, and the Tibetan village of Bala.
Perfect for travelers who enjoy dramatic landscapes and light hiking.
5. Ancient Town of Dukezong
An ancient Tibetan town with over 1,300 years of history, once a key stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Road.
Highlights:
Guishan Park: The world’s largest prayer wheel.
Old Town Streets: Stone pathways, Tibetan architecture, boutique cafés, and craft shops.
Sunrise / sunset viewpoints over the town.
6. Ganden Sumtseling Monastery
Often called “Little Potala Palace,” this is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan.
Its terraced architecture, golden roofs, chanting halls, and lakeside reflections offer a peaceful yet impressive cultural experience.
Highlights: Main prayer hall, monks’ quarters, surrounding kora path, and Lamuyangcuo Lake.
7. Napa Sea (Panan Lake)
A seasonal high-altitude wetland surrounded by mountains and grasslands.
In summer, it becomes a vast green pasture filled with horses, yaks, and Tibetan villages.
In winter, thousands of black-necked cranes migrate here.
Highlights: Horseback riding, cycling around the lake, birdwatching, sunrise photography.
8. Xiaozhongdian Town
A peaceful grassland area on the way from Lijiang to Shangri-La, known for its open valleys, grazing livestock, and Tibetan-style wooden houses.
Highlights: Wide grasslands, wooden cabins, seasonal wildflowers — great for slow travel photography.
9. Haba Snow Mountain
A classic destination for trekkers and mountaineers. Haba Snow Mountain’s summit reaches 5,396m and is considered one of China’s best beginner-friendly snow peaks for guided climbing.
Even without climbing, visitors can enjoy its glaciers, alpine lakes, and villages.
Highlights: Base camp trekking, Haba Village, Blue Moon Valley (nearby).
Suggested Length of Stay: 3 Nights
A 3-night stay allows you to cover the essential highlights:
Day 1: Dukezong Old Town, Songzanlin Monastery
Day 2: Pudaquo National Park / Balagezong
Day 3: Napahai + transfer to Meili Snow Mountain (optional extension)
Hotels
Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City by IHG
5 Star
Seated atop the commanding heights of Dukezong Ancient Town in the county of Shangri-La, Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City offers a mesmerising panoramic view of the ancient town and provides a beautiful vista of the Dukezong Temple and the Giant Prayer Wheel.
Lost Vllia (Deqin Meri Snow Mountain)
5 Star
Located 160 km from Diqing Shangri-La Airport, the hotel is surrounded by stunning mountain views. Nearby attractions include Shengping Town and Jushui Village Committee. The hotel features a sun terrace, outdoor seating area, and hot tub. Additional amenities include a lounge, fitness centre, and culture classes. Free WiFi is accessible throughout the property.
Next Steps
How do I book this tour?
Please use the inquiry form on the right-hand side of this page or email arch.official.co@gmail.com to get started. One of our travel designers will be in touch accordingly to start the process of planning your custom trip!
What is the payment schedule?
1. Deposit:
Once you are ready to book, a $500 USD per person planning fee is required to begin reserving your arrangements. This will go towards your total trip costs and will be taken off your final balance amount.
2. Full payment:
Full trip payment will be requested 60 days prior to departure. If you’re booking within 60 days of your departure, you may be asked to pay make the full payment straight away.
Payments can be made via credit card, bank transfer, WeChat or Alipay.