Shangri-La Travel Guide

Here is a travel guide for Shangri-La to help you have a wonderful journey. Pre-Trip Preparation • Documents: Bring your ID card and other possible documents such as student ID or senior citizen card for ticket discounts. • Clothing: Shangri-La has low temperatures with significant day-night variations. Even in summer, pack thick outerwear like windbreakers, fleece jackets, thermal underwear, and sun-protective clothing. • Medications: Prepare altitude sickness remedies like Rhodiola rosea, as well as common medicines for colds, fever, stomach issues, and motion sickness. • Other Items: Sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, moisturizing skincare products, power banks, cameras, etc. Transportation Guide • By Air: Fly directly to Diqing Shangri-La Airport or first arrive in Kunming or Lijiang before transferring to Shangri-La. • By Train: First reach Lijiang, then take the high-speed train to Shangri-La (about 3.5 hours). • By Bus: Direct buses are available from Lijiang, Dali, and other places, offering scenic views along the way. Attractions • Pudacuo National Park: China's first national forest park, featuring alpine lakes, pastures, wetlands, and primeval forests—a paradise for photography. • Songzanlin Monastery: The largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, known as the "Little Potala Palace," with magnificent architecture and precious artifacts. Climb to the top for a panoramic view of Shangri-La. • Dukezong Ancient Town: A key stop on the Tea Horse Road, laid out like an eight-petal lotus. It houses the world's largest prayer wheel and offers insights into caravan culture and Tibetan life. • Tiger Leaping Gorge (Shangri-La Section): Famous for its "danger," it’s one of the world's deepest gorges with raging waters. The viewing platform offers a thrilling overlook. • Napahai Lake: A seasonal alpine lake lush with water plants and grazing yaks in summer, while autumn and winter present unique landscapes. Food Recommendations • Yak Meat Hotpot: High-altitude yak meat is tender and flavorful, cooked with matsutake mushrooms and Tibetan herbs in a rich broth. • Butter Tea: A traditional Tibetan drink, savory and creamy, often paired with tsampa (roasted barley flour). • Barley Pancakes: Made from barley flour, crispy with a distinct barley aroma. • Yak Yogurt: Handmade yogurt with a creamy layer on top, slightly sour and sweet—even better with honey. Accommodation Options • Luxury: Hotels like Songtsam Linka Shangri-La and InterContinental Diqing Moonlight City offer excellent facilities and stunning views. • Unique Homestays: Options like Lismar Heartland·Glamping Oxygen Manor or Shangri-La Jinsè·Wildyard·Lakeside Pasture let you experience local charm.