Shangri-La, a place of beauty and mystery, combines breathtaking natural landscapes with deep cultural heritage.
Nestled on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, with soaring peaks and pristine valleys, Shangri-La holds an otherworldly allure.
Stand among the mystical meadows of Napa Lake. Wander through ancient Tibetan monasteries. Witness the first light of dawn illuminating snow-capped mountains.
In a place that feels like a secret tucked away in the Himalayas, Shangri-La offers an endless bounty of natural wonders and cultural treasures.
Our journey to Shangri-La began years ago, and with each return, we uncover more of the magic that this hidden paradise has to offer.
Here are the nine must-visit places in Shangri-La to help you plan an unforgettable trip.
1.Dukezong Ancient Town
- Tickets: Free
- Open Hours:All day
- Transportation: Bus routes 1 and 3
Imagine stepping back in time into the cobbled streets of Dukezong, China’s best-preserved Tibetan town. This is not just a glimpse into the past, but a living tapestry of Tibetan culture, where prayer flags flutter in the wind and the air is filled with incense from ancient temples. Ascend to Guishan Park, home to the world’s largest prayer wheel, where you can join pilgrims in a meditative spin and take in panoramic views of the ancient town below.
Dukezong ancient town
Prayer wheel at Guishan park
2.Pudacuo National Park
- Tickets:138/168 RMB (includes shuttle bus within the park)
- Open Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Transportation: Passenger Bus, 15RMB
Step into a living postcard at Pudacuo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled within the Three Parallel Rivers region. Here, nature paints with a palette of pristine lakes, emerald wetlands, and thick forests, alive with the songs of rare birds. Every twist and turn in the path reveals new wonders—whether it’s the serene beauty of Shudu Lake, reflecting the heavens, or the golden meadows cradling herds of grazing yaks. Time seems to slow as you wander through this untouched landscape.
Pudacuo national park
Pudacuo national park
3.Songzanlin Monastery
- Tickets: 90 RMB
- Open Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Transportation: Bus route 3 or taxi/private tour
Perched high on a hill and dominating the skyline, Songzanlin Monastery rises like a fortress of spirituality. Nicknamed the “Little Potala Palace,” this monastery is a living symbol of Tibetan Buddhism’s rich traditions. Wander through its labyrinth of prayer halls, hear the chanting of monks, and marvel at the intricate murals that adorn its walls. As the sun sets, the monastery glows with a golden hue, a moment of serenity you won’t soon forget.
Songzanlin Monastery
Songzanlin Monastery
Songzanlin Monastery
4.Tiger Leaping Gorge
- Tickets: 45 RMB
- Open Hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Transportation: Direct buses from Lijiang and Shangri-La/private tours
Tiger Leaping Gorge is one of the deepest canyons in the world, where the mighty Jinsha River thunders between towering cliffs. Hiking through the gorge is both a test of endurance and a reward for the soul, with breathtaking views of the river below and the snow-capped peaks above. The experience is raw and untamed, a true adventure that will leave you in awe of nature’s power.
Tiger leaping gorge
Tiger leaping gorge
Tiger leaping gorge
5.Baishuitai (White Water Terrace)
- Tickets: 30 RMB
- Open Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
- Transportation: Daily bus from Shangri-La Bus Station/private tours
At Baishuitai, nature has sculpted terraced pools of dazzling white limestone, resembling a stairway to the heavens. These formations are said to be the birthplace of the Naxi Dongba religion. Walking here feels almost otherworldly, as if you’ve stumbled upon a natural monument forgotten by time.
Baishuitai
Baishuitai
6.Haba Snow Mountain
- Tickets: Free
- Transportation: private tour recommend
Haba Snow Mountain offers adventure seekers a chance to explore high-altitude grasslands and glaciers. The meadows surrounding the mountain are dotted with grazing yaks, and as night falls, the skies light up with stars, offering one of the most awe-inspiring stargazing experiences in Shangri-La.
haba snow mountain
view of haba snow mountain
7.Balagezong Grand Canyon
- Tickets: 165 RMB
- Open Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Transportation: Shuttle buses from Moonlight Square Parking Lot/private tours
Balagezong is a hidden gem tucked away in the rugged landscape of Shangri-La. The canyon offers towering cliffs, dense forests, and clear rivers, creating a paradise for nature lovers. It’s a place where every step reveals a new marvel, a secret treasure waiting to be discovered.
Shaxi Ancient Town
Shaxi Ancient Town
8.Yubeng Village Trek
- Tickets: 55 RMB
- Open Hours: 24 Hours
- Transportation: Start the trek from Feilai Temple
Yubeng Village is a remote, mystical destination. It is one of the most rewarding and immersive experiences in Shangri-La. The trek to Yubeng takes you through dense forests, alongside cascading waterfalls, and across suspension bridges, all under the watchful gaze of the towering Meili Snow Mountain.
The village itself is split into Upper and Lower Yubeng, each offering its own unique perspective on the stunning landscape. The journey to this hidden gem is as much about the spiritual path as it is about the physical trail, with every step bringing you closer to nature’s untouched beauty and the deep-rooted Tibetan culture that thrives here. Yubeng is more than just a trek; it’s a journey into the soul of Shangri-La, where the natural world and ancient traditions harmoniously coexist.
Yubeng Village trek
view of Yubeng
9.Meili Snow Mountain
- Tickets: Free
- Open Hours: all day
- Transportation: private tours/bus to Feilai Temple, starting point for the Yubeng trek
Meili Snow Mountain is a sacred peak for Tibetan Buddhists, renowned for its stunning “Sunshine on Meili” phenomenon. At dawn, the mountain’s jagged peaks catch the first light of the sun, turning them into a radiant gold. This is a place for long treks, spiritual reflection, and deep connection with the majesty of the highlands.
meili snow moutain
view from feilai temple
Visiting these nine best places in Shangri-La will allow you to experience the unique natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of the region, ensuring an unforgettable journey.
