1 Day Trip from Lijiang to Shangri la

If you only have one day to explore Shangri-La (香格里拉), choosing nearby attractions in the county is an excellent option. You can enjoy a relaxed trip while immersing yourself in the region’s unique cultural and natural beauty. Songzanlin Monastery (松赞林寺), Yila Grassland (依拉草原), and Dukezong Ancient Town (独克宗古城) are must-visit destinations that will make your journey unforgettable.

Travel Options from Lijiang (丽江) to Shangri-La (香格里拉）

Joining a Tour Group (旅行社跟团)

For first-time visitors to Shangri-La (香格里拉) and Lijiang (丽江), joining a tour group is the best option. It eliminates the need to plan your own itinerary, allowing you to effortlessly explore the highlights of both destinations.
Advantages: Hassle-free travel, guided tours to key attractions, and no need to worry about transportation or logistics.
Recommended For: Travelers who prefer a structured and stress-free experience.

 High-Speed Train (高铁)

Taking a high-speed train from Lijiang (丽江) to Shangri-La (香格里拉） is a cost-effective and efficient option.
Frequency: Multiple trains run daily between the two cities.
Duration: Approximately 1-2 hours.
Cost: Tickets range from 50 to 200 RMB, depending on the seat class.
Advantages: Fast, comfortable, and convenient.
Recommended For: Travelers who value time and comfort.

Bus (大巴)

Traveling by bus is another option, though it is less recommended.
Departure Points in Lijiang (丽江): Lijiang Bus Station (丽江汽车站), North Gate of Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城北门), and South Gate of Lijiang Ancient Town (丽江古城南门).
Arrival Points in Shangri-La (香格里拉): Dongmen of Dukezong Ancient Town (独克宗古城东门) and Shangri-La Bus Station (香格里拉汽车站).
Duration: Approximately 2.5-4 hours.
Cost: Tickets range from 80 to 90 RMB.
Disadvantages: Longer travel time, fixed schedules, no stops at interesting attractions along the way, and inconvenience for travelers with heavy luggage.
Recommended For: Budget-conscious travelers who are not in a hurry.

Itinerary

Morning: Songzanlin Monastery (松赞林寺)

Transportation: Take Bus No. 3 from the county town to Songzanlin Monastery.
Highlights: Known as the “Little Potala Palace,” this monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple complex in Yunnan Province. Inside, you can light a prayer lamp or purchase Buddhist prayer beads at affordable prices.
Recommended Activities: Explore the grand architecture, learn about Tibetan Buddhist culture, and soak in the serene atmosphere.

Afternoon: Yila Grassland (依拉草原)

Transportation: Hire an electric tricycle or take a direct bus to Yila Grassland, located just 7 kilometers from the county town (about 15 minutes by car).
Highlights: As the largest grassland in the Shangri-La region, Yila Grassland offers breathtaking pastoral scenery and a chance to experience the mysterious customs of the local Tibetan people.
Recommended Activities: Stroll through the grassland, admire the picturesque views of grazing livestock, and interact with the local Tibetan community to learn about their traditions.

Evening: Dukezong Ancient Town (独克宗古城) – Regong Art Pavilion (热贡艺人阁)

Transportation: Return to the county town and head to Dukezong Ancient Town, either on foot or by vehicle.
Dinner Recommendations:
Nanka Mingdian (南卡名典): A authentic Tibetan restaurant offering yak hotpot and butter tea, with a cozy Tibetan-style ambiance.
Potala Wooden House Restaurant (布达拉木楼餐吧): Known for its traditional Tibetan dishes, excellent service, and great value for money.
Ancient Town Highlights: Dukezong Ancient Town is one of the best-preserved Tibetan ancient towns in China. At night, the town is illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere.
Regong Art Pavilion (热贡艺人阁): Explore this cultural hub to admire and purchase traditional Tibetan handicrafts, such as thangka paintings, Tibetan clothing, and silverware.

Attraction Details

Songzanlin Monastery (松赞林寺)

Ticket Price: Standard ticket costs 90 RMB, which includes admission (55 RMB), shuttle bus (20 RMB), and guided tour (15 RMB). If you only need the admission ticket, inform the ticket seller in advance.
Highlights: As the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, its majestic architecture attracts many visitors. It’s also a popular spot for Tibetan-style photo shoots and a great place to learn about Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Tibetan Costume Rental: Rent a Tibetan costume at the ticket office for 30 RMB and take stunning photos.
Suggested Duration: Around 2 hours.

Yila Grassland (依拉草原)

Transportation: Conveniently located near the county town, accessible by electric tricycle or bus.
Highlights: The largest grassland in Shangri-La, where pastoral landscapes and Tibetan culture blend harmoniously.
Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours.

Dukezong Ancient Town (独克宗古城)

Ticket Price: Free admission.
Highlights: The ancient town is rich in regional culture, with many shops offering Tibetan costume rentals. Though less crowded, it boasts a unique and tranquil atmosphere.
Suggested Duration: 1-2 hours.

Climate Overview

Shangri-La County (香格里拉县城) is located at an altitude of approximately 3,300 meters. Like all high-altitude regions, it experiences significant temperature differences between day and night. The climate varies by season:
Spring: Temperatures range from 5 to 15°C. Early spring can feel particularly cold due to melting snow.
Summer: This is the rainy season, with temperatures between 10 and 25°C. The grasslands are lush, and flowers bloom in abundance. However, rain is frequent, often alternating with sunshine, creating the phenomenon of “rain on one side and sun on the other.” Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be chilly, so it’s essential to bring a jacket.
Autumn: Considered the most beautiful season, with colorful forests and blooming langdu flowers (狼毒花) attracting photographers. Temperatures range from 5 to 20°C.
Winter: The coldest season, with frequent snowfall and temperatures sometimes dropping to -10°C.
Note: The likelihood of experiencing altitude sickness varies by individual. It’s advisable to prepare oxygen, warm clothing, and other necessities in advance. A bottle of oxygen typically costs around 68 RMB in the market.

Cultural Etiquette and Taboos

Some travelers may have misconceptions about Tibetan people, worrying about safety issues in Shangri-La (香格里拉). In reality, most Tibetans are kind and friendly, and their lives are deeply influenced by Tibetan Buddhism. When traveling in Tibetan areas, it’s crucial to respect local customs and avoid discussing sensitive political or ethnic topics. Key considerations include:
Mani Stones and Stacks (玛尼堆)
Mani stacks are sacred markers in Tibetan culture, often engraved with the Six-Syllable Mantra or images of Buddha.
When passing religious sites like monasteries, mani stacks, or stupas, always walk around them clockwise. Walking counterclockwise is considered disrespectful.
Do not pick up mani stones or sit on mani stacks.
Religious Artifacts
Do not step over religious instruments or fire basins. Prayer wheels and prayer cylinders should not be turned counterclockwise.
Avoid touching the top of someone’s head, as it is considered disrespectful.
Dietary Taboos
Tibetans generally avoid eating dog, monkey, horse, donkey, and fish meat.
Guest Etiquette
When visiting a Tibetan home, politely decline if you cannot drink tea or alcohol.
When receiving a khata (哈达, ceremonial scarf), accept it with both hands. If it is placed around your neck, do not remove it immediately.
Photography Guidelines
Always ask for permission before taking close-up photos of people, especially monks and women.
While photography is often allowed outside temples, it is usually prohibited inside. If photography is permitted for a fee, follow the rules and avoid taking unauthorized photos.

Accommodation Suggestions

After a day of exploring, you can choose to stay in Shangri-La (香格里拉) or return to Lijiang (丽江) for more accommodation options. Lijiang offers a wide range of choices, from budget guesthouses to luxury hotels, catering to different traveler needs. Additionally, Lijiang’s vibrant nightlife provides a perfect way to unwind after a day of adventure.

Conclusion

This one-day itinerary offers a perfect balance of cultural immersion and natural beauty. From the spiritual grandeur of Songzanlin Monastery (松赞林寺) to the serene landscapes of Yila Grassland (依拉草原) and the cultural charm of Dukezong Ancient Town (独克宗古城), your day in Shangri-La (香格里拉) will be both enriching and unforgettable.