Top Things You Must Do in Shangri-La During Your Yunnan Tour
When visiting Shangri-La during your Yunnan tour, here are the top things you must do to fully experience this unique destination:
- Visit Songzanlin Monastery: Explore the impressive Songzanlin Monastery (also known as Ganden Sumtseling Monastery), the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. Admire its traditional architecture, prayer halls, and colorful murals.
- Explore Dukezong Ancient Town: Wander through Dukezong Ancient Town, a Tibetan-style town known for its winding streets, traditional wooden houses, and panoramic views of Shangri-La and the surrounding mountains.
- Hike in Pudacuo National Park: Discover the natural beauty of Pudacuo National Park, Yunnan’s first national park. Hike or take a scenic drive to explore pristine lakes like Shudu Lake and Bitahai Lake, surrounded by forests and mountains.
- Experience Tibetan Culture: Attend a Tibetan cultural performance featuring traditional dance, music, and rituals. Visit local Tibetan villages to learn about their unique customs, crafts like thangka painting, and yak butter tea.
- Admire Napa Lake: Take a leisurely walk or bike ride around Napa Lake (Napahai), a seasonal lake known for its stunning views of grazing yaks, migratory birds, and the surrounding mountains. It’s a great spot for birdwatching.
- Visit Shangri-La Old Town: Stroll through Shangri-La Old Town, reconstructed after a fire in 2014, to see its Tibetan architecture, prayer wheels, and small shops selling local handicrafts and souvenirs.
- Explore Shika Snow Mountain: Take a cable car or hike up Shika Snow Mountain (Shika Shan) for panoramic views of Shangri-La and the surrounding landscapes. In winter, it’s a popular spot for skiing and snowboarding.
- Attend a Tibetan Festival: If your visit coincides with a Tibetan festival like Losar (Tibetan New Year) or Shoton Festival (Yogurt Festival), participate in traditional celebrations, including masked dances and religious ceremonies.
- Enjoy Tibetan Cuisine: Taste authentic Tibetan dishes such as yak meat dumplings (momos), butter tea (po cha), Tibetan noodles (thukpa), and tsampa (roasted barley flour). Many restaurants in Shangri-La offer these specialties.
- Visit the Potatso National Park: Explore the pristine landscapes and diverse flora and fauna of Potatso National Park (Pudacuo), known for its wetlands, forests, and alpine meadows. Take a boat ride on Bita Lake for serene views.
These activities will give you a deep appreciation for Shangri-La’s Tibetan culture, stunning natural scenery, and spiritual heritage during your Yunnan tour.
