Location Map of Shangri-La City in Yunnan
Overview
Shangri-La City (香格里拉市) in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), Yunnan Province, is renowned for its spectacular natural scenery and diverse ethnic cultures. Below is a comprehensive guide to its major attractions.
Main Attractions
Ganden Sumtseling Monastery (松赞林寺)
Address: No. 3, Niwang Road, Jiantang Town (建塘镇)
Highlights: Known as “Little Potala Palace”, modeled after Lhasa’s Potala Palace
Admission: ¥115
Opening Hours: 08:00-18:00
Dukezong Ancient Town (独克宗古城)
Address: Kangzhu Avenue, Shangri-La
Highlights: Best-preserved Tibetan residential complex with 1,300 years of history
Admission: Free
Pudacuo National Park (普达措国家公园)
Address: Hongpo Village, Jiantang Town (建塘镇)
Highlights: Features Bitahai Lake and Shudu Lake, part of “Three Parallel Rivers”
Admission: ¥138 (includes shuttle)
Opening Hours: 08:30-16:00
Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡)
Address: Hutiaoxia Town (虎跳峡镇)
Highlights: One of world’s deepest canyons with three sections
Admission: ¥45 (Upper Gorge)
Opening Hours: 08:00-17:30
White Water Terraces (白水台)
Address: Baidi Village (白地村), Sanba Township (三坝乡)
Highlights: China’s largest travertine terraces, origin of Dongba culture
Admission: ¥30
Opening Hours: All day
Napa Lake (纳帕海)
Address: West of Xineihuan Road
Highlights: Alpine lake surrounded by grasslands, ideal for cycling
Admission: Free
Balagezong (巴拉格宗)
Address: Balashe, Nixi Township (尼西乡)
Highlights: Shangri-La’s hidden gem with diverse landscapes
Admission: Varies
Bigu Tianchi (碧沽天池)
Address: Lianhe Village, Xiaozhongdian Township (小中甸乡)
Highlights: Secluded alpine lake in pristine forest
Admission: Free
Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit: May-November
- May-June: Rhododendron season
- September-November: Autumn foliage
Transportation:
- Diqing Shangri-La Airport available (no train station)
- Local buses and taxis for city transport
Accommodation: Stay in Dukezong Ancient Town (独克宗古城) for authentic Tibetan experience
Precautions:
- Acclimatize to high altitude (3,300m+)
- Bring sun protection and warm clothing
Shangri-La offers an unparalleled combination of natural wonders and cultural treasures, making it a must-visit destination in Yunnan.
