Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Shangri-La

Last updated: Jun 12,2025 By: Cindy; Hits: 183

The term “Shangri-La” first appeared in British author James Hilton's 1933 novel Lost Horizon. The book depicts a hidden utopia deep in the Himalayas, a place of isolation, peace and tranquility, where the inhabitants live long and carefree lives. Later, “Shangri-La” became a symbol of mankind's ideal country and paradise, not to mention the people's desire to live in harmony with nature and humanity.

Today we are talking about the city of Shangri-La in Yunnan Province, which was officially renamed Shangri-La in 2001 from Zhongdian County in the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Yunnan Province. Shangri-La is an important part of the Tibetan culture and is home to snow-capped mountains, gorges, grasslands, temples and other magnificent landscapes.

Shangri La

Below we highlight the top 10 famous attractions in Shangri-La, and we welcome all international tourists to visit Shangri-La City, Yunnan, our team will provide you with excellent service, and can customize the itinerary with different programs according to your time, now let's take a look at the scenery of Shangri-La City, Yunnan.

Top 10 Famous Attractions in Shangri-La

Pudacuo National Park

This is China's first national park, which gathers plateau lakes, primitive forests and wetland meadows. The water surface of Zhidu Lake and Bita Sea reflects the snow-capped mountains, and the trestle walk can feel the splendid colors of the four seasons.

Pudacuo National Park

Travel tips: altitude of 3500-4150 meters, need to prepare anti-high reflex medication and warm clothing; the best season to visit the summer and fall, summer flowers like tide, autumn forests are full of color.

Gadan Songzanlin Monastery

Gadan Songzanlin Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, known as the “Small Potala Palace”. The reflection of Ramyangtso Lake and the morning bells and dusk drums show the sacred atmosphere of Tibet.

Gadan Songzanlin Monastery

Travel Tips: Mural paintings and thangkas in the temple are of great artistic value, and it is recommended to follow the guide to learn more about Tibetan Buddhist culture.

Dukezong Ancient City

The 1300-year-old stone road and Tibetan-style houses retain their original appearance. Turtle Mountain Park, the world's largest Buddhist scripture tube requires ten people to turn, praying for blessings with a strong sense of ceremony.

Dukezong Ancient City

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Shangri-La Section)

A world-class gorge known for its “danger”, the Jinsha River flows between the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the Haba Snow Mountain. The boulder rapids of Upper Tiger Leaping and the hiking trails of Middle Tiger Leaping are the most popular among explorers.

Tiger Leaping Gorge

Meili Snow Mountain

One of the eight sacred mountains in Tibet, the main peak Kawagabo is 6,740 meters above sea level. The spectacle of “Sunshine Gold Mountain” is best photographed from the Feilai Temple or the foggy top viewpoint, while Yuping Village is a secret place for hiking enthusiasts.

Meili Snow Mountain

Napahai Yila Grassland

Seasonal wetland and grassland coexist, black-necked cranes roost in the lake in summer, and yaks stroll in the grassland in winter. Cycling around the lake or horseback riding to experience the Tibetan pastoral life.

White Water Terrace

Calcium carbonate deposits formed by the “immortal legacy of the field”, milky white terraced spring Hua geomorphology and Turkey's Cotton Castle similarity, it is recommended to shoot in the early morning when the light is soft.

White Water Terrace

Balagzong Grand Canyon

A collection of snowy mountains, glaciers, canyons in one, you can visit the isolated village of Bara, glass stacks overlooking the canyon drop shocking sense.

Haba Snow Mountain

With an altitude of 5,396 meters, Haba Snow Mountain is an ideal choice for beginner climbers. Haba village at the foot of the mountain provides guide services, along the way, alpine rhododendron and moraine lakes decorate the climbing road.

Haba Snow Mountain

Mingyong Glacier

At the foot of the Meili Snow Mountain, a rare low latitude glacier, hiking trails can be a close look at the glacier and forest symbiosis of the fantastic landscape.

Mingyong Glacier

Travel advice:

plateau ultraviolet light is strong, need to prepare sunscreen, sunglasses;

part of the attractions need to hike, it is recommended to wear non-slip hiking shoes;

Tibetan respect for beliefs, the temple is prohibited to shoot the statue of Buddha, turning the scripture need to be clockwise direction.

Conclusion:

The above is my compilation of the best attractions in Shangri-La recommended, of course, we can also be based on the places you want to go to develop a program specifically.

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