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"The plane dived down at an astonishing speed. The lower it flew, the hotter the air became. The scorching earth below was like an oven with its door suddenly opened. Rugged mountain peaks whizzed past the window. The plane was flying along a winding canyon. Rocks and dry riverbeds could be seen everywhere at the bottom of the valley, like a floor strewn with chestnut shells..."
This is a passage from James Hilton's "Lost Horizon", which describes the flight scene when he landed in Shangri-La. The Shangri-La described in the book is like a paradise on earth, without worldly troubles, and time seems to stand still. As time went on, the mysterious Shangri-La, a city blessed by the sun and moon, finally gained access to high-speed rail! From then on, Shangri-La entered the era of the bullet train. What a joyful experience! I was honored to ride the first high-speed train from Lijiang to Shangri-La. The Tibetan people sang and danced on board, and upon exiting the station, they presented each passenger with a khata and souvenirs, including bags of barley flowers and Tibetan pear jelly. It was a truly Shangri-La experience, and their hospitality warmed everyone's heart. I love Shangri-La! The CR200J1-D Fuxing train we took was specially designed for the high-altitude, cold environment of the plateau: the window glass is UV-resistant, an electric heating system ensures the interior temperature, the seats are rotatable, and there is oxygen on board... Galloping towards the snowy plateau, the altitude climbs from 2,400m at Lijiang Station to 3,274m at Shangri-La Station. There are 13 stations in total, connecting many famous scenic spots such as Lijiang Old Town, Lashi Lake, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Haba Snow Mountain, and Shangri-La, and passing through autonomous regions of ethnic minorities such as Tibetan, Yi, Bai, and Pumi... src="https://dimg04.c-ctrip.com/images/1mf2f12000cpqt3i5DF9A_W_671_0_Q90.jpg?proc=autoorient" />
Let the train fly! Take the future of Shangri-La soaring together!
Shangri-La Itinerary Sharing
Day 1: Take the bullet train from Lijiang to Shangri-La and explore Dukezong Ancient Town at night.
Day 2: Change into Tibetan clothing at Dukezong Ancient Town, visit Napa Lake, and Songzanlin Temple
Day 3: Pass by Tacheng to experience the Naxi ethnic customs, and proceed to Deqin. Arrive at Wunongding Observation Deck in the evening to photograph the Meili Snow Mountain
Day 4: Get up early to photograph the sunrise at Jinshan and Baima Snow Mountain and proceed to Balagzong (see previous article for the Three Parallel Rivers loop).
Day 5: Visit Baishuitai, Haba Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge, and return to Lijiang Old Town
Notes for Traveling to Shangri-La
√ You can take the high-speed rail to Shangri-La from either Kunming or Lijiang. After arriving in Shangri-La, we recommend chartering or renting a car for your travels.
√ The plateau's climate is diverse: Shangri-La's climate features a combination of monsoon, vertical, plateau, and cold temperate climates. At its high altitude, Shangri-La boasts thin air, a large temperature swing between day and night, strong sunshine, and a dry climate with low average annual temperatures, long, cold winters, and short, cool summers.
√ Protect yourself from the sun and cold. Winters are cold, dry, and subject to high UV radiation. It's recommended to bring a warm jacket, down jacket, gloves, and non-slip boots. Women should also prepare sunscreen, a sun hat, and sunglasses.
√ Be mindful of altitude sickness: Shangri-La is at a high altitude (3,300 meters). Avoid strenuous exercise or alcohol. Eating plenty of vegetables and fruits can help prevent altitude sickness. √ Respect local religious culture. When encountering religious facilities, circumambulate them in a clockwise direction. Do not pick up or sit on mani piles. Do not step over ritual implements or fire basins. Prayer wheels should not be rotated in reverse. Avoid having others touch your head. Protect the environment and take away the garbage
Wandering around Dukezong Ancient Town
This is the first stop for most people visiting Shangri-La. Located in Shangri-La County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, Dukezong Ancient Town boasts a history of over 1,300 years and is the best-preserved and largest Tibetan settlement complex in China. Dukezong gets its name from the Tang Dynasty Tubo dynasty, which established a fortress there. In Tibetan, it poetically means "Moonlight City" or "Castle Built on Stone." Once a key town on the ancient Tea-Horse Road, Dukezong is now a pedestrian street, overflowing with local specialties, monks clutching Buddhist beads, and women in Tibetan dress taking photos. I went to Guishan Park to see the large prayer wheel. After climbing the steps until I was breathless, I stopped to rest, smelling the faint scent of Tibetan incense on the wind and listening to the Tibetans sing folk songs. It was then that the feeling of being in a foreign land enveloped me from all sides. Rotating the Grand Prayer Wheel three times brings good luck. This is the world's largest prayer wheel, standing 21.45 meters tall. Inside, there are 1.24 million mantras and sutras, and the exterior is engraved with images of snow-capped mountains, rivers, forests, the traditional Tibetan auspicious symbols, ethnic unity, and quotes from great figures. [Image:
[Visit Guide]] [Getting There:] You can take a taxi or bus from Shangri-La County, or drive. [Tickets:] Admission to the ancient city is free, but some attractions require separate tickets.
Time: We recommend allocating half a day to a full day to explore the ancient city.
Recommended Attractions:
Turtle Mountain Park: Located at the highest point in the ancient city, it offers panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
Big Buddha Temple: The largest temple in the ancient city, it houses a 21-meter-tall gilded Buddha statue.
Sifang Street: The central square of the ancient city, surrounded by many shops and restaurants, offers local delicacies and souvenirs.
The Red Army Long March Museum: Exhibits the history and culture of the Red Army's Long March and is a great place to learn more about it.
Dining Recommendations: The ancient city is home to numerous restaurants and food stalls, offering local specialties such as butter tea, tsampa, and highland barley wine.
Shopping Recommendations: The ancient city has many shops and stalls where you can buy local souvenirs such as Tibetan carpets, silver jewelry, and Tibetan incense.
Songzanlin Monastery, the Small "Potala Palace"
Address: No. 3, Niwang Road, Shangri-La, Diqing, Yunnan
Access: Free parking available. Hours: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Admission: Adults 90 RMB. Tip: Wearing Tibetan clothing is essential for stunning photos here! The average price for a makeup and styling service in Shangri-La is 99 RMB, with a custom-made style including makeup and hair. There's no time limit. Compared to the dress-up shops in Dukezong Ancient Town, the clothing is more attractive and varied. We recommend dressing up first and heading to Dukezong before heading to Songzanlin Temple.
To respect local culture, photography in Tibetan clothing is limited to the square and outdoor buildings; photography is prohibited inside the temple. Songzanlin Temple is located at a high altitude, so bring water and snacks, and walk slowly and rest frequently.
The Last Secret Realm of Balagzong
Must-See Attractions in Bala Gezong
Millennium Bodhi Tree: Growing on the cliff face, a bodhi tree appears to cling to the cliff face, its branches and leaves resembling a phoenix's tail, covering nearly 400 square meters of rock face. Even more magical is the sight of a "hand" sprouting from the tree's waist and reaching into a crevice. Its branches resemble an arm, its twigs fingers, like the hand of an old man with a vicissitudes of life. 
Sky Mirror: The mirror allows one to see an inverted world, with the sun, moon, and stars rising from the lake, and the sky filled with green trees and flowers. Here, not only are there blue skies and white clouds, but also the Gezong Snow Mountain and soaring eagles, creating a visual masterpiece in every snap.
Bala Village: Nestled deep in the mountains, this secluded and quiet ancient village boasts weathered earthen walls and stone paths, transporting one to a time traveler's past.
Echo Wall Glass Plank Road: At 3,000 meters above sea level, it boasts a 1,700-meter vertical drop. You can enjoy magnificent mountain and rural scenery from every angle, experience the thrill of "suspension", and take beautiful photos.
Shambhala Pagoda
In Tibetan Buddhism, the Shambhala Kingdom is considered a mysterious and beautiful place, a pure land and paradise, where there is no pain or suffering, only happiness and joy. Turning 108 bends, the natural pagoda comes into view. The pristine white snow transforms into clouds, surging toward you as you look up. A single glance purifies your eyes and soul. The towering Shambhala Pagoda—the mountain is the pagoda, the pagoda is the mountain.
Shangri-La Grand Canyon: With rugged rocks on both sides of the canyon and sparkling blue waters, you can hike through the canyon, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, listening to the gurgling stream and the melodious singing of birds. You can take a zipline to experience the joy of flying, or drift down on a motorboat.
Balagzong Accommodation
It would be a shame to just take a tour bus with a group...
To experience this majestic, miraculous place, you need to stay longer! I recommend staying overnight! I've read many posts complaining about the expensive tickets and attractions at the Balagzong scenic area. Wouldn't staying here solve that problem?
The Snow Mountain Cliff Miracle Hotel we stayed in was also built by the divine man Sina Dingzhu of Balagzong. I never expected a hotel in the mountains, but I didn't expect it to be so nice and modern. The current room rate is 988, which includes one ticket for two to the scenic area, one kilometer-high glass plank road, one kilometer-high thrilling zipline or one kilometer-high canyon leisure rafting, and one Tibetan Buddhist incense burner and prayer flag hanging. The room is spacious, with air conditioning and floor heating. When we got off the bus, the staff presented us with Hada. In the evening, we enjoyed local specialties and chicken soup hot pot. At night, the sky was full of stars and the Milky Way was shining. Everyone danced around the bonfire. If you do the math, I think the value is very good.
Waking up the next day was a high-end game! I opened the door and watched the stunning sunlight shining on the golden mountain until the valley was bright. After breakfast, I strolled to Bala Village to play. The mountain spring water flowed through the village, the sun was warm, and there were prayer flags, pagodas, Tibetan coffee, Gesang flowers, and museums... I loved this isolated and simple tranquility.
Baishuitai, China's version of Pamukkale
Directions: Driving from Shangri-La City along National Highway 214 takes approximately three hours to Baishuitai. The route to Lijiang passes Baishuitai, Haba Snow Mountain, and Tiger Leaping Gorge, making it a well-worthwhile journey.
Admission: 30 yuan per person
Note: Protect the environment and cultural relics. Avoid littering or trampling on the scenery. Be mindful of sun protection and altitude sickness.
Stay at Haba Snow Mountain Haba Snow Mountain is located southeast of Shangri-La City, facing Jade Dragon Snow Mountain across the Tiger Leaping Gorge. It has been dramatically elevated by the Himalayan orogeny and subsequent Quaternary tectonic movements. Its highest peak reaches 5,396 meters, while its lowest point, at the river level, is only 1,550 meters above sea level. The mountain's upper reaches are relatively flat, while its lower reaches are steep and sheer, creating a majestic, beautiful, and mysterious appearance. "Haba" means "flower of gold" in the Naxi language. Tickets: Haba Snow Mountain tickets are 100 yuan per person, and the observation deck is free.
Duration: We recommend 1-2 days to explore Haba Snow Mountain.
Recommended Attractions: Haba Village: A small village at the foot of Haba Snow Mountain, offering stunning views of the snow-capped mountains and rural countryside. Haba Snow Mountain Base Camp: The starting point for the climb, offering accommodations and dining options. Black Sea: A crystal-clear alpine lake nestled within Haba Snow Mountain, surrounded by lush forests and alpine meadows. Haba Snow Mountain Main Peak: The highest peak in the mountain, accessible by cable car or on foot.
Tiger Leaping Gorge, the First Gorge of the Yangtze River
Tickets: Shangri-La Tiger Section 45/person Lijiang Section 65/person Elevator: 100 for the whole journey, 40 for the descent (many activities on the platform)
Time: 8:30-17:30
Precautions
✓ The terrain is steep and the road is narrow. Please wear comfortable, non-slip shoes and appropriate and comfortable clothing when visiting.
✓The cliffs on both sides are steep, so be careful to avoid obstacles when flying a drone.
✓There is a place to take photos in the scenic area. 2-inch small photos are given away for free, and 8-inch plastic-sealed large photos are 20 yuan. They are all printed out and placed there, so I bought it. Hahaha, and they also gave me an electronic version~
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