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The very name "Shangri-La" evokes a sense of tranquility and peace, as images of verdant grasslands, towering snow-capped mountains, tranquil lakes, and sacred temples emerge before your eyes. Shangri-La, meaning "a place of good fortune," is located in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. It is the only Tibetan autonomous prefecture in Yunnan Province, with its government located in Shangri-La City. This land, rich in Tibetan culture and breathtaking natural scenery, captivates countless visitors and has become a world-renowned travel destination.
Visiting Shangri-La, experiencing the unique beauty of this paradise on earth, and finding your own piece of paradise has long been a dream. This golden October, that dream came true. Departing from Lijiang, we embarked on a three-day self-driving tour along National Highway G214. The straight-line distance from Lijiang to Shangri-La is approximately 180 kilometers. Our trip, which included exploring the surrounding attractions, totaled approximately 300 kilometers. The breathtaking scenery along the way is enough to captivate and linger.
During this self-drive journey, we traversed endless grasslands and mountains, experienced rich ethnic customs, visited historic temples, and immersed ourselves in the embrace of nature. Along the way, surrounded by verdant mountains, gurgling rivers, and yaks leisurely strolling across the grasslands, it felt as if time had stopped, leaving one with a profound sense of tranquility and peace. This trip was both an exploration of nature and a spiritual cleansing. If you are about to travel to Shangri-La, I recommend collecting this in-depth travel guide~
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Day1: Lijiang - Tiger Leaping Gorge - Baishuitai - Pudacuo National Park
Day2: Shangri-La Shambhala Kalachakra Cultural Expo Center - Dukezong Ancient Town
Day3: Shika Snow Mountain - Return
Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge: Ticket price is 45 yuan, and the full ticket for the "Pingbu Qingyun Ladder" is 70 yuan. The opening hours are 8:00-17:30 every day. The best time to visit is from April to October.
Baishuitai: Tickets are 30 yuan, and you need to walk up the mountain. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Girls can also wear brightly colored clothes to take photos here. Those who prefer not to walk can also ride horses up the mountain from the foot of the mountain.
Pudacuo National Forest Park: Tickets plus a scenic sightseeing bus ticket are 138 yuan. Open year-round from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, take the scenic area's eco-friendly sightseeing bus from the entrance for about 20 minutes to reach Shudu Lake Scenic Area. Upon arrival at Shudu Lake, you can choose to take a boat tour or walk around. The boat ticket is 65 yuan.
Shangri-La Shambhala Kalachakra Mandala Cultural Expo Center: Tickets are 100 yuan. It has a total of 8 floors, and it is recommended to take your time to explore. Open hours are 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. You can rent Tibetan robes on the first floor for photos. I highly recommend renting a Tibetan robe to experience the ethnic customs!
Dukezong Ancient Town: Free admission. There are many unique shops here, so it's recommended to bring home souvenirs.
Shika Snow Mountain: Recently reopened, visitors holding train, plane, bus tickets, or highway toll vouchers arriving in Shangri-La within three days enjoy free admission.
On the first day, depart from Lijiang and drive about 100 kilometers to Tiger Leaping Gorge. If you yearn for rugged and magnificent natural scenery, Tiger Leaping Gorge is a must-see destination on your trip to Shangri-La. As one of the famous natural scenic spots in the Jinsha River basin, Tiger Leaping Gorge is not only renowned for its magnificent landscapes, but also for its legendary story, which adds a touch of mystery. Tiger Leaping Gorge, a deep canyon along the Jinsha River, stretches approximately 17 kilometers. It is divided into three sections: Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge, and Lower Tiger Leaping Gorge. Towering mountains rise on either side of the canyon, with the highest peaks, Haba Snow Mountain and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, soaring into the sky. With a vertical drop of over 3,000 meters, the canyon is a breathtaking spectacle. With its turbulent river and towering mountains, Tiger Leaping Gorge is renowned for its ruggedness, grandeur, and wildness. The road along the river seems to be carved into the mountain, creating a new visual impact at every turn.
Of the three sections of the canyon, Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge is widely considered the best viewing spot. Its unique fault structure creates a natural canyon viewing platform, making it an ideal place to experience the grandeur and precariousness of Tiger Leaping Gorge. During the annual rainy season, the Jinsha River surges, creating a turbulent torrent. The splashing waves roar like wild beasts, crashing against the rocks and creating an incredibly stunning visual and auditory experience. The immense force of the current rushes down the narrow river, stirring up countless waves, as if nature is demonstrating its most primal power. Tiger Leaping Gorge is not only famous for its natural scenery, but also for a legendary story behind it. Legend has it that long ago, a brave tiger, escaping hunters, leaped from one side of the Jinsha River to the other, using a protruding rock in the gorge. The rock was later named "Tiger Leaping Stone." This captivating legend adds a touch of mystery and romance to Tiger Leaping Gorge, attracting countless tourists to explore its mysteries. Standing next to "Tiger Leaping Stone," one can almost feel the moment the tiger leaped over the rapids, a truly captivating experience.
As one of Shangri-La's must-see attractions, Tiger Leaping Gorge offers a variety of ways to explore. For hiking enthusiasts, the Tiger Leaping Gorge hiking trails offer a rare adventure. Along the way, amidst the surging river and steep valleys, a hike not only allows you to feel the majestic power of nature but also offers breathtaking views of the snow-capped mountains and canyons. The ascending route feels like being in the embrace of nature, and the views widen with every step. If you'd rather not take the arduous hike, you can also take the "Pingbu Qingyun Ladder," a sightseeing escalator that takes you to the best viewing spots. The escalator ensures a comfortable experience and offers an alternative way to experience Tiger Leaping Gorge for those who prefer not to hike. For hiking enthusiasts worldwide, Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge is a pilgrimage site. Hailed as one of the "World's Top Ten Classic Hiking Routes," it attracts countless outdoor enthusiasts. The route winds along the ridge, offering breathtaking views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain in the distance, the surging river below, and the depths of the canyon nearby. There are a variety of hiking routes to choose from, ranging from short adventures to the challenge of a full-length hike. 
A recommended visit to Tiger Leaping Gorge is about 2-3 hours. You can experience the wild power of nature, appreciate the magnificent scenery of the canyon and rapids, and absorb the profound history and culture through legendary stories.
After enjoying Tiger Leaping Gorge, we'll set off by car for about an hour. At the foot of Shangri-La's Haba Snow Mountain lies Baishuitai, a vast expanse of milky-white rice terraces that seem otherworldly. Standing at 2,380 meters above sea level, Baishuitai is China's largest Huaquan Terrace, a magical work of art sculpted by nature, its tranquil beauty evokes a fairyland. The hike up Baishuitai takes about 20 minutes and is an easy and scenic hike. For those who prefer not to climb, horseback riding at the foot of the mountain offers a relaxing and idyllic experience. For photography enthusiasts, be sure to bring a drone; the aerial view of Baishuitai is breathtakingly beautiful. The vibrant colors of the area are so vibrant, so wear brightly colored clothing, especially bright reds and blues, for stunning photos. The formation process of Baishuitai is a slow and mysterious natural wonder. Calcium bicarbonate dissolved in mountain spring water gradually precipitated as it flowed down. Over time, the carbonates accumulated on the surface, forming layers of natural terraces. From above, Baishuitai resembles a work of art personally carved by an immortal. The white steps blend seamlessly with the surrounding greenery, their pure colors unforgettable. Baishuitai is not only famous for its unique geological structure, but also for its dreamy colors that make people yearn for it. In the Naxi language, Baishuitai is known as "Shibuzhi," meaning "gradually growing flower." This natural landscape, constantly changing over the years, resembles a white lotus blossoming on the earth. Each step is a jewel meticulously crafted by nature, shimmering like a gemstone against the backdrop of the water. Walking on Baishuitai, it feels like stepping into a still space and time. Beneath your feet lie smooth, white terraced fields, where spring water trickles gently from the heights, soft and tranquil. Everywhere you look, white and green blend together, the water and terraced fields interweaving into a beautiful canvas. There's no clamor here, only the whisper of nature, as if time has stood still for you. The beauty of Baishuitai lies not only in its colors and shapes, but also in the tranquility and harmony it conveys. Here, you can unwind your busy thoughts, immerse yourself in the embrace of nature, and experience the tranquility and purity of life.
Arriving at Baishuitai, you'll discover that it's more than just a collection of terraced fields; it's a masterpiece of art gifted by nature. The tranquil scenery, unique geological formations, and sense of seclusion and tranquility make a trip to Shangri-La all the more unforgettable.
Our final stop on the first day was to visit Pudacuo National Park to witness the autumn colors. Autumn is Pudacuo National Park's most vibrant season. At this time of year, Pudacuo resembles a vibrant painting, with lakes, forests, meadows, and distant snow-capped mountains shimmering in the autumn sun, creating an incredible spectacle.
In Pudacuo National Park, the most noteworthy check-in spots are Bita Lake and Shudu Lake. The crystal-clear waters of these two lakes reflect the colorful trees and azure sky. The autumn sun shines on the lakes, creating a mirror-like effect, as if time has quietly stood still.
Autumn in Pudacuo boasts not only the beauty of lake reflections but also the vibrant colors of pristine forests and meadows. The park's trees, adorned with layers of yellow, orange, red, and gold, transform with the changing seasons, forming a vast palette. This layered effect, contrasting beautifully with the vast sky and distant snow-capped mountains, offers a breathtaking visual experience.
Beside the lake, a hiking trail leads to an open meadow. Strolling through it, you'll be greeted by a vibrant autumn forest interwoven with tranquil pastures. The distant mountains, sometimes bright and sometimes hazy in the sunlight, create a tranquil and distant beauty with the nearby meadows. Herds of cattle and sheep graze leisurely on the meadows, seemingly part of this world, tranquil and at ease.
For photography enthusiasts, autumn in Pudacuo is a feast of light and shadow. Every scene here is filled with a moving interweaving of light and shadow – from reflections on the lakeside to the dappled light of sunlight filtering through leaves in the forest, each one is perfect for capturing the perfect shot.
At sunset, the golden afterglow of sunlight bathes the lake and the mountains, casting a gentle golden glow over the entire park. This is also the perfect time to capture the stunning scenery. The dreamlike light and shadow effects imbue each photo with poetic beauty, as if capturing the tranquil beauty of autumn forever.
We arrived in Shangri-La on the second day. It is recommended that you must visit the Shambhala Kalachakra Mandala Cultural Expo Center. It is a relatively niche tourist attraction now, but it has many exquisite exhibits and you can see a different Shangri-La culture. The Shambhala Kalachakra Mandala Cultural Expo Center is located in the center of the Mandala Square in Shangri-La. This expo center is not only a building, but also a culmination of Tibetan culture, showing the profound cultural heritage of Shangri-La and the mysterious connotation of Tibetan Buddhism.
Designed according to the concept of "the sky is round and the earth is square," the Expo Center's architecture incorporates elements of Tibetan Buddhism and deeply imbued with traditional Chinese culture. Towering beneath the Shangri-La sky, the 11-story building stands 60.4 meters tall, crowned by a golden dome resembling a white pagoda, making it a landmark Tibetan architectural landmark in Shangri-La. The exterior paintings, using natural mineral pigments and paints, create a harmonious, majestic, and mysterious atmosphere throughout the complex. 
Entering this temple of Tibetan culture, the diverse exhibition halls stretching from the first to the eighth floors are like windows into the world of Tibetan culture. Within these halls, visitors can delve into the natural scenery, cultural life, historical origins, and religious art of the Tibetan people from diverse perspectives. Each floor is like a cultural journey, leading visitors deeper and deeper into the profoundness of Tibetan culture. 
Inside the Expo Center, the most impressive feature is undoubtedly the Kalachakra statue, the largest indoor statue of Buddha in China. The towering and solemn Vajra Buddha statue, seemingly able to see through all causal relationships in the world, inspires boundless awe and tranquility. Furthermore, the Expo Center also displays the world's largest indoor three-dimensional Kalachakra mandala, which is not only a symbol of religious faith but also a masterpiece that perfectly blends art and faith. Every detail of the mandala showcases the profound religious art of Tibetan Buddhism, leaving one breathtakingly moved.
The Expo Center showcases nearly 2,000 precious cultural relics, documenting the wisdom and labor of the Tibetan people and bearing witness to their history and culture. Each exhibit carries a rich story, allowing visitors to experience a transcendental power in silence, transporting their souls into a more tranquil world. 
In addition to thangkas and Tibetan incense, the Tibetan knives on display at the Expo Center are also quite unique. As a key symbol of Tibetan culture, the Tibetan knife is not only a standard item for Khampa men, but also represents a fusion of strength and beauty. Each Tibetan knife is uniquely crafted, showcasing the unique lifestyle and spiritual pursuits of the Tibetan people. If you wish to delve deeper into the profoundness of Tibetan culture, the Shambhala Kalachakra Mandala Cultural Expo Center is an excellent choice.
We chose to visit Dukezong Ancient Town at night. As the bright moon slowly rose, Dukezong, known as the "Moonlight City," was gently illuminated, like a dazzling pearl inlaid in the night sky of Shangri-La. In the cool night breeze, we walked along the stone streets of the ancient town. The quaint streets, exquisite houses, beautiful Turtle Mountain, and the magnificent golden prayer wheels formed a moving Tibetan landscape.
In addition to enjoying the night view, Dukezong Ancient Town also offers a rich dining and shopping experience. Specialty shops and snack stalls here offer a variety of Tibetan delicacies, including fragrant yak beef, delicious barley wine, and a variety of Tibetan desserts, to satisfy your taste buds.
On our last day in Shangri-La, we visited a lesser-known snow-capped mountain, home to a hidden lake in Tibet. This picturesque and secluded mountain, with its main peak reaching 4,500 meters above sea level, is connected to the beautiful Napa Lake, making it a little-known natural destination that is absolutely worth a visit. If you love natural scenery or are a hiking enthusiast, Shika Snow Mountain is definitely not to be missed.
Shika Snow Mountain is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and is considered the "God of Wealth Mountain" by local Tibetans. Devout believers worship here daily, praying for peace and prosperity. Visitors can easily take a cable car to the summit, where they can experience the breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains. 
When you arrive at Lingxi Lake, you will be shocked by the beautiful scenery of the crystal clear water. The lake surface reflects the surrounding mountains, forests and blue sky. There are flowstone beaches around it, where huge rocks and flowing streams intersect with each other. Here, you can temporarily escape the hustle and bustle, enjoy the close contact between people and nature, and feel the tranquility and peace of the soul.
Shika Snow Mountain and Lingxi Lake are like a pair of jade, blending the magnificence of nature and the depth of humanity. Every scenery here is worth your time and experience. It's very relaxing to walk around the scenic spot all day long. Leave this mysterious "God of Wealth Mountain" with full of beautiful memories.
When traveling in Shangri-La, if you want to truly taste the deliciousness of traditional Tibetan food, it is recommended to visit the Minzhulam Tibetan-themed restaurant. The decoration of this restaurant is full of rich ethnic cultural features, with beautiful Tibetan artworks hanging on the walls, giving it a warm and unique dining atmosphere.
Tibetan wooden bowl yogurt is one of the signature dishes of this restaurant. Tibetan wooden bowl yogurt is famous for its rich milky aroma and unique sour taste. Made with fresh milk, it has a smooth taste, and paired with a little honey, it is even more memorable.
There are also special ethnic pastries. This pastry is sweet and crispy. When you bite it, your mouth will be filled with the fragrance of highland barley and oats. It is a traditional delicacy of the Tibetan people. It can be eaten as a snack or with yogurt or tea. It has a great flavor.
If you are a meat lover, the large piece of yak meat on toast family feast will definitely make your eyes shine. The meat is tender and rich in flavor. It is a traditional dish with local characteristics that is definitely not to be missed. Or order Crispy Tibetan Fragrance Chicken. This dish is golden in color, crispy on the outside, and the chicken is tender and juicy. It combines the unique flavor of Tibetan Fragrance. You can feel the atmosphere of the plateau after taking one bite.
For those who like vegetarian food, you can try Tibetan vegetable rolls. The vegetable rolls are fresh and delicious, and are filled with abundant seasonal fresh vegetables. They not only satisfy your taste buds, but are also nutritious. They are a good choice for a healthy diet.
While enjoying delicious food, the restaurant will have wonderful Tibetan performances every day, allowing you to feel the charm of traditional Tibetan culture in a pleasant dining atmosphere.
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