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香格里拉South-West China27.83° N · 99.71° E
Tibetan monasteries, high grasslands and some of the most beautiful snow peaks in China. Here is what to see around Dukezong and Songzanlin, how to reach Meili and Yubeng, and how to handle the altitude.
Shangri-La is the main town of the Diqing area in north-west Yunnan, high on the edge of the Tibetan plateau at about 3,300 metres. Known as Zhongdian until it took its current name in 2001, it is a place of Tibetan culture, with whitewashed farmhouses, prayer flags over the passes and yaks grazing on wide grasslands. The old town of Dukezong, much of it rebuilt after a fire in 2014, sits at its heart beneath a giant prayer wheel.
Just north of town, Songzanlin Monastery climbs a hillside in golden-roofed tiers above a small lake. Beyond Shangri-La, a long mountain road leads north-west to Deqin and the Meili Snow Mountain, a sacred range whose highest peak, Kawagebo, has never been climbed. For those with more time, the village of Yubeng, reached only on foot or by mule, lies in a valley below the glaciers.
Our Shangri-La journeys are private and tailor-made, often continuing from Lijiang, with an overnight stay near Meili or a few nights in Yubeng for those who want to walk.
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The experiences our travellers enjoy most, in order of what we would not miss.
Founded in 1679, this is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, with halls rising up a hillside above a lake. Walk around the outside first for the classic view, then climb up to the main assembly hall.
A town of wooden Tibetan-style houses and stone lanes, rebuilt after a fire in 2014. Climb Turtle Hill to turn one of the largest prayer wheels in the world and look over the rooftops.
Forests, alpine meadows and two calm lakes, Shudu and Bitahai, reached by park buses and boardwalks. Especially beautiful in early summer and autumn.
A seasonal lake and broad grassland just outside town, with grazing yaks and horses. Full of water in the summer rains, and a wide golden meadow in autumn.
Spend time with a local family in a traditional farmhouse to see daily life on the plateau, often with butter tea and tsampa by the stove.
A sacred range on the border with Tibet, about 4 to 5 hours by road. Stay overnight near Feilai Temple to watch sunrise turn the peaks gold, including Kawagebo at 6,740 metres.
A remote valley below Meili reached by a long day's hike or by mule. Walk on to the glacier lake or the sacred waterfall, and allow at least two nights.
The great river gorge between Lijiang and Shangri-La. Stop at the viewpoint on the drive between the two, or walk part of the high trail.
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Customise My TripLocal specialities worth seeking out, and when the locals eat them. Your guide will know the best places to try each one.
Add a food experience →Diqing Airport has flights from Kunming and some other large Chinese cities. Since 2023 a railway links Shangri-La with Lijiang, and the road from Lijiang passes Tiger Leaping Gorge, about 3.5 to 4 hours with a stop.
Essential for Songzanlin, Pudacuo and the long drive to Meili; included on our journeys.
Best for: ExcursionsDukezong and the area around Songzanlin are easy to explore on foot, slowly, given the altitude.
Best for: Old townPlaces that pair well with Shangri-La, with approximate travel times.
Late April to June brings flowers on the meadows and comfortable days, and September and October offer the clearest skies and golden grasslands. July and August are rainy but green. Winter is very cold, with snow possible, but often bright and quiet, with good chances of clear views of Meili.
A general guide. Weather varies from year to year, and we plan each route around the season.
Quick answers from our local team. Anything else, just ask your travel specialist.
Ask us on WhatsAppYes, for Tibetan culture and mountain scenery within easy reach of Lijiang. Songzanlin Monastery, the grasslands and Pudacuo National Park make a rewarding two or three days. If you have more time, Meili Snow Mountain and Yubeng are among the most memorable places in Yunnan.
No. Shangri-La, Meili Snow Mountain and Yubeng are in Yunnan province, not the Tibet Autonomous Region, so a standard Chinese visa or visa-free entry is enough. Carry your passport, as it is checked at hotels, on trains and at some checkpoints on mountain roads.
Shangri-La sits at about 3,300 metres, so mild symptoms such as headaches and breathlessness are common on the first day. Coming from Lijiang helps you adjust. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol at first and walk slowly. Speak to your doctor before travelling if you have heart or lung conditions.
It is possible but tiring, with around 8 to 10 hours of driving in a day. We recommend at least one night near Feilai Temple, so you can see the peaks at sunset and sunrise. Clouds often cover the summits, so a second night improves your chances.
Yubeng has no road. Most people drive from Shangri-La towards Deqin, then walk in from Xidang or along the river trail from Ninong, a long day either way. Mules can carry luggage or riders on some stretches. Allow at least two nights in the village to make the effort worthwhile.
May, June, September and October are the most comfortable months, with flowers in early summer and clear skies in autumn. Summer brings rain, and winter is cold but often clear and quiet. Avoid Chinese national holidays if you can, as roads, monasteries and hotels fill up quickly.
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