Shangri-La

Travel Guide
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Discover the rich Tibetan heritage and picturesque streetscapes of this Eden-like town enveloped by velvety green hills and national parks.

Shangri-La, a Tibetan phrase that translates to “the sun and the moon in the heart,” rose to fame as the name of a mystical fictional paradise in Edward Hilton’s 1933 novel Lost Horizon. It is believed that the writer was inspired by the stories of eastern Tibet when creating his novel’s Eden, so the high-plateau town of Zhongdian adopted the name in 2002. Stroll though the town’s preserved streets and you’ll soon see why the name fits. Admire historic monasteries and tiny temples adorned with fluttering Tibetan prayer flags. Look out toward the rolling hillsides or ride a bicycle around the town’s tranquil lake.

A walk through the Old Town is a great introduction to Shangri-La. Fires swept through here in 2014 destroying some of the preserved architecture, but much of the historic streetscape remains. Make your way to the Golden Temple to see an enormous prayer drum and a large Buddhist statue. Continue walking up the hill to reach Baiji Temple, more commonly known as Chicken Temple for the hens that can be seen pecking around the grounds. See the brightly colored prayer flags and watch as locals perform prayer rituals.

From the hilltop, look down across the town and admire the surrounding landscape. Spot the Songzanlin Monastery, which is an exquisitely restored monastic structure that houses a complex of beautiful temples.

Rent a bicycle or book a tour on horseback and go on a trip around tranquil Napa Lake. You’ll see some of the region’s pretty grasslands and the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. See if you can spot Shika Mountain, which can be accessed via a cable car.

As you explore, you’ll learn about the mingling cultures in Shangri-La. The Yunnan Mountain Heritage Foundation preserves Yunnan’s mixed heritage. Pick up Tibetan and Yi handcrafts or purchase some Naxi pottery.

Shangri-La can be accessed via winding mountain roads from Daocheng, Lijiang, Dali and Kunming. Bus rides can take between 6 and 12 hours, but are a good way to adjust to the altitude. The town’s regional airport is called Diqing. The best time to visit is in spring and summer, when the landscape is lush and green.

Hilton Garden Inn Shangri-La
Hilton Garden Inn Shangri-La
3.5 out of 5
No. 144 Changzheng Avenue, Deqin, Yunnan
The price is S$70 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
S$70
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Shangri-La. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Songzanlin Scenic Area and Diqing ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (11 reviews)
Average
"This is a type of hotel you should not anything special from. No in-room dining after 9pm. The breakfast selection was relatively poor, and it was very cold in the breakfast room (don't forget your coat!)."

Reviewed on 25 Dec,2020

Hilton Garden Inn Shangri-La
Shangri-La Resort, Shangri-La
Shangri-La Resort, Shangri-La
4.5 out of 5
No. 1, Chicika Street, Jiantang Town, Deqin, Yunnan
The price is S$186 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
S$186
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Shangri-La. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Diqing Culture Expo Center and Ganden ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (39 reviews)
Very pleasant stay because of the hotel staff
"The amazing staff more than made up for the hotel’s aged look and feel. I really had a very comfortable and happy time staying in the hotel that could surely do with a makeover."

Reviewed on 11 Dec,2023

Shangri-La Resort, Shangri-La
Banyan Tree Ringha
Banyan Tree Ringha
5 out of 5
Hong Po Village, Jian Tang Town, Diqing Tibetan Prefecture, Deqin, Yunnan
The price is S$224 per night from 30 Mar to 31 Mar
S$224
per night
30 Mar - 31 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Shangri-La. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Songzanlin Scenic Area and Diqing Culture ...
9/10 Wonderful! (21 reviews)
A dream stay!
"The most beautiful place we have ever been: a well designed Tibetan style cottages overlooking the vast river valley grasslands with surrounding snowy mountains in the distance. The sound of the cowbell and wind blowing over the trees is most soothing. The staff are so friendly and helpful, especially ..."

Reviewed on 13 Mar,2024

Banyan Tree Ringha
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Howard Johnson Jinlin Plaza Lijiang
Howard Johnson Jinlin Plaza Lijiang
No. 202-70,Qingxi Road,Gucheng District, Lijiang, Yunnan Province
Stay at this golf villa in Lijiang. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a nightclub. Popular attractions Ancient Tea Horse Road Museum and Puji Monastery are ...
Howard Johnson Jinlin Plaza Lijiang
Micheng RV Lijiang Camping
Micheng RV Lijiang Camping
2 out of 5
Xueshan Rose Manor, Yuquan Road, Baisha Ancient Town, Yulong County, Lijiang, Yunnan
Stay at this campground in Lijiang. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Lijiang Old Town and Wangu Pavilion are located nearby. ...
Micheng RV Lijiang Camping
Yiyun Inn
Yiyun Inn
3.5 out of 5
Beimenpo Ziyun Street, Dayan Old Town, Lijiang, Yunnan
Stay at this 3.5-star villa in Lijiang. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 24-hour room service. Popular attractions Lijiang Mural and Mu Family Mansion are ...
Yiyun Inn
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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