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Best Things to Do
Top 10 Best Things to Do in Shangri-La [2025]
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Potatso National Park
4.4
/5
8760 reviews
8.3
From QAR 121.78
Based on 505 reviews
Pudacuo National Forest Park | 25 km from downtown
Phone +8608878232533
Address: Pudacuo National Park Scenic Spot, Hongpo Village, Shangri-La, Diqing, China (near Shuoduhu Road)
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 day
No.1 of Family-Friendly Attractions in Shangri-La
Highlights:
Winter mist & May-June
Winter mist on Shudu Lake
Saved by 718 users3447 positive reviews
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Stunning natural scenery features plateau lakes such as Shudu Lake and Bitahai Lake. Shudu Lake boasts clear waters and is surrounded by forests.
Pudacuo boasts a rich cultural heritage. Traditional Tibetan culture infuses its natural landscape with spirituality, including religious culture, agricultural and pastoral culture, folk customs, and architecture.
As an ecological education demonstration, the scenic area features an ecological education library and a science exhibition hall, utilizing AR interactive technology and holographic projection to educate visitors about ecology.
The tour itinerary is the same, with three scenic spots. The first, the Leisure Trail, is a two-kilometer hike through pristine forest, and there are no wooden plank roads. Elderly and children with limited stamina should be wary of this. We started at the second trail, where the scenery was still magnificent, and we even saw a squirrel. The third trail, the Bi Bo Hai, is only a quarter developed, and you have to walk back and forth. Personally, I felt it was similar to the second trail, so if you're not physically fit, you don't have to go.
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Songzanlin Scenic Spot
4.4
/5
3206 reviews
7.7
Based on 770 reviews
Ganden Sumtseling Monastery | 3.2 km from downtown
Phone +8608878229411
Address: No. 3, Niwang Road, Jiantang Town, Shangri-La County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Grand Cham dance during Gaden Ngamchoe
Watch grand Cham dance festival
Saved by 726 users1367 positive reviews
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My second visit to Songzanlin Temple was just as wonderful! Every time you enter the temple, you have to wear Tibetan clothing, which is full of ritual. This year, the restrictions on those online celebrity photo shoots have finally been lifted. Without the commercial photography teams with long guns and cannons, the Buddhist temple is still peaceful!
Songzanlin Temple is worth a visit. Climbing the stairs on the plateau is a bit tiring, but it is no problem if you climb slowly. The tour guides I met spoke very well and talked about the philosophy of life.
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Balagezong Scenic Area
4.5
/5
2888 reviews
7.3
From QAR 84.43
Based on 61 reviews
63.5 km from downtown
Phone +8608878286616
Address: Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Shangri-La County, Nixi Township, Yunnan
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 day
No.1 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Shangri-La
Highlights:
Centennial Tibetan homes & snowy mountains
River, forest & peaks: photographer's paradise
Saved by 860 users1110 positive reviews
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It's a great attraction, worth the trip. It's exciting to drive up the mountain. There was no signal on the phone or car at the end. It turned from exciting to scary, but the scenery is invincible. If you like to challenge your driving skills, you can go and try it.
Balagezong scenic area is a very underrated attraction and I do not understand why. This is an extremely beautiful canyon with amazing views and great significance for the local ethnicities. I recommend taking the tour, as the views are absolutely worth it!
No.
4
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Dukezong Ancient Town
4.6
/5
959 reviews
7.0
Based on 255 reviews
Dukezong Ancient City | 1.9 km from downtown
Phone +8608878887666
Address: Unity Road, Shangri-La County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No.1 of Night Attractions in Shangri-La
Highlights:
Lotus layout around Moonlight Plaza
Majestic Meili Snow Mountain views
Saved by 619 users303 positive reviews
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Surrounded by the mountains of Shangri-La, Dukezong Ancient City is like a pearl polished by time, quietly exudes the unique warmth and luster of Tibetan land. This "moonlight city" with a history of more than 1300 years has too many surprises hidden in a turtle-shaped layout. The blue stone road is like silk, leading you to the piety under the prayer wheel, the giant 60-ton prayer wheel, which requires everyone to work together to turn, and each circle is hidden in the wish for life. The Tibetan houses along the street are brightly colored, and the wood building is carved with the aroma of butter and the mellow wine. In the day, the sun shines through the wall, and the stones of Mani pile silently tell the years; when night falls, the ancient city lights up warm yellow lights, the melody of the pot dance comes from the square, and the smiles of the Tibetan children are more moving than the moonlight. There is no excessive noise here, only the true nature of Tibetan culture. Tired of walking, sitting in a Tibetan teahouse with a cup of butter tea, watching the wardrobe flutter outside the window, as if you can touch the softest heartbeat of Shangri-La. Du Kezong is a dream of time left in the northwest of Shanghai, waiting for someone to crackle gently.
The Dukezong Ancient Town area is very large, with many delicious foods, each with its own unique characteristics. There are many Tibetan barley wines and drinks, which I think are very delicious. There is also a very large prayer wheel in the square, where many people pray and pray for blessings, so the whole night scene is very photogenic. I strongly recommend visiting this place.
No.
5
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White Water Terraces
4.5
/5
466 reviews
7.0
From QAR 15.35
Based on 99 reviews
49.5 km from downtown
Phone +8608878866105
Address: Baidi Village, Sanba Township, Shangri-La County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No.5 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Shangri-La
Highlights:
Multicultural Bai Shui Festival
Overlook Baishuitai from viewpoint
Saved by 801 users278 positive reviews
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Baishuitai is located in Baidi Village, Sanba Township, Shangri-La City, at the foot of Haba Snow Mountain. It is 101 kilometers away from the city center and has an altitude of 2,380 meters. It is the birthplace of Dongba religion of the Naxi people and the birthplace of Dongba culture. It was rated as a national AAA-level tourist attraction in November 2022.
This is a rare scenic spot. The milky white calcium carbonate terraces glow with a Tiffany blue halo, cascading like frozen waterfalls, and are revered by the Naxi people as "the remains of immortals."
No.
6
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Shika Snow Mountain
4.5
/5
632 reviews
6.4
Based on 73 reviews
10.8 km from downtown
Phone +8608878988880
Address: Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Shangri-La City Blue Moon Valley Shika Snow Mountain Scenic Area
Recommended sightseeing time: 3-4 hours
No.3 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Shangri-La
Highlights:
Cable cars to summit: 3-4 hours
Diverse views & famous peaks
Saved by 176 users281 positive reviews
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Purchasing tickets on Ctrip is fast and effective. Although there is no snow on the snow-capped mountains recently, it is close to Shangri-La, has cable cars going up and down, few people, and new facilities. I highly recommend it!
Shika Snow Mountain is amazing!
It is only half an hour's drive from downtown Shangri-La, with an altitude of 4,500 meters. Standing on the top of the mountain, you can see eight snow-capped mountains, including Meili, Yulong, and Haba, at the same time. It's like opening a panoramic VIP box!
It's the most enjoyable to go there in summer. It's easy to take the cable car to the top of the mountain. The meadow is green and reflective, and the yaks walking are like moving emoticons.
In winter, the snow is so thick that it can bury people, but when the sun shines on the whole mountain, it shines with golden light. Any photo taken with a mobile phone is a blockbuster.
The best thing is that this mountain has no commercial flavor. There are so few tourists that you can book the whole place, and you don't even need to buy oxygen cylinders (there is a free oxygen breathing point on the top of the mountain).
The Tibetan guides are very honest and will point to the sea of clouds and tell you "That's the Hada of the gods."
The spring water in the Blue Moon Valley at the foot of the mountain can be drunk directly. It's sweet and more exciting than the 20-yuan mineral water in the supermarket.
When you are tired, go to the tent camp to drink butter tea. When you look up, you can see the snow-capped mountains and the blue sky. You can't find such a fairy-like experience anywhere else!
The key ticket is only 150, which is much more conscientious than some popular attractions where you have to queue for 2 hours and take photos for 5 minutes. It is definitely a hidden treasure in northwest Yunnan.
If you have the chance, you must come here!
No.
7
Haba Snow Mountain
4.8
/5
117 reviews
6.3
Based on 33 reviews
66.9 km from downtown
Address: 20 km southeast of Shangri-La County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 days
No.2 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Shangri-La
Highlights:
Beginner & expert-friendly hiking trails
Beginner-friendly peak in 2-3 days
Saved by 109 users27% positive reviews
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There is a passion called climbing Haba Snow Mountain, and there is a beauty called hiking Haba Black Lake. If you haven't been here yet, make an appointment with me and take you to hike on the plateau pasture to appreciate the holy water and holy lake, or to overlook the Meili Snow Mountain, Yulong Snow Mountain, Yading Three Sacred Mountains and other snow-capped mountains from the top of Haba Snow Mountain.
I arrogantly chose Haba Snow Mountain, the most challenging of all the snowy mountain climbs. It ended up being a real lesson for me.
My companions and I woke up at 2 a.m., packed our gear, and ate a snack. We set off from Base Camp at 4,160 meters at 3 a.m., traversing the muddy jungle path and then the large stone and gravel road uphill, overtaking other groups. The wind on the stone slope was so strong it seemed to sweep us away. We climbed relentlessly against the wind, taking 10-20 steps to catch our breath. We rushed to the rest stop at 4,500 meters, restocked, and continued our ascent. At 4,700 meters, my right thigh suddenly... I had a cramp, and the guide gave me a leg press to loosen it up before continuing the climb. On the way to 4900 meters, I got another cramp in my left thigh. Both legs cramped in the same spot, a first for me. The guide urged me to descend, but I said I'd be fine after some leg presses. After another leg press, I continued my ascent. During the climb, the guide told me that my companions and I were the fastest climbers of the day. It was just before 6 a.m., and we were at 4990 meters, changing cramps and making the final push. The guide noticed my discomfort and urged me to descend. I wanted to challenge myself and persevere to the summit, not wanting my first snowy mountain climb to end in regret. The guide said the last 400 meters were the hardest (especially the Despair Slope), and that cramping on the Despair Slope was dangerous. After cramping in both legs, continuing the ascent (the Despair Slope) increases the risk of secondary cramps, which is dangerous. I didn't want to give up at all, but in the end, I stopped at 5000 meters for safety reasons. 🏔️ Thinking about it now, it would be a lie to say I didn't have any regrets. My companions and I had been looking forward to this trip to Haba Snow Mountain for a long time, and we'd already bought all the gear. But it all came down to my own lack of preparation. I went home and started to strengthen my physical training. The mountain is there, and I'll definitely be back!
No.
8
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Abuji Cuo
4.3
/5
15 reviews
5.6
27.8 km from downtown
Address: Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 day
No.4 of Fall Viewing Attractions in Shangri-La
Saved by 130 usersRecently viewed by 1,000+ people
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One of my best experience in China. The hike takes the day, it’s around 28km in total. I was lucky because I had a good weather and the guide was incredible ! The view is breathtaking, I recommend it!
Abujicuo - Hikers' Secret Utopia
If Shangri-La is a paradise on earth, then Abujicuo is definitely a secret place hidden in paradise! This experience of hiking to Abujicuo completely overturned my perception of the word "absolute beauty".
Starting from the village, walking through the primeval forest, the smell of damp soil mixed with the fragrance of pine needles hits your face, the gurgling stream meanders under your feet, and occasionally you can catch a glimpse of a few beautiful wild azaleas. As the altitude rises, the view suddenly becomes clear, the wild flowers dotted on the meadow sway in the wind, and groups of yaks slowly nibble on the grass, like black pearls scattered on a green carpet.
When Abujicuo finally appeared in front of me, I was shocked and speechless. The lake water presents a strange blue-green color, clear to the bottom, reflecting the surrounding towering snow-capped mountains and low-hanging clouds, beautiful like an unreal dream. The lakeside is covered with gravel, and the glacier in the distance is shining coldly in the sun. There is only the sound of the wind and one's own heartbeat in the ears. This pure natural beauty makes people burst into tears.
Although the whole hike is about 8 kilometers and the cumulative climb is nearly 800 meters, it is a big challenge to physical strength, but every step is full of surprises. It is recommended to prepare trekking poles, non-slip shoes and sufficient supplies in advance. The weather is changeable, and assault jackets and raincoats are also essential. The guide is experienced and not only helps to plan the route, but also shares many local legends to make the journey more vivid.
There are no crowded crowds in Abujicuo, only the most primitive natural scenery and the purest mountain atmosphere. This is a utopia for hiking enthusiasts and a holy place to cleanse the soul. If you also want a deep dialogue with nature, don't miss it!
No.
9
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Shambhala Kalachakra Mandala Culture Center
4.0
/5
85 reviews
5.6
Dukezong Ancient City | 898m from downtown
Phone +8608878286868
Address: Mancheng Plaza, Shangri-La County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Tibetan Buddhism & Kalachakra exhibits
See the giant Kalachakra model
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Too many treasures
Ticket price ¥100
There are 8 floors in total, 2 floors are temporarily closed
Each floor has different characteristics, many authentic works even from the 14th-15th century, some of which cannot be seen in the Potala Palace
If you like Tibetan culture, you must come here
Pray to these cultural heritages
It is recommended to reserve at least 4 hours...
The Shambhala Kalachakra Mandala Scenic Area began construction in 2005. After more than ten years of hard work, a very magnificent and tall building has been built, integrating modern architecture with Tibetan architectural styles. It is a relatively comprehensive place to introduce Tibetan culture and Tibetan Buddhism culture in Tibetan areas. The entire cultural expo center covers an area of 22 acres and a construction area of 25,131 square meters.
No.
10
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Dafo Temple Prayer Wheel
4.6
/5
101 reviews
5.6
Dukezong Ancient City | 2.1 km from downtown
Address: Guishan Park, Shangri-La County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 hours
Saved by 171 users50% positive reviews
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Visited the Dafo Temple and the giant prayer wheel there is seriously impressive! Spinning it with the locals felt really calming and special. Plus, the view from the top is amazing🥺 you can see all of Shangri-La! It's a peaceful and meaningful stop for sure 🩵
The prayer wheel of the Big Buddha Temple, located near the east gate of Dukezong Ancient Town, is the largest prayer wheel in the world and a landmark of Shangri-La. When night falls, the prayer wheel is brightly lit and crowded with tourists who come to turn it. Legend has it that if you turn it three times, all diseases will be cured and everything will go well.
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