[2025 Shangri-La Stay] Travel Guide for Shangri-La Snow Mountain Hotel On the Cliff (Updated May)

I. Best Time to Visit • Spring (March–May): The weather gradually warms up, making it ideal for hiking and enjoying the beautiful alpine meadows. • Autumn (September–November): The climate is pleasant, making it the best season to view the snow-capped mountains and forests. II. Transportation Guide • By plane: You can fly to Diqing Shangri-La Airport, which is about a 15-minute drive from the city center. • By train: The Lijiang-Shangri-La section of the Yunnan-Tibet Railway is now open. It only takes 1 to 1.5 hours from Lijiang to Shangri-La. You can also get discounts on admission tickets to attractions if you have a train ticket. • By car: Departing from Lijiang, the journey is about 200 km and takes about 3–4 hours. You can visit Tiger Leaping Gorge and Baishuitai along the way. III. Main Attractions • Pudacuo National Park • Features: Composed of Shudu Lake, Bita Lake, and alpine pastures, it is a natural landscape integrating forests, grasslands, wetlands, and lakes. • Admission: CNY 138 (including sightseeing bus). • How to explore: You can choose to hike or take a boat. The recommended visit time is 2–3 hours. • Songzanlin Monastery • Features: Known as the "Little Potala Palace", it is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province. • Admission: CNY 55. • How to explore: The recommended visit time is 2 hours. You can experience Tibetan culture. • Dukezong Ancient City • Features: Meaning "Moonlight City", it is the best-preserved Tibetan residential complex in Yunnan. • How to explore: The recommended visit time is 1–2 hours. You can experience Tibetan customs. • Tiger Leaping Gorge • Features: One of the deepest gorges in the world, it is magnificent. • Admission: Free. • How to explore: You can choose the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge scenic area, which is suitable for general tourists. The visit time is 1–2 hours. • Napa Lake • Features: A seasonal grassland lake that is a lake in summer and a grassland in winter. • How to explore: It is recommended to cycle around the lake and experience the beautiful scenery of the grassland and lake. • Baishuitai • Features: A naturally formed sinter terrace landform, known as the "Fairy Field". • Admission: CNY 20. • How to explore: The recommended visit time is 2 hours. It is suitable for taking photos. [Baishuitai, Shangri-La]() • Balagezong • Features: The last secret place in Shangri-La, with snow-capped mountains, grand canyons, and Tibetan villages. • Admission: CNY 170 (including sightseeing bus). • How to explore: The recommended visit time is 4 hours. You can choose the snow mountain route or the regular route. IV. Accommodation Recommendations • Near Dukezong Ancient City: Convenient transportation, making it easy to get to various attractions. • Balagezong Scenic Area Hotel: Suitable for tourists who want to experience nature in depth. V. Food Recommendations • Haba Butter Tea House: Taste Tibetan specialties. • Xiaohuoban Barbecue: Suitable for evening tasting. • Minzhulam: Experience Tibetan flavors. I hope this guide can help you better plan your trip to Shangri-La!

I never thought that this would be the most surprising stop on my Shangri-La journey. ⏳Tour Time: 2 days 🌟Highlights: 📍Shambhala Pagoda At an altitude of over 4000 meters, it takes 30 minutes by scenic area bus from the Echo Wall, the mountain road is rugged, it is recommended to bring plastic bags, staff say that in winter (usually December to March of the following year) it may be impossible to reach due to thick snow or ice on the road, so make sure to plan your time well, it's definitely worth a visit! 📍Echo Wall The Cliff Miracle Hotel I stayed at offers 1 person's rafting or cable car ride, the cable car costs 40💰, rafting costs 120💰, if you want to experience both, it's more cost-effective to pay for the cable car yourself. 📍Shangri-La Grand Canyon The hotel arranges for a car to take you to the entrance of the attraction, if you have luggage, staff will arrange for it to be stored in a designated place, you can pick it up after the tour. The hiking distance is not far, the scenery along the way is very good, and you can choose to raft on the way back. 📍Thousand-Year Bodhi Tree After visiting the Grand Canyon, take the scenic area bus to the entrance of the Balagezong scenic area, where there is a thousand-year-old Bodhi tree, famous for a Buddha's hand growing out of its roots, now the perimeter has been fenced off, and you can only use your phone to zoom in for a look. 📝Note tips: 1️⃣Due to limited conditions, there are not many hotels in the village, and there are few restaurant choices, so you can bring your own food, and the hotel can also order meals, but the taste is generally bland. 2️⃣If you stay in a hotel within the scenic area, the hotel will arrange for a butler to create a group to notify you of the visiting route and departure time. 3️⃣There are many steps in the village, and it is quite dark at night, so it is recommended to tour according to your physical condition.

I went to Shangri-La Balagezong at the beginning of the month and was really shocked. It is said that this place used to be a secluded paradise, and it was only known to the world after a day of unimaginable road construction. Now there is a landmark of Balagezong on the map. - The scenery here can really be described as stunningly beautiful. The Balagezong Snow Mountain Cliff Miracle Hotel we stayed at is on the cliff, and this place used to be the isolated Duoba ancient village surrounded by mountains. Looking around, there are snow-capped mountains and deep gorges. If I lived here for a long time, I think I would be desperate, but if I stay here for a short time, I can see the sunrise over the golden mountain when I wake up in the morning, and the sky full of stars at night. The whole person is like being injected with chicken blood, really crying beautifully. - Balagezong is really big, with snow-capped mountains, sacred mountains, primitive forests, canyons, ancient villages, hiking, rafting, echo walls, temples, etc., all around Balage Village. Staying here can enjoy Balagezong more. Of course, living in the ancient village of Bara, just looking at the scenery is already very satisfying, and I enjoy the joy of lying flat on the balcony. - 🚙: It is about 1 hour and 40 minutes drive from Shangri-La city. Self-driving cars cannot drive to Bara ancient village. You need to change to a scenic spot bus. The legendary 'Road to Heaven' is really very steep, not everyone dares to drive.

? Life suggests a trip to Balaagjong The snow mountain pagoda is really shocking I chose a Tibetan hotel for the first night The next night wanted to feel a different hotel So chose the Cliff Miracle Hotel Here As soon as you open your eyes in the morning, you can see the beautiful scenery of Rizhao Jinshan The top of the building offers a direct view of the sunrise and sunset at the top of the snow-capped mountain Taking a photo casually makes you feel like an outsider The hotel is located inside the "Millennium Tibetan Ancient Village-Bala Village" You can experience Tibetan life in depth After dinner, you can also go to the cafe in the village to sit Sunbathing and admiring the snow-capped mountains is really relaxing For those who do not want to travel to too many people This place is very niche but very playable The hotel matches the regional style very well Most importantly, the views are truly stunning! ! The staff is very friendly In short, it was a very worthwhile trip

Balazegong, Tibet, was like stepping into another world. The mountains, the silence, and the cultural were something I’ll never forget. It felt like the kind of place and memory that stays with you forever.

Detailed guide to the Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Shangri-La Grand Canyon, and Balagezong National Scenic Area: 1️⃣ Overview: Balagezong: Located in Nixi Township, northwest of Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, it is one of the core scenic spots in the Hongshan area of the Three Parallel Rivers World Natural Heritage Site, integrating snow-capped mountains, canyons, glaciers, rivers, plateau lakes, and virgin forests. 2️⃣ Main attractions: Shangri-La Grand Canyon: With a total length of about 154 km, it is known for its "high, deep, dangerous, strange, majestic, unique, mysterious, and beautiful" features, and is one of the most secluded canyons in Yunnan and even in China. Shambhala Pagoda Snow Mountain: The soul of Balagezong, with an altitude of over 4,100 meters, is covered with snow from October to May every year, making it a holy place for photography and pilgrimage. Bala Village: A thousand-year-old village located in the middle of the Shangri-La Grand Canyon, at the foot of Gezong Snow Mountain, with houses built in pure Tibetan-style earthen walls and watchtowers, which are very distinctive. 3️⃣ Food recommendations: Butter tea: Smooth and silky, with a rich aroma of butter, sweet but not greasy. Yak meat: Tender and juicy, it is one of the local specialties. 4️⃣ Accommodation: Snow Mountain Ice Spring Health Resort: A perfect combination of luxury and nature, located at the foot of Gezong Snow Mountain, with a view of the scenery from the window. Snow Mountain Cliff Miracle Hotel: Located in an ancient village, when night falls, lying in bed through the large floor-to-ceiling windows, it seems as if you can touch the stars in the sky. 5️⃣ Precautions: The scenic area is at a high altitude, so be careful to prevent altitude sickness. The climate in the canyon is changeable, so please bring appropriate clothing. Protect the environment and do not litter.

Hey, friends! Today, I want to recommend a place that's perfect for a fall getaway: the Balagezong Snow Mountain Cliff Miracle Hotel in Shangri-La. This is more than just a hotel; it's like a secret garden where you can completely relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. 🏡 【Romance in the Scenery】 Imagine waking up on a plateau thousands of meters above sea level, opening the curtains to a magnificent view of snow-capped mountains. In that moment, it feels like the whole world is silent. This hotel is set in such an environment, with every room offering a view. The rooms with large balconies not only offer a view of the golden mountains at sunrise, but also a starry sky at night. ✨ It's truly healing! 【Unique Tibetan Experience】 If you're interested in Tibetan culture, this place is a treasure trove. From the architectural style to the interior decor, everything exudes a strong Tibetan flavor. What's more, the hotel regularly hosts Buddhist ceremonies themed around the Gezhong Sacred Mountain, giving every guest the chance to experience the sacred and mysterious up close. Plus, there are many cultural relics nearby waiting to be discovered! 【Entertainment Facilities Galore】 Don't think that a hotel with such cultural depth would lack entertainment! On the contrary, there's a KTV, a game room, and even fan and tea bag services to meet the needs of different guests. For adventure lovers, the nearby glass walkway, zip line, and rafting are thrilling experiences not to be missed! 【Shangri-La on the Tip of Your Tongue】 Food is an essential part of any trip! Although the hotel itself doesn't offer dining services, there are many authentic Tibetan restaurants nearby waiting to be explored. Whether it's steaming yak hot pot or fragrant hand-pulled lamb, you're guaranteed to leave satisfied! Of course, if you want to cook something yourself, the rooms are equipped with basic kitchenware. In short, this hotel in the Balagezong Scenic Area is the ideal choice for those looking to escape the pressures of daily life and find a place for their soul to rest. Start planning now and give yourself an unforgettable experience!

| A dream-built paradise on earth. Deep in the heart of Shangri-La, there is a place where stunning beauty converges - Balagezong. Here, towering peaks pierce the clouds, mysterious canyons wind their way through the landscape, and crystal-clear lakes reflect like mirrors. 📍Navigation Location: Shangri-La Grand Canyon · Balagezong Scenic Area, take you on a dreamlike journey. 🎫Ticket Details: Ticket + Scenic Area Sightseeing Bus Combo: 170 Yuan/person; Ticket, Sightseeing Bus & Round-trip Direct Bus Package (Adult Ticket): 220 Yuan/person. 🗺️Travel Route: Starting from the ancient Balage Village, explore the sacredness of the Shambhala Pagoda, experience the magical echoes of the Echo Wall, and finally immerse yourself in the magnificence of the Shangri-La Grand Canyon. ⛰️Scenic Highlights: 1️⃣Balage Village: Located at an altitude of 2900 meters, nestled on the slopes of Mount Gongga, and rising vertically about 700 meters above the Gangqu River Valley. Stroll through the village and admire the unique Tibetan architecture. The ancestral home of Snadingzhu is a treasure trove of fascinating stories. Here, delve into the history of the region and experience the local way of life. 2️⃣Shambhala Pagoda: Located at an altitude of 4050 meters, a sacred place among the clouds. Take a bus from Balage Village, with the first bus departing at 12:30. A 75 Yuan ticket will take you on this magical journey. The bus departs from Balage Village and returns at the Echo Wall. The one-way trip takes about 45 minutes, with a 1-hour visit. The round trip takes about 2.5 hours, allowing you to fully appreciate the solemnity and mystery of the pagoda. 3️⃣Echo Wall: Shout towards the cliff face, and the sound waves will be reflected back by the stone wall, as if in a dialogue with nature. Walk along the 1106-meter-long, 700-meter-high vertical boardwalk to the glass viewing platform, where you can take in the breathtaking panorama of the Shangri-La Grand Canyon. On the return journey, you can choose to hike back along the original path and experience the tranquility of nature, or take the cable car and enjoy the thrill of soaring through the air. 4️⃣Shangri-La Grand Canyon: Located at an altitude of 2200 meters, a masterpiece of nature's artistry. Hike 2.5 kilometers on the way there, and be mesmerized by the stunning scenery of the Gangqu River on both sides. On the return journey, you can choose to hike back along the original path and savor the beauty of nature, or embark on a thrilling rafting adventure and enjoy the speed and excitement. ⚠Warm Tips: The temperature difference between day and night is significant, so remember to bring extra clothes. The scenic area has winding mountain roads, so you may want to bring motion sickness medication. The highest altitude is 4500 meters, so be aware of altitude sickness.

Come and enjoy the beauty of nature. Shangri-La Self-Driving Tour Stop 5 | Balagezong ~ A Must-Visit! A must-visit on your Shangri-La trip!! If I could do it again, I would conserve my energy and come here first!! Don't miss it~ Driving in the city. About 1.5h, the scenery along the national highway is beautiful all the way. Steep ▲ Rapid and even encountered a fight The winding mountain road offers breathtaking scenery that can only be truly appreciated in person. No need to do much planning, the scenic area's bus routes are well-organized, and each stop is clearly explained! The whole trip took 5h, we arrived at 11 am and reached the parking lot at 4 pm FREE Bala Village - a unique small village surrounded by mountains, serene and tranquil. ② Echo Wall - The boardwalk takes about 40 minutes round trip, easy to walk with only a few steps, giving a bit of a Zhangjiajie vibe~ 3 Baladayon Buddha Tower, listen to the explanation of Tibetan culture, go with the flow. 4 Shangri-La Grand Canyon, can be walked or rafted, rafting 120r. Walking doesn't require covering the entire route, the scenery is similar to the drive-in route, walk a short distance and then take the bus back to the scenic area entrance. Shangri-La Grand Canyon · Balagezong National Scenic Area.. > Say something!

To charter a car from the ancient city of Dukezong, it takes 1 and a half hours, 💰450 yuan Playtime: 1 day 🗓Itinerary: After entering the scenic area, take the scenic area's shuttle bus to visit each stop. (Personally, I think there is no need to charter a car inside because the scenic area is too large, and the playtime at each spot is fixed, chartering a car won't squeeze out more time) Specific attractions👇🏻: 1⃣️ Potala Zhuomala Kang: (Remember to enter with your left foot and exit with your right foot, no photos allowed) Enshrining the statue of Amitabha 2⃣️ Potala Village The hometown of Sina Dzum 3⃣️ Shambhala Stupa 4⃣️ Echo Wall 5⃣️ Shangri-La Grand Canyon 📝Tips to note: 🌈Bring oxygen bottles! The altitude of Shambhala Stupa is already 4250 meters 🌈Those who have motion sickness medicine might want to take it in advance! The journey of one and a half hours + mountain roads, really, even without altitude sickness, I threw up 🌈You really need to check the weather before going to Potala Ridge! If the weather is bad, you really can't capture anything

You must stay in the only hotel built on the cliff when you come to Balagezong, it's really fun. Shangri-La Balagezong Snow Mountain Cliff Miracle Hotel 🌟Highlights: Balagezong Scenic Area is really beautiful, here you can see everything you want to play, whether it's mountains, canyons, water, snow mountains. It's really shocking and indescribable. After entering, get on the bus from the entrance, the driver will tell you how long to play on the way, and then how to play. So don't worry too much. ✅Must experience: We played the Echo Wall, the snow mountain on the top of the mountain, the glass plank road, and the canyon. The hotel here will recommend it to you 🛏Room facilities: The hotel environment is average, the TV is very stuck, but after all, it is on the cliff. It is estimated that it is very difficult to build, so it can be accepted. But there is no elevator, so climbing the stairs is very tiring. 📝Note tips: Be sure to buy oxygen before coming down the mountain, altitude sickness is really uncomfortable, and the oxygen on the mountain is particularly expensive.

At Balagezong, we stayed in the Snow Mountain Cliff Miracle Hotel in the scenic area, which is also one of the tourism projects built by the founder of the scenic area, Sna Dingzhu. We didn't expect anything from the hotel in the mountains, this high-end modern accommodation experience is simply a surprise! The price of 500 per person includes tickets and various experiences, the theme of Buddhist culture, built on the hillside, at an altitude of 2900 meters, the room is very large, with air conditioning and floor heating, there are staff to offer Hada when getting off the car, and young men come to sing for us at night, dancing around the bonfire, the stars guide the way. The next day when I woke up, I could go to Balacun to play by pushing the door, the mountain spring water flowed along the village, the stupa, coffee, Gesang flowers, the quiet simplicity of the paradise isolated from the world. 💰Price: 500 per person in the off-season 📖Hotel package: Includes 1 pair of tickets to Balagezong Scenic Area + 1 kilometer high-altitude glass plank road + 1 kilometer high-altitude thrilling zip line or 1 kilometer canyon leisure rafting ticket + 1 Tibetan Buddhist incense burner prayer flag 🔥Food: Hot pot for dinner at the hotel, very rich breakfast