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How to Plan a Shangri La Tour?

June,10 2023 BY Sonam Tenphel 0 COMMENTS

If you are planning a trip to Southwest China, then there is no better place to visit than Yunnan Province’s Shangri La City. Named after the mythical paradise from James Hilton’s novel, Lost Paradise, this former city of Zhongdian is an idyllic destination in the Hengduan Mountains in Southwest China’s Yunnan Province.

There are a number of ways to explore this paradise city, and you have the options of taking a guided tour of the area, traveling there independently and just exploring when and where you like, or combining independent travel with local tours of the major attractions of the region. So, let’s discover this tranquil gem and guide you on the best places to see in the area like an expert. .

What is the Best Season to Visit Shangri La?

While this unique city in Yunnan can be visited throughout the year, there are certain times when it is much better to travel to Shangri La, since it is not really the idyllic paradise of constant pleasant weather that Hilton’s novel described.

Shangri LaThe stunning scenery of Shangri La, Yunnan.

For most tourists to Yunnan, the best times to visit Shangri La are in late spring and early autumn, from May to June and September to October. The spring season in Shangri La is when the rhododendron forests, which cover many of the hills and mountainsides across the region, are at full bloom, with the beautiful pink and lilac blossoms covering the vast areas of the forests like a huge sea of flowers.

Generally, the weather in Shangri La in spring is mild, warming up through May and June to reach highs of around 24°C to 27°C during the day. At night, the temperatures can drop somewhat, reaching as low as around 16°C to 20°C when the sun dips below the horizon. And for those that want to see traditional Tibetan festivals, the spring is the time of the Horse Racing Festivals in the Tibetan areas of Yunnan, and there are several in the area around Shangri La that is worth seeing.

Autumn is the other popular time to visit, as the weather is warm but the rains of the light monsoon that covers the area in summer have gone, leaving it drier and cooler. Temperatures range from 15°C to 20°C at night to as high as 22°C to 27°C during the daytime. Despite being higher than most of the rest of Yunnan Province, the colder climate of the main Tibetan plateau does not reach this far to the east thanks to the protective Hengduan Mountains. Autumn is not just the season for falling multi-colored leaves, but it is also the harvest season in Yunnan, and can boast some of the most stunning scenery in southwest China. The late season flowers cover the meadows, fields of wheat wave in the light breeze, and the yellow fields of rapeseed are a stark contrast to the reds and browns of the autumn colors.

How to Get to Shangri La?

As there is no railway service to Shangri La, the only way to get in is to fly or take a bus, unless you are traveling as part of an organized tour.

Quickest Access - Fly to Shangri La

Diqing Shangri la Airport is the only airport in the area, but it does have flights from some major cities across China, including, Kunming, Xishuangbanna, Chengdu, Lhasa, Chongqing, Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai. Alternatively, if you are not inclined to fly all the way to Shangri La, you can take a high-speed train to Kunming and then get the short flight to Shangri La from the Yunnan capital, which takes just 1 hour 15 minutes with China Eastern, Lucky Air, or Kunming Airlines. The airport is located just 5km from downtown Shangri La, and while there is no shuttle bus, a taxi will only cost around 15-20 yuan. - Check the flight schedule available between Shangri La and Lhasa.

Shangri-la to Lhasa FlightShangri-la to Lhasa Flight

While the flights to Shangri La from other Chinese cities is a much faster and easier way to travel, the city lies at an altitude above 3,000 meters, which means altitude sickness is a potential issue. Flying direct into Shangri La from low-altitude cities like Beijing and Shanghai can mean that there is an increased risk of altitude sickness when you land. You will also miss some of the great attractions that are found further afield in Yunnan Province, which can be visited as part of a larger tour on the way to Shangri La.

Best option - Travel by road from Lijiang to Shangri La

Using the bus routes is a good way to get to Shangri La, and the city has a good long-distance bus station in the middle of Changzheng Road that operates services from the local counties as well as the major cities in Yunnan Province. However, getting to Yunnan from the major cities in China needs to be done by flight or high-speed trains. The bus from Kunming takes around 12 hours to reach Shangri La, a distance of around 720 kilometers.

Yulong Snow MountainsEnjoying the snow-capped Yulong Snow Mountain in the distance.

However, the best option is to travel first to Lijiang, to the south of Shangri La, and then take the shorter bus route to the city, which takes around four hours. This also gives you the opportunity to visit the attractions around Lijiang, including the amazing Tiger Leaping Gorge and the stunning Yulong and Haba Snow Mountains. It is also a little easier to acclimatize to the altitude of Shangri La, which sits at around 3,160 meters above sea level. At that altitude, altitude sickness is a potential problem, but traveling from Lijiang, at 2,400 meters, makes acclimatizing easier.

Tiger Leaping GorgeTiger Leaping Gorge, one of the must-see attractions in China.

Highly Recommended Classic 2-Day Tour in Shangri La

For most tourists visiting Shangri La, it is recommended to take in the sights of the city on a two-day tour, which will give you the best highlights of this amazing scenic city in the lower reaches of the Hengduan Mountains.

Day 1: Visit Sumtsaling Monastery; Dukezong Ancient Town; Guishan Park

The largest monastery in Yunnan Province the Sumtsaling Monastery was built in 1679 by the fifth Dalai Lama, who believed the site has auspicious merits for the gompa. Built in a similar style to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, the monastery is known locally as the “little Potala”, and is one of the best-preserved monasteries in Southwest China. The monastery is also the site of the annual Gedong Festival of Shangri La, usually held in late November in the western calendar. An amazing ceremony that showcases the grand traditions of Tibetan Buddhism, the festival is well worth stopping by to see.

Sumtseling MonasterySumtseling Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan province, China.

Dukezong Ancient Town in Shangri La is one of the most historic sites in the city, and is a welcome sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the big city lifestyle. Once a key stop on the ancient tea Horse Road and a major focal point for Tibetan trade with the Han Chinese, Dukezong is the largest and most well-preserved ancient Tibetan city in China. Winding roads and alleys wend their way between gilded prayer halls, stunning pagodas, and authentic Tibetan dwellings, and the streets are filled with a mysticism of antiquity that is enchanting. The Ancient Town dates back to the 7th century Tubo Empire, which conquered Diqing and built the small Tibetan community. - Check the popular Tibet tours from Lijiang and Shangri La.

Located in the center of Jiantang Town, the Guishan Park is a delightful little park with a temple in the middle of the city. The park boasts several small temples, as well as a huge prayer wheel on the side of the small hill in the center, which can actually be turned. The short but steep climb up the steps to the prayer wheel is a little hard, but worth the effort once you get there. The park is free to enter, and is open until late, with the temples and prayer wheel being lit up well after dusk. The prayer wheel is said to be the largest of its kind in the world, and takes four or five people to spin it. The top of the hill also has an outstanding view over Shangri La City.

Potatso National ParkPotatso National Park, also known as Pudacuo National Park, is a great place for a short hiking.

Day 2: Potatso National Park (whole day)

Located around 22km to the east of Shangri La, the Potatso was the first national park in mainland China. In Tibetan, Potatso means “reaching the opposite side of the lake by boat with the help of a deity”, which is quite a mouthful for such a short word. The park is home to Bitahai Lake and Shuduhu Lake, which may have been the source of its name, and you can also find plenty of forests, marshes, alpine meadows, and lush green valleys within the area. First opened to visitors in 2007, this monumental park is an amazing escape from the pollution of the cities, far from the cars and buses and noise. A beautiful park for relaxing, there are walkways joining all the major sights, to make it easier to get around. Feel itchy to visit the legendary Shangri la city, please feel free to contact us for free consultation and a customized tour.

Find the Best Hotels in Shangri La

Shangri La has a wealth of hotels of all ranges, from five-star luxury to economy guesthouses for those on a budget. In the higher range of five star hotels, which offer all the best services, you have a choice of the Mgallery Songtsam Retreat and the Shangri La Paradise Hotel, both of which have luxurious guest rooms, restaurants with a selection of international cuisines, and are within a short drive of both airport and town.

Average to four-star hotels include the Shangri-La Zhaxidele Hotel, Shangri-La Shiner Hotel, and the Deqin Guanjing Tiantang Hotel. The Zhaxidele is styled in traditional Tibetan designs, and is just 1km from downtown Shangri La, while the Shangri La Shiner is located right in the center of town. Both have excellent services, with their own multi-cuisine restaurants. The Guanjing Tiantang, however, lies in the lovely Feilai Temple Scenic Zone, near the Meili Snow Mountain, and offers some great views of the mountains, with Tibetan styled décor and excellent services.

For economy travelers, there is one place that has three stars in the town, known as the Shangri La Melody Hotel. Located in the historical district of the city close to the major tourist attractions, including the Sumtsaling Monastery, this budget hotel is very reasonably priced with good services and free wake-up calls and internet.

Discover the Culinary Delight in Shangri La?

Restaurants in the city are plentiful, and most have reopened recently since the fires of 2014 that destroyed large parts of the old town. The Silent Hoy Stones in the Old City is a popular spot for the local Tibetans, and specializes in their Yak Hotpot for around 148 yuan, with great momos and noodle soups.

Shangri La Old TownTaking around the Shangri La Old Town is a great way to experience local culture in person.

Rebgong Restaurant, on Xiangbala Avenue, is an excellent place for authentic Tibetan foods, though somewhat lacking in atmosphere. However, it is always busy, and you may have to wait sometime for a table.

If you are looking for a good breakfast, then the Compass Café is one of the best places to eat. Their western breakfast is a popular choice, even for locals, and they also serve good salads, steaks, pasta, and pizzas at other mealtimes, as well as a few generic local dishes.

Other Dos and Don’ts for Visiting Shangri La

Shangri La is a Tibetan town in a Tibetan Autonomous Area of Yunnan Province, but it does not require the paperwork that you would need to visit the Tar proper. Part of Yunnan and not the TAR, you can easily travel to Shangri La with just your passport and visa, and no other documentary requirements, which makes it an interesting choice for those wanting to experience Tibet without the extreme altitudes.

While the summer can be hot enough to wear t-shirts and shorts, this is a Tibetan town after all, and he locals are mostly Buddhists, so dressing appropriately is essential, especially when visiting the monastery. Long pants or a long skirt and covered arms are the order of the day. In the winter, it can get pretty cold at night, so make sure you bring a hat and jacket for when the sun goes down.

Conclusion

While the name Shangri La conjures up images of a paradise in the high mountains of the Himalayas, cut off from the rest of the world, the town of the same name does have a charm and mysticism of its own. Located in Yunnan, Shangri La is a beautiful place, surrounded by lakes, mountains ,and meadows, and has one of the most beautiful and relaxing Old Towns in the world. So if you are planning on visiting Yunnan, Shangri La is a must see for any tourist in China.

Sonam Tenphel

About the Author - Sonam Tenphel

Energetic, responsible and reliable, Sonam is a guide with more than seven years experience informing visitors about heritage sites and attractions places in Tibet.

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