Shangri-La Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge
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.

Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City by IHG
Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City by IHG
2.5 out of 5
No. 1000 East Corridor Jinlong Community, Deqin
The price is NZ$403 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$403
13 July - 14 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Shangri-La. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Dukezong Ancient Town and Diqing Museum are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"Beautiful place with beautiful view"

Reviewed on 22 Apr. 2025

Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Shangri La by IHG
Holiday Inn Express Shangri La by IHG
3 out of 5
No. 69 Yangtang Road, Jiantang Town, Deqin, Yunnan
The price is NZ$85 per night from 6 July to 7 July
NZ$85
6 July - 7 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Shangri-La. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Diqing Culture Expo Center and Ganden Sumtseling ...
7/10 Good! (4 reviews)
"Everything is good"

Reviewed on 5 Apr. 2025

Holiday Inn Express Shangri La by IHG
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 NZ$204 per night from 8 July to 9 July
NZ$204
8 July - 9 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Shangri-La. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Diqing Culture Expo Center and Ganden ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (42 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
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.
Cloudhaven Retreat ( 云卷云舒半山驿 )
Cloudhaven Retreat ( 云卷云舒半山驿 )
4 out of 5
126 Wenmiao Alley, Lijiang, Yunnan
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Lijiang. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Lijiang Mural and Mu Family Mansion are ...
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
"I really liked the ambience in the room. It was a Chinese style room with nice decorations. There is a skylight in the ceiling. The location is convenient, a few minutes walk to a bus stop and you can take a bus to the railway station. A lot of restaurants in the area and the Old City is just across ..."

Reviewed on 28 Apr. 2025

Cloudhaven Retreat ( 云卷云舒半山驿 )
Erquan Inn Ancient city
Erquan Inn Ancient city
4.5 out of 5
Wenlin Lane 28, Lijiang, Yunnan
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Lijiang. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free valet parking. Popular attractions Hong Kong Compatriots Donate ...
"This beautiful little hotel is built around a small courtyard that gives the feeling of a traditional Chinese home, with beautiful old woodwork and lattice bannisters and windows. The rooms are spacious and the beds comfortable, and the bathroom is large, with a self-flushing toilet. While the building ..."

Reviewed on 9 Apr. 2025

Erquan Inn Ancient city
Bantang White House
Bantang White House
2.5 out of 5
No.93 Qingxi Street, Lijiang, Yunnan
Stay at this aparthotel in Lijiang. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Lijiang Old Town and Wangu Pavilion are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (2 reviews)
"None of the staff spoke English. Very hard to communicate. Staff was friendly but clueless on how to deal with visitors from outside of China Food offerings were limited. No restaurant, just a bistro Very bad location, away from the city, squeezed in a tiny street. The entrance gave the appearance ..."

Reviewed on 29 May 2025

Bantang White House
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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