Whenever someone asks me what the most unmissable place is when traveling to Yunnan, my answer is always firm - Shangri-La.
This land known as "the sun and moon in the heart" hides so many heart-warming scenery.
Whether it's the Rizhao Jinshan Mountain in the Meili Snow Mountain or the prayer wheel in the ancient city of Dukezong, it's worth your trip just for it.
As a local, Ah Cheng has taken his friends on countless trips over the years. Today, I will tell you clearly which attractions are really worth visiting, how much the tickets cost, and how to solve the transportation problem.
The ancient city of Dukezong, the power of faith in the Moonlight Castle
This ancient city built on stone has a history of more than 1,300 years.
Walking on the stone road, with Tibetan wooden buildings on both sides, it was so quiet that you could hear your own footsteps.
The prayer wheel located on the top of Guishan Park can be called the largest prayer wheel in the world. It allows people to truly feel the most amazing place in the ancient city. It is very shocking.
The prayer wheel is so huge that more than a dozen people have to work together to turn it. I heard that just turning it once is equivalent to reciting the sutra silently.
Many tourists come here specifically to turn it with their own hands and make a wish.
There is no entrance fee for visiting the ancient town. However, where the prayer wheel is located, you need to climb a small slope. People with poor physical strength can walk slowly.
Gaden Songzanlin Monastery, the majesty and shock of the Little Potala Palace
When you see Songzanlin Temple from a distance, you will be overwhelmed by its momentum.
The entire temple was built along the mountain. The walls were white and the roof was made of gold, shining under the dazzling light reflected by the sun.
This is the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan. Its architectural style is particularly similar to the Potala Palace, so it is called "Little Potala Palace".
You need to buy a ticket to visit the temple, which costs 90 yuan per person.
It is recommended to hire a docent, otherwise it will be difficult to understand the story behind just looking at the building.
The main hall in the temple is really magnificent. The Buddha statues show a solemn look and demeanor. Even if you are not a believer, standing there will be moved by the pious atmosphere, which will create a different feeling.
Pudacuo National Park, a secret place on the plateau with different seasons
Pudacuo is the only one in Shangri-La 5A level scenic spot , tickets are 138 yuan.
The most charming thing here is that the scenery changes throughout the year.
Wild flowers are blooming in the meadows by the lake, and yaks are leisurely eating fresh food. It is a unique sight to visit in summer. When autumn comes, the leaves are brilliant, and the golden color reflects on the lake, which is like an oil painting with boundless beauty.
There are planks in the scenic area that can be hiked, and it takes about two or three hours to complete the journey.
The altitude is a bit high, about 3,500 meters. If you walk too fast, you will get out of breath, so remember to walk slowly.
The mountain is sometimes closed in winter, so it’s best to check the scenic spot announcement before going.
Tiger Leaping Gorge, the thrilling and spectacular world-class canyon
Tiger Leaping Gorge is famous for its dangers. The world's largest canyon Right here.
The canyon is divided into three sections: upper, middle and lower. Most tourists go to Upper Tiger Leaping.
Standing on the observation deck and looking down, the Jinsha River roars and gallops in the narrow canyon. The sound of the water is so deafening that it can only be understood by witnessing it in person.
Tickets are 45 yuan, which is very cost-effective.
If you are in good physical condition and have certain advantages, you can choose to take the hiking route of Zhonghu Leap. However, that route is relatively risky and very dangerous. If you do not have relevant outdoor experience, it is not recommended to try it easily.
Napa Sea, the changing seasons of plateau lakes
Napa Sea is very interesting. It is a lake in the rainy season and turns into a grassland in the dry season.
In summer, the lake reflects the snow-capped mountains in the distance, and cattle and sheep graze on the grass by the lake, making it look like a southwest version of the scenery in the north.
In winter, many migratory birds will fly here to spend the winter. If you are lucky, you can see black-necked cranes.
Napa Sea does not charge a large entrance fee, but if you plan to ride a horse or walk to the center of the lake, there will be a separate fee.
The most recommended method is to rent an electric bike and ride around the lake. While riding, you can enjoy the wind and slowly enjoy the scenery. It feels very comfortable.
Baishuitai, naturally formed white terraces
The White Water Terrace, known as China's Pamukkale, has layers of white travertine pools on the entire hillside. The water in the pools is so clear that you can see the bottom, and its colors range from light blue to emerald green.
This place was formed naturally, and minerals have been deposited for thousands of years to get what it is today.
Tickets are 30 yuan, not expensive.
It takes about two hours to drive from downtown Shangri-La. The road is somewhat circuitous. If you get motion sickness, you must be prepared in advance.
It's a short climb once you get there, but the view is definitely worth it.
It is recommended to go in the morning, when the sun shines on the water, it looks best.
Yubeng Village, a paradise hidden at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain
Yubeng Village is the ultimate goal for many hiking enthusiasts.
There is no road access to this village, so you have to ride a horse or walk to get in.
Starting from Xidang Village, it takes about four or five hours to get there on foot.
Although it is difficult to get in, the scenery inside is really like heaven.
Snow-capped mountains, forests, waterfalls, meadows, all the plateau scenery you can imagine are found here.
To enter the village, you need to rent a local car or horse, which costs 200 yuan for Shangyubeng and 250 yuan for Yubeng.
The accommodation in the village is relatively simple, but the scenery is worth it.
Meili Snow Mountain, a must-see in Rizhao Jinshan’s life
The sacred mountain in Tibetan areas is Meili Snow Mountain. The main peak, Kawagebo, is 6,740 meters above sea level. No one has climbed to the top until now.
The best place to see Meili Snow Mountain is Feilai Temple Observation Deck , tickets are 40 yuan.
Whether you can see the "Rizhao Jinshan" completely depends on luck. Generally speaking, the possibility of seeing it is greatest from November to March of the following year.
Early in the morning, before it gets bright, you have to get up and wait. When the first ray of sunlight shines on the top of the snow-capped mountain, the entire mountain peak slowly turns golden. The shock will really give people goosebumps.
Ah Cheng watched it three times and was so moved that he wanted to cry every time.
Balagezong, the last mysterious place in Shangri-La
Balagezong used to be an isolated place, and it was not known until the road was built.
There are snow-capped mountains, canyons, glaciers, and rivers in the scenic area, and the landscape is very rich.
The high-altitude zip line at the Echo Wall is the most exciting project. Standing on the edge of the cliff and looking down, you will see the scene of an abyss beneath your feet. Those who are brave must try it.
Tickets are 148 yuan, including sightseeing cars in the scenic area.
The entire scenic spot is very large and it takes at least half a day to visit.
Haba Snow Mountain, the climbing challenge at the top of the sea of clouds
The first snow mountain chosen by many mountaineering enthusiasts is the main peak of Haba Snow Mountain with an altitude of 5,396 meters.
There are no entrance fees to the snow-capped mountains, but climbing requires hiring a guide and renting equipment, which is expensive.
If you just want to take a look at the scenery, you can see what it looks like from a long distance on the Tiger Leaping Gorge section you pass on your way to Baishuitai.
The top is covered with snow for many years, and four small peaks surround the main peak. From a distance, they look like a snowdrop in full bloom.
How to choose accommodation, urban area or ancient city?
In terms of accommodation, Ah Cheng has two recommendations.
If you want to live comfortably and conveniently, then choose the urban area where Shangri-La is located. There are both star-rated hotels and ordinary hotels here with excellent conditions and convenient transportation.
If you are eager to experience the Tibetan style, then stay in a residential-style inn in Dukezong Ancient City. The price is relatively cheap, and you can also visit the ancient city at night.
No matter where you choose, it is recommended to book online in advance, as rooms are very popular during peak seasons.
The beauty of Shangri-La cannot be described in just a few photos.
Each of these ten scenic spots has its own unique features. If you are pressed for time, choose three or four to focus on. If you have enough time, you can visit them slowly.
Remember, there is a big temperature difference between morning and evening in the plateau area, so it can be sunny during the day and cold at night, so you need to bring enough clothes.
I hope this guide can help you and wish you an unforgettable journey in Shangri-La.
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