Shangri-La Attractions

Shangri-La Old Town

 Balagezong - Shangri-la Grand Canyon
 Bitahai Lake
 Meili Snow Mountain
 Potatso National Park
 Shika Snow Mountain
 Songzanlin Monastery
 Tiger Leaping Gorge
 White Water Terraces (Baishui Tableland)
 Haba Snow Mountain
 Niru Village


Shangri-La County is divided into two areas: Dukezong Ancient Town and a more modern city-like area. The two areas share Tuanjie Street as the common border. Dukezong, located in the southeast section of the county, has a history dating back over 1300 years. Almost all the buildings are white in color and feature the Tibetan style architecture. Upon arrival to old town, we recommend you take some time to relax before beginning your tour. A brief introduction to the scenic spots follows.

 Southeast Shangri-La
Main attractions: Wufeng Mountain, White Water Terraces (Baishui Tableland), Haba Snow Mountain and the Tiger Leaping Gorge

Located three kilometers (about 1.86 miles) southeast of Shangri-La, the Wufeng Mountain is revered as a sacred mountain by the local Tibetans. Since the Tang Dynasty (618-907), the grasslands at the foot of this mountain have been used for horse racing events.

If you proceed southeast from the county for about 101 kilometers (62.76 miles), you'll arrive at another well-known attraction, the White Water Terraces. Theterraces are large limestone steps, built up over the years with calcium carbonatedeposited by spring waters which flow down the steps. You can take a bus fromthe Zhongdian Coach Bus Station to the White Water Terraces, or hire a car toget there.

The Haba Snow Mountain, a natural reserve of rare animals and plants, is about 120 kilometers (74.56 miles) southeast of the county. Both the mountain and the Tiger Leaping Gorge are located along the Dianzang Road, on the way from Shangri-La to Lijiang.

Songzanlin Monastery

 The north of Shangri-La
Main attractions: Songzanlin Monastery and Shangri-La Gorge Group

Songzanlin Monastery is five kilometers (3.11 miles) north of the county. First constructed in 1679 during the early Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), it embodies the essence of the Tibetan Buddhist culture, and its architecture exemplifies thefeatures of the Tibetan style. It's the greatest monastery of Tibetan Buddhismin Yunnan Province. The city bus No. 3 can take you there.

The Shangri-La Gorge Group is located in the northern part of the County. Comprised of a series of gorges, the Shangri-la Grand Canyon in Balagezong Scenic Area is certainly worth a visit. The Birang River flows through the steep gorge and the splashing water from thestrong current immerses the entire gorge in mist. There are many rock paintings on the cliffs of the gorge. Much research was done on the paintings and it was determined that they were drawn by migrating ethnic groups in the ancient times. The gorge about 103 kilometers (64 miles) away is on the way from Shangri-La to Xiangcheng County (in Sichuan). In the morning, there are buses to Xiangcheng that will let you off at the mouth of the Gorge.

 The northeast of Shangri-La
Main attractions: Bitahai Lake and Shudu Lake

 Shudu Lake and Bitahai Lake are two of the more accessible lakes in northeast of the city. Located within 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) of each other, legend says these "pearls of the land" are pieces of a mirror broken and scatteredby a fairy while she was fixing her makeup.

Tip: Although Bitahai Lake is only 32 km (19.88 miles) from Shangri-La, the bus will only take you as far as Shuangqiao. From there you can either hire a horse or walk to Bitahai Lake.

Bitahai

Shudu Lake

 The northwest of Shangri-La
Main attraction: Napa Lake

Napa Lake is located eight kilometers (4.97 miles) northwest of the county. Several rivers flow into the lake, including the Naizi and Naqu Rivers. The lake is seasonal in that it is dry in the fall and winter seasons, naturally becoming part of the Yila Prairie. During this time, visitors can see many sheep and cows grazingin the lake bed.

Tip: There are buses which take visitors to Napa Lake or you can take a taxi to get there.

 Around Shangri-La
Known for the grandest view in Yunnan Province, Meili Snow Mountain boasts numerous snow-clad ridges and peaks. It is located 10 kilometers (6.2miles) northeast of Deqin County.