Shangri-La, China: Zhongdian travel guide and tours

Shangri-La, China is more than just a place—it’s a feeling. Tucked away in the mountains of Yunnan, this Tibetan plateau town is known by three names: Zhongdian in Mandarin, Gyalthang in Tibetan, and Shangri-La by the local tourist board.

Whichever name you prefer, the essence remains the same—a land of golden-roofed monasteries, fluttering prayer flags, and snow-capped peaks rising beyond rolling grasslands. Beyond its scenic allure, Shangri-La offers an authentic glimpse into Tibetan culture, as you wander through centuries-old lanes in Zhongdian Old Town, hear the chants of the monks at Songzanlin Monastery, or sip yak butter tea in a traditional home.

In this guide, you’ll uncover the experiences that make Shangri-La so unforgettable. Whether it’s hiking through untouched valleys, discovering hidden temples, or tasting the regional cuisine, we’ll take you through them all to help you better plan your adventure into the heart of China.

From Zhongdian to Shangri-La: a brief history

“Shangri-La” was once just a mythical, fictional paradise first imagined in James Hilton’s novel Lost Horizon. The city itself, which would later be known as Shangri-La, had been Zhongdian for centuries, something that changed in 2001. To boost tourism, the city tourist board officially renamed the city Shangri-La, claiming that Hilton had described this very place.

Lost Horizon spoke of a hidden utopia in the Himalayas, a land of eternal beauty that remained secluded for centuries. Many places, from Tibet to Bhutan, have laid claim to being the real Shangri-La but none were bold enough to officially rebrand their cities like Zhongdian was.

While the decision has been met with scrutiny from those in competition for the name, the renaming worked. Travelers now only know Zhongdian as Shangri-La, flocking to Diqing’s largest city to experience their own piece of Hilton’s paradise—and interact with the Tibetan population.

This is because a visit to modern Tibet is incredibly difficult to pull off, with each visit requiring a tour guide. Regardless, a visit to Zhongdian is a great way to experience Tibetan culture, for it most certainly is a Tibetan town, whatever name you give it.

Situated high on the Tibetan Plateau at 3,000m, Tibet itself is a half-day’s drive away. However, the majority of the town’s population is Tibetan, and the most important monastery in China, the Songzanlin Monastery, is here.

As the status of Zhongdian being a part of China is not disputed, in some senses, Tibetans here have a little more freedom than in Tibet itself. In some of the smaller monasteries, you might even find discrete pictures of the Dalai Lama on display.

Popular things to do in Shangri-La, Yunnan

Now that you know the history of Shangri-La, let’s explore what awaits you during your Chinese vacation here. Beyond its deep Tibetan culture, this region is a haven for trekking and walking, offering breathtaking scenery with snow-capped peaks at every turn.

Visit the Shangri-La Tibet monastery

Shangri-La has monasteries in nearly every corner of the city. However, when people talk about the Tibetan monastery to visit, they’re most certainly talking about the mesmerizing Songzanlin Monastery.

The centuries-old Songzanlin Monastery is both the oldest and most stunning Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. Its golden rooftops shimmer against the sky and it blends Tibetan and Han Chinese architecture amazingly.

Step inside its grand halls, where history and spirituality come to life. Here, you can learn about the Dalai Lama, admire the eight gold-covered Shakyamuni Buddha statues, and soak in the monastery’s peaceful atmosphere.

Visit in November and you’re in for something special—the annual Gedong Festival. Monks from all over gather here to worship, culminating in a performance of the dramatic Cham Dance, a colorful show where they wear vibrant costumes that represent deities and animals.

Hike through the Tiger Leaping Gorge

Taking hiking trips through Tiger Leaping Gorge is an adventure like no other, with towering cliffs rising above the Jinsha River, creating one of the world’s deepest canyons. The roar of the river, combined with breathtaking views of the Jade Dragon and Haba Snow Mountains, makes every step feel like a journey through natural bliss.

The trail winds through charming Naxi villages, cozy guesthouses, and scenic viewpoints, each offering a taste of the region’s rich culture. As you trek, make sure to take photos of the iconic bronze tiger statue, standing strong as the powerful river crashes behind it.

Tiger Leaping Gorge is about 64 miles from Shangri-La’s Old Town, and you can either drive there or take the long-distance bus, with trips lasting two to three hours.

Explore Pudacuo National Park

Stepping into Pudacuo National Park feels like stepping into the fictional world of the fabled Shangri-La. The stunning, expansive park is nestled between Shudu Lake and Bita Lake, offering breathtaking views of pristine lakes, lush meadows, and towering forests.

The park is best explored on this journey: Shudu Lake to Militang Pasture, ending at Bita Lake.

• Shudu Lake is a high-altitude tectonic lake surrounded by verdant forests and meadows. Enjoy scenic views by hiking its plank road, or take it easier with a boat ride.
• Militang Pasture offers green meadows scattered with grazing sheep and yaks. For the best spot to capture this beauty, head to the sightseeing platform.
• Bita Lake is an emerald-hued lake framed by towering trees, with azalea petals floating on the water during spring.

Cycle to Napa-Hai Lake

Cycling to Napa-Hai Lake is a serene, off-the-beaten-path adventure that lets you experience the best of Shangri-La’s natural beauty. The route, seven miles from Old Town, takes you through quiet roads with hardly any traffic. Along the way, you’ll pass lush fields dotted with grazing yaks, with a towering Shangri-La mountain standing proudly in the backdrop.

As you pedal towards Napa-Hai Lake, the scenery unfolds in front of you—rolling hills, vibrant prayer flags, and vast wetlands. Stop for a while and take in the views before you get to the lake.

Napa-Hai Lake itself is birdwatcher heaven, with rare birds like black-necked cranes and bar-headed geese using it as a pit stop. Beyond its avian wonders, it’s a scenic location where the still waters mirror the blue skies above.

See the Peace of Baishuitai

Baishuitai, a sought-after Shangri-La location, is nestled at the foothills of the Haba Snow Mountain. It is home to China’s largest limestone terraces, created by years of natural geographical formations.

The milky-white waters cascade down to showcase a stunning natural display. The springs are sacred and celebrated by the local Naxi people, who honor them through cultural festivals. Nearby, history buffs will find the premises of the Naxi Minority Group, originators of the Dongba Culture.

Experience the Inner Harmony Stupa of Pagoda Tazhongta

Standing tall at 350ft, the Inner Harmony Stupa of Pagoda Tazhongta is a striking landmark just south of the Shangri-La Old Town. It’s one of the largest and tallest Buddhist white pagodas in the world.

Visit the pagoda, and you’ll be instantly captivated by its sparkling white exterior with a golden touch. It was built in 1997 to mark the 40th anniversary of the Diqing Prefecture. and it features a smaller version of itself inside.

Upon entering the pagoda, visitors are immersed in a spiritual atmosphere, surrounded by incredible paintings of Je Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Buddhist Yellow Hat Sect.

View the sunrise at Meili Snow Mountains

Shangri-La has snow-capped mountains in abundance, but none compare to the Meili Snow Mountains. The range sits deep in the foothills of the Tibetan plateau and is also known as the Prince Snow Mountains.

The Meili Snow Mountains are revered for their sunrise glow, as rising light casts a golden hue over its 13 snow-capped peaks. Unfortunately, the mountain range is a virgin peak, meaning no one has ever climbed to the top, as it’s not safe to do so.

That matters little, though, as the best viewing point is from a distance, allowing you to appreciate how the peaks link together in awe-inspiring formation. Be sure to arrive early to secure the best spot, it can get crowded.

Wander around Shangri-La Old Town

Zhongdian Old Town, the heart of Shangri-La, is a labyrinth of winding pedestrian streets lined with traditional Tibetan wooden houses. Finely carved sculptures decorate the buildings, and the wooden rooftops resemble the Alps’ mountain cottages.

During the day, you’ll come across locals going about their daily lives as their ancestors once did. The town comes alive in the evening, with residents gathering in the central square for traditional Tibetan music and dance. Women in colorful turbans and flowing skirts move gracefully to the rhythm for an enchanting performance.

For food lovers, there isn’t a shortage of places to grab grub here. One particular spot that’s beloved by locals and tourists is Flying Tiger. This French-Tibetan restaurant was founded by a French expat. While not cheap, the blend of Tibetan and Western cuisine is hard to pass up on. The options include a blue cheese yak burger, mushroom ravioli, yak lasagna, and more.

The Old Town is a story of redemption. In 2014, it experienced wild, devastating fires that laid waste to hundreds of buildings. It was, however, rebuilt shortly after, still retaining most of its charm before the fires.

Meet the resident monkeys at Shangri-La Snub-Nosed Monkey Park

A visit to Snub-Nosed Monkey Park offers a rare chance to come across one of the world’s most endangered primates in the wild. With only 2,000 to 3,000 Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys left, this protected reserve is crucial for their survival. It also happens to be the only place where you can see these beautiful monkeys.

Nestled in a pristine forest, the park provides a natural habitat where you can observe these friendly critters up close. Watch them leap between trees with expressive faces full of curiosity. Conservation efforts here ensure their future, meaning animal lovers will be able to interact with these cute creatures ethically.

Discover Yubeng Village

If you’re down for a little road trip to another incredible area in Yunnan, we recommend heading to Yubeng Village. It’s only accessible by bus or car and is five hours away from Shangri-La, but locals still consider it a part of Shangri-La, so who are we to disagree? The remote paradise is split into Upper and Lower Yubeng, surrounded by towering peaks and dotted with natural attractions.

In Upper Yubeng, enjoy a one-way four-mile hike to Glacier Lake. This turquoise lake is fed by the Meili Snow Mountains’ melting ice. In Lower Yubeng, a three-mile trek to the Sacred Waterfall awaits. Once you conquer the stairs that make up a third of the hike, you’ll find prayer flags fluttering in the wind as the water cascades.

FAQs about Shangri-La City

What is Shangri-La? Where is Shangri-La located? These are just some of the most frequently asked questions about this breathtaking destination. To satisfy your curiosity, we’ve gathered the top questions—along with all the answers to inspire your next adventure.

How many days do you need for a Shangri-La tour?

When you visit Shangri-La, consider pairing it with nearby destinations like Dali and Lijiang for a richer experience. A three-day trip is considered enough to explore Shangri-La on its own. A combined itinerary of at least 10 days allows you to fully immerse yourself in the region’s cultures, landscapes, and histories.

Where is Shangri-La located?

The true location of James Hilton’s mythical Shangri-La remains debated, but the officially recognized Shangri-La is in China. Formerly known as Zhongdian, the city lies in Diqing County in the southwestern Yunnan Province. It shares borders with Sichuan Province to the northeast and the Tibet Autonomous Region to the northwest.

What is the best time to visit Shangri-La?

The best time to visit Shangri-La is during the shoulder seasons between March and June, and September and November. During these months, there are fewer crowds compared to the high season. The weather is mild and pleasant, the valleys are lush, wildflowers still cover the grasslands, and the clear skies provide breathtaking views all over.

Is Shangri-La safe?

Generally speaking, Shangri-La is safe for tourists. The locals are friendly and religious, and the city has a low crime rate, meaning there’s little risk of being robbed. However, it’s important to always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

However, it must be noted that Shangri-La, and Yunnan at large, is a high altitude area. This means that anyone with certain health conditions must be careful, especially when hiking and climbing long staircases. It’s recommended that you carry a portable oxygen tank if you have any pre-existing health issues.

Make it happen

If you’d like to visit the fabled Shangri-La, then our local experts in China can help. Simply send them an inquiry, and they will do all the rest, planning you the perfect tailor-made vacation.