Shangri-La

Travel 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.

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 P2,181 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P2,181
P2,543 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
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 ...
7.2/10 Good! (5 reviews)
"When you write on the website that you have AC you should have have it . Our rooms were hot at night so it wasn't great. Other things in the hotel were good"

Reviewed on Jul 27, 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 P6,303 per night from Aug 25 to Aug 26
P6,303
P7,349 total
Aug 25 - Aug 26
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Shangri-La. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Diqing Culture Expo Center and ...
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 Dec 11, 2023

Shangri-La Resort, Shangri-La
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 P9,323 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
P9,323
P10,870 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
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! (10 reviews)
"Beautiful place with beautiful view"

Reviewed on Apr 22, 2025

Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City by IHG
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 (花开花落半山居)

Cloudhaven Retreat (花开花落半山居)

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 ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (8 reviews)
"This is a very spacious place, the room is well decorated and staffs are very friendly. They even offer airport pickup and drop off for free. The breakfast selection is very limited but the food is exactly how you cook in a traditional Chinese way. We would come again if we ever visit Lijiang ..."

Reviewed on Aug 3, 2025

Cloudhaven Retreat (花开花落半山居)
Lijiang Xisu Garden

Lijiang Xisu Garden

Anle Village, Jin'an Road, Dayan Street, No.80, Lijiang, Yunnan
Stay at this aparthotel in Lijiang. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Lijiang Old Town and Wangu Pavilion are located ...
Lijiang Xisu Garden
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 ...
10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews)
"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 Apr 9, 2025

Erquan Inn Ancient city
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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