Shangri-La in 2 Days: A Journey Through Serenity and Ancient Wonders

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by James

March 29, 2024 · 2 min read

Shangri-La 2 Days Itinerary

Embark on a two-day adventure in the mystical land of Shangri-La, where ancient history and natural beauty intertwine. Begin your journey with a full day at the Tiger Leaping Gorge, a historic site known for its breathtaking views and thrilling hiking trails that promise an unforgettable experience. Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of Pudacuo National Park, where you'll spend the day surrounded by pristine lakes, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. On your second day, step back in time as you wander through Dukezong Ancient Town, with its rich heritage and unique architecture, for a couple of hours. Then, enrich your cultural experience with a visit to Sungtseling, an ancient monastery that offers a glimpse into the spiritual life of the region. Conclude your trip with a serene 3-hour excursion to Napa Sea, an enchanting highland lake that showcases the tranquil beauty of Shangri-La's natural scenery. This carefully curated itinerary ensures that you capture the essence of Shangri-La's most treasured attractions, all organized for a seamless and memorable travel experience.

Top 6 Hotels in Shangri-La
TOP 1
Champs Rainforest Resort Hotel (Dukezong Ancient City Branch)
Champs Rainforest Resort Hotel (Dukezong Ancient City Branch)
hotelStar
3/5
368 reviews
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TOP 2
Shangri-La Luming Yunju Garden Holiday Home
Shangri-La Luming Yunju Garden Holiday Home
hotelStar
4/5
163 reviews
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TOP 3
Shangri-La Yunyu Zhiyue Homestay (Dukezong Ancient City Branch)
Shangri-La Yunyu Zhiyue Homestay (Dukezong Ancient City Branch)
hotelStar
3/5
31 reviews
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Rezen Select (Shangri-La Dukezong Ancient City)
Rezen Select (Shangri-La Dukezong Ancient City)
hotelStar
4/5
566 reviews
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Fengsu Boutique Inn
Fengsu Boutique Inn
hotelStar
3/5
539 reviews
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Yi Ting Hotel
Yi Ting Hotel
hotelStar
5/5
149 reviews
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Day 1: Majestic Canyons and Pristine Parks of Shangri-La

1

Tiger Leaping Gorge

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Begin your Shangri-La adventure with a visit to the breathtaking Tiger Leaping Gorge. Nestled in the heart of Hutiaoxia Town, this historic site offers a full day of exploration amidst some of the most dramatic landscapes in China. The gorge, with its roaring river and towering cliffs, is a testament to nature's raw power and beauty. Hiking trails provide various vantage points for visitors to witness the might of the Jinsha River as it forces its way through the narrow pass, a sight that has inspired countless legends and continues to awe travelers from around the world.

Attraction Info

  • Tiger Leaping Gorge(Hutiaoxia Town), Shangri-La County, Diqing Prefecture
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day
  • Open from 8:30am-5:30pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

香格里拉优浓饮品店
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恋一口小土猪
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2

Pudacuo National Park

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After the exhilarating experience at Tiger Leaping Gorge, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Pudacuo National Park. As China's first national park, Pudacuo is a sanctuary of biodiversity, with crystal-clear lakes, verdant forests, and rare wildlife. Located near Shuoduhu Road in Hongpo Village, the park is an ancient town reimagined as a natural wonderland. Spend your day wandering through this scenic spot, where the harmony between man and nature is palpable, and the air is as pure as the untouched landscapes that surround you.

Attraction Info

  • Pudacuo National Park Scenic Spot, Hongpo Village, Shangri-La, Diqing, China (near Shuoduhu Road)
  • Suggested tour duration: 0.5-1 day
  • Open from 8:30am-4:00pm

Where to Stay Tonight

4.3/5119 Reviews
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|3.24km from city center
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5/5Perfect29 Reviews
Shangri-La
|12.95km from city center
4.6/53 Reviews
4.6/5Outstanding3 Reviews
Shangri-La
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Shangri-La
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Day 2: Ancient Echoes and Pristine Nature in Shangri-La

1

Dukezong Ancient Town

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Begin your second day stepping back in time at Dukezong Ancient Town, a place where the past lingers in the cobbled streets and traditional architecture. Nestled in Unity Road, this ancient town offers a two-hour journey through a living museum of Diqing Tibetan culture. As you wander through the town, you'll be enveloped by the charm of its well-preserved heritage, with every alleyway telling its own story.

Attraction Info

  • Unity Road, Shangri-La County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
  • Suggested tour duration: 2-3 hour
  • Open from 01/01-12/31

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静静的嘛呢石藏餐
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银同牦牛肉火锅
银同牦牛肉火锅
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老字号特色藏餐
老字号特色藏餐
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ZAI SHUI YI FANG TE SE HUO GUO
ZAI SHUI YI FANG TE SE HUO GUO
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塔洛藏餐吧
塔洛藏餐吧
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藏味八珍特色小火锅
藏味八珍特色小火锅
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2

Sungtseling

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Following the ancient allure, Sungtseling, also known as the Ganden Sumtsenling Monastery, awaits to enrich your cultural experience. Located just a short drive from Dukezong, on Niwang Road, this spiritual sanctuary offers a serene retreat. Spend an hour here to marvel at the intricate Tibetan Buddhist art and architecture, and absorb the peaceful atmosphere that has been a part of Shangri-La for centuries.

Attraction Info

  • No. 3, Niwang Road, Jiantang Town, Shangri-La County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
  • Suggested tour duration: 1-2 hour
  • Open from 7:30am-8:00pm

Recommended Nearby Restaurants

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洛槡家宴·百姓的家宴
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Anxin Lanhai Yihua Hotel
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香格里拉实力希尔顿花园酒店·花荟味餐厅
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Tuzaotou Farm Family Resort
Tuzaotou Farm Family Resort
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3

Napa Sea

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Conclude your Shangri-La adventure with the natural splendor of Napa Sea. Just a brief journey from the heart of the city, this vast highland lake, surrounded by rolling grasslands and mountains, is a perfect spot to spend three hours immersing in the tranquility of nature. As you explore the area, keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife and the seasonal beauty that transforms the landscape throughout the year.

Attraction Info

  • Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Shangri-La City, Wangjika 214 National Road, Zhongdian County, 5 km
  • Suggested tour duration: 3-5 hour
  • Open from 8:00am-6:00pm

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香格里拉十里雪山依拉海极景庄园·十里雪山
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Where to Stay Tonight

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|2.11km from city center
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|2.57km from city center

Top Things to Do in Shangri-La-2024

TOP 1
Tiger  Leaping  Gorge
Tiger Leaping Gorge
4.6/5 · 3,175 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 1,207 review
Highlights:
Tiger Leaping Gorge is famous for its size. It is located in the eastern part of Hutiaoxia Town, Shangri-La County. It is divided into three sections: upper, middle and lower gorges, with a total length of about 20 kilometers. In the middle of the gorge is the Jinsha River. On both sides are the snow-capped mountains of Yulong and Haba. The narrowest part of the river is only twenty or thirty meters and with the huge drop, the river flows very rapidly! Tiger Leaping Gorge is also a world-renowned hiking resort visited by many outdoor enthusiasts every year.
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TOP 2
Pudacuo National Park
Pudacuo National Park
4.5/5 · 6,074 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 492 review
Highlights:
Located in the center of the Shangri-La Scenic Area, Pudacuo National Park is an important part of the world's natural heritage, called the Three Rivers Convergence. It consists of three parts, namely Bitahai, Shuduhu, and the Xiagei Folk Culture Village. The park has beautiful scenery, a well-preserved ecological environment, quiet and clear mountain lakes, vast pastures, wetlands filled with flowers and lush virgin forests. Every spring, the park is filled with blooming rhododendrons, while the Autumn brings with it the rich colors of changing leaves.
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TOP 3
Sungtseling
Sungtseling
4.5/5 · 2,095 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 684 review
Highlights:
Sungtseling—or Ganden Sumtseling Monastery—is also known Guihuasi (Temple of Returning to Norms). It is a large Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan and is also one of the centers of the Gelug (Yellow) School of Buddhism. Built in 1679, the temple was given its name by the fifth Lama. Sungtseling is built into, around and on the mountainside. As it looks similar to the Potala Palace in Lhasa, it is sometimes affectionately called the Little Potala Palace. Because of the temple's many cultural and religious treasures as used in Tibetan Buddhism, this site is absolutely worth a visit.
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TOP 4
Gadansong Zanlin Temple
Gadansong Zanlin Temple
4.5/5 · 1,231 review
Highlights:
Songzanlin Temple, also known as Guihua Temple, is located at the foot of Foping Mountain, 5 kilometers north of Shangri-La. It is not only the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple complex in Yunnan, but also the center of the Yellow Sect in northwestern Yunnan, known as the "Little Potala Palace". The monastery is built on the mountain and looks like an ancient castle. Every year on the 29th day of the 11th lunar month, Tibetans hold the Gedong Festival, which is mainly based on "God Dance" (mask dance). The atmosphere is mysterious and warm.
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TOP 5
Balagezong Grand Canyon
Balagezong Grand Canyon
4.5/5 · 1,698 review
taCommentInfo-imageBased on 56 review
Highlights:
Balagezong Grand Canyon offers breathtaking natural scenery. Here, you can visit the deep canyon, the awe-inspiring snowy mountains. You can choose to kayak in the valley, or visit the primitive, photogenic ancient Tibetan villages. You will also see a thousand-year Bodhi tree, the branch of which resembles human palms. It's quite fantastic. The naturally-formed Buddhist tower is also a special attraction in the park. You have to trek from the end of the Jiala village road in order to visit the Buddhist tower.
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* All user reviews in this article have been translated by machine.

* The information above is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, please check the websites of hotels and attractions.

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Shangri-La 2 Days Itinerary