Top 14 Attractions in Shangri-La: Recommended Things to Do

Written by Natalia | Updated November 03,2025

Shangri-La is the habitat for multiple ethnic groups and the Tibetan people account for the largest portion. In the Tibetan language, Shangri-La means “The Sun and Moon in the Heart”. With snow mountains, valleys, grasslands, lakes and primitive forests, it attracts many tourists every year to explore these abundant landscapes. Follow this article to wander in the famous Shangri-La attractions, such as the natural scenery of Meili Snow Mountain and Pudacuo National Park and the historic sites like Songzanlin Monastery and Dukezong Ancient City. And find out other top things to do during a Shangri-La tour.

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• 1. Visit the Songzanlin Monastery: The Heart of Tibetan Buddhism
• 2. Explore the Natural Beauty of Pudacuo National Park
• 3. Experience the Rich Culture of Dukezong Ancient Town
• 4. Hike the Meili Snow Mountain
• 5. Trek the Incredible Tiger Leaping Gorge
• 6. Enjoy the Tranquility of Napa Lake Grassland
• 7. Challenge Yourself on Haba Snow Mountain
• 8. Relax at Guishan Park
• 9. Adventure into the Heart of Balagezong Grand Canyon
• 10. Marvel at the Beauty of Baishuitai (White Water Terraces)
• 11. Nixi Pottery Village
• 12. Enjoy an Epic Trek to Yubeng Village and Holy Waterfall
• 13. Witness the Spectacular U-shaped Great Bend of the Jinsha River
• 14. Engage in Local Tibetan Festivals
• More Tips on Traveling to Shangri-La
• How to Plan a Shangri-La Tour
• FAQs about Things to Do in Shangri-La
• Travel Shangri-La with China Xian Tour

1. Visit the Songzanlin Monastery: The Heart of Tibetan Buddhism

Songzanlin Monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan Province. It is renowned as the Little Potala Palace, because its architectural style imitates that of the Potala Palace in Xizang, making it a must-visit attraction in Shangri-La. The monastery started to be built in 1679 during the Qing Dynasty and took 3 years to complete. The buildings are constructed along the mountains and layers upon layers, forming a magnificent castle-like architecture complex. Located at the highest point, Zhacang Hall and Jikang Hall are the two main halls. Inside the monastery, there are also many precious cultural relics, including tangkas painted with five-colored gold ink and gilded Buddha statues, so it is also reputed as a “Tibetan Art Museum”.

What to Do at Songzanlin Monastery?

• Marvel at the Zhacang Hall and Jikang Hall and appreciate the exquisite Buddhas, murals and colored paintings inside the hall.
• Stroll along the Lamuyangcuo Lake and take photos of the reflection of the monastery.
• Taste the traditional Tibetan foods in the restaurant at the entrance.

2. Explore the Natural Beauty of Pudacuo National Park

Another unmissable Shangri-La attraction is Pudacuo National Park. As the first national park in China, it is located in the core area of the world natural heritage “Three Parallel Rivers”. The park is renowned as “the place closest to the sky” and is known for the clear plateau lake, dense primitive forest, vast alpine meadow and abundant biodiversity. It preserves a very original and complete ecosystem. Its main landscapes consist of three parts: Shudu Lake, Bita Lake and Militang Pasture. The sightseeing bus + hiking/boat tour is the most recommended way to cover these three scenic spots.

What to Do in Pudacuo National Park?

• Hike along the 3.3-km-long wooden plank road by the Shudu Lake to explore the primitive forests and find the traces of small animals.
• Take a boat on Shudu Lake to see the reflections of the surrounding snow mountains and feel the tranquility.
• Watch the wonder of “azaleas drunken fish” in Bita Lake during May – June.
• Try horseback riding and appreciate wild flowers sea in Militang Pasture.

3. Experience the Rich Culture of Dukezong Ancient Town

Dukezong Ancient Town is the moonlight city in Shangri-La. Since being established as a town in the Tang Dynasty, it has been an important hub on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, which has witnessed the Horse caravan trade and cultural exchange for thousands of years. It is also the residence of the Tibetan people. In the ancient town, on both sides of the road are the well-preserved Tibetan-style buildings, prayer halls, and pagodas. The world’s largest prayer wheel is located on the Guishan Hill there.

What to Do in Dukezong Ancient Town?

• Stroll on the stone-paved streets and admire the Tibetan buildings on both sides.
• Experience painting Thangka in a workshop.

Recommended Shangri-La Tours:

4 Days All-inclusive Shangri-La Highlights Tour

3 Days Yunnan Shangri-La Tour

4. Hike the Meili Snow Mountain

Meili Snow Mountain is not only a natural snow mountain, but also a lofty sacred mountain for Tibetan people. An impressive and stunning fact about the mountain is that it is not a single mountain, but consists of 13 snow mountains that are all over 6,000 meters high. The highest Kawagarbo peak is 6,770 meters and has not been conquered by humans till now.

Besides marveling at the spectacular snow mountains, countless visitors come here to witness the breathtaking natural spectacle: “The Sun Illuminating the Golden Mountain” (日照金山). It is a mesmerizing experience to see the first rays of morning sunlight rise over the peaks, and gradually color the surrounding mountains from dark hues to a magnificent, brilliant gold. This ultimate sight is the top reason it becomes a must-visit place during a Yunnan tour.

Here, visitors can also encounter the rare low-latitude modern glaciers. The most famous should be the Mingyong    Glacier. It stretches from an altitude of over 5,500 meters to the forest area at over 2,600 meters, looking like a silver dragon. The Yubeng Village there is a paradise for hiking lovers.

What to Do in Meili Snow Mountain?

• Wait for the wonder of “Golden Sunlight on the Snow Mountain” in Feilai Temple or Wunongding Viewing Platforms.
• Ride a horse to approach the Mingyong Glacier and observe it closely.

Suggested tour: 5 Days Shangri-La Tour with Meili Snow Mountain

5. Trek the Incredible Tiger Leaping Gorge

As one of the world’s deepest valleys, Tiger Leaping Gorge is famous for its majestic, strange, perilous, and precipitous scenery. Located between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain, the Jinsha River runs through the valley, creating the spectacular scenery here. It is composed of upper, middle and lower sections. The upper section is the narrowest part and the tiger leaping stone in the center of the river is a famous landmark. The middle part is the section with the most rapid water flow and the greatest drop in the gorge. The lower section offers a broader view, where you can have a distant view of the two snow mountains.

What to Do in the Tiger Leaping Gorge?

• Wander on the plank road to feel the grandeur of the Jinsha River up close.
• Challenge one of the world’s top ten classic hiking trails between the Upper and Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Recommended Tiger Leaping Hiking Tours:

One Day Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour from Lijiang

3 Days Yunnan Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour

4 Days Lijiang Highlights & Tiger Leaping Gorge Hiking Tour

6. Enjoy the Tranquility of Napa Lake Grassland

Napa Lake Grassland is a very unique natural attraction in Shangri-La. In brief, it is a seasonal lake. In summer and autumn, the abundant rainfall results in the water of over 10 rivers flowing into here, forming a vast alpine lake, that is Napa Lake. But in the dry season in winter and spring, the water is discharged through the natural hole. At this time, the meadow at the bottom of the water is exposed, forming the Yila Grassland.

Besides, it is a paradise to watch birds. Every year from September to March, thousands of black-necked cranes will fly here to pass the winter. Meanwhile, it is also a habitat for many other migratory birds.

What to Do at Napa Lake Grassland?

• Cycle or drive around the lake to enjoy a peaceful time and appreciate the scenery.
• Ride a horse on the grassland under the lead of a Tibetan guide.
• Watch the numerous rare birds flying and playing around the grassland in winter.

7. Challenge Yourself on Haba Snow Mountain

The Haba Snow Mountain is a natural secret land in the northwest of Yunnan Province. It boasts splendid snow peaks, glaciers and abundant landscapes. Its main peak is 5,396 meters and the mountain foot is only 1,550 meters. This high altitude difference creates four seasons in this one mountain. In the area at an altitude of 4,700 meters, the ancient glacial relics are scattered all over. And there are multiple vegetation belts along the mountain. The most amazing is the sea of alpine azalea. Nearly 200 species of azalea bloom from the mountain foot to the top. From April to June every year, the blooming azalea and the unmelted ice and snow complement each other beautifully.

What to Do in Haba Snow Mountain?

• Haba Snow Mountain is renowned as “the first snow-capped mountain in life”, so challenging it has been a main experience.
• Hike around Haba Village to appreciate the primitive forest, alpine meadow and sea of azalea or hike to explore the moraine lake, such as the Black Sea.

Recommended tour: 4 Days Haba Snow Mountain Climbing Tour from Lijiang

8. Relax at Guishan Park

Guishan Park is located inside the Dukezong Ancient Town and is the highest point of the town. The most famous landmark is the world’s largest prayer wheel standing in the park. It is 21 meters high and weighs 60 tons. Its body is made of pure copper and gilded and is embossed with Buddhist figures. Turning it for three times has the meaning of praying for blessings. Climbing to the top, you can overlook the whole ancient town and look at the continuous snow mountains afar. Inside the park, there is also a Giant Buddhist Temple and an ancient well open to the public.

What to Do in Guishan Park

• Turn the world’s largest prayer wheel to pray for your family.
• Climb to the top and overlook the whole Dukezong Ancient Town.

9. Adventure into the Heart of Balagezong Grand Canyon

The most striking scenery of Balagezong Grand Canyon is its extraordinary natural landform. Its total length is over 80 kilometers and the altitude difference is over 3,000 meters. So the vertical climate changes significantly. Shangri-La Grand Canyon is the essence here, which is famous for its towering height, profound depth, and perilous terrain. The narrowest place is only about 10 meters and the cliffs are as steep as if cut by an axe. Also, its profound culture and history are attractive. Bala Village is an ancient Tibetan village with a history of over 1,300 years. It is situated on the mountainside at an altitude of 2,900 meters. The traditional Tibetan earthen wall watchtowers architecture is preserved well and is renowned as the living fossils of ancient Kangba Culture.

What to Do at Balagezong Grand Canyon

• Walk along the plank road built on cliffs or experience canyon rafting in Shangri-La Grand Canyon.
• Feel the strong Tibetan cultural and historic atmosphere in the ancient Bala Village.

Recommended Yunnan tours including Balagezong Scenic Area:

10 Days Classic Yunnan Tour with Mile Exploration

4 Days Shangri-La Balagezong Grand Canyon Trekking Tour

10. Marvel at the Beauty of Baishuitai (White Water Terraces)

Though being an off-the-beaten-path attraction in Shangri-La, Baishuitai is reputed as “The Fields Left by the Immortals”, it is not hard to imagine how beautiful it is. The white travertine landform is arranged as a terrace naturally, looking like giant lotus petals scattered on the land. Quanhua Terrace and Quanhua Waterfall are the main landscapes. The large Quanhua Terrace spans from top to bottom.

Under sunlight, the water reflects a dreamy color of blue, green and white, just like a color palette. When the water flows out of the terrace, calcium carbonate continues to precipitate, forming a solidified waterfall, that is Quanhua Waterfall. Besides, it is also the birthplace of the Dongba Culture of the Naxi ethnic group. It nurtures the Dongba characters and the Dongba scripture.

What to Do at Baishuitai

• Stroll or ride a horse along the lake to immerse in the scenery.
• Try to make Dongba paper and write Dongba characters in a family in the nearby villages.

11. Nixi Pottery Village

This village is a special village that is famous for its thousand-year-old black pottery craftsmanship. Its history can be dated back to 2,000 years. The entire making process of the black pottery uses the traditional manual techniques. The final product is black as lacquer, bright as a mirror and hard as porcelain. In 2008, it was listed in the national intangible cultural heritages. Now you can find various practical vessels and exquisite artworks made of black pottery, such as tanks, pots, vases, ornaments, tea sets, etc.

What to Do in Nixi Pottery Village

• Witness how an ordinary piece of clay turns into the exquisite black pottery by the inheritor.
• Try to make a simple item with the pottery in a workshop.
• Taste the Nixi Chicken, which is simmered slowly in a black pottery pot.

Recommended Shangri-La tours including Nixi Pottery Village:

5 Days Classic Shangri-La Tour with Meili Snow Mountain

3 Days Yunnan Shangri-La Tour

12. Enjoy an Epic Trek to Yubeng Village and Holy Waterfall

Yubeng Village is a Tibetan village hidden in the Meili Snow Mountain. The village is surrounded by mountains, and the post road is the only connection to the outside world. This isolated environment allows it to preserve the original natural ecology and rustic Tibetan customs. The wind horse flags and Mani stones show the strong cultural atmosphere. To explore the village, hiking is the only way. And the two main routes include the Holy Waterfall route and the Ice Lake route. The former route is relatively flat and is the choice of most travelers. And the latter one is more challenging. For hiking lovers, Yubeng Village is a heavenly place and a must-visit attraction in their Shangri-La travel.

What to Do in Yubeng Village

• Hike to explore the natural wonders: Holy Waterfall and Ice Lake.
• Learn to make Tibetan incense and write Tibetan calligraphy in a workshop.

Recommended Yubeng Village Hiking Tours:

5 Days Yunnan Yubeng Village Hiking Tour

7 Days Yunnan Yubeng Village Hiking Tour & Meili Views

13. Witness the Spectacular U-shaped Great Bend of the Jinsha River

This unforgettable U-shaped Great Bend is a masterpiece of nature. When the Jinsha River flows through here, it is blocked by a pyramid-shaped Rizui Peak. So the river has to slow down and gracefully draws a nearly perfect U-shaped arc around the mountain. It is described as the wonder of “three cliffs enclosing two rivers”, the visual effect is very stunning.

What to Do in the Great Bend of the Jinsha River

Board the viewing platform to overlook and take photos of the whole bend.

Have a rest and savor a cup of coffee in the cafe, meanwhile appreciating the scenery.

14. Engage in Local Tibetan Festivals

Besides the attractions in Shangri-La, the unique Tibetan festivals are also important keys to experience the charm of local culture. Below are the three most important festivals in Shangri-La.

Tibetan New Year

Tibetan New Year is the festival that the locals value most. Its date is close to the Spring Festival. Their traditional New Year’s Eve dinner is called Gutu, a kind of batter that has beef, mutton and radish in it. During daytime, every family will strive to fetch the first bucket of water. Because it is said that the family obtaining the water can spare many disasters in the coming year. They will also pour the water into a bowl and place it in front of the Buddha niche. Besides, it is a tradition to light butter lamps and incense and burn the pine and cypress branches to pray for safety and health. Of course, the villagers will form a circle to perform their ethnic traditional dances together – Guozhuang Dance.

Gedong Festival

Gedong Festival is an important religious activity of Tibetan Buddhism. It is mainly held in Songzanlin Monastery. On that day, the lamas will wear masks which symbolize various deities and guardians, dress in splendid costumes, and perform the “Dance of the Gods” to the solemn and mysterious sounds of horns and drums. This is to dispel evil things and pray for peace and smoothness.

Horse Racing Festival

When at the Horse Racing Festival, Shangri-La is a large happy land. Besides the exciting equestrian competition, you can also watch some interesting activities, such as yak racing. Plenty of tents will be set up on the site to have picnics and welcome guests. At dawn, there is a grand bonfire party. Tourists can join in dancing freely and feel the enthusiasm of the Tibetan people.

More Tips on Traveling to Shangri-La

• Packing list: Considering the strong violet rays and large temperature difference, a winter jacket or a thin down coat is necessary, no matter which season you go there. And the high-spf sunscreen (SPF50+), sunglasses, sun hats, moisturizing skin care products and lip balm will also protect you from the dry weather in Shangri-La. The most important item is the anti-altitude sickness drugs.
• Transportation in the City: To the scenic spots in the downtown area, such as Songzanlin Monastery, the taxi or on-hailing car is the most convenient. For a tour to a farther scenic area such as Pudacuo National Park, a charted bus and the tourist bus are better.
• Acclimate to the Altitude: On the first day after arrival, do not run or jump, just walk slowly. And do not take a shower. The only thing you need to do is to sleep well. On other days, drink more warm water, eat several small meals in one day, and do not drink alcohol.
• Local Etiquette and Customs: Before entering the halls in a temple, remember to take off your hat and do not point to the Buddhas. Taking photos of the ritual implements and scriptures is strictly prohibited. When turning the prayer wheel, circling the mani pile and the stupa, a clockwise direction must be followed. As for daily behaviors, do not touch the head of any kid and do not step on the threshold during the family visits.

How to Plan a Shangri-La Tour

Generally speaking, 3 – 5 days is the choice for most first timers to Shangri-La. This period of time is enough for a classic loop tour. If you prefer nature and hiking, leave another 3 days to explore the Meili Snow Mountain, hike in the Yubeng Village or Tiger Leaping Gorge or tour the Balagezong Grand Canyon. For tourists who do not know how to plan a trip to Shangri-La, a brief itinerary of the classic tour is listed below for your reference.

• Day 1: Shangri-La Arrival – Duzekong Ancient Town
• Day 2: Songzanlin Monastery – Napahai Lake
• Day 3: Pudacuo National Park
• Day 4: Tiger Leaping Gorge
• Day5: Return

Recommended tour: 5 Days Shangri-La Tour with Meili Snow Mountain

FAQs about Things to Do in Shangri-La

Is Shangri-La worth visiting?

Of course. It gathers the essence of plateau landscapes in the northwest of Yunnan Province, offering you an extremely strong visual impact. And you can feel the strong cultural atmosphere of Tibetan Buddhism and try various outdoor activities here.

What to see and do in Shangri-La?

Tourists can appreciate the splendid natural scenery of Meili Snow Mountain, Tiger Leaping Gorge and Pudacuo National Park, visit the various historic attractions in downtown Shangri-La, like Songzanlin Monastery, and experience the unique activities, like go hiking in Yubeng Village and ride a horse on Napahai Grassland.

What is Shangri-La Yunnan best known for?

Shangri-La is best known for the scene of Morning Sunlight on Meili Snow Mountain, the little Potala Palace Songzanlin Monastery and the hiking paradise Yubeng Village.

How long to spend in Shangri-La?

3 – 8 days is enough, it depends on the number of scenic spots you want to explore.

What to wear in Shangri-La?

In brief, layer dressing is the core principle. A quick-drying underwear, a fleece and a thin down coat are the most recommended.

Travel Shangri-La with China Xian Tour

After reading this guide, you must can not wait to start a tour in Shangri-La. But you may still not be clear about how to plan it. Don’t worry, China Xian Tour can help you. We are experienced in tailoring a trip based on tourists’ needs and can assign a guide and a driver for you. If needed, we can also introduce the major scenic spots and experiences for you briefly, so that you can choose the one you prefer quickly. Then we will customize the trip according to your choices. Just contact us right now.