[2025 Shangri-La Attraction] Travel Guide for Balagezong Scenic Area (Updated Jun)

🐱 Visiting Balagezong was the purpose of my trip to Shangri-La~ From the entrance of the scenic area, you'll see towering peaks and winding mountain roads. The scenery along the way gave me a very comfortable, relaxing, and refreshing feeling~ The view at the pagoda was absolutely stunning~ Perfect for photos~ Since my main goal was to visit the pagoda and I was on a day trip, I quickly passed through other attractions~ If you choose a day trip, plan your time carefully~ 🎫 Entrance fee is CNY 165💰/person, including admission and sightseeing bus. Recommend buying tickets online in advance. Transportation within the scenic area is by sightseeing bus only, private vehicles are not allowed. Visiting the Shambhala Pagoda requires an additional CNY 75💰/person - don't skip this‼️ In my opinion, this is the most worthwhile spot to visit in Balagezong 🚌 Bus journey times: 1️⃣ 1.5 hours from the Ancient Town to the scenic area 2️⃣ 40-50 minutes from the ticket gate to the first attraction, Bala Village 3️⃣ About 1.5 hours from Bala Village to the pagoda 🌟 Balagezong's altitude ranges from 3,000-4,160m (remember to bring oxygen bottles) 🏔️ Balagezong Scenic Area itinerary: Bala Village (restaurants available) ➡️ Shambhala Pagoda (highest point, snow activities available) ➡️ Echo Wall (glass walkway overlooking the grand canyon) ➡️ Bala Zhuoma Palace (temple housing 21 Tara statues) ➡️ Shangri-La Grand Canyon (suitable for rafting in summer) ➡️ Thousand-year Bodhi Tree (Travel between sites is by scenic bus, stops at each location are under 1 hour - if you miss one, catch the next bus. Day-trippers must plan carefully to avoid missing the return bus) ❤️ Visitors should bring some snacks and a thermos with hot water. Don't remove layers when feeling hot along the way, or you'll catch a cold like I did... Although I felt sick with a cold back at the hotel that night, Balagezong was so beautiful that I only regret not visiting sooner🥰

If you go to Shangri-La, don't miss Balagezong! In Tibetan, "Balagezong" means a Tibetan village that migrated from Batang, Sichuan to the foot of Mount Gezhong. Here you can find glaciers, snow-capped mountains, canyons, plateau lakes, and primeval forests. Every step is a different view, and every view is breathtaking. Standing on this land, you can see the blue sky and touch the majestic snow-capped mountains. The wonders of nature are on full display, as if you are on a spiritual pilgrimage. Every view is a visual feast, and it is definitely a paradise on earth that you must visit in your lifetime! 🚘Transportation It is about a 2-hour drive from Balagezong. Self-driving is recommended, or you can take a shuttle bus from the ancient city. The bus departs at 8:30 am and returns at 5:00 pm. The scenery along the way is stunning, with winding mountain roads. You need to take a bus in the scenic area, and there is a guide along the way. . 🎫Tickets Dukezong to Balagezong bus + Balagezong ticket + Balagezong shuttle bus (CNY 225/person) Don't miss these attractions in Shangri-La! ✅Bala Village: Hidden at an altitude of 2,900 meters, it has a history of more than 1,300 years. The old Tibetan buildings and culture are well preserved. Stroll around, see handicrafts, taste Tibetan food, and look up to see the snow-capped mountains. ✅Shangri-La Grand Canyon: Legend has it that it is the "Blue Moon Valley" in "Lost Horizon". The average altitude is over 3,000 meters, with canyons connected and cliffs on both sides. It's super exciting. ✅Shambhala Stupa: At an altitude of over 4,000 meters, it is a natural stupa. Mount Qudeng looks like a round stupa, and it looks more realistic when covered with snow. ✅Millennium Bodhi Tree: It is 3,000 years old and grows on a cliff, different from the common ones. ✅The Echo Wall is known as the "world's highest natural echo wall", over 3,000 meters high, where you can truly feel the echo. There is also a 700-meter vertical glass walkway and a high-altitude zipline, which will make your heart race! Tips: 1. Weather is crucial: Be sure to check the weather forecast before you go, and try to choose a sunny day for better photos. 2. Don't forget to bring motion sickness medicine: Don't let motion sickness ruin your good mood. 3. The altitude of Shambhala Stupa is not low, so if you are prone to altitude sickness, prepare an oxygen tank in advance. 4. You usually need to spend a whole day in the scenic area, so prepare some energy bars, bread, and other dry food to avoid hunger.

If you have time to visit Shangri-La, I highly recommend spending a day in Balagezong: Millennium Bodhi Tree - Grand Canyon Rafting - Bala Village - Echo Wall - Shambhala Stupa Snow Mountain Transportation: 🚗 Self-driving: You can park your car directly at 🔍 Shangri-La Grand Canyon Balagezong Scenic Area - Entrance Parking Lot 🚌 Bus: There is a bus from the ancient city to the scenic area, departing at 9:00 am and returning at 5:30 pm (reservation required, round trip 60/person) You can also book a one-day tour, including scenic area tickets, sightseeing bus, and round-trip scenic area-city direct bus (230/person) - Balagezong is a hidden paradise for over 1,300 years A winding mountain road connects the world - The route ranges from an altitude of 2,000+ to 4,000+ The low altitude is a grand canyon, with high mountains on both sides and a green stream running through the middle. You can go rafting or hiking. In the middle is Bala Village, a Tibetan tribe with a history of over 1,300 years and well-preserved. You can stay and eat here (their hot pot is delicious). The most impressive is the Shambhala Stupa Snow Mountain, naturally formed and resembling a stupa. Many people come here for pilgrimage. You can take a car directly to the pasture, where you can see the snow mountain and take photos with yaks. - As for accommodation, if you have enough time, you can stay in Balagezong. It's very quiet at night, and you can see the Milky Way. You can also stay near the ancient city.

#shangrila #trip #china #chinatravel On our last day in Shangri la Yunnan we decided to do a little trip to the north and see Balegezong. The drive was beautiful but for those who are scared of heights and don’t like twisting roads should rethink going here( once you are at the gorge entrance, there is even more twisting roads, you spend 75% of the time on a bus going up the mountain). The gorge is majestic and very quiet. When we were there, there weren’t a lot of tourists.

#travelanywhere When you come to Shangrila, you have to come to 香格里拉大峡谷巴拉格宗景区 and go to 佛塔, the altitude is 4100 meter above ground so please wear thicker clothes and bring oxygen bottle just in case lack of oxygen. At winter season, you can literally see snow covering the mountain but however we go during summer and the snow is barely to be seen. But nevertheless it is still a good place to visit and take lots of pictures 😍 the journey up is about 50 mins and cost 75 rmb (not including in the attraction ticket) #Chinatrip

I never thought that this would be the most surprising stop on my Shangri-La journey. ⏳Tour Time: 2 days 🌟Highlights: 📍Shambhala Pagoda At an altitude of over 4000 meters, it takes 30 minutes by scenic area bus from the Echo Wall, the mountain road is rugged, it is recommended to bring plastic bags, staff say that in winter (usually December to March of the following year) it may be impossible to reach due to thick snow or ice on the road, so make sure to plan your time well, it's definitely worth a visit! 📍Echo Wall The Cliff Miracle Hotel I stayed at offers 1 person's rafting or cable car ride, the cable car costs 40💰, rafting costs 120💰, if you want to experience both, it's more cost-effective to pay for the cable car yourself. 📍Shangri-La Grand Canyon The hotel arranges for a car to take you to the entrance of the attraction, if you have luggage, staff will arrange for it to be stored in a designated place, you can pick it up after the tour. The hiking distance is not far, the scenery along the way is very good, and you can choose to raft on the way back. 📍Thousand-Year Bodhi Tree After visiting the Grand Canyon, take the scenic area bus to the entrance of the Balagezong scenic area, where there is a thousand-year-old Bodhi tree, famous for a Buddha's hand growing out of its roots, now the perimeter has been fenced off, and you can only use your phone to zoom in for a look. 📝Note tips: 1️⃣Due to limited conditions, there are not many hotels in the village, and there are few restaurant choices, so you can bring your own food, and the hotel can also order meals, but the taste is generally bland. 2️⃣If you stay in a hotel within the scenic area, the hotel will arrange for a butler to create a group to notify you of the visiting route and departure time. 3️⃣There are many steps in the village, and it is quite dark at night, so it is recommended to tour according to your physical condition.

🌞There is a world-famous treasure land in northwest Yunnan, the famous Shangri-la. This kingdom of Shambhala, which originated from the Tibetan scriptures, is not only a utopia, an ideal country, and a paradise, but also represents the sun and moon in the hearts of Tibetans, a beautiful and pure place 🌞We set off from Lijiang early in the morning. When Songzanlin Temple slowly came into view, an inexplicable tranquility slowly emerged. Ganden Songzanlin Temple is the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan. It is the "Little Potala Palace" in the Kham Tibetan area. It is built on the mountain and is magnificent. 🌞On a sunny afternoon, visit the inside and outside of Songzanlin Temple, and then climb to the commanding heights to overlook the sky burial site. Watching the vultures flying around, life comes with nothing, and finally returns to dust, taking nothing away I walked aimlessly for a long time, and I want to stay like this forever, even if I do nothing❤️ 🌟Taking a long-distance bus from Lijiang🚌 is the most economical and convenient option. There are not many buses, but the farthest you can take is Deqin. The Lijiang-Deqin section has recently opened a high-speed rail, which is a more convenient and faster option

Welcome to Shangri-La in Yunnan Province, China. This place, known as a 'paradise on earth', will bring you a fantastic travel experience!🌈 📅 Best travel time: It is recommended to go to Shangri-La between April and October. The weather is pleasant and the temperature is suitable during this period, allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty of nature. 🌄 Must-visit attractions: 1️⃣ Tiger Leaping Gorge: Take a boat through one of the deepest gorges in the world, with waterfalls splashing along the way and spectacular scenery. 2️⃣ Ancient City: Step into the ancient city of Shangri-La and feel the strong Tibetan cultural atmosphere. Walking through it is like going back in time. 3️⃣ Baishuitai: Climb up to Baishuitai and overlook the snow-capped mountains of Diqing surrounded by mountains. Looking far away, it feels like being in a fairyland. 🍽️ Recommended food: 1️⃣ Shangri-La butter tea: Taste the authentic Tibetan butter tea, which is rich in flavor and sweet in the mouth. 2️⃣ Zanba: Try a bite of Zanba made from highland glutinous rice. The taste is chewy and fragrant, which will definitely make you remember it. 3️⃣ Shangri-La yak meat hot pot: Put fresh yak meat slices into the pot, accompanied by fragrant vegetables, and enjoy a warm hot pot feast. 😍 Travel experience: During my trip in Shangri-La, I felt like I was in a fairy tale world. The city's architecture is full of Tibetan characteristics, and the charming scenery is intoxicating. Feeling the power of nature, on the boat in Tiger Leaping Gorge, I was shocked by the magnificent gorge scenery, and my mood instantly became bright. Stepping into the ancient city, the Tibetan-style buildings on both sides of the street exude a strong cultural atmosphere, making me feel like I have traveled back to ancient times. Every bite of Shangri-La's food is memorable, and every interaction with the Tibetan people makes me feel their warmth and innocence. Shangri-La is a place where the soul can be purified. Whether standing on Baishuitai overlooking the snow-capped mountains of Diqing, or strolling in the city's alleys, you can feel the power of nature and the unique charm of Tibetan culture. This is the most beautiful fairyland in my heart, and I hope you can also come once and experience the miracle of Shangri-La!🌸✨

Balagezong Grand Canyon is a hidden gem in Shangrila-la. Located about 2 hours outside of old town, the Grand Canyon is a beautiful place. Our hotel helped us to book tickets and organize a bus. once there, you’ll visit the glass platform, the Bala Village and the Lovers Spring. A bus will drive you around but there are hiking trails around. Highly recommend a visit here!

📜🏞️History records that many centuries ago Tibetan people searched for a place to live far away from war and misery. 🏘️🏔️ They settled down in what is now called Balagezong after overcoming much difficulty, and Bala became the symbol of an ideal home and paradise. 🧞The legend on the other hand, states that many years ago, hidden within what is now a National Park was a remote village called Bala. The village had no contact with the outside world until one day a small boy, a blacksmith's apprentice, got hurt while welding molten metal. In order to receive medical treatment his father took him to Shangri-la. It was then that the boy saw a glimpse of civilization for the first time - roads, shops, temples. Amazed by what he saw he spent over 3 decades accumulating wealth and investing it into his birthplace despite the anger and despise he received from the locals. His biggest challenge was building a road that would connect the Bala village to the rest of the world. The challenging topography mage the road building impossible but after many years of hard work the work was done. 🗓️Today Bala Village is a part of the Balagezong National Park. And it was the second stop of our tour. 1️⃣The shuttle bus first took us to Shambhala Stupa scenic area. 2️⃣From there we went to the mentioned village of Bala before 3️⃣ spending some time at the scenic area (or Echo Wall). 4️⃣Our last stop was the Grand Canyon and keep in mind, it took half of the day to complete a tour. We have started at 8:30 am and finished at 16:30. For hiking lovers it would take much longer, if you wish to complete the hiking tour AND see all the above listed places. 🪷 To say it's worth the visit would be an understatement. Keep in mind, the Tibetans searched for a perfect place to build their home, and chose this location for that exact reason. #travelchina #yunnantravel #nationalpark #balagezong #mountainview #shangrila #canyon #passionpassport #mountaingetaway #shambala

to getting there, it's pretty easy, organized by a tourist group, by taxi (don't know the cost) and from Shangrila it's about 2 hours, so it's possible to do in one day there's also one hotel inside the park if someone wants to spend the night over there in the village there are some restaurants. the tour will take one day and the scheduled is fixed as it's not possible to use the own car, it's necessary to take the internal bus, so if you want to enjoy some place (there are different stops), you can't. there's also a zip line, which I recommend to do as the view is amazing and it's pretty long #historicculture#ancientarchitecture#naturalwonders#hiking#nationalpark

Getting There - From the Information centre at Dukezong Ancient Town, get on a bus at 09:00. There is no need to book, we just showed up and it seems there are so many options. Tickets were ¥220 for a round trip to Balagezong Grand Canyon and includes the entry to the scenic area. It is about an hour and a half drive through a pass - the views are spectacular which makes the long drive worth it! Attractions - After arriving, the bus will stop at each scenic spot, all you have to do is get off and take in the great views and nature! Food & Restaurants - There are plenty of local food options to choose from but I would recommend trying the small tea house. They serve trafitional Tibetan butter tea, vinegar wine - as they call it (tastes like spirits or similar to vodka to me) and dried yak meat. We tried the fried fermented milk, butter tea, buckweat bread and yak meat which was enough and rich in flavor! At around 17:30, you get back on the bus after seeing 5 different scenic spots and arrive back at Dukezong Ancient Town at around 19:00. There was never a minute where we felt rushed, bored or didn’t know what to do! This trip layout is perfect for any local or tourist and a must do! #naturaloxygenbar

Traveling China has never been more mind blowing than standing on a hill and seeing their amazing mountains peeking through colorful flags. It is truly breathtaking - pure oxygen too, that is. #naturalwonders#naturaloxygenbar#summervacation#hikingtrails#urbanexplorer

Shangri-la in Yunnan province is no doubt a beautiful place to visit. It’s one of the most well known tourist heaven so many sites are popular and sometimes crowded. I have visited there twice before so I wanted to see something lesser known. Owner of our hotel recommended Balagezong National Park to us, which turned out to be my favorite spot of the trip. The road to and inside the park was personally financed by a former villager lived inside this valley, who determined to improve life of those still in the village. It was done and opened to public as a national park only around 10 years ago, which is comparatively new in Shangri-la. Scenery inside the park is simply stunning. Designated tourist bus brought us first to the top of the valley to enjoy the view from above. The hanging walkway built on rock looked scary but it offered an excellent view of the massive gorge, which lead us to a glass bottom viewing platform. Be prepared if you are scared of height. Final stop was deep down the gorge, walking along the river on the beautiful walkway was healing and brought us close to nature. Highly recommended for everyone who plans to visit Shangri-la. #nationalpark #urbanexplorer #shangrila

Looking for a great place for a fall hike? I was blown away by Balagezong National Park near Shangri-La in Yunnan Province. It’s simply spectacular and best enjoyed in the late fall after tourist season. The number of guests is far lower and everything much nicer that way. It takes a solid day to visit. #mynovgetaway #mynovgetaway#awesomepic

Punch Shangri-La Holy Land The Balaguezong Grand Canyon Balgzon Grand Canyon, also known as the Shangri-La Grand Canyon, is picturesque, tranquil and mysterious. There are deep canyons, winding snow-capped mountains, dense vegetation, steep rock faces, and millennial linden trees and naturally formed stupas. It is said that the Blue Moon Canyon described in "The Lost Horizon" is here. In the hearts of local Tibetans, Balaguezong is the place where the gods live.

Shangri-La, originally named Zhongdian, was renamed by the Chinese government after the fictional paradise described in James Hilton's novel "Lost Horizon." The novel depicts a pure land in the Himalayas where people live happily and enjoy longevity. Inspired by this idyllic concept, the name Shangri-La was adopted. Traveling to Shangri-La can be done by bus from Lijiang or by direct flight from Kunming. We opted for a rental car with a driver. The journey to Shangri-La involves crossing mountainous terrain with winding roads, though the roads are well-maintained. For those prone to motion sickness, it's advisable to bring medication. Personally, I experienced severe nausea and had to ask the driver to stop multiple times. However, one unexpected moment that snapped me out of my discomfort was encountering a local-style restroom—a wooden plank over a pit. Let's just say it was an unforgettable experience! Upon arriving in Shangri-La, we had dinner at a restaurant catering to tour groups, complete with traditional performances. Yak meat is a staple here, but as someone who doesn't eat beef or exotic meats, I barely ate anything. If you're picky about food, consider bringing instant noodles to cook at your hotel. We stayed in the old town area, where the weather was freezing—so cold that water left in the car overnight turned to ice! Forget about taking a shower; it’s just not practical in such conditions. On our first day, we visited Balagezong Scenic Area, a vast park requiring a full day to explore. Shuttle buses take visitors to various attractions within the park. Our first stop was a glass balcony viewpoint perched over 700 meters high. Walking on it was nerve-wracking, but the breathtaking views made it worthwhile. The second stop was Balage Tibetan Village, a traditional settlement surrounded by lush green fields and snow-capped mountains adorned with fluttering prayer flags. The scenery was indescribably beautiful. Our third destination was Shambhala, a special spot not included in the standard tour package. We had to pay extra for a separate vehicle to navigate the steep, winding roads leading to the mountain summit. The journey was challenging, with cliffs on one side and constant warnings from the driver not to fall asleep due to the risk of oxygen deprivation. Despite the difficulties, the view at the top was magical, offering a profound sense of peace and serenity. After descending, we visited the final attraction—a glass walkway along the river. We didn’t spend much time here as it was getting late, and we returned to our accommodation. On the last day, we strolled through Dukezong Ancient Town and visited Dafo Temple, home to a massive golden prayer wheel requiring at least 15 people to spin. It’s said that spinning the wheel brings great luck. Our final stop was Songzanlin Monastery, also known as the "Little Potala Palace," modeled after Tibet’s Potala Palace. This monastery was the highlight of our trip, with its stunning architecture and mystical atmosphere. Every corner offered a perfect photo opportunity, though photography inside the monastery is prohibited.

#summervacay 🌄 Balagezong Grand Canyon (Shangri-La Grand Canyon) Located about 50 km northwest of Shangri-La City in Yunnan Province, China, Balagezong Grand Canyon is part of the UNESCO-protected “Three Parallel Rivers” region. It’s famous for its dramatic canyons, pristine rivers, towering peaks, and rich Tibetan culture. 🏔️ Highlights: • Bala Village: A remote traditional Tibetan village with wooden houses, offering a deep cultural experience. • Shambhala Pagoda: A naturally formed rock resembling a pagoda, considered sacred in Tibetan Buddhism. • Heaven-Leading Gorge (Tongtian Gorge): A narrow, steep-sided canyon with a view of the sky from the bottom — breathtaking and surreal. • Echo Wall & Plank Road: A wooden walkway built along the canyon cliffside, offering incredible views of the Gangqu River below and thrilling acoustics. 🗓️ Best Time to Visit: • June to October: Warm and ideal for hiking and sightseeing (avg. 15°C). • Winter (Dec–Feb): Cold, but peaceful and scenic (avg. 5°C). 🚗 Getting There: • Location: Nixi Village, Shangri-La County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan. • Transport: About 2 hours by car from Shangri-La city. • On-Site Shuttle: Buses available to transport visitors around key attractions within the canyon area. 🏨 Nearby Accommodation: • Balagezong Chieftain Manor: A boutique hotel designed in traditional Tibetan style, located near Bala Village with panoramic canyon views. If you’re looking for a mix of nature, culture, and adventure, Balagezong is a hidden gem in southwest China. #travel #couplestrip #staycation #naturalwonders #familytravel #china

Day 1: Fly to Kunming Day 2: Kunming-Shangri La Day 3: Balagezong Day 4: Shangri La-Tiger Leaping-Lijiang Old Town Day 5: Yuhu Village Day 6: Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Day 7: Lijiang-Dali Day 8: Kunming Day 9: Back to home [Must-Visit Attractions] 1. Heidou Cafe, Shangri La 2. Dukezong Ancient City, Shangri La 3. Balagezong Snow Mountain, Shangri La 4. Tiger Leaping Gorge, Shangri La 5. Teahorse Cafe, Shangri La 6. Old Town Lijiang, Lijiang 7. Yuhu Village, Lijiang 8. Shuhe Ancient Town, Lijiang 9. Black Dragon Pool, Lijiang 10. Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Lijiang 11. Dali Luge Theme Park, Dali 12. Erhai Lake Longkan Wharf, Dali 13. Santorini Park, Dali 14. Dali Ancient Town, Dali 15. Old Town Kunming, Kunming 16. Nanping Street, Kunming 17. Jacaranda Street, Kunming

My first visit to Shangri-La, my first time in Balagezong - it truly lives up to its reputation as an earthly paradise! We chose the scenic area's hotel - Balagezong Snow Mountain Cliff Hotel. Upon arrival, the butler warmly greeted us with traditional khata scarves, instantly elevating the ceremonial atmosphere 🥰. What's more, there's dedicated vehicle touring with thoughtful arrangements throughout. The hotel features neo-Tibetan architecture, blending rustic grandeur with traditional carvings and modern design. Every detail showcases unique Tibetan charm. Each room comes with an oversized viewing balcony. On clear mornings, simply drawing the curtains reveals the breathtaking golden sunrise over snow-capped mountains. Sunlight bathes the peaks in a glittering golden glow, as if illuminating the entire world ✨. Every casual snapshot becomes an atmospheric masterpiece - my social media posts instantly went viral with likes! Here, there's no urban noise or pressure, only tranquility and beauty. You can escape worldly disturbances and immerse yourself in the embrace of Tibet's mystical landscapes, feeling nature's healing power 🌳. It's like embarking on a retreat journey, allowing your soul to experience profound relaxation and purification.

#TravelChina Balagezone Scenic Area, Balagezone, a park covering an area of ​​176 square kilometers, is a collection of snow-capped mountains, Grand Canyons, rivers, streams, lakes, natural forests, and beautiful Tibetan ethnic customs and cultures amidst the steep and complex mountains, connecting the poor villages deep in the mountains with the outside world. And it has been developed into this national park. Point 1 Bala Tibetan Village Point 2 Tibetan temples, ancient Lama temples Point 3 The deepest valley in Yunnan Province Point 4 Balagezone Canyon #TravelShangri-La #PlanTravelChina #VisitPalagezonePark #Palagezone #TibetanVillage #TibetanTemple

> Balagezong Snow Mountain Towering at 5,545 meters, Balagezong Snow Mountain is the highest peak in Shangri-La County. Considered sacred in Tibetan Buddhism, it attracts pilgrims and trekkers alike. > Shangri-La Grand Canyon This U-shaped canyon showcases a dramatic elevation drop of over 3,500 meters, with cliffs rising 1,000–2,000 meters on either side. > Heaven-Leading Gorge (Tongtian Gorge) A narrow, deep gorge leading to Balagezong Snow Mountain, Heaven-Leading Gorge is characterized by its towering cliffs and echoing walls, offering a surreal hiking experience > Bala Village This ancient Tibetan village retains its traditional wooden architecture and offers insights into the region's rich cultural heritage. > Shambhala Pagoda A naturally formed pyramid-shaped peak, the Shambhala Pagoda stands at an elevation of around 4,200 meters. > Thousand-Year Bodhi Tree Located near the entrance of the scenic area, this ancient tree is notable for a branch resembling a Buddha's hand, attracting pilgrims and tourists seeking spiritual inspiration. Honest Opinion: Pros If you're someone who values raw nature, dramatic mountain landscapes, and a touch of Tibetan culture, this place can be magical. The views—especially of the Balagezong Snow Mountain and the canyon—are breathtaking. It's quieter than better-known areas like Tiger Leaping Gorge, which can be a huge plus. Many phototaking opportunities. Cons However, there is limited freedom. You have to take shuttle buses and stay on designated paths. Tickets are ridiculously expensive - 110 yuan for entrance, additional 60 yuan for shuttles bus, optional 120 yuan each for rafting or ziplining. This excludes the chartered car we hired for 400 yuan (Around 2 hours from Dukezhong). Shuttle bus leaves only when they are full/feel like it. At intervals of 45min+/-. Shuttle bus rides may make you puke due to the unlimited turns and bends of the roads. One moment, you are in high altitude, next moment, you are down in the valley. Food options are practically non-existent. VERDICT: Don't go if you are tight on time or do not appreciate nature. P.S. Didn't manage to visit any Snow Mountain areas, village areas and most areas are hotter than Shangri-La IMO. Visited on 22/05/2025. #shangri-la #balagezong #travel #yunnan #china

Sharing experiences from May 3-11, 2025.. Last October, I came to Yunnan once with a tour, which I thought was not enough, so I wanted to come again. It was a world-opener because I can't speak Chinese, even though I'm very Chinese. I tried to speak English, but it turned out to be Chinese, lol. But it was fun in a different way. The itinerary is as follows: Day 1: Bkk - Kunming, walk around the Golden Horse Gate and Emerald Chicken / Shuncheng Shopping Centre / Nanpingjia Street / Kunming New World Shopping Day 2: Walk to see the jasmine flowers at Jiaochang Middle Road, walk around the old town of Kunming / Ruo'an Duiyuelou Boutique Hotel (昆明若安对月楼酒店) / Aocheng Department Store, a circular building Day 3: Bye bye Kunming, take the high-speed train to Lijiang, walk around the old town Eat noodles across the bridge Day 4: Explore the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain / Blue Moon Valley Didn't watch the show because I wasn't really into it, so I went to Yun Ti Yang Cafe Day 5: Bye bye Lijiang, take the high speed train to Shangri-La, stay around Napahai Day 6: Stop by Heidou Cafe (黑豆咖啡厅), travel to Dukezong Ancient Town / Go to Songzanlin Temple (噶丹松赞林寺), take pictures of local costumes, then return to the old town Day 7: One day trip to Meili Snow Mountains, meet at 3 am to see the first light shining on Meili Mountain / Stop at various stops such as the first bend of the Yangtze River, Napahai Plain, which we were very tired from Arrive at the old city around 3 pm, find something to eat, sleep for a while, then go to Guishan Temple / Dafo Temple Day 8: Visit Balagazong Mountain & Shambala all day 8.30 am, arrive at the old city around 5 pm, walk around, prepare to return Day 9: Return to Thailand by plane from Shang for about 1 hour, transit at Kunming for about 2 hours, then fly back to Thailand for another 2 hours. The price is very cheap, around 3,4xx, very good Thank you to the brothers and sisters in the group who shared information, knowledge, and experiences, making traveling much easier, especially Pranee Sitaposa, who we kept asking questions about. * The tour and train were booked through Jayi JI / Ji Hemu.travel. The service, advice, and assistance were very good. * New friends, Su, who I met in Shang / the brothers and sisters at the dumpling shop Hope you enjoy it. Accommodation Booked through trip.com All: 1. Kunming >> Shihuayijing Hotel / 拾花一境慒店 (Mingming Fire Station Store) 2. Lijiang >> Shitouji · Guanshan Xiaoju Inn (Lijiang ancient city waterwheel store) 3. Shang >> Shangri-La Runjing Muqi B&B Fragrance Lila Runjing Muqi B&B · Kifuku Half-Mountain Garden (Nanpa Seaview Store) The owner is handsome. Tell me more 🤭🤭 4. Shang >> Shangri-La Yunbian View Homestay - Private Tibetan Homestay Hong Kong La Yun Guan View ⺠ Homestay (Indigo City Old Town ⼤Buddha Temple Transformation Hotel) Note: The hotel I chose mainly focused on the bathtub because it was very close to the bathtub. *Traveling in the city by didi all the time *Using unlimited e-sim is more convenient than roaming *Cash exchanged, almost never used / I like to use Alipay because it can translate languages, sometimes use WeChat Pay, alternately *I rarely eat local food because I can't eat spicy food, don't eat vegetables, and don't dare to try it because my stomach is not good, afraid of going to the bathroom *I went while sick, allergic to cigarettes / allergic to the air, and took medicine every day 🥺 *I encountered a gutter toilet once, the rest were squat toilets, which was acceptable #couplestrip #kunmingcity #lijiang #shangri-la

Visited Balagezong was one of the best trip I ever had! Even though the road trip was challenging and thrill, but upon we reach the mountain top, you will forget everything. It’s nice to visit here during snowfall so you can play around with the snow. Facilities: Non popular tourist attraction, so the facilities is lesser than other area Food: No halal food option, so bring your own 💞Reasons to Recommend: Snow Mountain, Scenery

I recently traveled to Shangri-La, Yunnan, and visited the Buddhist holy place, Bala Gezong - Bala Zhuoma Lhakhang Temple. I was moved by the sacred atmosphere here, and I would like to share a little about it here. During this visit to Balazhuoma Lakang Temple, I was fortunate to receive the blessing of the monk abbot, who carefully explained to me in detail the precious collections and Buddhist culture in the temple. 🌸Immersive experience of Tibetan Buddhist culture The Bala Drolma Lhakhang Temple has two floors, which house the White Tara, Green Tara, 108 Buddha statues, and the only three precious Buddhist scriptures left in the country, all of which make people feel the profound heritage of Buddhist culture. What’s more special is that the temple also provides scripture samples and pigments, which are prepared by monks for believers. Believers can experience hand-copied scriptures and thangka painting, and feel the charm of Tibetan Buddhism firsthand. When chatting with the owner of the B&B, I learned that Bala Gezong is a scenic spot developed in recent years. Although Balamakang Temple is located in the scenic spot, the outsourced business practices occasionally make tourists dissatisfied. The monks felt helpless but could do nothing. The host made an exception and allowed me to take photos, hoping that through my sharing, more people will understand the beauty and culture of Balazhuoma Lhakhang Temple. Before leaving, I felt the simplicity and beauty of the Tibetan people. Their piety and kindness were touching. The power of this sharing article may be small, but I hope to contribute to the Bala Drolma Lhakhang Temple and let more people feel this sacredness and beauty ❤️ #Shangri-La #Balagzong Scenic Area #Zhuoma Lakang Temple #Bala Zhuoma Lakang Temple #Buddhist Culture #Zhuoma Lakang #Yunnan Tourism

### **[Comprehensive Guide] Shangri-La Travel Guide: Itinerary + Tickets + Transportation + Accommodation + Food + Tips** **– Unveiling the "Sun and Moon in Your Heart" and Discovering the Purest Tibetan Paradise** --- ## **📅 Best Time to Visit** - **May–October** (lush green meadows in summer, vibrant forests in autumn) - **November–April** (stunning winter scenery, but some attractions may be closed) --- ## **🚗 Recommended Classic Itineraries** ### **[Classic 3-Day, 2-Night Tour]** **Day 1**: Dukezong Ancient City → Songzanlin Monastery → Napa Lake Loop **Day 2**: Pudacuo National Park → Tibetan Family Visit (experience butter tea and highland barley wine) **Day 3**: Balagezong Grand Canyon (or Shika Snow Mountain) → Return ### **[In-Depth 5-Day, 4-Night Tour]** **Day 1–2**: Same as above **Day 3**: Meili Snow Mountain (Feilai Temple to see the sunrise over the golden mountain) **Day 4**: Yubeng Trek (suitable for outdoor enthusiasts) **Day 5**: Return (passing Jinsha River Bend) --- ## **🎫 Main Attractions: Tickets & Opening Hours** | **Attraction** | **Ticket Price** | **Opening Hours** | **Notes** | |--------------|--------------|------------------|---------| | **Songzanlin Monastery** | CNY 90 (including shuttle bus) | 8:00–18:00 | "Little Potala Palace," Tibetan Buddhist holy site | | **Pudacuo National Park** | CNY 138 (including bus) | 8:30–16:00 | Only Shudu Lake is open; beautiful for hiking | | **Napa Lake** | Free (loop around the lake) | All day | Lake in the rainy season, grassland in the dry season | | **Balagezong** | CNY 165 (including transportation) | 8:00–16:30 | Secluded canyon, long drive | | **Meili Snow Mountain** | CNY 150 (Feilai Temple) | All day | Must-see sunrise over the golden mountain! | | **Dukezong Ancient City** | Free | All day | World's largest prayer wheel | --- ## **🚌 Transportation Guide** ### **1. How to Get to Shangri-La?** - **Plane**: Fly directly to Diqing Shangri-La Airport (flights from Kunming/Chengdu/Chongqing, etc.) - **Bus**: Lijiang → Shangri-La (approx. 4 hrs, CNY 80), Dali → Shangri-La (approx. 6 hrs, CNY 120) - **Self-Driving**: From Lijiang (approx. 3.5 hrs), stunning scenery along the way ### **2. Local Transportation** - **Chartered/Shared Car**: Recommended for visiting distant attractions like Pudacuo and Balagezong (approx. CNY 300–500/day) - **Taxi**: Starting price of CNY 7 within the city, but attractions are scattered - **Electric Bike**: Available for rent in the ancient city to loop around Napa Lake (approx. CNY 50/day) --- ## **📸 Must-Visit Attractions** ✅ **Songzanlin Monastery** – "Little Potala Palace" in the Tibetan area, golden roofs and red walls are stunning ✅ **Pudacuo National Park** – Alpine lakes, primeval forests, a hiker's paradise ✅ **Napa Lake** – Lake in the rainy season, grassland in the dry season, perfect for horseback riding and photos ✅ **Dukezong Ancient City** – World's largest prayer wheel, atmospheric lights at night ✅ **Meili Snow Mountain** – Sunrise over the golden mountain! A must-see sacred mountain in your lifetime (best in winter) ✅ **Balagezong** – The "Lost Horizon" secret realm, magnificent canyon scenery --- ## **🏨 Accommodation Recommendations** - **In Dukezong Ancient City**: - Shangri-La Hotel (high-end Tibetan style) - Yan Yi Inn (artistic and unique, great for photos) - **Near Songzanlin Monastery**: - Songtsam Linka Retreat at Songzanlin Monastery (Tibetan cultural theme, first-class service) - **Feilai Temple (Meili Snow Mountain)**: - Meili Memories (rooms with views directly facing the snow mountain) --- ## **🍜 Must-Eat Foods** 🔥 **Yak Hot Pot** – Piping hot highland delicacy (recommended: "Jing Jing De Ma Ni Shi") 🔥 **Butter Tea + Highland Barley Cake** – Standard Tibetan breakfast (sweet or salty options) 🔥 **Tibetan Pig** – Firm meat, best when roasted 🔥 **Matsutake Mushroom Chicken Soup** – Limited to summer, incredibly delicious 🔥 **Yak Yogurt** – Rich flavor, even better with honey --- ## **⚠️ Important Tips** 1. **Altitude Sickness**: Shangri-La is at an altitude of 3,300m. Avoid strenuous exercise and prepare oxygen tanks (CNY 20–30/tank). 2. **Sun Protection and Warmth**: Extremely strong UV rays! Sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen are essential. Large temperature difference between day and night, bring a jacket. 3. **Respect Customs**: Do not wear hats or step on thresholds in temples. Rotate prayer wheels clockwise. 4. **Cash**: Some attractions only accept cash (such as Songzanlin Monastery tour guide fees). 5. **Rainy Season Precautions**: Heavy rain in July–August, Napa Lake may flood the roads, drive carefully. --- **✨ Shangri-La, the closest place to paradise, is waiting for you to explore!** If you have more specific needs (such as hiking or photography spots), feel free to leave a comment~ 🌄

1. Preparation before the trip Best time to travel: May to October is the best time to travel to Shangri-La, with pleasant climate and beautiful scenery. July to August is the rainy season, but it is also the time when the grassland is the greenest. Transportation: Airplane: Shangri-La has Diqing Shangri-La Airport, which offers direct flights from Kunming, Chengdu, Chongqing and other places. Car: You can take a long-distance bus from Lijiang, Dali and other places to Shangri-La, which takes about 4-5 hours. Accommodation options: Shangri-La has a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to unique B&Bs. It is recommended to choose accommodation near Dukezong Ancient Town or Songzanlin Temple for easy travel. Note: Shangri-La is at a high altitude, so be careful to prevent altitude sickness. There is a big temperature difference between day and night, so you need to prepare warm clothes. Respect local Tibetan customs and habits. 2. Must-see attractions Dukezong Ancient Town: China's best-preserved and largest Tibetan residential complex, where you can experience Tibetan culture. Songzanlin Temple: The largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan Province, known as the "Little Potala Palace". Pudacuo National Park: The first national park in mainland China, it has natural landscapes such as lakes, wetlands, forests, and grasslands. Napahai: A seasonal alpine lake, it is the habitat of black-necked cranes in winter. Meili Snow Mountain: One of the eight sacred mountains in Tibet, the view of the golden mountain in the sun is spectacular. Balagzong Grand Canyon: Part of the Shangri-La Grand Canyon, with magnificent scenery. 3. Special Experience Taste Tibetan delicacies: butter tea, tsampa, yak beef hotpot, highland barley wine, etc. Participate in the Tibetan song and dance evening: feel the hospitality of the Tibetan people. Pray with prayer wheels: Turn the world’s largest prayer wheel in Dukezong Ancient Town and pray for peace and happiness. Horseback riding tour of Napahai: feel the vastness and freedom of the grassland. Hiking in Yubeng Village: Challenge yourself and feel the tranquility of a paradise. 4. Recommended itinerary Three-day tour: 1: Dukezong Ancient Town - Songzanlin Temple 2: Pudacuo National Park 3: Napahai - Return Five-day tour: 1: Dukezong Ancient Town - Songzanlin Temple 2: Pudacuo National Park 3. Napahai-Balagzong Grand Canyon 4: Meili Snow Mountain 5: Return 5. Travel Tips The ultraviolet rays in Shangri-La are strong, so please be careful to protect yourself from the sun. Cash transactions are the main method of payment in the area, so it is recommended that you prepare sufficient cash. When buying souvenirs, be careful to distinguish their authenticity and bargain appropriately. Shangri-La, a paradise on earth far away from the hustle and bustle, is waiting for you to explore its beauty and mystery.

🏔️ Balagezong—Shangri-La's last hidden gem. 🍁 A mystical realm forgotten by the world for over 1,300 years, a hidden corner once unmarked on any map. A modern-day "Yu Gong"—Sena Dingzhu—built a 35 km "sky road." 【Bala Village】—A wonderland in the clouds at 3,000 meters above sea level. The "sky road" winds upwards, and amidst the swirling clouds and mist, Bala Village appears like a paradise. 【Echo Wall】—Challenge your limits. Stroll along the cliffside walkway, experience the majestic Grand Canyon, and feel the thrill of the zip line. 【Shambhala Pagoda】—A mythical world of ice and snow. The natural pagoda snow mountain stands at 4,200 meters above sea level. The mountain is majestic, prayer flags flutter in the wind, and the snow is deep. Here, you can also enjoy skiing and snowmobiling. 【Shangri-La Grand Canyon】—The pleasure of a picturesque journey. Stroll along the boardwalk to the rafting dock, hop on a kayak, drift downstream, and experience the pleasure and beauty of a journey through a painting. 【Thousand-Year-Old Bodhi Tree】—Witness the vicissitudes of time. After three thousand years of weathering, the Bodhi tree is still lush and leafy. The Buddha's hand extending from the trunk silently supports the cliff face, as if narrating the vicissitudes and changes of time. 🚌 Transportation:     Direct bus: Departing from Dukezong Ancient Town in Shangri-La. Buses are available at 09:00 and 11:00, with a journey time of approximately 2 hrs.     Self-drive: Navigate to Balagezong. The scenery along the way is breathtaking, but please be aware of the winding mountain roads and drive carefully. 🎫 Tickets: Scenic spot tickets are only CNY 299, including the Shambhala Pagoda route, the glass walkway, and round-trip transportation from Dukezong Ancient Town. 🏡 Accommodation:     Balagezong Snow Mountain Starry Sky Hotel, Balagezong Snow Mountain Hot Spring Wellness Hotel ❗【Helpful tips】 1. There is a large temperature difference between day and night. Dress in layers to cope with the changing weather. 2. Take precautions against altitude sickness in high-altitude areas. Avoid strenuous exercise and prepare necessary items in advance. 3. The roads are winding. Those prone to motion sickness should prepare motion sickness medication to ensure a comfortable journey. 4. The UV rays are strong, so be sure to take sun protection measures. 5. Some activities within the scenic area require separate fees.