Shangri-la

Shangri-la (香格里拉, Xiānggélǐlā), formerly known as Zhongdian (中甸, Zhōngdiàn) and sometimes 'Gyalthang' in Tibetan, is where you really start to breathe in the Tibetan world – if you can breathe at all, given the altitude.

Home to one of Yunnan’s most important monasteries and surrounded by mountains, lakes and grassland, it's also the last stop in Yunnan before a rough five- to six-day journey to Chengdu via the Tibetan townships and rugged terrain of western Sichuan.

The town is divided into two distinct sections: the larger modern side and the old quarter. A devastating fire in January 2014 sent much of the old town up in smoke, but it's now been almost completely rebuilt. Most of the places you'll visit in the new town are within walking distance of the old town, making getting around easy.

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Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Shangri-la.

  • Monastery

    Ganden Sumtseling Gompa

    This 300-year-old Tibetan monastery complex about 4km north of the old town is home to around 600 monks. Extensive rebuilding has robbed the monastery of…

  • Buddhist Temple

    Guishan Buddhist Temple

    Atop 'Great Turtle Hill' in the heart of the old town, this modern temple stands on the site of an original 1667 construction consecrated to a replica of…

  • Cultural Centre

    Shangri-la Thangka Academy

    Thangka master Lobsang Khudup trains young students in painting and Buddhist philosophy here. Even if you're not in the market to buy, it's worth stopping…

  • Lake

    Pudacuo National Park

    China's first national park, this collection of small mountain lakes is about 25km east of Shangri-la. From the visitor centre, a 20-minute bus ride drops…

  • Buddhist Temple

    Gyalthang Ringha Monastery

    One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Yunnan, local monks claim this small hilltop temple in a walled forest reserve is at least 500 years old and perhaps…

  • Buddhist Temple

    Bǎijī Sì

    For the best views over Shangri-la, head to this delightfully named and little-visited temple. The temple has a couple of monks inside and a handful of…

  • Historic Site

    Zhuǎnjīng Tǒng

    This huge prayer wheel just beside Guishan Temple stands at 21m high and contains 100,000 small prayer wheels. At least six people are needed to make it…

  • Lake

    Nàpà Hǎi

    Some 7km northwest of Shangri-la you’ll find the seasonal Napa Sea, surrounded by a large grassy meadow that pushes right up to the mountains. Between…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Shangri-la.

  • Activities