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On the very edge of the Tibetan plateau is one of the most important Llamaist monasteries outside Tibet. The 300-year-old Songzanlin Monastery, home to around 600 monks, dominates the outskirts of the frontier town of Shangri-La.
A new airport has opened up this beautiful and previously remote Tibetan region, named ‘Shangri-la’ after James Hilton’s mythical mountain paradise.
Around Shangri-La
Further north, at Deqen, yak-herding nomads tend their animals in a dramatic landscape of remarkable limestone terraces and slow-moving glaciers.
From here the overland route to Chengdu in Sichuan Province is open to the adventurous via a spectacular but arduous journey reaching more than 4,500 metres across the high Tibetan steppe to Litang — home to a fabulous Tibetan horse festival each August — and great Mount Gonga.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Shangri-La by contacting one of our China specialists
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01993 838 92501993 838 220
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Suggested itineraries featuring Shangri-La
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Shangri-La, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Shangri-La
- Tiger Leaping Gorge 48 miles away
- Lijiang 73 miles away
- Shaxi 105 miles away
- Dali 150 miles away
- Kunming 268 miles away
Photos of Shangri-La
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![Young monk at the Songzanlin Monastery]()
Young monk at the Songzanlin Monastery -
![Songzanlin Monastery, Zhongdian]()
Songzanlin Monastery, Zhongdian -
![Songzanlin Monastery, Zhongdian, China]()
Songzanlin Monastery, Zhongdian, China -
![Monk looking out at the view over Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-la]()
Monk looking out at the view over Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-la -
![Songzanlin Monastery, Shangri-la]()
Songzanlin Monastery, Shangri-la -
![Shangri-la, China]()
Shangri-la, China -
![Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-la]()
Songzanlin Monastery in Shangri-la -
![Hiking near the Ringha Valley, Shangri-la]()
Hiking near the Ringha Valley, Shangri-la
Our expert guides to exploring Shangri-La
Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Shangri-La, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Shangri-La at its best.
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Characterful stays in China ![Songtsam Hotel, Shangri-la]()
Characterful stays in China
Characterful stays in China
Whether you’re staying in a converted farmhouse surrounded by countryside or a traditional Tibetan building overlooking a monastery, basing yourself in a boutique property during your holiday to China opens your eyes to new cultures and authentic local life. Country specialist Stephanie shares her recommendations.
Read this guide -
The slow side of China: visiting the rural provinces ![Li river, Guilin]()
The slow side of China: visiting the rural provinces
The slow side of China: visiting the rural provinces
There are still places to visit in China that remain almost untouched by the modern world. Country specialist Cheryl shares her experiences of rural China, from meeting local people and learning about their minority cultures to hiking through mountains and rice terraces.
Read this guide -
China’s spiritual side: the best temples, grottoes, mosques and mountains ![Songzanlin Monastery, Shangri-la]()
China’s spiritual side: the best temples, grottoes, mosques and mountains
China’s spiritual side: the best temples, grottoes, mosques and mountains
You can explore spiritual China in country specialist Anthony’s guide to the Middle Kingdom’s most intriguing holy places. He shares his thoughts on the why and how of visiting Buddhist monasteries, temples and cave art, and even sacred mountains.
Read this guide
Accommodation choices for Shangri-La
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Shangri-La. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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![Songtsam Hotel, Zhongdian]()
Songtsam Hotel
Shangri-La -
![Songtsam Retreat <<new accor hotel>>, Zhongdian]()
Songtsam Linka
Shangri-La
Ideas for experiencing Shangri-La
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Shangri-La, and which use the best local guides.
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Dabao Temple Hike ![Interior of traditional Tibetan house]()
Dabao Temple Hike
Dabao Temple Hike
The trek begins at Ruobola Hill, heading through the forests toward Dabao. During the journey the highest sections are around 3,500 metres above sea level.
View details -
Songzanlin Monastery ![Songzanlin Monastery]()
Songzanlin Monastery
Songzanlin Monastery
This 300-year-old monastery houses over 600 Tibetan monks and is one of the most prominent Tibetan monasteries in southwest China.
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