Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour

Lijiang, China
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Duration10h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesChinese, English
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Discover the beauty and charm of Shangri-La from Lijiang on a fully customizable private tour with an experienced English-speaking guide. This tour allows you to explore signature spots designed to give you an in-depth understanding of Shangri-La's history, culture and natural wonders while catering to your personal interest and pace.

Shangri-La is located in the northwestern part of Yunnan Province in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Formerly known as Zhongdian County, it was renamed to Shangri-La in 2001. Appeared in James Hilton's novel Lost Horizon in 1933, it had become a dream place for people around the world. In Tibetan, Shangri-La means 'the Sun and Moon in one's heart'. It is a pure land that perfectly preserves the area’s natural ecology and traditional culture. The grasslands surrounded by snow-capped mountains are full of bright sunshine and fresh air. There are also clear and tranquil lakes as well as magnificent temples and friendly Tibetans.

Options

Private Vehicle + Tour Guide

Private Guide
Depart Shangri-La
Private Vehicle
Pickup included

Private Guide from Lijiang

Private Guide
Depart Lijiang
Private Vehicle
Pickup included

Private Vehicle from Lijiang

No Tour Guide
Depart Lijiang
Private Vehicle
Pickup included

Private Vehicle (No Guide)

No Tour Guide
Depart Shangri-La
Private Vehicle
Pickup included

What's included

  • Private Guide (option)
  • Customized Itinerary
  • Private Vehicle with Hotel Pickup/Dropoff
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Meals and beverages
  • Personal expenses
  • Admission Tickets to Paid Attractions

What to expect

  1. Dukezong Ancient Town
    1h
    Dukezong Ancient Town: enchanting thousand-year-old streets, traditional white-painted Tibetan houses, and vibrant prayer flags, delivers a vivid snapshot of Tibetan culture. This town is designed in an eight-petal lotus shape, reflecting the geomatic features of this mountainous area. Known as 'moonlight city' for its silver glow at night, the town was an essential stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Visitors can immerse themselves in a rich cultural tapestry through local crafts, performances, and teahouses within this town.
  2. Shangri-la Grand Canyon. Balagezong
    1h · Admission ticket not included
    Balagezong Grand Canyon features a range of natural attractions including steep cliffs, U-shaped gorges, and diverse ecosystems. This place provides a perfect blend of cultural and ecological tourism with activities like rafting through meandering rivers and exploring ancient, culturally rich Tibetan villages such as Diqing Bala Village.
  3. White-Water Terraces (Baishuitai)
    1h · Admission ticket not included
    The birthplace of Naxi Dongba teaching.According to legend, the gods of the Naxi people used to create the terraces in order to let the local Naxi people learn how to cultivate the farmland. Therefore, the descendants were praised as the "fairy people". Dubbed "China’s Cotton Castle," this natural limestone terrace resembles a frozen waterfall. The turquoise pools, formed by calcium-rich springs, glow under sunlight—perfect for photography.
  4. 2h · Admission ticket not included
    renowned for its ecological significance and breathtaking natural beauty. It is home to Bita Lake known for its legends and pristine conditions, and Shudu Lake, celebrated for its clear waters and vibrant wildlife. The park offers an array of activities such as hiking and bird-watching across different terrains from lakes to lush pastures, perfect during the colorful seasons of spring and summer. The highest point in the park is 4,670 meters above sea level, and the lowest point is 2,347 meters above sea level. There are many unique small scenic spots such as fault cliffs, forest brooks, and deep canyons staggered, including relatively primitive and complete forest shrubs, alpine meadows, wetland lakes, geological relics, river canyon ecosystems, etc.
  5. Pass by
    A seasonal plateau lake—lakes in summer (with grazing livestock), golden grasslands in autumn, and swamps in winter-spring.
  6. Songzanlin Monastery
    1h · Admission ticket not included
    Stands out for its architectural resemblance to Lhasa's iconic architecture Potala Palace. It serves as a central cultural and spiritual site in Shangri-La. Its unique designs together with valuable religious artifacts and detailed murals depicting Buddha's life, offers insights into Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery's setting on Foping Mountain affords visitors stunning landscape views, enriching their visit with both spiritual and visual delight. Because of the temple's many cultural and religious treasures as used in Tibetan Buddhism, this site is absolutely worth a visit.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

We will pick you from the hotel lobby

Additional information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
115.00 SGD per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Aether Tours · Booked through Viator
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From
115.00 SGD per person
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