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A group of people in traditional attire dancing in a square with illuminated buildings in the background. 1
A snow-covered mountainous landscape with traditional Tibetan architecture, including a prominent yellow building with multiple tiers. 2
A traditional Chinese building with ornate architecture, illuminated at night. 3
Hands shaping a clay pot on a pottery wheel. 4
A traditional town with historic buildings and a mountainous backdrop. 5
By Aether Tours

Reviews

10 out of 10
Exceptional
Free cancellation available
Price is $180 per adult* *Get a lower price by selecting multiple adult tickets
See tickets

Features

  • Free cancellation available
  • 10h
  • Mobile voucher
  • Instant confirmation
  • Selective hotel pickup
  • Multiple languages

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.

Activity location

  • Dukezong Ancient Town
    • South East Of Shangri-La Old Town,
    • 674999, Shangri-La County, Yunnan, China

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • Dukezong Ancient Town
    • South East Of Shangri-La Old Town,
    • 674999, Shangri-La County, Yunnan, China

Check availability

Private Vehicle (No Guide)

  • Activity duration is 10 hours10h
    10h
  • English

No Tour Guide
Depart Shangri-La
Private Vehicle
Pickup included

Starting time: 8:00AM
Price details
$179.58 x 1 Adult$179.58
Total
Price is $179.58
Until Wed, Oct 28

Private Vehicle from Lijiang

  • Activity duration is 10 hours10h
    10h
  • English

No Tour Guide
Depart Lijiang
Private Vehicle
Pickup included

Starting time: 8:00AM
Price details
$245.94 x 1 Adult$245.94
Total
Price is $245.94
Until Wed, Oct 28

Private Vehicle + Tour Guide

  • Activity duration is 10 hours10h
    10h
  • English

Private Guide
Depart Shangri-La
Private Vehicle
Pickup included

Starting time: 8:00AM
Price details
$288.88 x 1 Adult$288.88
Total
Price is $288.88
Until Wed, Oct 28

Private Guide from Lijiang

  • Activity duration is 10 hours10h
    10h
  • English

Private Guide
Depart Lijiang
Private Vehicle
Pickup included

Starting time: 8:00AM
Price details
$355.25 x 1 Adult$355.25
Total
Price is $355.25
Until Wed, Oct 28

What's included, what's not

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

Know before you book

    • 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

Activity itinerary

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.

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.

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.

Potatso National Park

  • 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.

Napahai Scenic Area (Pass by)

A seasonal plateau lake—lakes in summer (with grazing livestock), golden grasslands in autumn, and swamps in winter-spring.

Sumtsaling 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.

Location

Activity location

  • LOB_ACTIVITIESLOB_ACTIVITIES
    Dukezong Ancient Town
    • South East Of Shangri-La Old Town,
    • 674999, Shangri-La County, Yunnan, China

Meeting/Redemption Point

  • PEOPLEPEOPLE
    Dukezong Ancient Town
    • South East Of Shangri-La Old Town,
    • 674999, Shangri-La County, Yunnan, China

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