Top 10 Best Things to Do in Shangri-La
left-leaf
trip-best

Top 10 Best Things to Do in Shangri-La

right-leaf
Trip.Best is a collection of travel rankings that takes into account the travel choices and genuine preferences of hundres of millions of Trip.com users. It is updated monthly based on real data.
2026 Global 100
2026 Global 100 image
Innovation Award
Innovation Award image
Contact Us
facebook icon
instagram icon
tiktok icon
󰴉
Theme filters
District
Theme filters
District
  • Potatso National Parktop_1
    󰺂8.2
    317
    Shangri-La.Pudacuo National Forest Park25 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoPudacuo Low-Altitude Sightseeing Tour Project Launched
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 50 - Fall Viewing Attractions
    Highlights:
    󰋄Winter mist & May-June
    󱨜Winter mist on Shudu Lake
    󱨠Saved by 864 users󱨠3638 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    _cs***01_cs***01

    Returning to the first national park on the mainland after 18 years, I happened to be there today and it snowed, so I did a snow hike, which was quite enjoyable overall. However, the shuttle buses in the park sometimes require waiting, which I hope can be improved.

  • Songzanlin Scenic Spottop_2
    󰺂7.7
    Shangri-La.Ganden Sumtseling Monastery3.2 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄Grand Cham dance during Gaden Ngamchoe
    󰀆Watch grand Cham dance festival
    󱨠Saved by 871 users󱨠1410 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    海的皱纹还给风海的皱纹还给风

    Songzanlin Monastery truly lives up to its reputation as the "Little Potala Palace." Arriving early in the morning, before the mist had fully dissipated, the layers of golden roofs and white walls shimmered under the high-altitude sun—a breathtaking sight I will never forget. Three details that moved me most: • The weight of faith: Inside the main hall, the dim light of butter lamps illuminated the murals, and the air was filled with the scent of incense and the passage of time. Watching the local elders tremblingly adding butter, I suddenly understood that this was not just a tourist attraction, but an integral part of their lives. • A gaze upon the crows: Flocks of crows circled above the monastery roof; locals say they are guardian spirits. Standing high above, gazing at these dark spirits, I felt a primal connection between humanity and nature. The "Stairway to Enlightenment": Climbing 147 steps left me breathless, but with each step back, the view widened—much like a spiritual journey; the more physically exhausted, the clearer the mind. Practical Tips: • Hire a local guide (around 80 yuan). They'll explain the true meaning of turning the prayer wheel clockwise and not stepping on the threshold. • After 4 pm, the crowds thin out, and the light is perfect for photographing the golden roof. • The butter tea at the stalls outside the temple is authentic; a bowl for 5 yuan can dispel the high-altitude chill. Looking back at the panoramic view as I left, I suddenly understood—this place allows everyone to find different answers: perhaps beauty, perhaps faith, perhaps just a moment of tranquility. At an altitude of 3380 meters, it's not just the body that's close to the sky, but also the heart.

  • Balagezong Scenic Areatop_3
    󰺂7.3
    220
    Shangri-La63.5 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoBalagezong Scenic Area: A Winter Wonderland of Snow-Capped Mountains and Serene Canyons | Nov 2025-Jan 2026
    trip best small logoFeatured in 2026 China 50 - Fall Viewing Attractions
    Highlights:
    󰀆Centennial Tibetan homes & snowy mountains
    River, forest & peaks: photographer's paradise
    󱨠Saved by 1016 users󱨠1139 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    Stephen.Lim1992Stephen.Lim1992

    Underrated place and worth to explore before it went viral. You can spend whole day here.

  • White Water Terraces
    4
    󰺂6.9
    40
    Shangri-La49.5 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄Multicultural Bai Shui Festival
    󰀆Overlook Baishuitai from viewpoint
    󱨠Saved by 919 users󱨠300 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    M10***51M10***51

    It's not tiring to walk up without riding a horse. The first section is steep, but the wooden plank road is easy to walk on. There are a few benches in the middle where you can rest for a while. You can see the whole picture from the treetop viewing platform. The weather is good today, the scenery is beautiful, and it is very photogenic. I bought the ticket online and had to go to the tourist center to exchange it for a paper ticket, which is a bit cumbersome and there is no point in buying the ticket online.

  • Dukezong Ancient Town
    5
    󰺂6.9
    Shangri-La.Dukezong Ancient City1.9 km from downtown
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Shangri-La
    Highlights:
    󰀆Lotus layout around Moonlight Plaza
    󱨜Majestic Meili Snow Mountain views
    󱨠Saved by 724 users󱨠303 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    小小言西早小小言西早

    A truly worthwhile place to visit. The cultural history and old town charm are all worth experiencing and appreciating. Located at a high altitude, it offers opportunities for leisurely walking, exploration, and hands-on activities. 😀🌷👍

  • Shika Snow Mountain
    6
    󰺂6.3
    Shangri-La10.8 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoShika Snow Mountain opens | Sep 10, 2024
    Highlights:
    󰋄Cable cars to summit: 3-4 hours
    󱓊Diverse views & famous peaks
    󱨠Saved by 217 users󱨠277 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    咖啡冰咖啡冰

    Purchasing tickets on Ctrip is fast and effective. Although there is no snow on the snow-capped mountains recently, it is close to Shangri-La, has cable cars going up and down, few people, and new facilities. I highly recommend it!

  • Haba Snow Mountain
    7
    󰺂6.1
    Shangri-La66.9 km from downtown
    trip best TravelHotspot logoDiscover a winter wonderland in Yunnan | Nov 2025-Jan 2026
    Highlights:
    󰀆Beginner & expert-friendly hiking trails
    󱓊Beginner-friendly peak in 2-3 days
    󱨠Saved by 126 users󱨠25% positive reviews
    4.8/5
    哈巴雪山云来客栈哈巴雪山云来客栈

    There is a passion called climbing Haba Snow Mountain, and there is a beauty called hiking Haba Black Lake. If you haven't been here yet, make an appointment with me and take you to hike on the plateau pasture to appreciate the holy water and holy lake, or to overlook the Meili Snow Mountain, Yulong Snow Mountain, Yading Three Sacred Mountains and other snow-capped mountains from the top of Haba Snow Mountain.

  • Wudi Lake
    8
    󰺂5.7
    Shangri-La53.3 km from downtown
    4.4/5
    藍色主題藍色主題

    On my way from Shangri-La to Daocheng Yading, I passed by the Bottomless Lake Scenic Area. The 10 RMB cleaning fee was so worth it! It's a true paradise on earth, with crystal-clear blue waters, tranquil pristine forests, and lush alpine meadows. The staff were friendly, and aside from the unpaved roads being a little difficult to navigate, everything else was fantastic! Highly recommended!

  • Dafo Temple Prayer Wheel
    9
    󰺂5.5
    Shangri-La.Dukezong Ancient City2.1 km from downtown
    󱨠Saved by 219 users󱨠50% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Carmen2207Carmen2207

    Visited the Dafo Temple and the giant prayer wheel there is seriously impressive! Spinning it with the locals felt really calming and special. Plus, the view from the top is amazing🥺 you can see all of Shangri-La! It's a peaceful and meaningful stop for sure 🩵

  • Shanghutiao Canyon
    10
    󰺂5.5
    Shangri-La.Tiger Leaping Gorge81.8 km from downtown
    󱨠Saved by 123 users
    4.6/5
    ale***73ale***73

    Tiger Leaping Gorge is indeed spectacular, the roar of the river is deafening, I have been downstream, this is the first time I have seen this style of the Yangtze River. There are many people in Tiger Leaping Gorge, the venue is small, most of them drive here by themselves, by 10 o'clock in the morning, the queue is several kilometers, and the people inside have to leave before the outside can be let in. It is not easy to play once, but it is worth it.

Best things to do in Shangri-La (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Shangri-La? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Shangri-La offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Shangri-La

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Shangri-La experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Potatso National Park

• Shangri-La.Pudacuo National Forest Park | 25 km from downtown

• : Winter mist & May-June,Winter mist on Shudu Lake

Songzanlin Scenic Spot

• Shangri-La.Ganden Sumtseling Monastery | 3.2 km from downtown

• : Grand Cham dance during Gaden Ngamchoe,Watch grand Cham dance festival

Balagezong Scenic Area

• Shangri-La | 63.5 km from downtown

• : Centennial Tibetan homes & snowy mountains,River, forest & peaks: photographer's paradise

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Shangri-La

If you want to explore attractions just outside Shangri-La, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Shangri-La, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Shangri-La special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Shangri-La

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Shangri-La

Ready to explore the best of Shangri-La? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Shangri-La?
These are all Best Things to Do in Shangri-La:Potatso National Park, Songzanlin Scenic Spot, Balagezong Scenic Area, White Water Terraces, Dukezong Ancient Town
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Shangri-La?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Shangri-La include:Potatso National Park:4.4, Songzanlin Scenic Spot:4.4, Balagezong Scenic Area:4.5, White Water Terraces:4.5, Dukezong Ancient Town:4.6
At what locations in Shangri-La can Best Things to Do in Shangri-La be found?
The Best Things to Do in Shangri-La are mainly located in:Potatso National Park:Shangri-La, Songzanlin Scenic Spot:Shangri-La, Balagezong Scenic Area:Shangri-La, White Water Terraces:Shangri-La, Dukezong Ancient Town:Shangri-La
󰴉