Travel Guide to Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Best season May to October is the peak season, with pleasant climate, green grasslands and azaleas in full bloom; the autumn scenery is beautiful from the end of October to November, and the probability of sunshine shining on the Meili Snow Mountain is high; winter is cold but there are few tourists, suitable for snow mountain enthusiasts. Transportation Guide • Airplane: Diqing Shangri-La Airport directly flies to Kunming, Chengdu and other places, and many places need to transfer through Kunming. • Self-driving: Lijiang to Shangri-La is about 3 hours (G214 National Highway), with magnificent scenery along the way; Shangri-La to Deqin (Meili Snow Mountain) is about 4 hours. • Bus: Kunming/Lijiang has direct buses to Shangri-La, and the journey takes about 6-8 hours. Classic 3-day route Day1: Shangri-La City • Dukezong Ancient City: the world's largest prayer wheel (requires multiple people to work together to turn), Moonlight Square Tibetan-style buildings. • Ganden Songzanlin Temple (Little Potala Palace): Take photos of the morning mist and the reflection of the temple in the early morning. You need to walk clockwise when visiting. • Napahai Yila Grassland: Horseback riding around the lake in summer, black-necked crane habitat in winter (it is recommended to charter a car around the lake). Day2: Pudacuo National Park • Shudu Lake and Bitahai hiking (3.3 km wooden plank road), colorful forests in autumn, and snow-capped mountains in winter. • Tickets are 138 (including sightseeing buses). It is recommended to enter the park before 9 o'clock to avoid tour groups. Day3: Deqin County (Meili Snow Mountain) • Feilai Temple Observation Deck: Take photos of the "Sunshine Golden Mountain" in the early morning (the best time is November-May of the following year). • Yubeng Village (need to hike or ride a mule): Shenpu and Ice Lake hiking routes, suitable for outdoor enthusiasts (it is recommended to reserve 2 days). Notes • Altitude sickness: Take Rhodiola rosea in advance, avoid strenuous exercise, and prepare oxygen cylinders. • Cultural respect: Take off your hat when entering a temple, do not step on prayer flags or touch Buddha statues, and turn the prayer wheel clockwise. • Dressing suggestions: The temperature difference between day and night is large, so you need to bring a down jacket/jacket, and sunscreen and sunglasses are essential. • Dining tips: Try Tibetan yak beef hot pot and butter tea, and avoid raw and cold food. Surrounding recommendations • Balagzong Canyon: A comprehensive landscape of canyons, snow-capped mountains, and villages, which requires a separate day. • Baishuitai (near Tiger Leaping Gorge): China's version of "Pamukkale", with calcified pools like terraced fields. Tips • Choose Feilai Temple or Wunongding for accommodation in the Meili Snow Mountain area, which has a better view. • It is recommended to find a local guide for hiking in Yubeng Village and download an offline map in advance. Diqing, a pure land that integrates snow-capped mountains, grasslands, and faith, can only feel the true meaning of "Shangri-La" by walking slowly and savoring it. #Sign up for tripbest July hotel tester