Things to do & places to visit in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan, China

Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture prefecture in Yunnan, China. Timezone: Asia/Chongqing, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 2:55.

Top things to do (20)

Top places to visit (24 attractions)

5.0 Shangri-La Highland Craft Brewery (26 reviews)
- Amazing place!
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Breweries

We are China's first fully licensed craft brewery located at the foot of the Shangri-La mountain range. In cooperation with Swiss and German beer experts, our beer is still brewed using traditional and manual methods, with special focus placed on the use of pristine resources. Our prime brewing ingredients are all local, including highland barley and alpine spring water. See more..
5.0 Kawagebo Peak (18 reviews)
- majestic mountain
Mountains

I have never seen a peak more elegant and mystic. No wonder it's sacred o the Tibetans. The Mingyong glacier which flows of its flank is equally marvelous. Make sure your guide takes you up to Lian Hua Si (Temple) and not only to Tai Zi Si, because the lower end of the glacier is disappointing, only from Lian Hua Si you get the most fantastic view of the glacier and up the mountain! See more..
5.0 Yubeng Waterfall (11 reviews)
- Gorgeous Day Hike
Waterfalls

Easily one of the best hikes I’ve taken in China. Easy paved trail with stairs but some pretty steep switchbacks near the end. Sadly litter is everywhere. See more..
5.0 Bodhidharma Cave (7 reviews)
- Secret Holly mountain
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Caverns & Caves • Religious Sites

This Bodhidharma Cave is located at the Top hill of Tacheng Secret Holly mountain.Which local people from village say that every year of the Monkey here lots of people comes from different part of Deqin region to visit this Secret Holly mountain.Even for pilgrims.When you get to this place you can feel very quite.Around the Secret Holly mountain you can do hike for 1 hrs.And the Holly mountain is all cover and hangover by Tibetan prayer flags. See more..
4.5 Shudu Lake (143 reviews)
- Shuodu Lake in Pudacuo National Park
Bodies of Water

One of the lakes in Pudacuo National Park (the first national park in China). I was there mid of October 2012, and the views are fabulous!! Blue skies, white clouds, great sunshine and beautiful autumn colors. There are eco-buses to take you around the park, and the first stop in the park is Shuodu Lake. You can opt to walk around the lake on a wooden walkway (easy and won't get lost), total distance is 3.3km with lots of photo taking opportunities or continue to the next stop via eco-bus but you will miss lots of scenery. I have spent about 2 hours plus to finish the walk because I stop a lot for photos taking otherwise I think the walk can be done in 1 to 2 hours. I practically have the place by myself when I was there. Didn't encounter tour groups, occasionally bump into individual travelers, having said that all walk at different pace so no issue of crowdness. Will post some pictures here when I have time. See more..
4.5 Birang Grand Canyon (141 reviews)
- To enjoy Shangri La surroundings
Friday: 7:00 AM - 6:30 PM Canyons

We spent 2 full days in Shangri La. A local tourist guide Tsiering (Tony) who spoke good english showed us monateries, countryside and told us about the Tibetan culture. He was friendly, interesting and very helpful and will be looking after you if you call him up. He can be reached at [email protected] or at the Rockside hotel in the old town. There are a lot of things to do in Shangri La, including a beautiful walk at Shudu Lake, enjoy it! See more..
4.5 SongZan LinSi ZangBao ZhanLanGuan (73 reviews)
- A place not to miss
Speciality Museums

We wanted to visit this temple in this Tibetan setting and landscape and we didn’t regret at all! Beautiful location in a small village with many monks. Peaceful temple and a monk was blessing all the visitors. The walk to the temple was also so lovely. A place not to miss. I could go back there many times. See more..
4.5 Shangri-la Grand Canyon. Balagezong (54 reviews)
- Excellent views
Spent More than 3 hours Mountains • National Parks • Canyons

Shangri-La Grand Canyon Balagezong, a national scenic area, lies at the junction of Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet provinces, also, at the core area centrally of Hongshan in "Three Parallel Rivers" World Natural Heritage Area, located in northwestern Shangri-La city Nissi country. It is about 45 minutes from Shangri-La city center (after the 214 State line Road, two road expansion). Its total area is about 176 square kilometers. Scenic Balagezong Snow Mountain is the highest point in Shangri-La County, 5545 meters above sea level; The southern water village is the lowest point, 2000 meters above sea level. their relative elevation is 3545 meters. Vertical perspective view of the topography and the climate is very prominent, which almost inclusive all the modern natural vertical type with three-dimensional ecological and landscape resources of Northwest Yunnan "Three Parallel Rivers" World Natural Heritage.There are many viewpoints in Balagezong scenic. They distribute more concentrated, combination focused and in an orderly place, and have clear features of three-dimensional combination. It amazing at high, deep, dangerous and famous of odd, male, and especially. Also it encouraging people by spirituality, wonderful and beautiful. Set scenic snow-capped mountains, valleys, forests, lakes, meadows, pastures, rivers, villages as a whole, form a unique view with a set of various landscape and an overall experience. Its special geography and climate of different seasons in different places makes here lone spectacle views. "Gap in Gap, Gap has the Gap, Gap connected and criss-crossthe Cap" is a unique masterpiece King scenic of Shangri-La Grand Canyon, also the only Canyon area which can capable of Brahmaputra Grand Canyon. There are many amazing science in Balagezong. The masterpiece canyon mountains, the Millennium quiet quaint Tibetan tribes, the polar rippling holy glacial lakes, snow-capped mountains, and the unique natural pagoda recorded in "Tripitaka", which is th... See more..
4.5 Shanghutiao Canyon (52 reviews)
- After hiking the high passes, then to descend into the gorge
Bodies of Water • Canyons

A worthwhile visit although not as stunning as the higher mountain views in this area. As a solo traveller I didn't mind the various "toll payments" as you progressed into the gorge, although some larger groups expressed their disapproval quite loudly. It might have been avoided had a full list of prices simply been displayed on entering that area. People could well act irately as this subterfuge, but really it wasn't so much and the experience was quite enjoyable. See more..
4.5 Natural Bridge of Xianggelila (43 reviews)
- Swimming with our tour guide
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Bridges

Today, we had a wonderful walk trough the mountains and the monastery and finally we had a nice swim in the hot spring pool. Without this tourguide we didn't know this kind of place so we defenitly can recommend to go with a private tour guide who can show you some nice places including this water pool. If you're planning to visit Shangri-La, you should defenitely contact this guide! His number is 0086(for china) + 13988702359. See more..
4.5 Haba Snow Mountain (33 reviews)
- Haba Snow Mountain is recommended
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Mountains • Forests

Haba Snow Mountain is a junior snow mountain in China. The scenery is very good and it is worth visiting. Difficulty index: 6 stars, very suitable for beginner snow mountain lovers.I asked a guide 2300RMB for 3 days (including 3 days of accommodation, 3 days of food, 2 days of guide fees and 2 days of equipment costs), the guide is very good. One to one service. Recommended guide, name: Sha Feng: WeChat/Phone: 15184999194 See more..
4.5 Bitahai Nature Reserve (31 reviews)
- Prepare to walk
Bodies of Water • Mountains • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests

Bitahai Nature Reserve is a wonderful experience, even if it’s just for the ride getting there. Be prepared to walk along the edge of the lake for 4ks and all along wide decked paths. The flora and fauna is amazing. See more..
4.5 Shangri-La Zhongxin Town Church (29 reviews)
- Definitely worth a visit
Friday: 7:00 AM - 10:30 PM Religious Sites

We were warned off visiting Shangri La because there is 'not much left to see'. Quite the opposite. It's a fascinating city and this town church site is very charming. See more..
4.5 Dongzhulin Temple (27 reviews)
- Peaceful Temple
Friday: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM Historic Sites • Observation Decks & Towers • Religious Sites

I stopped at this place on my way from to Deqin, local driver suggested us to visit the temple. It was a very peaceful place and I enjoyed my time there. Inside there are Tibetan Buddhism statues. See more..
4.5 Feilaisi National Forest Park (17 reviews)
- Remarkable
Friday: 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM State Parks • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks • Forests

Incredible nature and temple. We watched the sunrise from Fei lai si while the monks chanted in the temple and birds chirped nearby. Incredible. By the way, don't go on the platform, its to expensive, go around it and enjoy. See more..
4.5 Lanyue Mountain Valley (15 reviews)
- Mountain with Good View and Cable Car Service
Mountains • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Nature & Wildlife Areas

The peak stands at 4500m. The view is good with sprawling mountain stretching far and horizon disappearing. As cable car is available, it doesn't require much effort ascending to the top. The peak is snowcapped hence those who hasn't seen snow before will get to play snowball game ;-) Since it's not far from the city and the view is pretty good, it's worth your time. See more..
4.5 White Horse Snow Mountain National Nature Reserve (11 reviews)
- With American groups
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Mountains • Nature & Wildlife Areas • Forests

North of Shangri-La on the way to Dechen. More than 100km.Beautiful hike you can do it.Only if you stay at Benzilan or Dechen.5-6-7hrs hike.English tour guide Thupten Tsering contact no:13988788410. See more..
4.5 Lancang river Canyon (9 reviews)
- Border to Yunnan & Tibet.
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Bodies of Water • Mountains • Canyons

It’s on the way to the border from Yunnan to Central Tibet,From Dechen county is 100km,it’s takes more than 2-3 hrs. See more..
4.5 Yunnan Golden Monkey National Park (6 reviews)
- Yunnan Golden Monkey National Park
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM National Parks • Forests

Yunnan Golden Monkey National Park (滇金丝猴国家公园) Arrived at the Yunnan golden monkey natural reserve around 9am. We then took a little buggy up the road, then trekked for thirty minutes up the mountain. We saw a troop snubbed nose monkeys, I would say around thirty of them, watched them for a good ninety minutes (most were eating lichen, some teenagers were playing about) until we headed down the mountain for a well deserved cup of tea! See more..
4.0 Dukezong Ancient Town (247 reviews)
- Fantastic Day or Night
Friday: 8:30 AM - 11:00 PM Historic Sites

Some ancient towns get too crowded but this one was fine and had great excitement in the air. There is great Tibetan, Yunnan and Western food throughout. Worth walking through in the evening as there is a square where the locals meet to dance and not a ladies dance but a traditional circle dance. Guishan Park is in the middle and there are many inviting shops and hotels. There are many yak items throughout and we heard good things about the yak hot pot. We tried yak cheese momos and some sort of pastry that were very tasty. See more..
4.0 Guishan Park (222 reviews)
- Shangri-La's most famous Guishan Park
Parks

Shangri-La's Guishan Park is located on a hill, the peak of which is the highest point of Dukezong Ancient Town. Dukezong, the ancient Tibetan town of "love, peace and sunshine." See more..
4.0 White-Water Terraces (Baishuitai) (94 reviews)
- Fantastic sunrise!
Friday: 7:30 AM - 7:30 PM Fountains • Waterfalls

This was one of the highlights of my whole trip to Yunnan. The scenery from the top is absolutely stunning and I have no idea how the water can be so blue! We drove here from Shangri-la in January. The roads were icy and some larger cars were struggling to get up the hills, but we managed in our little car. We stayed in a guesthouse in the village at the bottom called Naxi Family (phone no 15284574386 - they only speak Chinese), then watched the sunrise the following morning which was incredible! 2 hours is enough to see this, but I would thoroughly recommend staying overnight. We were the only people there when we visited in January. Name in Chinese: 白水台 See more..
4.0 Shika Snow Mountains (73 reviews)
- What you need
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks • Lookouts • Observation Decks & Towers • Scenic Walking Areas

We went in July, so this will be very different for those traveling when there is snow. 1. Get a driver who will take you for 40 RMB and get you a discount ticket for 200 RMB 2. Bring your own windbreaker and coat. Those red ones they rent look disgusting. 3. Sunscreen, we got burnt even with it. 4. If you think you need oxygen, buy it in the city for 25 RMB a large canister. Don't listen to people saying that the city-bought oxygen is lower quality. 5. Go in the morning. Large groups of tourists come over from the national park and grasslands in the afternoon. 6. There is some, but limited, food options in the mid-level and upper level areas. 7. If you are worried about not being able to physically climb, there is no climbing involved. Apparently there is a footpath for those who want to climb, but I do not know anything about it. See more..
4.0 Haba Village (17 reviews)
- Good stopover en-route to Shangrila from Tiger Leaping Gorge
Friday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Historic Sites

There is actually a shorter more direct way from Tiger Leaping Gorge to Shangrila. If time permits, highly recommend to take the very scenic Haba way that passes through Haba Village and White Water Terrace. Total journey is about 4-5hrs from Tiger Leaping Gorge. Recommend to stay over at Haba Village for a night to break the journey. It's usually a base for treks up Haba Snow Mountain. But it's still a very nice rustic village just to walk around in. Stayed at Haba Snow Mountain Inn run by a super nice lady of Naxi Tribe who'll cook you anything and share stories with you most enthusiastically. I believe I know everything about her family now. =P See more..