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
    262.19
    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 867 users󱨠3643 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    piriya_taveepiriya_tavee

    You can enjoy hiking in this national park if you have time and your health is prompt, or you can use shuttle but which can save your energy a lot.

  • 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 872 users󱨠1413 positive reviews
    4.4/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    Recommended to join the explaination guide to know about the stories, culture, history.

  • Balagezong Scenic Areatop_3
    󰺂7.3
    181.77
    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 1018 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
    33.05
    Shangri-La49.5 km from downtown
    Highlights:
    󰋄Multicultural Bai Shui Festival
    󰀆Overlook Baishuitai from viewpoint
    󱨠Saved by 920 users󱨠300 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    Anonymous userAnonymous user

    A bit smelly on the way up due to lots of horse dung. Once up there, the view is quite beautiful but we went when there’s not too much water so some parts of water can be a bit muddy. Overall a nice hike around the scenic spot

  • 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 726 users󱨠303 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    倩ang🍓🍉🍑🍒倩ang🍓🍉🍑🍒

    Surrounded by the mountains of Shangri-La, Dukezong Ancient City is like a pearl polished by time, quietly exudes the unique warmth and luster of Tibetan land. This "moonlight city" with a history of more than 1300 years has too many surprises hidden in a turtle-shaped layout. The blue stone road is like silk, leading you to the piety under the prayer wheel, the giant 60-ton prayer wheel, which requires everyone to work together to turn, and each circle is hidden in the wish for life. The Tibetan houses along the street are brightly colored, and the wood building is carved with the aroma of butter and the mellow wine. In the day, the sun shines through the wall, and the stones of Mani pile silently tell the years; when night falls, the ancient city lights up warm yellow lights, the melody of the pot dance comes from the square, and the smiles of the Tibetan children are more moving than the moonlight. There is no excessive noise here, only the true nature of Tibetan culture. Tired of walking, sitting in a Tibetan teahouse with a cup of butter tea, watching the wardrobe flutter outside the window, as if you can touch the softest heartbeat of Shangri-La. Du Kezong is a dream of time left in the northwest of Shanghai, waiting for someone to crackle gently.

  • 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 218 users󱨠276 positive reviews
    4.5/5
    HoooooHooooo

    It was stunning! liked the top of the mountain and a small village in a valley.

  • 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 127 users󱨠25% positive reviews
    4.8/5
    Elanie0702Elanie0702

    Haba Snow Mountain is so exciting! From a distance, it looks like a giant cream cake, and the snow top of the white flowers is buckled on the green hillside, making people want to take a bite. When I got closer, I found that this "cake" was not simple. I stood at the foot of the mountain and looked up. My neck was sour and I couldn't see the top. The clouds were wandering halfway up the mountain. Climbing the mountain is called a thrill! The day before, through the virgin forest, the pine pine pine hanging like the mustache of an old fairy. Stepping on a thick pine needle carpet at your feet. The next day, I climbed the snow line, the ice claws were on the glacier, and the feet were shallow and tired. But when I stood on the top of the mountain, all the hard work was worth it. The sea of clouds was tumbling at the foot, and the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain opposite was like a silver dragon in the sun. I feel that I can pick a star and put it in my pocket. The most funny thing is the Haba Village at the foot of the mountain. The Tibetan uncle will bring butter tea to tell you about mountaineering. His yak bells jingle... and sing with the wind of the snow-capped mountains. The beauty here is wild and gentle, and you can blow the cows for a lifetime!

  • Wudi Lake
    8
    󰺂5.7
    Shangri-La53.3 km from downtown
    4.4/5
    印象西南印象西南

    Shangri-La Bottomless Lake 1 Day Tour: Pure Land on the Earth I just returned from the 1-day tour of Shangri-La Bottomless Lake. This journey is like a dream adventure isolated from the world, and the body and mind are re-baptized by nature. First encounter: amazing natural beauty Just stepped into the bottomless lake scenic spot, I was firmly attracted by the scenery in front of me. The blue lake is like a huge gem, shining brightly under the light of the sun, surrounded by rolling mountains, the mountains are lush, and the clear lake is against each other, and the picturesque beauty is outlined. Walking along the lake, the breeze blows, bringing the freshness of the lake and the fragrance of the grass, which is refreshing. In the pastures in the distance, cattle and sheep eat grass leisurely, and occasionally the howling and squeaking sound add a bit of peace and tranquility. 2. Experience: rich and unique way to play Hiking is a great way to explore the bottomless lake. I chose the less difficult route around the lake, about 5 kilometers, shuttle between the virgin forest and the grassland, the scenery along the way is beautiful. In the forest, tall trees cover the sky, the ground is covered with thick moss, stepping on the soft, as if in a fairy tale world; the trees are hung with strands of pineapple, swaying gently in the breeze, adding a little mysterious breath to this forest. On the way, I also met cute little squirrels and unknown animals, and their clever figure added a lot of fun to the hike. In addition to hiking, there are many tourists who choose to camp by the lake. Watching them under the blue sky and white clouds, setting up colorful tents and enjoying the comfort of picnics, I also yearn for it. I must set aside time to experience it next time. Third, regret: the trouble of supporting and time However, this day trip also has some shortcomings. Since it is a day trip, the time is very tight, many beautiful scenery can only be seen by horse, can not calm down to slowly feel. For example, the mysterious moss forest, I also want to explore more of the secrets, but I have to leave in a hurry due to time constraints, which is really unfinished. In addition, the supporting facilities of the scenic spot have yet to be improved. The number of seats in the rest area is limited, and it is difficult to find a suitable place to rest when you are tired. The catering is also relatively simple, basically simple fast food and snacks, the price is high, the taste is not satisfactory, for tourists who pursue high-quality travel experience, it is difficult to meet the needs. 4. Suggestion: Optimize itinerary and facilities If you plan to go to the bottomless lake, you must plan in advance. Try to choose the day trip itinerary to leave early in the morning, so that you can strive for more time to play; If you have enough time, it is highly recommended to arrange a 2-3 day trip to experience the beauty and leisure life here. In terms of equipment, remember to bring warm clothes, comfortable hiking shoes, sun protection supplies and rain gear, because the altitude is high and the weather is changeable. I hope that the scenic spot can optimize the itinerary of day trips in the future, allocate time reasonably, and increase investment in supporting facilities, increase rest areas and dining options, so that tourists can enjoy the beauty of the bottomless lake more comfortably and fully.

  • Dafo Temple Prayer Wheel
    9
    󰺂5.5
    Shangri-La.Dukezong Ancient City2.1 km from downtown
    󱨠Saved by 221 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
    Highlights:
    󱨜The river roars through a 30-meter-wide gorge
    Enjoy magnificent views of two snow-capped mountains from the trail
    󱨠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
󰴉