Title: Shangri-La Travel Guide: Best of Shangri-La, Deqin Travel 2026 | Expedia.co.uk [Hotels in Shangri-La](https://expedia.co.uk/Shangri-La-Hotels.d6046674.Travel-Guide-Hotels)[Holiday Rentals in Shangri-La](https://expedia.co.uk/Shangri-La-Holiday-Rentals.d6046674.Travel-Guide-HolidayRentals)[Flights to Shangri-La](https://expedia.co.uk/Cheap-Flights-To-Shangri-La.d6046674.Travel-Guide-Flights)[Shangri-La Car Hire](https://expedia.co.uk/Compare-Cheap-Car-Hire-In-Shangri-La.d6046674.Car-Hire-Guide)[Shangri-La Holidays](https://expedia.co.uk/Shangri-La.d6046674.Holidays-City-Breaks) # Shangri-La Travel Guide ## Tourist Guide ![Tiger Leaping Gorge](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6095900/0478aec2-7b26-4fd5-9ce7-d13800705c95.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Tiger Leaping Gorge](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6095900/0478aec2-7b26-4fd5-9ce7-d13800705c95.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Tiger Leaping Gorge](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6095900/e7852c49-fca7-4900-b13e-77cd73428b0f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Tiger Leaping Gorge](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6095900/b152f7b2-9040-4c40-956e-0caed9358064.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Tiger Leaping Gorge featuring views, a gorge or canyon and a bridge](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6095900/fc999754-495d-4e1e-bc90-85eb5851afc6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ## Visit Shangri-La Things to do #### Discover the rich Tibetan heritage and picturesque streetscapes of this Eden-like town enveloped by velvety green hills and national parks. Shangri-La, a Tibetan phrase that translates to “the sun and the moon in the heart,” rose to fame as the name of a mystical fictional paradise in Edward Hilton’s 1933 novel *Lost Horizon*. It is believed that the writer was inspired by the stories of eastern Tibet when creating his novel’s Eden, so the high-plateau town of Zhongdian adopted the name in 2002\. Stroll though the town’s preserved streets and you’ll soon see why the name fits. Admire historic monasteries and tiny temples adorned with fluttering Tibetan prayer flags. Look out toward the rolling hillsides or ride a bicycle around the town’s tranquil lake. A walk through the Old Town is a great introduction to Shangri-La. Fires swept through here in 2014 destroying some of the preserved architecture, but much of the historic streetscape remains. Make your way to the Golden Temple to see an enormous prayer drum and a large Buddhist statue. Continue walking up the hill to reach Baiji Temple, more commonly known as Chicken Temple for the hens that can be seen pecking around the grounds. See the brightly colored prayer flags and watch as locals perform prayer rituals. From the hilltop, look down across the town and admire the surrounding landscape. Spot the Songzanlin Monastery, which is an exquisitely restored monastic structure that houses a complex of beautiful temples. Rent a bicycle or book a tour on horseback and go on a trip around tranquil Napa Lake. You’ll see some of the region’s pretty grasslands and the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. See if you can spot Shika Mountain, which can be accessed via a cable car. As you explore, you’ll learn about the mingling cultures in Shangri-La. The Yunnan Mountain Heritage Foundation preserves Yunnan’s mixed heritage. Pick up Tibetan and Yi handcrafts or purchase some Naxi pottery. Shangri-La can be accessed via winding mountain roads from Daocheng, Lijiang, Dali and Kunming. Bus rides can take between 6 and 12 hours, but are a good way to adjust to the altitude. The town’s regional airport is called Diqing. The best time to visit is in spring and summer, when the landscape is lush and green. - Top hotels in Shangri-La - Top Holiday Rentals in Shangri-La ![Holiday Inn Express Shangri La by IHG](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/102000000/101770000/101761900/101761840/ff4230bc_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Holiday Inn Express Shangri La by IHG No. 69 Yangtang Road, Jiantang Town Deqin Yunnan £31 9 Feb - 10 Feb includes taxes & fees Stay at this 3-star hotel in Shangri-La. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Popular attractions Diqing Culture Expo Center and Ganden Sumtseling ... 7.8/10 Good! (7 reviews) I will stay again at the same hotel It was good in very good condition and just in the city center with many place to hang out around the hotel Reviewed on 9 Aug 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=09%2F02%2F2026&endDate=10%2F02%2F2026&selected=101761840&PinnedHotelID=101761840&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6046674) ![Shangri-La Resort, Shangri-La](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/12000000/11940000/11934400/11934322/976dc506_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Shangri-La Resort, Shangri-La No. 1, Chicika Street Deqin Yunnan Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay £82 24 Feb - 25 Feb includes taxes & fees Stay at this luxury hotel in Shangri-La. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Diqing Culture Expo Center and Ganden ... 8.4/10 Very Good! (43 reviews) A great place to stay in Banna Reviewed on 10 Aug 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=24%2F02%2F2026&endDate=25%2F02%2F2026&selected=11934322&PinnedHotelID=11934322&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6046674) ![Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City by IHG](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/59000000/58330000/58322200/58322172/e5010cb5_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Hotel Indigo Diqing Moonlight City by IHG No. 1000 East Corridor Jinlong Community Deqin £146 9 Feb - 10 Feb includes taxes & fees Stay at this hotel in Shangri-La. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Dukezong Ancient Town and Diqing Museum are located ... 9.6/10 Exceptional! (12 reviews) Excellent stay! We loved it. Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?startDate=09%2F02%2F2026&endDate=10%2F02%2F2026&selected=58322172&PinnedHotelID=58322172&HadPinnedHotel=true®ionId=6046674) [See all 443 properties in Shangri-La](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience&startDate=09%2F02%2F2026&endDate=10%2F02%2F2026®ionId=6046674) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ![Erquan Inn Ancient city](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/109000000/108380000/108377600/108377554/dce26d6e_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Erquan Inn Ancient city Wenlin Lane 28 Lijiang Yunnan Stay at this luxury aparthotel in Lijiang. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free valet parking. Popular attractions Hong Kong Compatriots Donate Monument ... 10/10 Exceptional! (5 reviews) This beautiful little hotel is built around a small courtyard that gives the feeling of a traditional Chinese home, with beautiful old woodwork and lattice bannisters and windows. The rooms are spacious and the beds comfortable, and the bathroom is large, with a self-flushing toilet. While the building ... Reviewed on 9 Apr 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Lijiang-Hotels-Erquan-Inn-Ancient-City.h108377554.Hotel-Information) ![Lijiang Xisu Garden](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/112000000/111080000/111076900/111076867/60bc5738_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Lijiang Xisu Garden Anle Village, Jin'an Road, Dayan Street Lijiang Yunnan Stay at this aparthotel in Lijiang. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Wangu Pavilion and Mu Family Mansion are located ... [](https://expedia.co.uk/Lijiang-Hotels-Lijiang-Xisu-Garden.h111076867.Hotel-Information) ![Cloudhaven Retreat (花开花落半山居)](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/110000000/109210000/109201100/109201016/539a6ed5_y.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=340&ch=150) ### Cloudhaven Retreat (花开花落半山居) 126 Wenmiao Alley Lijiang Yunnan Stay at this aparthotel in Lijiang. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Lijiang Mural and Mu Family Mansion are located ... 9/10 Wonderful! (12 reviews) Access to the hotel needs to be clarified at the lower entrance. And the hotel name - Cloudhaven Retreat (花开花落半山居) needs to be updated. The hotel is using another name right now. Reviewed on 1 Oct 2025 [](https://expedia.co.uk/Lijiang-Hotels-Cloudhaven-Retreat.h109201016.Hotel-Information) [See all properties in Shangri-La](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.Hotels.DestinationExperience®ionId=6046674&sort=VACATION_RENTAL) Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply. ## Check Shangri-La hotel availability [Tonight ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6046674&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09)[8 Feb - 9 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6046674&startDate=2026-02-08&endDate=2026-02-09) [Tomorrow night ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6046674&startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10)[9 Feb - 10 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6046674&startDate=2026-02-09&endDate=2026-02-10) [Next weekend ](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6046674&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026)[13 Feb - 15 Feb](https://expedia.co.uk/Hotel-Search?rfrrid=TG.LP.CheckPrices.DestinationExperience&adults=2&openPlayBack=true®ionId=6046674&startDate=13%2F02%2F2026&endDate=15%2F02%2F2026) ### Popular places to visit ![Built in 1679, the monastery is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan province.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6226575/94d3046d-a00b-42ff-9eec-b35e860d39d3.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Songzanlin Scenic Area You can take time to visit Songzanlin Scenic Area during your travels to Shangri-La. While in the area, you can find time to visit its temples. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Songzanlin-Scenic-Area-Deqin.d553248621532744681.Attraction) #### Dukezong Ancient Town Learn about the local history of Shangri-La when you take a trip to Dukezong Ancient Town. While in the area, you can find time to visit its temples. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Dukezong-Ancient-Town-Deqin.d553248621532744677.Attraction) #### Meili Snow Mountain Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Meili Snow Mountain during your travels in Dêqên County. Discover the area's mountain views and temples. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Meili-Snow-Mountain-Deqen-County.d553248621532745071.Attraction) #### Diqing Museum You can spend an afternoon exploring the galleries in Diqing Museum during your travels in Shangri-La. While in the area, you can find time to visit its temples. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Diqing-Museum-Deqin.d553248621532744674.Attraction) #### Balagezong Shangri-La Grand Canyon National Park Explore the great outdoors at Balagezong Shangri-La Grand Canyon National Park, a lovely green space in Shangri-La. While in the area, you can find time to visit its temples. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Balagezong-Shangri-La-Grand-Canyon-National-Park-Deqin.d663324882335817728.Attraction) #### Meili Xue Shan Reserve Explore the great outdoors at Meili Xue Shan Reserve, a lovely green space in Dêqên County. Wander the forests and lakeside while you're in the area. [](https://expedia.co.uk/Meili-Xue-Shan-Reserve-Deqen-County.d6095894.Attraction) ### Things to do ![Shangri-La Private Day Tour ](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/50102098/bfb3e61c-1b1c-4c35-866a-dac6400d7890.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh) #### Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour £133 per adult [](https://expedia.co.uk/things-to-do/shangri-la-scenic-area-private-tour.a50102098.activity-details) [See all activities in Shangri-La](https://expedia.co.uk/Things-To-Do-In-Shangri-La.d6046674.Travel-Guide-Activities) ## Cities near Shangri-La ![China is home to some of the most beautiful places in the world. Be sure to visit Yunnan province and make time to travel from Lijiang out to the smaller ancient towns.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6047448/ec361b51-f9b4-422c-a7d2-e37311cd4285.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Lijiang ![Tiger Leaping Gorge](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6095900/6c57d9a7-1caa-4e3f-bbc9-d7fbfa338830.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Deqin - Cities near Shangri-La - Places of interest [Lijiang](https://expedia.co.uk/Lijiang.dx6047448)[Deqin](https://expedia.co.uk/Deqin.dx6226575) - [Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Scenic Area ](https://expedia.co.uk/Jade-Dragon-Snow-Mountain-Scenic-Area-Lijiang.d6095886.Attraction) ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save on select hotels when you book in the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. Scan the QR code with your device camera and download our app