Located in the northwest of Yunnan Province, Shangri-la has an average altitude of 3,280 m. The special location makes its transportation different from other areas in China. No rail line leads to this area yet. Buses are the most common transport means in and around this area. It is about 300 km away from Dali and can only be reached by coach. Lijiang is located in the middle of this two cities, so most tourists will choose to visit Lijiang after Dali tour, and then move on to Shangrila for sightseeing.
How to Get to Shangri-La City from Dali?
By Air
The only airport in this area, Diqing Airport, operates limited flights every day. There are no direct flights flying between Dali and Shangrila. Tourists can only take the the connecting flight via Kunming or Chongqing, which is a waste of time and money. So it is not recommended.
By Train
The Lijiang-Shangrila Railway is under construction. After the completion, it’s possible for tourists travel to Shangrila by train.
By Coach
At Dali North Bus Station(大理汽车客运北站), there are 14 buses running to Shangrila at the cost of CNY 101-123. The departure time is 07:00, 07:30, 08:00, 08:30, 09:00, 09:30, 10:00, 10:30, 11:00, 11:30, 12:15, 13:00, 15:00, 18:30. Dali North Bus Station lies about middle way between Dali (Xiaguan) Railway Station and Dali Old Town, at the intersection of Heqing Road and Putuo Road with bus routes 8 and 9 passing here.
Transportation in Yunnan:
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Shangri-La City (香格里拉市) is located in the northwestern part of Yunnan Province (云南省), China, in the heart of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau’s Hengduan Mountains (青藏高原横断山区). It lies at the intersection of Yunnan, Sichuan, and Tibet.
Where is Shangri-La City?
Geographic Coordinates:
- Latitude: 27°50′ N
- Longitude: 99°42′ E
Surrounding Areas:
- East: Shangri-La is bordered by Daocheng County (稻城县) and Muli County (木里县) in Sichuan Province.
- Southeast: It is separated by the Jinsha River (金沙江) from Yulong County (玉龙县) and Weixi County (维西县) in Lijiang (丽江), as well as Deqin County (德钦县) in Diqing Prefecture.
- Northwest: The city shares borders with Derong County (得荣县) and Xiangcheng County (乡城县) in Sichuan Province.
Geographical Features:
- Altitude: Shangri-La is situated at an average altitude of around 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) above sea level, providing a high-altitude environment characterized by dramatic mountain scenery, alpine meadows, and deep valleys.
- Landscape: Shangri-La is surrounded by majestic peaks, including the Meili Snow Mountain (梅里雪山), which is considered one of the most sacred mountains in Tibetan Buddhism. The area is also known for its lush valleys, pristine lakes like Napa Lake (纳帕海), and picturesque national parks like Pudacuo National Park (普达措国家公园).
- Climate: The region has a highland climate, with cool summers and cold winters, and it experiences significant temperature variation due to its altitude. The weather can be unpredictable, with frequent rainfall during the summer months.
Shangri-La City was formerly known as Zhongdian (中甸) and Jiantang (建塘) in Tibetan, before being renamed in 2001 as Shangri-La County and later upgraded to a county-level city in 2014 under the administration of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州).
Main Regions
Jiantang Town (建塘镇):
This is the administrative center of Shangri-La City, serving as the political, economic, and cultural hub.
Xiao Zhongdian Town (小中甸镇):
Located in the central part of Shangri-La City, this town is an important transportation hub.
Hutiaoxia Town (虎跳峡镇):
Famous for the world-renowned Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡), this town is a key area for hiking and sightseeing.
Jinjiang Town (金江镇):
Located in the southern part of Shangri-La City, this town serves as an important link to Lijiang (丽江).
Shangjiang Township (上江乡):
Located in the southern part of Shangri-La City, this area faces Yulong County (玉龙县) in Lijiang across the Jinsha River (金沙江).
Sanba Naxi Ethnic Township (三坝纳西族乡):
Situated in the eastern part of Shangri-La City, this is a settlement area for the Naxi (纳西族) people.
Luoji Township (洛吉乡):
Located in the northeastern part of Shangri-La City, this is an area predominantly inhabited by Tibetans (藏族).
Nixi Township (尼西乡):
Famous for its traditional Tibetan culture (藏族文化) and handicrafts.
Gezan Township (格咱乡):
Located in the northern part of Shangri-La City, this area is an important agricultural and pastoral region.
Dongwang Township (东旺乡):
Located in the northern part of Shangri-La City, this is an important ecological protection area.
Wujing Township (五境乡):
Located in the western part of Shangri-La City, this area is home to both Tibetans (藏族) and Lisu (傈僳族) people.
Main Attractions
Pudacuo National Park (普达措国家公园):
Located in the eastern part of Shangri-La City, this park features natural landscapes such as Bitahai Lake (碧塔海) and Shudu Lake (属都湖).
Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡):
A world-renowned gorge located at the junction of Shangri-La City and Lijiang City.
Songzanlin Monastery (松赞林寺):
The largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery (藏传佛教寺院) in Yunnan, its name means “Return to Buddha Monastery” in Tibetan.
Dukezong Ancient Town (独克宗古城):
China’s best-preserved and largest Tibetan residential area.
Meili Snow Mountain (梅里雪山):
Located in the northwestern part of Shangri-La City, it is the highest peak in Yunnan.
Haba Snow Mountain (哈巴雪山):
Located in the southeastern part of Shangri-La City, it is a popular mountaineering destination.
Transportation Guide
Air:
Diqing Shangri-La Airport (迪庆香格里拉机场) is located on the southwest outskirts of Shangri-La City, about 5.4 kilometers from the city center. It is connected to the city by National Road 214 (214国道).
Road:
Shangri-La City’s transportation is primarily by road, with major highways including the Yunnan-Tibet Highway (滇藏公路), Sichuan-Tibet Highway (川藏公路), and Kang-Tibet Highway (康藏公路).
Rail:
Shangri-La City is served by the Yunnan-Tibet Railway (滇藏铁路) and the Lijiang-Shangri-La Railway (丽香铁路).
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