Shangri-La is gone, don’t go there in February! Came to a city because of a song
My dears, is there any song that, like a ethereal breeze from the plateau, gently blows open the door to your yearning for a paradise on earth? It was because of the song "The Sun and the Moon in My Heart", "Holding the Gesang flower in my hand, it is so beautiful that I forget to pick it. Your truthfulness has fragrance, your fragrance can speak, and your words seem to be spoken only to me", these poetic, dreamy and mysterious lyrics made me yearn for Shangri-La, the legendary pure land, and I can't wait to experience its unique charm. In February, with great anticipation, I embarked on a trip to Shangri-La. Come and take a look at my guide!
🌆Shangri-La, located in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, means "the sun and the moon in the heart" in Tibetan. Here is the sacred and magnificent Songzanlin Temple, whose golden roof shines in the sun like a bright pearl on the plateau; there is the vast Pudacuo National Park, with clear lakes, tranquil forests, and wild animals roaming freely; there is also the rich local customs of Dukezong Ancient City, where the stone roads tell of the years and the Tibetan architecture is unique. Although Shangri-La in February is still chilly, the clear sky and sunshine add a touch of holiness and tranquility.
🚗Transportation Tips
✈️Plane: After arriving at Deqing Shangri-La Airport, the airport bus can go to major locations in the city, which is economical and affordable; take a taxi to the city center for about 20-30 minutes to start your exploration of Shambhala. Since Shangri-La is at a high altitude, try to avoid strenuous exercise when you first arrive at the plateau to give your body time to adapt.
🚄You can take the train to Lijiang first, then transfer to a bus to Shangri-La, and enjoy the magnificent scenery of northwest Yunnan along the way. The main means of transportation in the city are buses and taxis. The bus operating hours are mostly between 7:00 and 19:00. Some tourist buses will adjust according to the season. Remember to check the bus APP for real-time information before traveling.
🗺 Recommended tour routes
Day 1️⃣: Dukezong Ancient Town - Guishan Park (turn the world's largest prayer wheel) - Songzanlin Temple
Day 2️⃣: Pudacuo National Park - Shudu Lake (hiking to enjoy the lake and mountains, close to nature)
Day 3️⃣: Napahai - Yila Grassland (the grassland is golden in winter, you can ride horses and watch migratory birds)
🌟Must-visit attractions
📍Songzanlin Temple: This temple, known as the "Little Potala Palace", is built on the mountain and is magnificent. As you step into the temple, you will be greeted by the rich aroma of ghee, and the exquisite murals and solemn Buddha statues are a feast for the eyes. Standing on a high place and looking down, the whole temple blends into the surrounding mountains and waters, which is magnificent📷
📍Pudacuo National Park: Walking into the park, it feels like being in a fairy tale world. The water of Shudu Lake is as clear as a mirror, reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, mountains and forests. You can hike along the plank road and breathe the fresh air. If you are lucky, you may encounter wild animals such as squirrels and feel the agility and beauty of nature.
📌Practical tips
1. Dukezong Ancient Town is open to the public free of charge. Please protect the ancient buildings and do not litter when visiting. It takes the joint efforts of many people to turn the prayer wheels at Guishan Park, and people should be in awe when praying. Tickets for Songzanlin Temple can be booked online in advance. When visiting, please respect religious customs and walk around in a clockwise direction.
2. The ticket to Pudacuo National Park includes transportation within the scenic area. Some areas may be closed in winter. Please find out in advance, wear warm and easy-to-walk shoes, and do a good job of sun protection. Napahai and Yila Grassland have unique scenery in winter. Choose a regular horse farm for horseback riding, negotiate a good price, and watch migratory birds without disturbing them.
🍜Local food recommendations
🥘Yak beef hotpot: This is a specialty food in Shangri-La. It is made with fresh local yak beef as the main ingredient. The meat is firm and the soup is rich. It is paired with various vegetables and mushrooms. In the cold February, a pot of steaming yak beef hotpot is warm and nourishing, leaving people with endless aftertaste👍
🥠Tsampa: The traditional staple food of Tibetans, highland barley is fried and ground into powder, mixed with butter tea or highland barley wine and kneaded into small balls when eaten. It has a sweet taste with the unique aroma of barley. Take a bite and you will feel the Tibetan style.
🏨Hotel Accommodation
📍In Dukezong Ancient Town: Shangri-La Hotel is strategically located in the ancient town, with convenient transportation. The room decoration incorporates Tibetan style and is antique, allowing you to immerse yourself in the charm of the ancient town and fall asleep in the tranquility of the ancient town at night.
📍Downtown: Shangri-La Paradise Shenchuan Hotel, with complete facilities, considerate service, and oxygen supply equipment, can make you rest more comfortably when you first arrive at the plateau and relieve the discomfort of altitude sickness. The surrounding facilities are complete, and you can quickly return to your room to rest after a day of play.
💖Play experience
During these three days in Shangri-La in February, I felt as if I were immersed in a sacred, quiet and dreamlike world. The solemnity of Songzanlin Monastery, the stunning beauty of Pudacuo, and the delicious food all intoxicated me. Humming "The Sun and the Moon in My Heart" and strolling on the streets of Shangri-La, I truly felt the charm of this city. Everything here is like an endless ode and an endless painting. I look forward to coming back next time to continue exploring this land of the sun and the moon in my heart.