Shangri-La
Yunnan
The capital of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in northwestern Yunnan. It's renowned for its majestic snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, magnificent gorges, and unique Tibetan culture, believed to be the inspiration for the paradise in James Hilton's novel 'Lost Horizon'.
Practical Travel Guide for Shangri-La
Make your journey smoother with essential practical information to read before traveling.
Visa Information
A visa is required for most foreign nationals in advance. However, many cities offer 72- or 144-hour visa-free transit policies for certain nationalities.
Adapter Type
Mandarin Chinese
Getting Around
The downtown area of Shangri-La is compact and can be explored on foot or by taxi. For attractions further afield like Pudacuo National Park or Meili Snow Mountain, chartering a car or taking a tourist bus are common options.
Local Flavors
Shangri-La's cuisine is predominantly Tibetan, featuring yak meat, butter tea, tsampa (roasted barley flour), and yogurt. Many restaurants serving authentic Tibetan and Yunnanese dishes can be found in the ancient town.