A recommended extension to a Lijiang tour, Shangri-La has remarkable views of plateau scenery. It is Yunnan's gateway to Tibetan areas, and also a must-visit for travelers who want to see "Sunlight on Meili Snow Mountain" in Diqing.
In the last 20 years, Shangri-La has become so popular that even the picky Banyan Tree hotel chain can't wait to set up there. It is also home to China's most stylish hotel chain — Songtsam.
Based on the best scenery, Tibetan cultural integration, and comfort levels, we have selected some distinctive hotel options, where you can experience Tibetan-style accommodation as well as the customs and hospitality of unsophisticated people who welcome travelers to their homeland.
1. Songtsam Lodge Shangri-la (Lvgu)
- Highlights: Known as "Tibetan Folk Culture and Art Museum"
- Location: Kena Village, a 2-minute walk to Songzanlin Monastery
- Price: from 139 USD per night
Beautifully located opposite the Songzanlin Monastery and the adjacent Lamuyang Lake, Songtsam Lodge Shangri-La (Lvgu) is Songtsam's first lodge, opened in 2001. The lodge is a four-story stone building and a traditional Tibetan dwelling within a typical, self-sufficient farming village where the founder Pema Dorjee spent his childhood. Due to its excellent location, you can enjoy the VIP treatment of being the first to enter Songzanlin Monastery or the last to leave.
There are 23 rooms in total, which include superior rooms, deluxe rooms, and family suites. The rooms are styled in traditional Tibetan austerity and balanced with modern comforts. The whole lodge exhibits an impressive collection of hand-picked antique furniture, Tibetan thangkas, and handicrafts, as well as traditional intricately-woven carpets.
The restaurant there has large windows looking out on wonderful views of the monastery and the grand landscape, which you can enjoy with local or Western cuisine.
Recommended Shangri-la Tours:
2. Songtsam Linka Shangri-La
- Highlights: Spectacular views of Songzanlin Monastery and the mountains, Tibetan stone-house buildings
- Location: Xiaojiezi village, a 25-minute drive from Diqing Airport and 5 minutes' drive from Songzanlin Monastery.
- Price: from 174 USD per night
Tucked away in a peaceful and tranquil green valley, Songtsam Linka Shangri-La is opposite Songzanlin Monastery, where the pastoral scenery of Tibetan villages and highland barley fields can be seen everywhere.
According to the resources available in the mountains, the retreat uses Tibetan stone-house buildings built in the Kham style. Every room there is traditional Tibetan-style rounded off with all sorts of modern amenities and has a view of Songzanlin Monastery. Monks, local people, and horses pass by on the pine forest path beside the retreat, which will make you feel the natural harmony and full of Zen.
Different from Songtsam Lvgu, Songtsam Linka is in Songzanlin Monastery Scenic Area. You can have a cup of coffee in the quiet environment and enjoy your personal time. It is definitely a good place for you to slow down, chill, and relax.
Recommended Shangri-la Tours:
- 6-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Tiger leaping Gorge tour
- 8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Highlights Tour
3. Banyan Tree Ringha
- Highlights: Balcony with great mountain views, the spa center
- Location: Hong Po Village, Jian Yang Town, 9 km (6 mi) from Diqing Airport, 10 km (6 mi) from downtown Shangri-La
- Price: from 234 USD per night
Nestled in a tranquil valley near Dabao Temple, Banyan Tree Ringha is a far cry from the hustle and bustle of any city. It has 32 quaint Tibetan-style rooms, each with a luxuriously-designed bathroom with a handmade wooden bathtub. The interiors of the rooms are exquisitely-decorated with a variety of contemporary Tibetan arts and crafts.
This resort is popular with families and couples. You can enjoy the peaceful and charming scenery from the balcony or walk around to appreciate the harmonious beauty of nature.
The spa is the star spot in Banyan Tree. The hotel also has some free activities, such as making butter lamps and praying at Dabao Temple. You will never be bored as there are many ways to enjoy your time.
Recommended Shangri-la Tours:
4. Arro Khampa By Zinc Journey Shangri-La
- Highlights: Ancient city scenery, the night view
- Location: Dugezong Ancient Town, 5 km (3 mi) from Diqing Airport
- Price: from 93 USD per night
Arro Khampa Boutique Hotel is at the edge of Dugezong Ancient Town with a terrace facing Guishan Temple. There are plentiful shops and restaurants nearby, which are very local, not commercialized.
The building is a restored traditional house with modern facilities which has an antique feel. All rooms are good-sized with heated wooden flooring. The sun terrace is an ideal place for you to relax and enjoy the stunning mountain views.
The hotel has a good selection of breakfast choices — both Western and Chinese options. You can enjoy free afternoon tea there, and warm milk and digestive biscuits will be delivered to your room nightly.
Recommended Shangri-la Tours:
- 4-Day Shangri-La Exploration Tour
- 4-Day Yubeng Village Hiking Tour
- 6-Day Shangri-La, Deqin and Tacheng Adventure Tour
5. The 5th Meteorite · Light-year Hotel
- Highlights: Oxygen supply system
- Location: Dugezong Ancient Town, 15 minutes' drive from Diqing Airport
- Price: from 73 USD per night
If you are worried about altitude sickness, the 5th Meteorite · Light-year Hotel will be your best choice. It is the only one that has an all-weather diffuse oxygen supply system in Shangri-La. If you feel tired and uncomfortable due to the altitude, you can have a good rest at any time there.
The hotel has an excellent location: 300 meters away from the center of the ancient town and 500 meters away from the world's largest gold-plated and pure-copper prayer wheel. You can see the prayer wheel from the hotel terrace and enjoy the night view of the whole town by opening your window.
This hotel will allow you to have close contact with the ancient city as well as the Tibetan culture.
Explore Shangri-La with China Highlights
If you have plans to travel to Shangri-La or other places in Yunnan, do not hesitate to contact China Highlights. We can tailor-make your own ideal itinerary, or you could just choose from our well-designed Yunnan tours.
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