Shangri-la
One of the oldest Buddhist temples in Yunnan, local monks claim this small hilltop temple in a walled forest reserve is at least 500 years old and perhaps much older. Don't miss the delightful time-worn murals on the walls of the main hall.
The temple is around 19km east of Shangri-la just beyond Siya (˾ÑÀ, S¨©y¨¢) village. No public transport goes all the way to the temple, but it's a good end point for a bike ride or a stop en route if you're hiring a taxi to Pudacuo.
14.39 MILES
China's first national park, this collection of small mountain lakes is about 25km east of Shangri-la. From the visitor centre, a 20-minute bus ride drops¡
24.55 MILES
Baishuitai is a series of limestone travertines around 108km southeast of Shangri-la, with some breathtaking scenery and Tibetan villages en route. For¡
11.04 MILES
Some 7km northwest of Shangri-la you¡¯ll find the seasonal Napa Sea, surrounded by a large grassy meadow that pushes right up to the mountains. Between¡
7.82 MILES
This 300-year-old Tibetan monastery complex about 4km north of the old town is home to around 600 monks. Extensive rebuilding has robbed the monastery of¡
5.49 MILES
For the best views over Shangri-la, head to this delightfully named and little-visited temple. The temple has a couple of monks inside and a handful of¡
Deqin Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Museum
5.21 MILES
Attractive modern permanent exhibitions on local history, folk traditions and religious culture make this a worthwhile stop before or after the Guishan¡
5.26 MILES
Atop 'Great Turtle Hill' in the heart of the old town, this modern temple stands on the site of an original 1667 construction consecrated to a replica of¡
5.28 MILES
This huge prayer wheel just beside Guishan Temple stands at 21m high and contains 100,000 small prayer wheels. At least six people are needed to make it¡
1. Deqin Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Museum
5.21 MILES
Attractive modern permanent exhibitions on local history, folk traditions and religious culture make this a worthwhile stop before or after the Guishan¡
5.23 MILES
Thangka master Lobsang Khudup trains young students in painting and Buddhist philosophy here. Even if you're not in the market to buy, it's worth stopping¡
5.26 MILES
Atop 'Great Turtle Hill' in the heart of the old town, this modern temple stands on the site of an original 1667 construction consecrated to a replica of¡
5.28 MILES
This huge prayer wheel just beside Guishan Temple stands at 21m high and contains 100,000 small prayer wheels. At least six people are needed to make it¡
5.49 MILES
For the best views over Shangri-la, head to this delightfully named and little-visited temple. The temple has a couple of monks inside and a handful of¡
7.82 MILES
This 300-year-old Tibetan monastery complex about 4km north of the old town is home to around 600 monks. Extensive rebuilding has robbed the monastery of¡
11.04 MILES
Some 7km northwest of Shangri-la you¡¯ll find the seasonal Napa Sea, surrounded by a large grassy meadow that pushes right up to the mountains. Between¡
14.39 MILES
China's first national park, this collection of small mountain lakes is about 25km east of Shangri-la. From the visitor centre, a 20-minute bus ride drops¡