Featured destinations – winter in Shangri-La

If you ever get a chance to visit Shangri-La in Yunnan province, don’t forget to see its ancient and tranquil winter scene. Actually, “Shangri-la” is what James Hilton, a well-known British novelist described as a forever, peaceful and quiet land in his novel “Lost Horizons”, where there are snow mountains and gorges, lakes surrounded by lush forests and beautiful grass plains leaning under the snow mountains. If you want to see the beautiful Shangri-la, this winter pay a visit to Yunnan province, which is rich in natural beauty and a top spot for tourism in China, and take the chance to feel the soul of Yunnan people. For more information about this, please look at WindhorseTour's Yunnan Highlights 9-Day Tour.

History of Shangri-la 

The Shangri-la County is ruled by Yunnan Diqing – Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, where the state government lies. It is located in the northwest of Yunnan province, eastern part of Diqing – Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. The Yunnan-Tibet highway transits here. In 1997, the People’s Government of Yunnan Province announced that the legendary Shangri-la lies in Diqing of Yunnan province. Diqing region is located on the edge of south southeastern part of the Tibetan plateau, the northern part of the southern Hengduan mountain range. It is where three rivers meet. There are Tibet, Han, Bai, etc., 13 minorities living here and all preserve colorful customs and splendid cultures in Diqing.

Main Attractions in Shangri-la in winter

There are many great tourist attractions in Shangri-la. The attractions in Shangri-la promote the development of tourism in China. If you visit Shangri-la in winter, you can see an amazing different Shangri-la. 

Gedan Songzan Lin Temple

Located about 5 kilometers north of the county, this monastery, constructed in 1679, is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan Province. It's renowned for its rich Tibetan Buddhist culture and distinctive Tibetan architecture.

One of the famous attractions in Shangri-la is Gedan Songzan Lin Temple, which temples people call the “Small Potala Place”. For more information about Tibet and Yunnan tours, please look at WindhorseTour's Yunnan to Tibet 11-Day Tour. Gedan Songzan Lin Temple is the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple group in Yunnan province. There are many treasures well preserved in this temple – the mural in the main hall is worth seeing, with a delicate style and still showing its colorful through the years, the Tangkas and golden Buddha statues. Winter of Gedan Songzan Lin Temple presents a more magnificent and grand scene. Now this temple welcomes tourists from China and the whole world here to view its ancient and unique Tibetan cultural relic.

Dali Ancient Town

Another featured tourist attraction in the south of Shangri-la in Yunnan is Dali Ancient Town, where tourists can cast along with Shangri-la. For more information about the Shangri-la tour, please look at WindhorseTour's Chengdu to Lhasa via Yunnan 16-Day Tour. Compared with Shangri-la, Dali located in the western part of Yunnan brings tourists more of a piece of an ancient and peaceful image. If you pay a visit to Dali in winter, you will have the chance to see another ancient Beijing in the south of China. In winter, you can see much unique architecture in Dali Ancient Town. Imagine you waking up in the sunlight of a winter morning in one of the troop-houses. The snow preserves its crystals to shine under the beat of the sunshine. While you are wandering on the street of Dali, you will find all your burdens have been taken down and you enjoy this short peaceful pace to refresh your soul. You just need to wander for a while to watch the worn-out brick wall and look at the classical garrets in the flow of sweet flower wind.

Meili Snow Mountain

This is the best time to view the majestic peaks of Meili Snow Mountain, as the weather conditions from October to May are generally clear, offering high visibility of the snow-covered mountain, especially in the early mornings.

Meili Snow Mountain, also known as the Crown Prince of Snow Mountains, is a remarkable natural wonder in the western part of Deqin County, Yunnan Province, and is revered as one of the most beautiful snow mountains in the world. The main peak of Meili Snow Mountain is Kawagebo Peak, the highest peak in Yunnan Province and holds significant spiritual value as one of the four holy mountains in Tibetan Buddhism.

Scenic Beauty: The mountain is known for its stunning snow-capped peaks, dense forests, vast grasslands, and beautiful wildflowers, especially in spring.

Spiritual Significance: As a holy site in Tibetan Buddhism, the mountain attracts pilgrims and those interested in religious and cultural aspects.

Trekking and Photography: For adventure enthusiasts and photographers, the clear weather offers perfect conditions for trekking and capturing the majestic scenery.

Autumn Colors: From mid-October to mid-November, the area is adorned with marvelous autumn colors, adding to the visual appeal.

Winter Conditions: While winter offers a unique beauty with heavy snowfalls, it's important to note that this can lead to road closures and difficult travel conditions.

The Shangri-la Gorge Group

The Shangri-La Gorge Group, nestled in the northern part of Shangri-La County, presents an array of awe-inspiring gorges, each offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural history. Among these, the Shangri-la Grand Canyon within the Balagezong Scenic Area stands out as a particularly magnificent spectacle. This canyon is dramatically carved by the Birang River, which meanders through the rugged terrain, creating a mystical atmosphere as the river's mists rise to envelop the cliffs and valleys. Adding to the area's allure are the ancient rock paintings, silently narrating stories of bygone eras. These artworks, etched into the gorge's cliffs, are believed to be the creative expressions of early ethnic groups who migrated through this region in ancient times. The Shangri-La Gorge Group is not just a testament to the forces of nature, but also a window into the past, showcasing the artistic and cultural imprints left by its earliest inhabitants.

Bitahai Lake and Shudu Lake in Winter

Bitahai Lake and Shudu Lake, located in the Shangri-La region of Yunnan Province, present distinct and captivating landscapes during the winter months.

Bitahai Lake in Winter: As winter sets in, the surroundings of Bitahai Lake transform into a serene, snow-covered landscape. The lake itself, sitting at a high altitude, often freezes over, creating a spectacular icy expanse. The surrounding forest, blanketed in snow, adds to the ethereal beauty of the area. Winter brings a sense of tranquility to Bitahai Lake, making it a perfect spot for those who appreciate quiet, picturesque natural scenes. However, access might be limited due to snow and weather conditions, so visitors should check local travel advisories.

Shudu Lake in Winter: Shudu Lake, known for its peaceful environment, becomes particularly quiet during winter. The lake's surface might partially freeze, depending on the temperature, and the surrounding pasture lands often become snowfields. This season offers a different kind of beauty compared to the lush greenery seen in other months. The winter landscape provides opportunities for photography and peaceful walks, though, like Bitahai, accessibility might be affected by snow.

Both lakes in winter offer a unique experience, characterized by serene beauty and a stark contrast to their summer vibrancy. Visitors in winter can enjoy the quiet and solitude of these natural areas, though they should be prepared for cold temperatures and potential travel disruptions due to weather​.

There are so much more attractions in Shangri-la, but these are the most popular in winter.

Winter in Shangri-la

Winter is the best season to see the Snow Mountains in Shangri-la in Yunnan province. The temperature of Shangri-la in January generally is very cold, normally about minus 10 degrees Celsius (minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit), so tourists better take some warm clothes and shoes. Haba Snow Mountain is located in the southeast part of Shangri-la County. The main peak is 5,396 m (17,703 ft.) above sea level. The Haba Snow Mountain Nature Reserve is mainly combined by the main Haba Snow Peak, the alpine moraine lake, azaleas, and groups of waterfalls. It’s a heavenly place in the world, matching its name “Shangri-la”.

This is just the romantic and fascinating Shangri-la and charming Yunnan. This winter come to Yunnan and enjoy the Shangri-la for yourself. Yunnan warmly awaits you this winter!

Final words

Winter in Shangri-La, Yunnan Province, is a season of stark contrasts and profound beauty. It's a time when the land, draped in a blanket of snow, offers a serene and tranquil landscape. The crisp, cold air is invigorating, making every breath feel like a rejuvenation of the soul. The snow-capped mountains, especially the majestic Meili Snow Mountain, stand as silent guardians of the region, their peaks glowing ethereally in the weak winter sun.

This season also brings challenges, as heavy snowfalls can lead to road closures and isolation, reminding us of the formidable power of nature. Yet, despite the cold, life in Shangri-La during winter is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its people and wildlife. The cultural richness of the region, with its vibrant Tibetan traditions, continues to thrive, offering warmth and color against the white backdrop.