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Isabella876 ReedSingapore

Shangri-La is back, but I really don't recommend visiting in July because it's just too...

✅Day 1: Dukezong Ancient Town & Songzanlin Monastery Morning: Dukezong Ancient Town • Moonlight Square: Home to the world's largest prayer wheel (requires multiple people to turn). • Tortoise Hill Park: Offers panoramic views of the ancient town, perfect for photos of Tibetan architecture. • Tibetan cultural experiences: Thangka painting, Tibetan incense making (workshops available in town). • Food recommendations: Yak meat hotpot ("Jingjing's Mani Stone Tibetan Restaurant"), butter tea, and tsampa (barley cakes). Afternoon: Songzanlin Monastery (Little Potala Palace) • Transportation: 15-minute taxi ride or take Bus No. 3 directly. • Activities: Learn about Tibetan Buddhism with a guide, best spot for panoramic photos is across the lake at Lamuyangcuo. • Admission: 90 RMB (includes shuttle bus). Evening: Tibetan family visit (optional) • Experience Tibetan singing and dancing, bonfire party, and try yak yogurt (around 150 RMB/person). ------ 🌿 Day 2: Pudacuo National Park All day: Hiking in Pudacuo (most beautiful in July) • Shudu Lake: Wooden trail hike (3.3km), wildflowers in bloom by the lake, occasional squirrel sightings. • Bita Lake: Currently only partially open, featuring wetland scenery and primeval forest. • Tips: ◦ Admission 138 RMB (includes sightseeing bus), no restaurants in the park, bring your own snacks. ◦ July temperatures range from 10-20°C, wear windproof jackets and comfortable hiking shoes. Evening return to ancient town: • Dinner recommendation: "Minzhulam Tibetan Restaurant", try Tibetan-style pizza (beef filling). ------ 🏞️ Day 3: Napahai Yila Grassland & Hidden Gems Morning: Napahai Lake loop • Activities: Rent a car or electric bike to circle the lake (about 50km), in July the grassland turns into a "sea", blending with the sky. • Highlights: Horseback riding (bargain to 80-100 RMB/hour), hold baby sheep for photos (20 RMB). • Transportation: Rent electric bikes in town for 80 RMB/day, or hire a car for 150 RMB per loop. Afternoon: Choose one hidden gem • Balagezong: Secret canyon with Buddhist stupas and snow mountains (2-hour drive, 170 RMB admission). • Bottomless Lake: Undeveloped alpine lake, perfect for picnics and camping (requires off-road vehicle, free). Evening: Return or extend stay • If time permits, add a day trip to "Meili Snow Mountain" or "Yubeng" (requires separate planning). ------ 🚗 Transportation Guide • How to get there: ◦ ✈️ Direct flights to Shangri-La Airport (limited flights), or take a bus from Lijiang (4 hours, 88 RMB). ◦ 🚗 Self-drive: Lijiang→Shangri-La (2.5 hours via highway), passing Tiger Leaping Gorge en route. • Local transportation: Walk within the ancient town, hire a car for nearby attractions (around 300 RMB/day). 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations • Dukezong Ancient Town: Tibetan-style guesthouses (recommend "Yanyi Inn" and "Songtsam Lodge"). • Napahai: "Heartland Yurt" by the grassland, wake up to views of grazing yaks and sheep. ⚠️ Important Notes 1. Altitude sickness: Avoid showering and drinking alcohol on the first day, carry oxygen canisters (20 RMB at town pharmacies). 2. Weather: July is rainy season, bring rain gear and windbreakers, sun protection during the day, temperatures drop to 10°C at night. 3. Respect local customs: Don't step on temple thresholds, don't point at Buddha statues, turn prayer wheels clockwise. ✨ July Travel Highlights ✅ Flower fields in full bloom: Wildflowers everywhere at Shudu Lake and Napahai Grassland. ✅ Summer retreat: Average daily temperature of 18°C, perfect escape from heat. ✅ Festivals: If you encounter the "Horse Racing Festival" (late July), you can witness Tibetan equestrian competitions.
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Posted: Jul 24, 2025
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