Tiger Leaping Gorge Scenic Drive

Tiger Leaping Gorge (Hutiao Xia) - As the journey begins on Huxiang Road, the first stop along the highway leads to the upper section of the Tiger Leaping Gorge.

Experience a drive along the entire length of Tiger Leaping Gorge, where numerous observation decks offer perfect spots for photography.

Here, the Jinsha River, resembling a powerful dragon, roars through the canyon. From the observation deck, one can admire the towering peaks on both sides of the canyon, reaching high into the clouds, steep and dramatic. The river rushes through the narrow canyon, creating massive waves. White spray splashes up, sparkling brilliantly in the sunlight. The majestic force inspires awe for nature’s incredible craftsmanship and immense power.

Haba Village - Venturing further into Huxiang Road, Haba Village emerges, home to ethnic minorities, primarily the Naxi people. Their unique culture is deeply embedded in every aspect of village life. Traditional Naxi architecture is evident in the houses, characterized by wooden structures, sloping roofs, and intricate carvings. These buildings not only provide shelter but also showcase the Naxi’s exquisite craftsmanship.

The villagers maintain their ancient customs and traditions. During traditional festivals, people dress in their finest ethnic costumes, performing lively dances and singing folk songs passed down through generations. The music and dance movements narrate stories of their ancestors, beliefs, and daily lives, offering a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Naxi people.

Haba Snow Mountain - With Haba Snow Mountain on one side and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain on the other, driving through the Tiger Leaping Gorge with the rushing Jinsha River below is truly one of the most spectacular drive routes in the world.

The journey also passes through the Haba Snow Mountain Pass. As the altitude increases, Haba Snow Mountain comes into view. The main peak of Haba Snow Mountain stands at 5,396 meters above sea level, with a relative height difference of 3,846 meters. It is one of the extremely high mountains with typical modern marine mountain glaciers in the upper reaches of the Jinsha River in northwest Yunnan. It is the fourth highest peak in Yunnan Province. The top of the mountain is covered with snow all year round.

White-Water Terraces (Baishuitai) - Next, the route passes Baishui Terrace, known as “China’s Cotton Castle,” this natural limestone terrace resembles a frozen waterfall. The turquoise pools, formed by calcium-rich springs, glow under sunlight—ideal for photography.

Dukezong Ancient Town - Upon entering Shangri-La, the first sight is the vast and boundless grassland. Finally, reaching Dukezong Ancient Town in Shangri-La, a place of captivating beauty, offers a perfect rest after a long road trip. Nestled amidst majestic mountains, the town features traditional Tibetan architecture with stone houses and sloping roofs.

As one wanders through its cobblestone streets, prayer flags flutter gently in the breeze, filling the air with a sense of spirituality. The warm glow of butter lamps inside the ancient temples adds a touch of mystery. At night, the town takes on a magical charm, with soft lights twinkling.

Songzanlin Monastery, Napahai and Pudacuo National Park

Sumtsaling Monastery - As the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, Songzanlin Monastery, also known as Guihua Monastery, is one of the renowned monasteries in the Kang region. It is located near Shangri-La County, at the foot of Foping Mountain.

Construction of the monastery began in 1679 and was completed two years later. The monastery resembles a group of ancient castles and is composed of two lamaseries, Zhacang and Jikang.

The monastery is filled with treasures. There are numerous golden figures of Buddha josses, golden lamps, Tibetan scriptures, silver censers, and more. All of these are wonderful collections accumulated from each dynasty. They are precious creations made by people of both Tibetan and Han nationalities.

Napahai Scenic Area - Napahai is a nature reserve and a seasonal wetland in Shangri-La. Surrounded by mountains on three sides, with villages scattered around it, this attraction mainly features a highland lake landscape and rich ecological resources. Napahai also serves as a winter habitat for migratory birds like the black-necked crane.

Napahai and Yila Grassland, the largest and most beautiful grassland in Diqing Shangri-La, complement each other. During the rainy season, the grassland is covered with water due to abundant rainfall, forming the lake. During the dry season, there is less water and more grass, hence the lake recedes, turning into a vast grassland, known as Yila Grassland.

Potatso National Park - Pudacuo National Park is famous for its pristine landscape and features scenic hills, meadows, and lakes. It is also home to more than 100 endangered species, including leopards, cranes, macaques, lynxes, and more.

Potatso National Park has three main scenic areas: Shudu Lake, Militang Alpine Pasture, and Bitahai Lake.

Shudu Lake is the park’s crown jewel, known for its crystal-clear waters that reflect the surrounding mountains like a mirror. The lake is surrounded by dense forests and alpine meadows, creating a serene and picturesque setting.

Bitahai is another stunning alpine lake. It’s surrounded by ancient oak forests and is a vital habitat for migratory birds. The lake’s unique ecosystem includes submerged aquatic plants that create a vibrant underwater landscape.

Militang Grassland is a vast expanse of rolling meadows dotted with yaks, Tibetan villages, and traditional grazing lands. This area offers a glimpse into the nomadic lifestyle of the local Tibetan people.

Balagegong Scenic Area

Shangri-la Grand Canyon. Balagezong - Balagezong Scenic area is located in the northwest of Shangri-La county, it is one of the core scenic areas of “three parallel rivers” with various geological landscapes, sacred mountain culture, Shambhala Stupa, Holy Banyan Tree of Thousands of Years, Kangba tribe legend, the ancient village of Bala village, the Plateau Lake, Palm Gorge, rare animals and plants, and the original ecological environment is well preserved.

Dongzhulin Temple - Dongzhulin monastery, built in 1667, is very popular with pilgrims and local inhabitants, offering incredible artifacts. The assembly hall is made of 82 columns of carved wood and 4 floors.

There are statues of Tsongkhapa, the founder of the school of yellow caps of Tibetan Buddhism, surrounded by two of his disciples, then those of Sakyaluni, Avalokiteshvara, Manjusri, among others.

Golden Sunrise at Meili Snow Mountain

• Private Vehicle
• Admission to Tiger Leaping Gorge
• Private Guide

• Hotel Accommodation, Meals and Beverages, Tips and Personal Expenses
• Tiger Leaping Gorge Admission Ticket
• White Water Terrace Admission Ticket
• Songzanlin Monastery Admission Ticket
• Balagezong Admission Ticket
• Pudacuo Admission Ticket

Between Lijiang and Shangri-La lies the picturesque Huxiang Road, winding through mountains and rivers like a vibrant ribbon, linking numerous captivating sights. For road trip enthusiasts, this is a must-see journey.

Choose from tour options ranging from 2 to 4 days.

• Explore the renowned and powerful Tiger Leaping Gorge
• Marvel at the stunning Haba Snow Mountain
• Discover the White Water Terrace
• Overnight in Shangri-La to immerse in Tibetan culture at Dukezong Ancient City
• Tour the Songzanlin Monastery
• Explore Pudacuo National Park
• Visit Napahai
• Discover Balagezong Scenic Area
• Explore Benzilan Village
• Stay overnight at Meili Snow Mountain to witness the Golden Sunrise
• Visit Feilai Temple

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.