Attractions · Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

China's first national park pilot, where Shudu Lake, Bita Lake and the Militing meadows spread out above 3,500 metres. Highlights include the highland forest. Tip: The altitude is high, so walk slowly; bring a jacket and rain gear. Practical info: located at Shangri-La, Diqing, Yunnan; ticket ¥138 (includes shuttle bus); opening hours 08:00–17:00. Best season: May–October; September–October gives the clearest views of autumn colour and snow peaks. At altitude, watch sun protection and altitude sickness. It can be combined with Songzanlin Monastery, Dukezong Ancient Town and Tiger Leaping Gorge in Diqing for a half-day or one-day itinerary. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel outside peak times, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies so a temporary closure does not disrupt your plans.

• Address: Shangri-La, Diqing, Yunnan
• Ticket: ¥138 (includes shuttle bus)
• Opening: 08:00–17:00

Yunnan's largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery, praised as the “little Potala Palace”, with golden roofs and monks' quarters layered along the hillside. Highlights include the Zhaicang assembly hall and Lamuyangcuo Lake. Tip: Walk clockwise and remove your hat inside the halls; in the early morning you may see monks debating. Practical info: located at Jiantang Town, Shangri-La, Diqing, Yunnan; ticket ¥90 (subject to official notices); opening hours 07:30–18:00. Best season: May–October; September–October gives the clearest views of autumn colour and snow peaks. At altitude, watch sun protection and altitude sickness. It can be combined with Pudacuo National Park, Dukezong Ancient Town and Tiger Leaping Gorge in Diqing for a half-day or one-day itinerary. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel outside peak times, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking.

• Address: Jiantang Town, Shangri-La, Diqing, Yunnan
• Ticket: ¥90 (subject to official notices)
• Opening: 07:30–18:00

A Tibetan old town on the Tea Horse Road, marked by the great prayer wheel in Guishan Park and its stone-paved streets. Highlights include the Tibetan-style houses. Tip: The prayer wheel needs several people to turn together; in the evening there is guozhuang dancing in the square. Practical info: located at Shangri-La, Diqing, Yunnan; ticket free; opening hours all day. Best season: May–October; September–October gives the clearest views of autumn colour and snow peaks. At altitude, watch sun protection and altitude sickness. It can be combined with Pudacuo National Park, Songzanlin Monastery and Tiger Leaping Gorge in Diqing for a half-day or one-day itinerary. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel outside peak times, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies so a temporary closure does not disrupt your plans.

• Address: Shangri-La, Diqing, Yunnan
• Ticket: Free
• Opening: Open all day

The Jinsha River cuts a world-class deep gorge between the Jade Dragon and Haba snow mountains; Upper Tiger Leaping is the most spectacular. Highlights include the gorge walkway. Tip: In the rainy season the water is high and rockfall is common; take care on the walkway. Practical info: located at Hutiaoxia Town, Shangri-La, Diqing, Yunnan; ticket ¥45 (lift extra); opening hours 08:00–17:00. Best season: May–October; September–October gives the clearest views of autumn colour and snow peaks. At altitude, watch sun protection and altitude sickness. It can be combined with Pudacuo National Park, Songzanlin Monastery and Dukezong Ancient Town in Diqing for a half-day or one-day itinerary. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead and travel outside peak times, and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow more time for security checks and walking. Before setting out, confirm the day's opening and reservation policies so a temporary closure does not disrupt your plans.

• Address: Hutiaoxia Town, Shangri-La, Diqing, Yunnan
• Ticket: ¥45 (lift extra)
• Opening: 08:00–17:00