# Shangri-La Grand Canyon (香格里拉大峡谷)

Shangri-La, Yunnan Province · Southwest, China · Guidebook rating: 4/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/shangri-la-grand-canyon
Language: en

## Key facts

- **Admission:** ¥170
- **Opening hours:** 08:30-18:30 (all year 2026)
- **Time needed:** 2 hours
- **Address:** Bala Community, Nixi Township, Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
- **Getting there:** Tourist shuttle buses leave from the parking lot next to Shangri-La Old Town and go directly to the scenic area. Round-trip fare is about ¥50.
- **By car:** From downtown Shangri-La, follow National Highway 214 toward Deqin until you reach the three-way junction at Shangqiaotou in Nixi Township, then turn right onto the scenic area road.

## About Shangri-La Grand Canyon

This canyon was originally called “Biran Canyon.” Because one side of the canyon is called Xiang and the other Li, it came to be known as the “Shangri-La Grand Canyon,” a name that is grand but rather vague.
Some say the Blue Moon Valley described in “Lost Horizon” is located here, and locals have long believed this is a place where immortals dwell, the true Shambhala. Visitors can explore the deep canyon and towering snow peaks, go rafting through the scenic gorge, and visit Bala Village, an unspoiled ancient Tibetan village. It is well worth a visit.
Two marvels in the scenic area should not be missed. The first is a thousand-year-old Bodhi tree whose trunk has grown into the shape of a human palm, a striking sight. The second is the Qudeng Sacred Mountain in the pastures deep inside Jiala Village. Its round, pointed summit is covered in snow, with a black circular rock wall beneath it, and it is known as a natural stupa.

## Tips from the guidebook

- 1. On the 15th day of the 12th lunar month, Tibetan communities from Yunnan and Sichuan gather in front of Immortal Cave (仙人洞) to sing and dance.
- 2. You will need to walk to explore the canyon groups, so bring suitable footwear and necessary gear.
- 3. Every November, when heavy snow closes the mountain passes, shuttle buses to the canyon are cancelled. At this time, you can ride horses in and out of the canyon. Prices are based on the bridge reached; from the canyon entrance to the third bridge, the fare is generally ¥60 per person.

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Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 266. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.
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