Balagezong, a Secret Journey on the Snowy Mountains (with Guide)

Balagezong Ecotourism Scenic Area is located at the confluence of the Jinsha River, Nu River, and Lancang River, and is one of the important scenic spots in the Hongshan section of the World Natural Heritage site. The Balagezong Snow Mountain within the scenic area has an altitude of 5545 meters, making it the highest peak in Shangri-La, covered with snow all year round. The lowest point is the valley, with an average annual temperature of 14.5 degrees, creating a unique climate where one mountain experiences four seasons, which is quite magical. 🌹 Highly recommended to stay at the Balagezong hotel in the scenic area, surrounded by snowy mountains, where you can drive into the mountains, with complimentary tickets, scenic area sightseeing car tickets, glass plank road, high-altitude cableway, or rafting to choose from. ⚠️ For attractions above the altitude of Balagezong village, you still need to take the scenic area sightseeing car. 🌸 Main attractions of Balagezong 1️⃣ Shangri-La Grand Canyon is 2200 meters above sea level, approximately 154 kilometers long, a U-shaped valley with steep cliffs soaring into the clouds. There are wooden plank roads for hiking in the canyon, and rafting projects in summer. 2️⃣ Bandanlamu Viewing Platform, Bandanlamu is the chief female protector deity in Tibetan Buddhism's Pantheon, also known as the auspicious goddess we are familiar with. 3️⃣ Natural Buddha Stupa, a major scenic spot, the 4050-meter-high Qudeng Shen Mountain resembles a round stupa, and when covered with snow, it even more resembles 'Qudeng Gaba' (Tibetan white stupa). 4️⃣ Echo Wall, as the name suggests, sound waves are reflected by the stone wall, creating a continuous echo with a long-lasting charm. 5️⃣ Balagezong village is a transliteration from Tibetan, meaning a Tibetan village that migrated from Batang, located at an altitude of 2900 meters on the mountainside below Gezong Snow Mountain. 6️⃣ At the entrance of the scenic area's driveway, there is a Bodhi tree over 3000 years old, standing against the mountain, with lush branches and leaves covering the entire cliff wall, also known as the Phoenix Bodhi Tree. 🌹 Travel tips The altitude of the scenic area is high, so be sure to move slowly. To visit the Natural Buddha Stupa, you need to follow the scenic area bus, which takes about 40 minutes. The driver will give 1 hour of playtime, and then take the same bus to the Echo Wall. Those who are afraid of heights are advised to sit on the left side of the bus. The Natural Buddha Stupa may be invisible due to heavy fog, rain, or snow. Wear more on the mountain, and wear sunglasses to prevent snow blindness. The Natural Buddha Stupa has relatively complete facilities, with small wooden houses for warming up, delicious butter tea. Snow tubes are available for rent, but the restrooms are very dirty. The Echo Wall has a mid-mountain plank road, a glass viewing platform, and a 3000-meter high-altitude cableway that can return to the entrance in 40 seconds. There are two hotels in Balagezong village run by the scenic area owner, both with good conditions. Near the white stupa, there is a Tibetan-style coffee shop, recommended for highland barley coffee. 🌸 Basic Information Address: Balagezong Group, Xingfu Village Committee, Nixi Township, Shangri-La City Opening hours: 8:30-16:30 Ticket price: 165 yuan/adult Buddha Stupa sightseeing car: 75 yuan/person Echo Wall cableway: 120 yuan/person Rafting: 100 yuan/person