Shangri-La~Explore the Paradise of the Mysterious Plateau

## Shangri-La: The Closest Place to Heaven, and Also to Altitude Sickness Hello, friends! Welcome to Shangri-La, a place whose name alone evokes a sense of magic. Here, you'll find not only breathtaking scenery but also the potential for breathtaking altitude sickness. Don't worry, follow my guide, and I guarantee you'll have fun and breathe easy! ### 1. Recommended Attractions 1. **Songzanlin Monastery** - **Reason to visit**: Known as the "Little Potala Palace," its golden roof shimmers in the sunlight, as if saying, "Come take a picture of me!" - **Friendly reminder**: There are quite a few steps at the temple. Remember to take breaks while climbing so altitude sickness doesn't steal the show. - **Tickets**: CNY 90 - **Visit duration**: 2–3 hrs 2. **Potatso National Park** - **Reason to visit**: With lakes, grasslands, and forests, the scenery is as beautiful as a Windows desktop. Bita Lake and Shudu Lake are photography hotspots; every shot is a masterpiece. - **Friendly reminder**: The temperature in the park is relatively low, so remember to dress warmly. Don't freeze into an icicle for the sake of a beautiful photo. - **Tickets**: CNY 138 (including sightseeing bus) - **Visit duration**: 4–5 hrs 3. **Dukezong Ancient Town** - **Reason to visit**: The world's largest prayer wheel is here. Turning it once is said to bring good luck. However, before turning it, ask yourself if you have the strength, as altitude sickness is no joke. - **Friendly reminder**: There are many small shops in the ancient town selling Tibetan handicrafts. Remember to bargain; don't be scared off by the "high-altitude prices." - **Tickets**: Free - **Visit duration**: 2–3 hrs 4. **Napa Lake** - **Reason to visit**: A combination of grassland and lake, you can ride horses, take photos, or simply relax. - **Friendly reminder**: Ask about the price before riding a horse, so you don't get taken for a ride. - **Tickets**: Free (horse riding is extra) - **Visit duration**: 2–3 hrs ### 2. Recommended Food 1. **Yak Hot Pot** - **Reason to try**: Shangri-La's yak meat is tender, and the hot pot broth is rich. One bite will warm you to the core. - **Recommended restaurant**: "Yak Hot Pot Restaurant" in Dukezong Ancient Town offers reasonable prices and authentic flavors. 2. **Butter Tea** - **Reason to try**: A traditional Tibetan drink, it warms both body and soul. However, the taste might seem a bit strange at first. Don't worry; you'll get used to it after a few sips. - **Recommended place**: Find any Tibetan home, and the hospitable host will pour you a bowl. 3. **Tsampa Cakes** - **Reason to try**: Crispy and delicious, paired with butter tea, they're the perfect match on the plateau. - **Recommended place**: Small stalls in the ancient town make them fresh to order. They're best enjoyed hot. 4. **Tibetan Yogurt** - **Reason to try**: Sweet and sour, with a rich texture, it's a great way to refresh your palate and aid digestion after yak hot pot. - **Recommended restaurant**: "Tibetan Yogurt Shop" in the ancient town. The owner will even add some honey for extra flavor. ### 3. Recommended Accommodation 1. **Shangri-La Youth Hostel** - **Reason to stay**: Affordable, with a great atmosphere, it's perfect for backpackers. In the evening, you can chat with fellow travelers from around the world and share travel stories. - **Price**: CNY 50–100/night 2. **Dukezong Ancient Town Inn** - **Reason to stay**: Inns in the ancient town have a strong Tibetan style, moderate prices, and a convenient location. You can step right out the door and explore the ancient town. - **Price**: CNY 150–300/night 3. **Homestays near Potatso** - **Reason to stay**: If you want to get up early to watch the sunrise at Potatso, choose a homestay near the park for convenience and tranquility. - **Price**: CNY 200–400/night ### 4. Important Notes 1. **Altitude sickness**: Shangri-La has a high altitude, and newcomers may experience mild altitude sickness. It is recommended to prepare Rhodiola or oxygen tanks in advance, so altitude sickness doesn't ruin your trip. 2. **Weather changes**: The plateau weather is changeable, with large temperature differences between day and night. Remember to bring a thick coat so you don't catch a cold for the sake of a beautiful photo. 3. **Sun protection**: The plateau has strong ultraviolet rays. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are essential to avoid coming back with a "highland red" face. ### 5. Humorous Tips - **About altitude sickness**: If you feel short of breath, don't panic. First, ask the people around you if they feel the same. If they do, it might be altitude sickness; if they don't, it might be time to lose weight. - **About taking photos**: When taking photos in Potatso, remember to find a good angle so the snow-capped mountains behind you don't make you look like a dwarf. - **About horse riding**: Don't get too excited while riding. The horse won't run faster just because you yell "Giddy up." It will just think you're noisy. Alright, that's all for the guide. I hope you have fun in Shangri-La, take beautiful photos, eat your fill, and breathe easy! Remember, the most important thing about traveling is to have fun. Don't let altitude sickness or the weather affect your good mood. Shangri-La awaits your exploration!