Exploring Balagezong: A Legendary Land of One Man's Dream

Deep in Shangri-La lies a paradise-like place—Balagezong. Here, the highest peaks seem to pierce the sky, the deepest canyons hold endless mysteries, and the clearest lakes reflect the world's beauty like a mirror. For a long time, it remained hidden from the world, barely traceable on any map. This all changed thanks to a local Khampa man, Sina Dingzhu. With unwavering faith and tireless effort, he built a road, giving Balagezong a clear location on the map and revealing its beauty to the world. If you wish to set foot on this magical land, take note of the following information. Its navigation location is Shangri-La Grand Canyon Balagezong Scenic Area. There are various ticket options. The entrance ticket plus the scenic sightseeing bus is CNY 170/person. If you also want to take the round-trip shuttle bus (adult ticket), it's CNY 220/person. In addition, there are some optional project fees: the Buddha Pagoda bus is CNY 75/person, the Echo Wall high-altitude ropeway is CNY 120/person, and the Grand Canyon rafting is CNY 120/person. A recommended route is: starting from the scenic area gate, first arrive at Bala Village. Bala Village is located on the slopes of Gezong Snow Mountain at an altitude of 2,900 meters, about 700 meters vertically up from the Gangqu River Valley. Here, you can visit the unique Tibetan village architectural complex, enter Sina Dingzhu's ancestral home, listen to the arduous and legendary road-building history, and immersively experience the unique local lifestyle. Stroll through the village, feeling the simplicity and charm of Tibetan architecture, as if traveling through time into a peaceful world. Leave Bala Village and head to the Shambhala Pagoda. It stands majestically at an altitude of 4,050 meters. You can take a bus from Bala Village; currently, the first bus departs at 12:30 pm, and the fare is CNY 75/person. The outbound journey starts at Bala Village, and the return trip drops off at Echo Wall. The one-way trip takes about 45 mins, with 1 hour for sightseeing, totaling about 2.5 hrs round trip. Standing beneath the pagoda, looking up at its towering structure, you'll feel the power of faith and a sense of awe. Next, arrive at Echo Wall, a place full of fun and surprises. Shout at the cliff face, and the sound waves will be reflected back, as if nature is engaging in a wonderful dialogue with you. Walk along the cliff, admiring the surrounding magnificent scenery and marveling at nature's wonders. Finally, arrive at the Shangri-La Grand Canyon, a deep and tranquil place with breathtaking scenery. After the tour, return to the scenic area gate, concluding a fulfilling Balagezong journey. Thanks to Sina Dingzhu's dream and persistence, Balagezong has become a desirable sacred place. Its beautiful scenery and stories are deeply imprinted in the hearts of every visitor. It is not only a natural landscape but also a symbol of spirit, inspiring people to bravely pursue their dreams.