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Tours/Lijiang/Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour

Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour

Lijiang10 hours
Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour
Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour
Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour
Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour
Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour
+13 photos
Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour
Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour
Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour
Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour
Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour
Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour
Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour
Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour
Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour
Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour
Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour
Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour
Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour
Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour
Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour
Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour
Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour

At a glance

Duration
10 hours
Price from
$92 / person
Location
Lijiang, China
Languages
CMN, EN
Group
Private
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Hotel pickup
Available
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Aether Tours

Description

Discover the beauty and charm of Shangri-La from Lijiang on a fully customizable private tour with an experienced English-speaking guide. This tour allows you to explore signature spots designed to give you an in-depth understanding of Shangri-La's history, culture and natural wonders while catering to your personal interest and pace. Shangri-La is located in the northwestern part of Yunnan Province in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Formerly known as Zhongdian County, it was renamed to Shangri-La in 2001. Appeared in James Hilton's novel Lost Horizon in 1933, it had become a dream place for people around the world. In Tibetan, Shangri-La means 'the Sun and Moon in one's heart'. It is a pure land that perfectly preserves the area’s natural ecology and traditional culture. The grasslands surrounded by snow-capped mountains are full of bright sunshine and fresh air. There are also clear and tranquil lakes as well as magnificent temples and friendly Tibetans.

Schedule & prices

Runs
Every day
Start times
8:00 AM
Next available
Fri, Oct 9
Adult (ages 3–70)
$92

Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.

Prices are per person when two book together; a solo traveller pays $184.

Larger groups pay less per person.

From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 8.

Tour Options

Private Vehicle + Tour Guide

Private Guide Depart Shangri-La Private Vehicle Pickup included

Private Vehicle (No Guide)

No Tour Guide Depart Shangri-La Private Vehicle Pickup included

Private Vehicle from Lijiang

No Tour Guide Depart Lijiang Private Vehicle Pickup included

Private Guide from Lijiang

Private Guide Depart Lijiang Private Vehicle Pickup included

Itinerary

Dukezong Ancient Town
60 min

Dukezong Ancient Town: enchanting thousand-year-old streets, traditional white-painted Tibetan houses, and vibrant prayer flags, delivers a vivid snapshot of Tibetan culture. This town is designed in an eight-petal lotus shape, reflecting the geomatic features of this mountainous area. Known as 'moonlight city' for its silver glow at night, the town was an essential stop on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. Visitors can immerse themselves in a rich cultural tapestry through local crafts, performances, and teahouses within this town.

Shangri-la Grand Canyon. Balagezong
Admission not included60 min

Balagezong Grand Canyon features a range of natural attractions including steep cliffs, U-shaped gorges, and diverse ecosystems. This place provides a perfect blend of cultural and ecological tourism with activities like rafting through meandering rivers and exploring ancient, culturally rich Tibetan villages such as Diqing Bala Village.

White-Water Terraces (Baishuitai)
Admission not included60 min

The birthplace of Naxi Dongba teaching.According to legend, the gods of the Naxi people used to create the terraces in order to let the local Naxi people learn how to cultivate the farmland. Therefore, the descendants were praised as the "fairy people". Dubbed "China’s Cotton Castle," this natural limestone terrace resembles a frozen waterfall. The turquoise pools, formed by calcium-rich springs, glow under sunlight—perfect for photography.

Admission not included120 min

renowned for its ecological significance and breathtaking natural beauty. It is home to Bita Lake known for its legends and pristine conditions, and Shudu Lake, celebrated for its clear waters and vibrant wildlife. The park offers an array of activities such as hiking and bird-watching across different terrains from lakes to lush pastures, perfect during the colorful seasons of spring and summer. The highest point in the park is 4,670 meters above sea level, and the lowest point is 2,347 meters above sea level. There are many unique small scenic spots such as fault cliffs, forest brooks, and deep canyons staggered, including relatively primitive and complete forest shrubs, alpine meadows, wetland lakes, geological relics, river canyon ecosystems, etc.

Pass by

A seasonal plateau lake—lakes in summer (with grazing livestock), golden grasslands in autumn, and swamps in winter-spring.

Songzanlin Monastery
Admission not included60 min

Stands out for its architectural resemblance to Lhasa's iconic architecture Potala Palace. It serves as a central cultural and spiritual site in Shangri-La. Its unique designs together with valuable religious artifacts and detailed murals depicting Buddha's life, offers insights into Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery's setting on Foping Mountain affords visitors stunning landscape views, enriching their visit with both spiritual and visual delight. Because of the temple's many cultural and religious treasures as used in Tibetan Buddhism, this site is absolutely worth a visit.

What's included

Included
Private Guide (option)
Customized Itinerary
Private Vehicle with Hotel Pickup/Dropoff
Not included
Tips and gratuities
Meals and beverages
Personal expenses
Admission Tickets to Paid Attractions

Pickup Locations & Times

We will pick you from the hotel lobby

How it compares in Lijiang

  • Starting price $92 is 60% below the typical $230 for tours of similar length in Lijiang

Excurgo comparison of 105 Viator tours, recalculated daily.

Important Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund

Frequently asked questions

How long does Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour take?

Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour lasts about 10 hours. The itinerary has 6 stops.

How much does Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour cost?

Prices start at $92 per person for this Lijiang experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. That is the per-person price when two book together; a solo traveller pays $184. There are 4 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.

What days does Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour run?

According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 8:00 AM.

Can I cancel Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour for free?

Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, pickup is offered. We will pick you from the hotel lobby Pickup points include Liuyi Yunxiang View Hotel (Lijiang Old Town Branch), Rezen Realm Hotel.

What languages is Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour offered in?

The experience is available in CMN, EN.

Is this a private or a group tour?

It is a private experience: only your party takes part. Up to 6 travellers can book together.

Is the tour suitable for children?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Will my booking be confirmed immediately?

Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.

$92/ person
Duration10 hours
LanguagesCMN, EN
ConfirmationInstant
Check availability on Viator →
Booked and paid on Viator.com
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

No booking fees from Excurgo
Payment and confirmation are handled by Viator
Excurgo support

Excurgo earns a commission from Viator when you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.

Compare similar tours in Lijiang

  • Lowest price: Shangri-La Scenic Area Private Tour — $92
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  • Shortest: 1 Day Tiger Teaping Gorge Private Tour from Lijiang or Shangri-La — 6 hours
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