The Tiger Leaping Gorge boasts breathtaking scenery, but its management leaves much to be desired. You might find yourself waiting two hours in line for a half-hour tour. Rumors have it that the scenic bus is absent during the off-season, leaving only a crowded parking lot at the entrance. Cars snake their way into the park, vying for a spot. Thankfully, during peak season, you can park elsewhere and rely on the scenic bus for transportation. Despite the crowds, it’s unfortunate that the park doesn’t adjust its operations based on visitor numbers. The current system wastes precious time and leaves visitors frustrated.
Balagezong Scenic Area: A Beautiful but Underwhelming Experience
This mountainous scenic area offers stunning views, but its lack of attractions and inconvenient transportation leave much to be desired. The village of Bala, a former residence of the road builder, is now deserted. Apart from this, there’s little else to explore. To reach the Barafota tower, you must take a shuttle, which limits your time to explore. The infrequent departures make it challenging to fully enjoy the area within a day. This becomes even more problematic during peak season. Of all the attractions, Shambhala Buddha stands out as the most worthwhile destination. While the scenery is beautiful, the limited attractions and inconvenient transportation system make it an underwhelming experience for those seeking a fulfilling adventure.
Dukezong Ancient City: A Timeless Gem with Modern Touches
The Dukezong Ancient City, a well-preserved and extensive Tibetan settlement, offers a glimpse into China’s rich cultural heritage. It was established by Tuyu in the Tang Dynasty (AD 676-679) and has played a significant role in the history of the ancient tea horse road. The name “Dukezong” itself is rich in meaning: it translates to “castle built on stone” and “moonlight city”. This historic hub served as the first stop for horse gangs entering Tibet. The ancient city boasts notable attractions, including the Big Buddha Temple, constructed during the Qing Kangxi period, and the world’s largest prayer wheel, erected in 2002. The latter serves as a monument commemorating the renaming of Zhongdian to Shangri-La. While Dukezong offers a captivating glimpse into the past, it has undergone modernization, featuring shops, restaurants, and accommodations, making it similar to the popular ancient cities of Lijiang and Dali.
Wu Di Hu (Bottomless Lake): A Tranquil Plateau Escape
This picturesque lake, located just a few tens of kilometers from Daocheng Aden, offers a unique blend of Aden’s beauty and Shangri-La’s untouched nature. The plateau snow lake, nestled amidst the Dilong Snow Mountain, lies at an impressive altitude of 3,800 meters. Its Tibetan name, “Vardicuo,” translates to “bottomless lake,” and its serene beauty is captivating. The crystal-clear waters reflect the majestic surrounding mountains, creating a breathtaking vista. A tranquil retreat where you can lose yourself in the serenity of the mountains, Wu Di Hu is a hidden gem worth exploring in Shangri-La and beyond.
Haba Snow Mountain: A Challenging Yet Rewarding Ascent
As the highest peak within the World Natural Heritage Reserve, Haba Snow Mountain offers a challenging but rewarding climbing experience. Its rugged terrain, stunning azalea sea, steep canyons, rushing rapids, virgin forests, and glacial meadows have earned it the title of “the most visual thermometer on the planet.” This remarkable ecosystem is also a haven for rare and endangered animals and plants. While the climb requires physical endurance and proper preparation, even those without extensive experience can conquer its summit with the right conditions and equipment. Haba Snow Mountain has become a must-climb destination for many mountaineering enthusiasts, marking their first foray into the world of high-altitude adventures.
