Transportation in Shangri-la
Shangri-la is located in the northwest of Yunnan province. It is known as the "mountain big garden", "animal and plant kingdom" and "non-ferrous metal kingdom". Visitors can get there by plane, train, and long-distance bus.
Getting there
◎By Plane
Shangri-la's main airport is Diqing Airport. It is one of the largest airports in northwest Yunnan. Currently, some of these cities, including Kunming, Chengdu, Lhasa, Guangzhou and Shenzhen offer flights to Shangri-la.
◎By Bus
There are plenty of buses sent to Shangri-la:
Lhasa
There are several buses to Lhasa from the bus station, you should ask at the bus station as it is not a daily schedule. You could choose the SEAT bus or the SLEEPER bus. The cost for the bus is around ¥550 and takes about 4 days for the trip.
Chamdo
There is also a bus to Chamdo, an important city in East Tibet.
Daocheng to Shangri-La
It is a 12-hours drive. Cost ¥111. Start at 6:00 am from bus station and travel through magnificent mountain scenery.
Lijiang to Shangri-La
these days a fast 4 hours, cost is ¥61.
Dali to Shangri-La
It is a 6-hour drive - buses run in this line both night and day.
Kunming to Shangri-La
It is a 12-hour drive - also buses run in this line both night and day.
Panzhihua to Shangrila
It takes 12 hours, passing through Lijiang.
Deqin to Shangrila
It is a windy 6-hour drive.
Getting around
◎By Bus
There are several public buses in Shangri-la, bus fares are ¥1.
◎By Bicycle
Bicycle is a very popular way to see Shangri-la. A decent mountain bike will cost ¥20-30 per day to rent.
◎By Taxi
Taxi is also a good way to travel around. The starting charge is CNY5 in Shangri-la.