Natural Scenery
Balagezong Scenic Area
Shangri-la, China
5-8 hours
About
Balagezong Scenic Area, a 4A-level scenic spot in Nixi Township, Shangri-La, sits at the junction of Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet with a vertical altitude drop of 3576 meters, hailed as the real prototype of Shangri-La in Lost Horizon. Covering 176 square kilometers, it gathers towering snow-capped peaks, precipitous cliff canyons, glacial springs, alpine forests and isolated ancient Tibetan villages that were cut off from the outside world for over 1,300 years. Core attractions include the natural Shambhala Buddha Pagoda, Echo Valley, cliff plank roads, thousand-year old Tibetan villages and alpine flower meadows. A mandatory inner scenic shuttle bus is required for mountain sightseeing; optional paid services cover summit transfer vehicles, high-altitude cable cars and river drifting experiences.
Travel Tips
- Tourists aged 70 and above get free entrance tickets by presenting official identity documents, only need to pay the full 60 CNY sightseeing bus fare.
- Mountain roads have countless sharp bends and narrow sections; drive slowly and avoid traveling after dark as mountain sections lack streetlights. Sedans are allowed, but SUVs offer better stability on rainy muddy roads.
- The altitude ranges from 2000m to over 4400m. Walk slowly and avoid strenuous exercise to prevent altitude sickness; carry portable oxygen tanks for summit sightseeing. The temperature drops sharply at high altitudes, bring thick windproof coats or lightweight down jackets even in summer.
- Strong plateau ultraviolet rays all year round, prepare SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses and wide-brim sun hats.
- Cliff plank roads and forest trails become extremely slippery after rainfall; wear non-slip thick-soled hiking shoes, high heels and slippers are forbidden for safety.
Facilities
ParkingPhotography Allowed
Admission
¥170/ adult
Child¥115
Senior¥115
Opening Hours
Mon08:30 - 16:30
Tue08:30 - 16:30
Wed08:30 - 16:30
Thu08:30 - 16:30
Fri08:30 - 16:30
Sat08:30 - 16:30
Sun08:30 - 16:30
Best Time to Visit
April–June for blooming alpine flowers and clear snow mountain scenery; September–November for layered autumn forest foliage with mild weather.