How to get to Shangri-La from Daocheng: transportation methods, routes and guide to popular attractions
With the arrival of the tourist season, Daocheng Aden and Shangri-La have become popular travel destinations. This article will introduce in detail the transportation methods, route planning and popular attractions along the way from Daocheng to Shangri-La to help tourists arrange their itinerary efficiently.
1. Comparison of transportation modes

There are three main modes of transportation from Daocheng to Shangri-La: self-driving, chartered car and public transportation. The following is a detailed comparison:
| Transportation | Time consuming | cost | Suitable for the crowd |
|---|---|---|---|
| Self drive | About 6-8 hours | Gas fee + toll is about 500 yuan | Tourists who are familiar with road conditions and like freedom |
| Charter a car | About 6-8 hours | About 1200-1500 yuan one way | Families or small groups |
| public transportation | About 10-12 hours (transfer required) | The bus costs about 200 yuan/person | Backpackers on a budget |
2. Detailed route planning
1.Self-driving/chartered routes: Daocheng → Litang (G318 National Highway) → Xiangcheng (S217 Provincial Highway) → Shangri-La. The total journey is about 300 kilometers, and you can enjoy the scenery of snow-capped mountains, grasslands and Tibetan villages along the way.
2.Public transport routes: Daocheng → Xiangcheng (bus, 2 hours) → Shangri-La (bus, 8 hours). Please note that there are few flights and it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance.
3. Recommended popular attractions along the way
| Attraction name | location | Features | Recommended length of stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Haizi Mountain | On the way from Daocheng to Litang | Ancient glacier ruins, Big and Small Haizi | 1-2 hours |
| Xiangcheng Baizangfang | Xiangcheng County | Unique white Tibetan house | 2 hours |
| Pudacuo National Park | Shangri-La City | Plateau lakes, primeval forests | half a day |
4. Travel precautions
1.altitude sickness: Daocheng and Shangri-La are both over 3,000 meters above sea level. It is recommended to take Rhodiola rosea in advance and avoid strenuous exercise.
2.weather changes: There is a large temperature difference between day and night in the plateau area, so you need to prepare windproof jackets and sunscreen products. The recent weather forecast shows that Shangri-La will be mainly cloudy in the coming week, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 18°C.
3.Traffic information: Some sections of the S217 Provincial Highway are winding mountain roads that are prone to landslides during the rainy season. It is recommended to check real-time road conditions before setting off.
5. Related topics of recent hot topics
1.Daocheng Aden traffic restriction policy: The scenic spot has recently implemented a daily limit of 5,000 people, and tickets must be reserved 3 days in advance.
2.Shangri-La Matsutake Season: July to September is the matsutake picking season. Visitors can experience matsutake picking or taste special delicacies.
3.Yunnan-Tibet Line Cycling Fever: The G214 National Highway (Yunnan-Tibet Line) has become a new favorite among cycling enthusiasts, and the section from Daocheng to Shangri-La has excellent scenery.
Through the above information, tourists can choose the appropriate transportation method according to their own needs, arrange their itinerary reasonably, and enjoy the beautiful scenery from Daocheng to Shangri-La.
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