In all likelihood, after finishing your Lijiang’s Chinese Lanterns trip, you'll continue by land for your Zhongdian tour, 200km away. During the drive you’ll pass through mountain passes and valleys. You’ll travel in a comfortable bus and experience what it’s like to travel by public transport through China. At times your sitting space may be limited; however you’ll be sitting in between locals and enjoying cheerful- albeit mostly unintelligible- music.

After about 5 hours you’ll reach Zhongdian, which thanks to a Chinese publicity stunt is also known as Shangri-La. You’ll be awaited by our driver who will take you to your charming Tibetan-style hotel, just outside of town. During your stay in this Tibetan region, it may be a little more difficult to communicate.... but eventually, perhaps even using your hands or paper and pen, you'll get your point across.

The following morning you can get some breakfast in a nearby historic town. Afterwards you'll go on a Zhondian tour by bike through the area with an English-speaking guide. Because of the area's high elevation, it will be an easy-going bike ride. You'll ride over to nearby Napa Village, a village on the shores of Napa Lake. The village is located about 7km from your hotel. On route to the village you'll have an incredible view of rugged mountain peaks and farmland. Once you reach the village you'll see what Tibetan life looks like for locals. Your guide will tell you all about life in this Tibetan region.

China Travel Plan supports a local charity in Napa Village. Donations made by travellers who visit our site are used to build better facilities and homes in the village in order to help develop tourism in the area (which will help the village to support itself). Click here for more information.

On the way back you'll peddle past the 300-year old Tibetan Ganden Sumtseling Gompa Monastery (also known as the Tsongtam Monastery). The monastery is home to more than 300 monks and it lies on the outskirts of Zhongdian in a stunning piece of nature. The monastery is the most important Tibetan complex in south-western China. You can go inside of the monastery after paying a Yuan 85 entrance fee. After visiting the monastery your guide will accompany you back to town where you'll return to your hotel.

Best time of year for a Zhongdian tour

The best time to travel to Zhongdian is May - September. It’s very cold during the rest of the year and we wouldn't recommend travelling here during those months.

If while travelling between Lijiang and Zhongdian you’d like to do the Tiger Leaping Gorge trek, we suggest doing the two-day trek during the months June - August. You’ll walk along the top of the canyon and the weather conditions are most favourable during these months.