Today took us deep into the mountains surrounding Shangri-La, to one of the region’s most spectacular and lesser-known destinations – Balagezong Scenic Area. If you’re planning a visit to Shangri-La and love nature as much as I do, this is a place you really shouldn’t miss.
From the moment we arrived, the views were so breathtaking that they left both my husband and me completely in awe.
Journey into the Mountains & Inspiring Local Story
The drive from Shangri-La to Balagezong Scenic Area is an experience in itself. As we left the city behind, the scenery quickly changed into winding mountain roads, deep gorges, and mist-covered peaks. It felt like we were heading into a hidden world far removed from modern life.
Along the way, we learned about the incredible story of Sina Dingzhu, a local villager from Bala Village. Determined to bring development to his isolated hometown, he gave up his personal wealth to build roads through the mountains. Before this, villagers had to walk five days just to reach Shangri-La. His story made our visit even more meaningful. I am pretty sure there’s a lot of such isolated villages across China but it takes a lot for one person to change everything and this man did it. You can read more about his story here.
Now back to the beautiful Balazegong, where I shall let the pictures talk about the beauty of this place. The best time to visit accordingly to our tour guide is in spring and summer when you can still see the snow capped mountains and the waters being a clear turquoise blue. Oh well, next time perhaps.
Echo Wall & Glass Observation Deck – Views to Remember
Our first stop was the Echo Wall aerial walkway and glass observation deck – an exhilarating vantage point with vertical drops of more than 1,000 meters into the canyon below. Standing on the edge of the cliff and looking down into the canyon below was both thrilling and humbling. The sheer scale of the landscape is hard to put into words – photos honestly don’t do it justice.
Walking along the cliffside path, with the wind and vast views all around, was one of those moments that truly made us pause and appreciate nature.
I still find it amazing how they built the walkways into the sides of the mountain cliffs so high up. There’s even a zipline across – if you can see the faint lines. I am too faint hearted to try but some of my tour group members did try and they said it’s super fun! It takes just 5-10 mins to zipline across compared to us walking 30 mins. Hah.
Lunch at Bala Village & Cultural Visit
We headed for lunch at one of the local restaurants in Bala Village for lunch. I think it is a good idea as it support the local community and provides the local villagers with an income. The guide said don’t be too fussy with the food but I think they are pretty good – simple and hearty! No photos unfortunately. I already said I am not a foodie photo person.
Afterward, we had a walk around Bala Village and visited Sina Dingzhu’s former home, now preserved as a small museum. It offers insight into village life, Tibetan culture, and the remarkable determination that helped put Balagezong on the map.
Shangri-La Grand Canyon Walk
We then descended down to visit the Shangri-La Grand Canyon boardwalk – a relaxing pathway beside the gushing river. Although the walk took over an hour, the dramatic canyon and river views made the time fly.
River Rafting Experience in Balagezong
Now for the best part – instead of walking another hour back along the boardwalk, we went river rafting! And it was so much FUN!
When the guide first mentioned river rafting, my mind immediately went into panic mode. I was thinking, I don’t know how to row, I don’t know how to swim – there is absolutely no way I’m putting myself at risk in a foreign land. I want to make it home alive.
But honestly, there was nothing to worry about. It’s not as adventurous as the above. The rafts were very stable, and the local villagers did all the rowing. They were incredibly professional, warm, and friendly – they even sang a song for us when we asked.
Floating gently through the canyon gave us a completely different perspective of the landscape, and it turned out to be the perfect, refreshing way to end the afternoon.
Sacred Millennium Old Bodhi Tree
Before leaving Balagezong, we stopped to see a massive Millennium Old Bodhi Tree, deeply revered in Buddhism. Known as the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment, it radiated a peaceful and spiritual atmosphere.
The sheer size and peaceful surroundings made it a meaningful end to our adventure.
Steamboat Buffet Dinner at Shangri-La
After spending the whole day at Balagezong, we returned back to the hotel for a comforting steamboat buffet dinner – perfect for warming up the body in this cold weather. Steamboat again!! Yummy. Look at my happy face.
After dinner, we headed out for a short walk around the hotel to explore the hotel surroundings, walk off the food, and also to enjoy the cold night air one last time as it’s our final night in Shangri-La. The streets were unusually quiet, almost still, so we made our way back to the hotel, packed up for tomorrow, and called it an early night.
That’s it for Shangri-La. Tomorrow takes us onward to Dali, and you can read more about our full Yunnan itinerary here.
Hi, may I check did you join a local tour for this? If so may I know the link please? And may I know how is the high altitude over here?
On behalf of the author:
Hi Angela. We followed a local tour from Chan Brothers and Balagezong was one of the destinations included in the package. You can read more about the package here. https://www.kohadventures.com/wordpress/2024/10/8d7n-yunnan-kunming-dali-lijiang-shangri-la
Shangri-La has the highest altitude compared to Kunming, Dali and Lijiang around 3160m. We started taking high altitude pills from Kunming and we moved from lower to higher elevation so we are more or less acclimatized by the time we reached Shangri-La. However we were still advised to purchase at least 2 bottles of oxygen and we still require oxygen when climbing up to Songzanlin Monastery.