Driving from Lijiang to Shangri-La in 2024, Tiger Leaping Gorge, White Water Terraces | You sure know how to have fun!

The journey from Lijiang to Shangri-La via the eastern ring road is 263 kilometers in total. The situation on March 29, 2024, is as follows: 1️⃣ The first section, from Lijiang to Tiger Leaping Gorge, is 88 kilometers, taking the Dali Expressway, Xiangli Expressway, and the Western Scenic Line, and it takes about 1.5 hours. Since the route is mostly highways and the rest are national roads, 💯 the road conditions are very good. 🌈 The altitude also drops from 2300 meters in Lijiang to 1823 meters at Tiger Leaping Gorge, so there is no discomfort felt. 2️⃣ The second section, from Tiger Leaping Gorge to White Water Terraces, is 78 kilometers, taking the eastern ring road, and it takes about 1.5 hours. The road was newly built last year and is in good condition, but there are many zigzag turns, so be sure to drive carefully. ✅ If you haven't bought a ticket for Tiger Leaping Gorge, you can still pass through here, but the time cannot exceed 40 minutes. 🌈 The altitude at White Water Terraces is 2530 meters, and you won't feel uncomfortable. 🌈 Along this route, pay attention to the viewing platforms to see the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge, Middle Tiger Leaping Gorge, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Haba Snow Mountain; the scenery is very beautiful. 3️⃣ The third section, from White Water Terraces to Shangri-La, is 97 kilometers, taking the eastern ring road, and it takes about 2 hours. The first half still has many zigzag roads, but the condition of the road is good. After reaching Pudacuo National Park, the road is very easy to travel on, all being dual carriageways. 🌈 The altitude near the Dukezong Ancient Town in Shangri-La is 3268 meters, and it is best to book an oxygen-enriched room (a room with oxygen equipment), which will be more comfortable. 🌈 On the way, you will pass by Pudacuo National Park, and whether you enter depends on your time schedule. We didn't go in because it was already 17:00 when we arrived, and it's also not the right season currently.