Things to Do in Shangri-La with Kids: Top 10 Activities

Thin air. Flapping prayer flags. A toddler who suddenly decides that walking is overrated — that's what I see every time I bring families to Shangri-La. Honestly, after years of leading tours here, I've learned that the best things to do in Shangri-La with kids are simpler than you'd think: slow down, manage altitude, and trade some famous sights for open space. The real secret? Most families try to do too much in 48 hours. Instead, pick three or four experiences per day, and always have a backup plan. Stick with me, and I'll show you the ten that never disappoint.

Why Shangri-La with Kids Is Easier Than You Think

Most first-time visitors imagine Shangri-La as a harsh, high-altitude wilderness that requires serious hiking. That's not the whole picture. The town itself sits at 3,200 meters, but the main attractions are accessible by car, and you can easily adapt with short walks and frequent rest. I've guided families with kids as young as 3, and as long as we keep the pace slow, everyone has a blast. The locals are welcoming, the flat roads around the old town are stroller-friendly in places, and the fresh air does wonders for city kids. Plus, most attractions now have proper toilets and even high chairs at some restaurants.

Another thing parents often worry about is food. Picky eaters? No problem. Tibetan momos (dumplings) with simple fillings are always a hit, and most restaurants will happily make a plate of rice with scrambled eggs. Just ask for chǎo fàn (fried rice) or jī dàn chǎo fàn (egg-fried rice).

What Are the Best Things to Do in Shangri-La with Kids? (Top 10)

I've broken these down so you can mix and match — some are half-day adventures, others are quick stops. For a stress-free trip, I recommend pairing one active activity with one cultural or food-focused activity per day. Here's my hand-picked list, drawn from many trips with my own little ones and my clients' families.

1. Songzanlin Monastery (Ganden Sumtseling)

Songzanlin is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, and kids are genuinely fascinated by the colorful murals, spinning prayer wheels, and monks in robes. It's a short drive from town (20 minutes by taxi, about ¥30). The monastery sits on a hill — I always tell parents to take the shuttle bus to the top entrance, then walk down. It saves little legs. Adult tickets are around ¥90, and children under 1.2m are free. **Important:** You must reserve a time slot via the official WeChat mini-program or through platforms like Trip.com, using your passport. The online system only accepts Chinese payment methods, so if you don't have Alipay set up, ask your hotel to book for you. Arrive before 9:30am to avoid the crowds and the noon sun.

2. Dukezong Ancient Town

The old town is free, walkable, and home to the world's largest prayer wheel. Start early or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat. The stone streets can be slippery, so wear sturdy shoes. Climbing to the prayer wheel is steep — I've done it with a 5-year-old on my shoulders — but the view at the top is worth it. There are plenty of little shops selling yak jerky and bread; my son always picks the sugar-coated tong ba (a sweet rice roll). Beware the carts offering rides — they're expensive and unnecessary. The town is a maze, so use Apple Maps (Google Maps is unreliable) and keep an eye on your kids.

3. Cycle Around Napa Lake

Napa Lake is a seasonal wetland — in summer it's a lake, in winter it's grassland, and it's free to explore. Rent a bike or electric scooter in town (around ¥30-50 for a few hours). The flat road around the lake is perfect for kids, but the wind can be strong, so bring a jacket. You'll spot yaks, horses, and if you're lucky, black-necked cranes. There's a small rest area with snacks. For a fun extra, let your kids feed the yaks (they're gentle, but stay behind the fence).

4. Walk Through Pudacuo National Park

Pudacuo is the best place to introduce kids to Yunnan's alpine landscapes. The park is huge — you'll take an internal shuttle bus between viewpoints. The two main lakes, Shudu Lake and Bita Lake, have easy wooden boardwalks (about 1-2 km each). Little ones can manage with breaks. Entry ticket is about ¥200 including the shuttle, and children under 1.2m get a discount. This is a full-day trip, so pack a picnic lunch — the park restaurants are limited and pricey. The altitude here is over 3,500m, so watch for symptoms and bring a bottle of glucose water.

5. Horse Riding on the Grasslands

This is the #1 request from my young clients. On the way to Napa Lake or at Yila Grassland, herders offer horseback rides. The horses are well-trained and gentle, perfect for kids aged 4+. A short ride costs ¥100-200 per person — negotiate before you start. Always wear a helmet (ask for one) and hold on tightly. The scenery is stunning — snow peaks, endless green, and yaks grazing. Give your kids a small snack before the ride to keep their energy up.

6. Tibetan Family Visit

This is the most overlooked experience, but it's the one your kids will talk about for months. Many families in the countryside near Songzanlin open their homes to visitors. Your hotel or a local guide can arrange a visit. You'll sit in the main hall, drink butter tea, and learn how to make tsampa (roasted barley flour). My kids loved rolling the dough into balls. This is also a wonderful way to support the local community. A donation of ¥50-100 per adult is appreciated. The family may not speak English, so bring your translation app — this is where it becomes your best friend.

7. Try Tibetan Momos at a Local Eatery

Momo are steamed dumplings stuffed with meat or vegetables — comfort food that every kid loves. Head to the old town and look for a busy shop with a steamy window. My go-to place is a small eatery near the White Pagoda, but any place with a crowd is usually good. A plate of 10 costs about ¥20-40. Ask for shuǐ jiǎo (boiled dumplings) if your kids don't like fried. Many shops have an English menu or picture menu — point and smile works too. Avoid overly spicy sauce, and request the clear soup version.

8. Sunset at the Great Prayer Wheel

Climb to the top of the old town as sunset turns the sky pink and orange. The prayer wheel is on a hill, and while the climb is steep, the reward is breathtaking. Little ones may need a piggyback ride. Once at the top, let them spin the prayer wheel (it takes a few people to push it). The golden hour light is perfect for family photos. Afterward, stroll down and grab a warm drink at a nearby café — the butter tea is an acquired taste, but the hot chocolate is universal.

9. Get Dressed Up in Traditional Tibetan Costumes

This is pure fun for the whole family — rent a Chuba (Tibetan gown) for a photo session. Shops in the old town offer costumes and even arrange a photographer. Prices range from ¥50 to ¥150 for an hour. The kids adore the colorful sashes and shiny hats. My advice: book in the morning so you can use the pictures as your holiday cards. The staff will help you put everything on, including the little belt pouches. You'll look like a local for an hour — and the photographs are priceless.

10. Learn to Make Yak Butter Tea

If you didn't do a family visit, you can still learn this skill at some teahouses. In the old town, there are workshops that teach you how to churn butter tea the traditional way. Kids love the physical act of churning and pounding the tea. The tea itself is salty and buttery — not everyone's cup of tea, but the experience is unique. Workshops usually cost around ¥30-50 per person and include ingredients. It's a hands-on activity that sparks great conversations about food culture.

How to Handle Altitude Sickness with Kids in Shangri-La

Altitude sickness is the #1 fear for family travelers — but with the right plan, it's manageable. First, don't fly directly from sea level to Shangri-La if you can avoid it. Try to arrive via Lijiang (about 2,400m) or Kunming (about 1,900m) and spend a night before heading up. Once in Shangri-La, take it easy on Day 1. Drink lots of water, avoid alcohol, and eat light. For kids under 10, symptoms like mild headache or fatigue are common — keep them calm.

I always bring a small oxygen canister (available at any pharmacy here, about ¥20) just in case. Also, glucose water is a quick energy fix — you can buy it in a bottle or from the local teahouses. If your child is genuinely struggling (persistent vomiting, confusion, blue lips), head down to a lower altitude immediately. For most kids, the mild symptoms pass within a day.

Where Should Families Stay in Shangri-La?

For families, I recommend staying in the old town or just outside it — you get charm and convenience. The old town has many renovated guesthouses, but rooms are often small and stairs are steep. A better choice is a modern hotel on the main road, about 10 minutes' walk from Dukezong. Prices range from ¥400 to ¥800 per night for a family room in peak season, with off-season discounts. Look for places with an elevator — a lifesaver after a day at altitude.

I have two favorites: the Shangri-La Highland Hotel (clean, family-friendly, close to the old town) and the Songtsam Retreat (a bit pricier but with excellent service). Both provide airport transfers for an extra fee. Make sure your hotel has a front desk that speaks at least basic English, and confirm they can help you book tickets and taxis. Wi-Fi is generally strong, but bring a portable router if your room is far from the lobby.

What to Pack for a Family Trip to Shangri-La

Packing is simple: layers, sunscreen, and snacks. The temperature swings are huge — mornings are frosty, afternoons are warm. Dress kids in a moisture-wicking base layer, a fleece, and a windbreaker. Don't forget sunglasses — the plateau sun is intense. For kids under 5, a small blanket for the Pony ride is useful. Bring comfortable walking shoes with grip; the stone streets are slippery.

Also, pack snacks from home — familiar energy bars and crackers can be a lifesaver when your child doesn't like local flavors. And of course, a power bank for your phone (you'll be using it for translation, maps, and constant photo-taking). Finally, a reusable water bottle with a filter — tap water in Shangri-La is safe, but the taste can be odd for kids used to bottled water.

FAQ: Family Travel in Shangri-La

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