The airport is about 5 km from the old town; taxis take about 10 minutes.
Things to do at Shangri-La Airport (DIG)
Shangri-La AirportDIG
At the airport
Things to do in Shangri-La Airport
Shangri-La Airport serves the high-altitude (3,270 m) Tibetan plateau city renamed for James Hilton's fictional utopia — a place where Tibetan, Naxi, and Han cultures genuinely intersect. The Ganden Sumtseling Monastery (Songzanlin Si), a massive Tibetan Buddhist complex often called the 'Little Potala,' dominates the skyline. Pudacuo National Park, with highland turquoise lakes, ancient forests, and yak meadows, is one of China's most beautiful wilderness areas. Tiger Leaping Gorge is about 100 km south.
Insider intel
Top Tips for Shangri-La Airport
- Altitude at 3,270 m is significant — rest on arrival, drink water, avoid heavy exertion for the first few hours, and consider altitude medication if you're susceptible.
- Ganden Sumtseling Monastery is open daily; arrive early morning to witness monks at prayer before tourist groups arrive.
Lounge directory
Browse lounges at DIG
1 Sanctifly partner lounge at Shangri-La Airport. Each is bookable with points.
100 points per guestBest VIP Room
At Shangri-La Airport (DIG) in the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, China, the Best VIP Room airport lounge is located airside in Terminal 2 within the Domestic Departures area, making it convenient for travelers who have already cleared security. From Gate 2, turn left toward the north side of the terminal and continue straight for approximately 30 meters along the departure corridor. Then turn left again to reach the entrance to the “Best VIP Lounge” (Best VIP Room). This clear, short walk makes it easy to find the lounge before your flight and settle in comfortably as you continue your travel through Shangri-La Airport.Book Now
Purchase a Sanctifly membership via our website or app.
Unlock airport-specific digital content and reserve VIP lounges using the points included with your plan.
Select the tier that fits your travel habits; higher tiers include more points.
When you book a lounge, you'll receive a unique access code in the app and by email—show this at the lounge to gain access.
You can buy extra points at any time, and rates improve with higher-tier plans.
Membership unlocks airport-specific digital content and the ability to book VIP lounges using points.
Each tier
Liftoff ($25/year)
Explorer ($97/year)
Jetsetter ($220/year)
Trailblazer ($399/year)
provides a different annual points allowance (except Liftoff, which doesn't include points) that refreshes when your subscription renews. You can use your points to reserve lounge access and purchase additional points through the app if you need more.
Higher tiers not only come with more points but also reduce the per-point price when buying extra.
Points are the currency you use in the Liftoff app to book VIP lounge visits. Most plans — Liftoff, Explorer, Jetsetter and Trailblazer — include a points allowance that is deposited into your account whenever your subscription renews. Liftoff does not include points. You spend points to reserve lounges and you can top up your balance at any time through the app. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.
Additional points can be purchased directly in the Sanctifly app from your mobile. All plans allow you to buy more points whenever you need them, and the per-point price decreases on higher-tier plans. Purchased points are added to your account immediately and are non-refundable. If you cancel your membership, any remaining points expire 30 days after cancellation.