Shangri-La Airport: Names and the DIG Airport Code

Travellers call it many things: Shangri-La Airport, Shangrila airport, Diqing airport or its full name, Diqing Shangri-La Airport. They all mean the same place, the airport serving Shangri-La City in the northwest of Yunnan Province, China. In Chinese it is written 迪庆香格里拉机场.

The DIG airport code is its IATA code, the three letters you will see on tickets and baggage tags. It echoes Diqing, the name of the prefecture, rather than Shangri-La. The ICAO code, used by pilots and air traffic control, is ZPDQ. If you are searching for the Shangri-La airport code, DIG is the one to use in any flight search.

The name "Diqing" refers to the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, the region in which the airport stands. Shangri-La City is the capital of that prefecture. The city itself was known as Zhongdian until the county was renamed after the mythical land of Shangri-La in James Hilton's novel Lost Horizon, with an eye to tourism. You may still see the old name on some maps and guides.

The airport opened to passenger flights in 1999 and is one of the main air gateways to northwest Yunnan.

Where Is Shangri-La Airport? Location and Distance

Diqing Shangri-La Airport lies on the southwestern edge of Shangri-La City, only about 4 to 5 kilometres from the town centre. Dukezong, the old town that most visitors head for, is around 6 kilometres from the airport. Thanks to that short distance, you can be at your guesthouse within half an hour of collecting your bags.

A high-altitude airport

What makes Shangri-La Airport stand out is its height. The airfield sits at roughly 3,280 metres (about 10,760 feet) above sea level, on a high plateau at the edge of the Tibetan cultural world. That altitude affects your trip from the moment you step off the plane, which is why the tips further down this page are worth reading before you fly.

Flights at Diqing Shangri-La Airport

Shangri-La Airport handles domestic flights within China. Its most important link is with Kunming, the capital of Yunnan and the main connecting hub for the province. From Kunming you can reach almost anywhere in China, as well as many international destinations.

Beyond Kunming, the airport's route map has included direct or one-stop flights to cities such as:

• Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan, a convenient hub for western China
• Lhasa, the capital of Tibet
• Guangzhou in southern China
• Chongqing, Beijing and Shanghai, some with a stop on the way

Airlines serving the airport include China Eastern Airlines and Sichuan Airlines, alongside other Chinese carriers on some routes. Schedules change between seasons, and not every route runs all year. Always check the schedule for your exact travel dates.

Arriving from abroad

There are no regular international flights to Shangri-La. Travellers from Southeast Asia or elsewhere usually enter China through a larger airport, clear immigration there, and then take a domestic flight to DIG. Kunming and Chengdu are the most practical connection points. When you book separate tickets, leave plenty of time between flights in case the first one is delayed.

Getting From Shangri-La Airport to the City

Because the airport is so close to town, transfers are quick and simple.

• Taxi: Taxis serve the airport and are the easiest way into the city. The ride to Dukezong old town usually takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
• Chartered car: Many visitors hire a car with a driver by the day. This is a popular way to reach attractions outside town, since sights are spread out.
• Hotel pick-up: If you arrive late or with heavy bags, ask your hotel or guesthouse when you book whether it can arrange a pick-up.

Other ways to reach Shangri-La

If you prefer not to fly all the way, Shangri-La is also linked by rail with Lijiang, making the train a scenic alternative. Long-distance buses run from the city's bus station to other parts of Yunnan and the Diqing region. Some travellers fly into Lijiang first and continue overland, which also gives the body more time to adjust to the altitude.

Diqing Shangri-La Airport Terminal and What to Expect

Diqing Shangri-La Airport is a regional airport built for a small city, so it is far easier to navigate than the large hubs in Kunming or Chengdu. You will not need long walks between check-in, security and your gate.

It makes sense to buy snacks, water and any essentials in town before you head out, rather than relying on the airport. If you are flying out early in the morning, plan your breakfast accordingly, and allow for the short taxi ride from your hotel.

As in all Chinese airports, security screening is thorough. Keep power banks in your hand luggage rather than checked bags, and check your airline's rules on liquids and battery capacity before you pack.

Travel Tips for Shangri-La Airport (DIG)

Take the altitude seriously

Flying straight into a town at over 3,000 metres is a big change for the body. A rapid ascent by plane can bring on altitude sickness, with symptoms such as headache, dizziness, tiredness and shortness of breath. Most people adjust after a day or so, but it helps to prepare:

• Take it easy for the first day or two and avoid strenuous activity.
• Drink plenty of water and eat regular meals.
• Walk slowly, especially on stairs and hills.
• Consider spending a night at a lower place such as Lijiang before continuing to Shangri-La.
• If you have heart or lung conditions, speak to a doctor before you travel.

Timing your flight

For domestic flights in China, aim to be at the airport around 90 minutes before departure. Leave extra time during Chinese public holidays, when flights to Shangri-La fill up. Check your flight status on the day and keep your plans a little flexible.

Booking your flight

The summer holidays and Chinese public holidays are busy times for flights to Shangri-La, so book early if you are travelling then. Compare direct and connecting options, since a one-stop routing through Kunming or Chengdu can open up more departure times.

Things to Do in Shangri-La City and Diqing

Shangri-La is a base for exploring a region of Tibetan monasteries, high grasslands and snow-capped peaks. These are some of the highlights close to the airport and within day-trip distance.

• Dukezong Ancient Town. The historic heart of Shangri-La, with stone-paved lanes and Tibetan-style houses, and the place where many visitors choose to stay.
• Ganden Sumtseling Monastery (Songzanlin). A major Tibetan Buddhist monastery on a hillside, often nicknamed the "Little Potala" for its golden roofs and tiered buildings.
• Pudacuo National Park. Lakes, forests and meadows that form part of the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan World Heritage Site.
• Tiger Leaping Gorge. One of the best-known hiking areas in Yunnan and a classic stop on trips around the region.
• Meili Snow Mountain. A longer trip from the city, but a highlight for travellers with a few extra days.

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