Shangri-La: Tibet's Lost Paradise on the Yunnan Plateau
Shangri-La: Tibet's Lost Paradise on the Yunnan Plateau
Why Visit Shangri-La
Shangri-La is the name James Hilton invented in his 1933 novel 'Lost Horizon.' China renamed the town of Zhongdian to Shangri-La in 2001 because it matched the description perfectly. At 3,300m on the Tibetan Plateau, Shangri-La is a Tibetan cultural center where prayer flags flutter over golden monasteries and yak herders still roam the alpine meadows. Songzanlin Monastery is the region's crown jewel. The wider region offers extraordinary natural beauty.
Highlights You Cannot Miss
Songzanlin Monastery
The 'Little Potala Palace.' Built in 1679, it's the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. Golden roofs and intricate murals.
Pudacuo National Park
A 1,300sqkm alpine reserve. Turquoise lakes, lotus meadows, virgin forests and grazing yaks. China's first national park.
Old Town of Shangri-La
A reconstructed Tibetan old town with stupas, prayer wheels and yak butter tea houses.
Practical Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| From Lijiang | 4 hr by car/bus |
| Altitude | 3,300m |
| Admission | 258 RMB (Pudacuo) |
| Tip | Take it easy first day for altitude |
How to Add to Your Itinerary
Browse all attractions across 4 provinces and build your perfect China itinerary. This spot can be combined with nearby destinations for a rich travel experience.
Recommended Tours
Ancient towns, snow mountains and Yunnan ethnic culture.
Tibetan plateau, monasteries and sacred snow mountains.
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