Enchanting Destinations in Shangri-La, China

Shangri-La, originally named Zhongdian, was renamed by the Chinese government after the fictional paradise described in James Hilton's novel "Lost Horizon." The novel depicts a pure land in the Himalayas where people live happily and enjoy longevity. Inspired by this idyllic concept, the name Shangri-La was adopted. Traveling to Shangri-La can be done by bus from Lijiang or by direct flight from Kunming. We opted for a rental car with a driver. The journey to Shangri-La involves crossing mountainous terrain with winding roads, though the roads are well-maintained. For those prone to motion sickness, it's advisable to bring medication. Personally, I experienced severe nausea and had to ask the driver to stop multiple times. However, one unexpected moment that snapped me out of my discomfort was encountering a local-style restroom—a wooden plank over a pit. Let's just say it was an unforgettable experience! Upon arriving in Shangri-La, we had dinner at a restaurant catering to tour groups, complete with traditional performances. Yak meat is a staple here, but as someone who doesn't eat beef or exotic meats, I barely ate anything. If you're picky about food, consider bringing instant noodles to cook at your hotel. We stayed in the old town area, where the weather was freezing—so cold that water left in the car overnight turned to ice! Forget about taking a shower; it’s just not practical in such conditions. On our first day, we visited Balagezong Scenic Area, a vast park requiring a full day to explore. Shuttle buses take visitors to various attractions within the park. Our first stop was a glass balcony viewpoint perched over 700 meters high. Walking on it was nerve-wracking, but the breathtaking views made it worthwhile. The second stop was Balage Tibetan Village, a traditional settlement surrounded by lush green fields and snow-capped mountains adorned with fluttering prayer flags. The scenery was indescribably beautiful. Our third destination was Shambhala, a special spot not included in the standard tour package. We had to pay extra for a separate vehicle to navigate the steep, winding roads leading to the mountain summit. The journey was challenging, with cliffs on one side and constant warnings from the driver not to fall asleep due to the risk of oxygen deprivation. Despite the difficulties, the view at the top was magical, offering a profound sense of peace and serenity. After descending, we visited the final attraction—a glass walkway along the river. We didn’t spend much time here as it was getting late, and we returned to our accommodation. On the last day, we strolled through Dukezong Ancient Town and visited Dafo Temple, home to a massive golden prayer wheel requiring at least 15 people to spin. It’s said that spinning the wheel brings great luck. Our final stop was Songzanlin Monastery, also known as the "Little Potala Palace," modeled after Tibet’s Potala Palace. This monastery was the highlight of our trip, with its stunning architecture and mystical atmosphere. Every corner offered a perfect photo opportunity, though photography inside the monastery is prohibited.