The name Shangri-La originates from James Hilton’s 1933 best-seller book Lost Horizon. Shangri-La is described in this book as a place of harmony and peace and the name has lived on ever since. Tibetan people have had the concept of ‘Shangri-La’ in their cultural tradition and interestingly enough the name is very similar; they call it ‘Shambala.’
Joseph Rock's or James Hilton's Shangri-La?
It’s possible James Hilton borrowed his imagery from botanist and national geographic writer Joseph Rock, who travelled this area of Yunnan in the 1920’s. Snow Mountains, warm valleys and a diverse mixture of ethnic minorities living in harmony was the description Hilton used in his book to describe Shangri-La.
Seventy years after this book’s publication, the Chinese government believes they have found the true Shangri-La.
China has found Shangri-La!
In an effort to increase tourism, in 2001 the Chinese government renamed the county in the North-West of Yunnan province, Shangri-La. The previous name was Zhongdian and many locals still know it by this name. Shangri-La is truly a beautiful and majestic place with unspeakable scenery containing Snow Mountains, warm valleys, grand rivers and a diverse mixture of ethnic minorities – just like the book!
With a domestic airport ten minutes out of the town of Shangri-La, and only a fifty-minute flight from the nearby capital city of Kunming, Shangri-La is not only remarkable, but also convenient. Although it is only a fifty-minute flight, the ticket can cost up to US$180 one way per person. The alternate is much cheaper and only costs US$30, it does however, take twelve hours on a fairly uncomfortable Chinese bus.
However you get to Shangri-La, don’t be deterred or distracted. There is an abundance of superb attractions and boredom will be as far as you are from normal life. At an altitude of 3200m (10 500 feet), this is not a place for the fainthearted. Altitude sickness is a real possibility on Shangri-La’s oxygen-deprived plateau. The weather in summer can be rainy and the winter, intensely cold. Plan ahead for safety and comfort.
After visiting Shangri-La more times than I can count, here are the best things to do: Visit Shangri-La’s monastery situated ten minutes to the north of town. Bike or hike into the surrounding countryside, taking in the scenery, livestock and native wildlife. Drink some yak-butter tea in a grand Tibetan house. Last but not least is to visit Shangri-La’s staggering Meili Snow Mountain and the glacier resting at its feet.
Visit Shangri-La’s monastery
This is the most informative and interesting way to see Tibetan culture and religion. The morning is the best time to catch the Tibetan Buddhist monks in action. Afternoons and evenings are fairly quiet and things are a bit lackluster. Shangri-La’s festival occasions are particularly enthralling and this is a great time to capture an award-winning photo.
Shangri-La’s surrounding scenery
Hike, trek or rent a bike to get into the surrounding countryside. Only ten minutes out of Shangri-La and you can be in a Tibetan village taking in the scenery and making up sign language while laughing with a local Tibetan farmer. The crops, livestock and occasional wildlife also make excellent photos to show people your time in Shangri-La.
Butter tea in Shangri-La
After trekking out to Shangri-La’s countryside, you will usually get invited into the house of one of the very hospitable local Tibetan farmers. Try some yak butter tea; it’s really more like a salty butter soup and no doubt you will love it. Watch your gracious Tibetan host churn the mixture and put it hot into your bowl – you will know you have arrived in Tibet’s Shangri-La.
Shangri-La’s grand snow peak
At a staggering 6740 meters (22110 feet) high, Meili Snow Mountain is the highest mountain in Yunnan province. Scores of mountain climbers have died trying to conquer this undefeated and formidable peak. Tibetan Buddhist pilgrims revere this mountain and it’s hard not to be impressed by Shangri-La’s most glorious place. Sunrise is the best time to take a photo of Shangri-La’s jaw-dropping snow peak.
Horse ride to Shangri-La’s sole and disappearing glacier
Resting at the foot of Meili Snow Mountain is China’s lowest and Shangri-La’s sole glacier – Mingyong Glacier. After organizing a mini-van to take you down to the glacier, hire a horse from a local Tibetan to horse ride to the glacier where you can take a photo of this fast disappearing natural wonder. Shangri-La’s sole glacier might soon be gone. Mingyong Glacier is disappearing at a rate of 200 meters (650 feet) every 4 years.
Shangri-La will leave you changed
After visiting Shangri-La you will never be the same and always be longing for more. Shangri-La can be used as a springboard into other exceptional scenic Tibetan areas. You can travel to other parts of Tibet, to the ancient city of Lhasa or even head to Beijing to visit China’s great wall. Visiting this unique travel destination will make you an inspiration to your friends and family. Shangri-La will forever abide in your heart.
Sources:
Marsden, J. Shangri-La: No longer a figure of speech, accessed online January 2011.
Miura, L. Climate change - A sacred glacier disappears in China, accessed online January 2011.
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