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Shangri-La, a place whose very name fills me with longing.
Majestic snow-capped mountains, deep canyons,
emerald green lakes covered in forests, a clear blue sky like a mirror...
Everything is breathtakingly beautiful.
Since I first set foot on Shangri-La soil in September 2009, Shangri-La has become a kind of faith for me.
This year marks my sixth visit to Shangri-La, and I have to say, the urge to leave is truly strong.
As usual, here's a trailer. See if this Shangri-La will captivate you.
It is said that seeing the golden sunlight shining on the Meili Snow Mountain will bring good luck for the whole year. One of the holiest sites in Tibetan Buddhism, it is famous for its spectacular scenery and mysterious legends, and attracts a large number of believers every year.
Kawagebo Peak, the main peak of Meili Snow Mountain, reaches an altitude of 6,740 meters. In winter, the main peak and surrounding peaks are covered with snow. In summer, the snow melts, and the green meadows and blue sky form a beautiful picture.
I knew that Baima Snow Mountain was beautiful in autumn before coming to Shangri-La, but seeing it with my own eyes was even more stunning.
The majestic Ganden Sumtseling Monastery is filled with curling incense and the aroma of Tibetan fragrance. It attracts a constant stream of believers and visitors from home and abroad. The sound of monks chanting scriptures is carried far away by the wind... Many people say that it is a place where people can communicate with their souls.
The magical Napahai, where grasslands and lakes blend together, the shimmering lake water reflects the blue sky and white clouds. The lake and mountain scenery of the plateau is refreshing and makes people feel as if they are in a paradise. If you don't feel like working, come spend a few days in Tacheng. Located in the heart of the Three Parallel Rivers, Tacheng boasts lush primeval forests, beautiful natural scenery, and unique folk customs. It's known as the "Hometown of Reba Art."
A hidden and uncharted secret, once unmapped, Balagzong became known to the world thanks to a dream that paved the way for a "Heavenly Road." Countless pilgrims flocked to the area.
To see how many people it takes to turn the world's largest prayer wheel, visit Dukezong Ancient Town.
The Diqing folk song and dance epic, "Dream World Shangri-La," is visually stunning and enjoyable from beginning to end.
HI, my name is Daxia, a photographer who loves food and fitness.
Or you can call me a muscle man who was delayed by food, or a gourmet who was delayed by fitness.
Note: Filming is not easy, and writing is even more difficult. All forms of plagiarism of text and images are strictly prohibited.
I need to say this three times!!!
Shangri-La has a high-speed rail connection!
Shangri-La has a high-speed rail connection!
Shangri-La has a high-speed rail connection! The Lijiang-Shangri-La section of the Yunnan-Tibet Railway will open in November 2023. Starting from Lijiang Station, it will travel north through Tiger Leaping Gorge and Xiaozhongdian Town to Shangri-La, covering a total length of 139.7 kilometers and a speed of 140 kilometers per hour. This will make travel from Lijiang to Shangri-La just 1.5 hours, and from Kunming to Shangri-La just 5 hours, making travel to Shangri-La even more convenient. 
I wonder how many people have read the famous British author James Hilton's novel "Lost Horizon," which depicts a sense of eternal peace and tranquility nestled among the towering mountains of the East. After the novel was published, it caused a huge response in the Western world. Many people traveled thousands of miles to find the secluded paradise described in the novel, and finally set their sights on Shangri-La City in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is located in the hinterland of the Hengduan Mountains on the southern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and is the intersection of Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet. The scenery here is so beautiful that it is difficult to describe in words.
【My itinerary】
D1 Fly from Shanghai to Shangri-La , visit Duzongke Ancient Town in the evening, watch the Diqing folk song and dance epic drama "Shangri-La of the World" at night, and stay at the Hilton Garden Inn Shangri-La;
D2 Shangri-La - Songzanlin Temple Observation Deck - Panahai - Tacheng - Wunongding, and stay at Feilai Temple at night;
D3 Watch the golden sunrise on Meili Snow Mountain and the autumn colors of Baima Snow Mountain in the morning, visit Balagzong in the afternoon, and stay at Balagzong Snow Mountain Cliff Miracle Hotel at night;
D4: Visit Balagzong in the morning and return in the afternoon.
Shangri-La is located in northwestern Yunnan Province, at the junction of Yunnan, Tibet, and Sichuan. The Hengduan Mountains, a north-south extension of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, stretch across the region. It lies in the heart of the Three Parallel Rivers National Scenic Area, where the Jinsha, Lancang, and Nujiang rivers flow through the area from north to south. The complex and diverse topography creates Shangri-La's stunning natural scenery and cultural heritage. To fully appreciate this scenic wonder, a self-drive tour is essential.
Special Reminders:
1. Upon entering Shangri-La, be sure not to touch a child's head. Tibetans believe the head represents a person's fortune and luck, so don't touch a child's head.
2. Shangri-La boasts numerous white pagodas and Mani piles along rivers and lakes. Avoid climbing white pagodas; instead, walk around them in a clockwise direction.
3. Upon entering Shangri-La, you'll see numerous colorful prayer flags hanging high above. Avoid touching them, and don't step on lower prayer flags.
A visit to Yunnan is a must-see for Shangri-La, and a visit to Shangri-La is a must-see for Duzongke Ancient City. It's the best-preserved and largest Tibetan settlement in China, and a key town on the ancient Tea Horse Road, the first stop for horse caravans entering Tibet.
Duzongke Ancient City is located in the heart of Shangri-La, Diqing Prefecture. Duzongke means "castle built on stone" in Tibetan, hence its nickname, "Moonlight City." As early as the Tang Dynasty, the Tubo people established a fortress atop Dagui Mountain here. The ancient city was later built around this fortress. Today, it's a renowned Shangri-La attraction, with its old streets filled with unique shops, bars, cafes, restaurants, and inns. The Duzongke Ancient City we see today isn't a natural extension of its ancient appearance. As we all know, a serious fire on January 11, 2014, severely damaged the city. Following the fire, the local government quickly organized restoration and reconstruction efforts, adhering to the principle of "repairing the old as it was, renovating the new as it was, and allowing the old to reflect the new." Today, the rebuilt Duzongke Ancient City boasts a brand new look, making it a must-see for many visitors to Shangri-La and a key stop for travelers traveling the Yunnan-Tibet Highway.
At the end of Shangri-La's Dukezong Ancient Town lies Moonlight Square. A small hill to the east of the square is the famous Guishan Park. First built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, Guishan Park comprises a prayer wheel, the Big Buddha Temple, a Han Temple, the Red Army Long March Museum, and the Diqing History Museum.
To the left of the Big Buddha Temple is the world's largest prayer wheel. The giant prayer wheel at Guishan Park has been recorded in the Guinness Book of Records. Standing 21 meters tall and weighing 60 tons, it is the world's largest and heaviest gold-plated pure copper prayer wheel. The prayer wheel is made of pure copper plated with gold, and its walls are carved in high relief with the four great bodhisattvas: Manjusri, Samantabhadra, Guanyin, and Ksitigarbha. The top of the prayer wheel is a circular "umbrella" significantly larger than the diameter of the body. The wheel seat is a giant ball bearing, and the outer ring of the bearing is a large stainless steel tube bent into a ring about ten centimeters in diameter. To turn such a massive prayer wheel requires the simultaneous effort of at least four strong men. Each clockwise rotation is equivalent to silently chanting the Buddha's name 1.24 million times. Three complete rotations are considered to ward off disasters, bring blessings, and bring good fortune. For ordinary tourists, turning the prayer wheel with just a few people is not feasible.
No entrance fee is required to visit Guishan Park. Climbing up the hillside steps at the end of the square, the first thing you see is a Han-style temple with four vermilion Chinese characters "Guishan Park" engraved on the plaque. The Han temple was built during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, and has a history of more than 300 years. The prayer wheel area is also the best viewing platform for overlooking the entire Shangri-La County and Dukuzong Ancient Town. Dukuzong Ancient Town has a history of over 1,300 years and is a huge Tibetan residential area. Today, Dukuzong Ancient Town not only retains the original Tibetan architecture, but also has many cafes and B&Bs. Most people choose to stay in the B&Bs in Dukuzong Ancient Town.
The Diqing Red Army Long March Museum, learn about the Long March that took place in Shangri-La.
The Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Museum, learn about the nature, history, culture of Shangri-La and an overview of the autonomous prefecture. 
I was truly moved by the Diqing folk song and dance epic "Shangri-La of the World." It was an audiovisual feast from beginning to end, truly beautiful.
"Shangri-La of the World" closely revolves around the theme of forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation. It depicts the history of Diqing residents throughout different periods of their loyalty to the Party, their dedication to governance, their hard work, and their continuous struggle. It fully demonstrates the determination to build Diqing into a "model area for ethnic unity and progress" and a "Shangri-La" for the world.
The dance drama stands at the height of promoting revolutionary culture and national culture. With an open spirit, it inherits, draws on, and creates a new form of dance drama with rich national characteristics. It integrates all the folk dances popular in Diqing into the dance drama, presenting a regional ethnic style that is extremely appropriate to the theme.
The music of the dance drama is dominated by rich folk songs, incorporating distinctive ethnic dances, highlighting its folk style. Furthermore, the extensive use of group dances to create scenery and emotions, creating a variety of vivid natural scenes, is truly stunning.
On the second day of our trip to Shangri-La, we drove to Tacheng early in the morning, so we got up very early. The main reason was that we wanted to see the morning mist on the way to Songzanlin Temple and Napa Lake. It is said that the beauty of Songzanlin Temple and Napa Lake at this time is hard to describe in words.
My first impression of Songzanlin Temple is that it's a town-sized complex of ancient buildings, nestled against the mountainside. From afar, it looks like a fortress guarding the area. The Buddhist temple sits atop the mountain, surrounded by a patchwork of local dwellings. Backed by the mountains and morning mist, the temple feels even more mysterious and elicits a yearning. Napahai is a beautiful seasonal lake. Frequent rainfall in late summer and early autumn, coupled with the influx of water from the nearby Qinglongtan, Naqu River, and Wangqu River, creates a vast lake, reaching thousands of hectares at its peak. However, after November, the lake's surface area shrinks significantly, with nearly half of it becoming wetlands and grasslands. Compared to renowned Yunnan lakes like Lugu Lake and Dianchi Lake, Napahai is a relatively small lake. However, its unique geographical location and seasonal characteristics make it a key bird stop in the Hengduan Mountains. Thanks to the meticulous care of the Tibetan people, every autumn, many birds flock here, such as black-necked cranes, yellow ducks, and bar-headed geese, soaring high and low over the grasslands, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.
Coming to Tacheng feels like arriving in a paradise, a pure land surrounded by mountains. The rural scenery here is charming, and the autumn colors here are even more captivating, with layers of forests dyed in a vibrant array of colors, a breathtaking beauty. Tacheng, located in Weixi County, Diqing Prefecture, is known as the "home of the Yunnan golden snub-nosed monkey" and the "hometown of Reba art." Nestled in the Hengduan Mountains' longitudinal valley and at the heart of the Three Parallel Rivers World Heritage Site, it lies at the junction of the "Jiming Four Counties" of Weixi, Shangri-La, Deqin, and Yulong. Tacheng boasts the Diqing region's uniquely beautiful scenery, historic passes, ethnic customs, song and dance, and culinary delights. The area is gaining wider recognition, attracting a growing number of pilgrims.
This area has been home to ethnic minorities such as the Tibetan, Lisu, Naxi, Yi, Pumi, Bai, and Hui for generations. Their villages are quaint and charming, and their farmhouses reflect the region's prosperity and rich folk culture.
Locals still practice the traditional tofu-making technique, and curious visitors can't help but want to try it out; it's quite interesting.
Very traditional incense making technique.
I had a very impressive meal of farm specialties in Tacheng, which tasted very good.
If you don’t want to work, come and stay in Tacheng for a few days. The environment here is quiet and natural. There are many unique boutique homestays. It is surrounded by countryside and mountains. The scenery is pleasant wherever you look.
I have been to Shangri-La six times and Deqin three times. This time I finally saw the true appearance of Meili Snow Mountain, and also saw the legendary Rising Sun Golden Mountain. I have to say that I will be lucky for the whole year.
Meili Snow Mountain is one of the holiest sites in Tibetan Buddhism, renowned for its spectacular scenery and mysterious legends, attracting large numbers of pilgrims every year.
One of the most famous sights of Meili Snow Mountain is the "Sun Shining over the Golden Mountain." At sunrise, the sun shines on the snow-capped mountains, illuminating them in a magnificent golden hue. Many believe that witnessing this sight brings good luck for the entire year. Many people choose to view the Rizhao Jinshan from Feilai Temple. Also known as the Auspicious Feilai Temple, Feilai Temple was built in the 42nd year of the Wanli reign of the Ming Dynasty. It earned its name from the fact that its pillars and beams "fly and stand on their own" during construction. It now comprises the Zisun Hall, Guansheng Hall, Haichao Hall, two side halls, two ear halls, and four auxiliary halls. It is one of the best places to view and photograph the spectacular Rizhao Jinshan. The best time to view and photograph the Rizhao Jinshan is from late October to February of the following year. During this period, there are fewer clouds and more sunny days, making it easier to see the entire Meili Snow Mountain and the Rizhao Jinshan. If there are a lot of clouds and fog, it will block the sun, and you may regret it.
src="https://dimg04.c-ctrip.com/images/1mf2x12000cjl949mDD50_R_800_10000_Q90.jpg?proc=autoorient" /> The Wunongding Observation Deck gets its name from the Wunongding Village where it's located. It features the Thirteen Welcoming Towers and an observation deck. Opposite the majestic Meili Snow Mountain, it's an ideal spot for viewing and photographing the spectacular sunrise over the Golden Mountain. Wunongding is the perfect spot for panoramic photography of the Meili Snow Mountain. Feilaisi Village and the river valley can be seen in the foreground, while peak-by-peak shots are also possible using medium and long focal lengths. To the northeast lies the Baima Snow Mountain, while to the south, the wisps of smoke rising from the incense burners in Wunongding Village and the misty clouds of the Lancang River canyon can be seen. From every angle and in every state, whether the sun shone on the golden mountains or the sunset, and the clouds partially obscured, the view was breathtaking. Another sacred spot for viewing the Sun Shining over Golden Mountain is Pojun Camp. Mangkuanglaka Peak, located west of Naridingka Peak, consists of two majestic snow-capped peaks standing side by side. Standing at an altitude of 6,040 meters, Pojun Camp offers a close-up view of the magnificent "Sun Shining over Golden Mountain" astronomical phenomenon, a sight even more breathtaking than that seen from Feilai Temple or the Wunongding Observation Deck.
Feilai Temple and Wunongding are home to many popular B&Bs. You can see the sun shining on the Golden Mountain from your bed, which is a very stunning feeling.
On the third day of our trip to Shangri-La, we set out from Feilai Temple to Balagzong, passing Baima Snow Mountain on the way.
Driving through the Baima Snow Mountain Pass at an altitude of 4,290 meters, this is also one of the highest roads in Yunnan Province. The Baima Snow Mountain Observation Deck at the pass offers panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains. However, due to the high altitude, the weather here can change rapidly, and coupled with altitude sickness, it is important to avoid excessive excitement or strenuous exercise.
Driving past the Baima Snow Mountain in late autumn, with its azure sky, white clouds, towering snow-capped mountains, fiery red fir trees, golden leaves, and winding river valleys, one feels as if they have traveled through the forests of Switzerland and Northern Europe. Baima Snow Mountain, known as the "Kingdom of Cold Temperate Alpine Flora and Fauna," boasts vast expanses of alpine coniferous forests and vertical zones of mountain vegetation. The forests are dominated by fir, pine, and redwood. In late autumn, the colors turn red and yellow, surrounding the main peak, Zhalaqueni Peak, at an altitude of 5,640 meters. The scenery is even more dazzling than the golden autumn depicted in oil paintings.
Driving from Shangri-La to Meili Snow Mountain in Deqin, first navigate to the "Baima Snow Mountain Pass." There are two routes to choose from. Be sure to choose the second half of the route, taking Provincial Highway 236. When you get close to the Baima Snow Mountain Pass, you'll see the towering Baima Snow Mountain and endless redwood trees. The autumn colors are so gorgeous that you're speechless. The U-shaped Grand Canyon is especially beautiful, as if two glaciers have flowed into an autumn fairy tale.
Nowadays, after entering Baima Snow Mountain, people take the tunnel from Shangri-La to Meili Snow Mountain. Few people take the old National Highway 214. This saves a lot of time, but you will miss many scenic views, especially the Baima Snow Mountain Pass and the autumn colors. If you take the old National Highway 214, you can stop and take photos when you see beautiful scenery, but remember to pay attention to safety and not interfere with traffic. A hidden secret place that was once not found on the map. 
A thrilling migration route, a history of arduous road construction, and the soul-stirring "Song of Balagzong" resound in the deepest reaches of Balagzong.
Thousands of years ago, after migrating to this "paradise" of Balagzong, people lived alongside the high mountains and valleys and established their own village, Bala Village. The founder of the Balagzong Scenic Area, Sina Dingzhu, was a native of Bala Village. At the age of 13, he embarked on a solo journey to Guangzhou, driven by the dream of "building a road for his hometown and improving the lives of his fellow villagers." After over 20 years of hard work, he returned home with all his savings to build a road. This Khampa man, leading his fellow villagers, spent ten years transforming the steep mountain roads of his hometown into a 58.9-kilometer paved highway. 
A road highlights the coordinates of Balagzon on a map of China. With 52 hairpin bends and a dramatic 750-meter drop, this road, known as China's most dangerous, might not scare you. However, when you arrive in Balagzon and take a scenic taxi ride along the road, you'll undoubtedly be astounded.
Qudeng Sacred Mountain in the Balagezong Scenic Area resembles a circular pagoda. When covered in snow, it becomes a beautiful "Qudeng Gabo." Therefore, this naturally formed pagoda is also known as the "natural pagoda." It is one of the main attractions of Balagezong and requires crossing a pass at an altitude of nearly 4,200 meters. The valley is a masterpiece of nature, with a dramatic drop of 3,545 meters from the main peak at 5,545 meters to the river valley at 2,000 meters. "There are gorges within gorges, crisscrossed and interconnected," says the resident. Visitors can hike along the plank trails or take a stunning whitewater rafting tour.
The Echo Wall, located above Bala Village, has a suspended hiking trail and multiple observation decks, offering a distant view of the Shangri-La Grand Canyon and snow-capped mountains. There are also thrilling experiences such as the Sky Mirror and high-altitude zip lines, which are also very photogenic.
Four days is short, but also long.
It was short because I felt I hadn't had enough fun, and it was long because I gained so many beautiful pictures and happy memories.
Goodbye, Shangri-La.
Maybe we'll see each other again soon.
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