Exploring the mysterious Shangri-La in the Lost Horizon

Number of days: 4 days
Time: October
Average cost: 3000 yuan
With whom: and friends
Tour kinds: Food, Photography, Humanities, Free Travel
Updated: 2023.11.10

Preface

The landscapes depicted by Wang Zengqi always exude a sense of ease and tranquility, a deep feeling of affection and longing. This time, I, too, carried his writing style with me as I embarked on a journey to Shangri-La in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province.

Ganden Songzanlin Monastery

Diqing, this mysterious place in Yunnan Province, China, has always captivated me with its magnificent landscapes, rich Tibetan customs, and rich cultural history. Diqing, meaning "a place of good fortune and happiness" in Tibetan, lies at the junction of Yunnan, Sichuan, and Tibet. It is the heart of the "Three Parallel Rivers" World Heritage Site and is home to nine ethnic groups, including the Tibetan, Lisu, and Naxi, with a population exceeding 1,000. Diqing boasts the renowned "Shangri-La" brand and renowned tourism brands such as the "Three Parallel Rivers," "Meili Snow Mountain," the "Ancient Tea-Horse Road," and the "Yunnan Golden Monkey."

Napahaila Grassland

Shudu Lake

Dedicated to all friends who love Shangri-La, a panoramic photo of Pudacuo National Park.

The world's "Shangri-La" Cultural Tourism Festival

Dukezong Ancient Town, Shangri-La County - Moonlight Square

This time, the first world's "Shangri-La" Cultural Tourism Festival opened in Dukezong Ancient Town, Diqing. As an invited travel blogger guest, I was very happy! Dukezong Ancient Town, Shangri-La County - Moonlight SquareDukezong Ancient Town, Shangri-La County - Moonlight Square The opening ceremony of the Dukuzong Ancient Town in Shangri-La County - Moonlight Square kicked off with the song and dance "Shangri-La of the World". It consisted of the first part "Remembering Shangri-La", the second part "Loving Shangri-La" and the finale "The World of Shangri-La", telling the long and splendid history and culture of Diqing and the brilliant ethnic culture. Shangri-La County Dukezong Ancient Town - Moonlight SquareShangri-La County Dukezong Ancient Town - Moonlight SquareShangri-La County Dukezong Ancient Town - Moonlight Square

Shangri-La Tourism Ambassadors Tashi Dondrub and Alan Dawa Dolma sang many beautiful songs respectively.

Dukezong Ancient Town, Shangri-La County - Moonlight Square

Shangri-La County, Dukezong Ancient Town - Moonlight Square

What impressed me most was the vibrant and lively atmosphere of the various ethnic groups' songs and dances.

Dukezong Ancient Town, Shangri-La County - Moonlight Square

A Tibetan man in full attire captivated me. His rich ethnic attire and weathered face filled me with awe! We believe this event will further attract domestic and international tourists to explore this beautiful and mysterious land and experience the unique charm of Shangri-La.

Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture National Museum

After the opening ceremony, I had some time to visit the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture National Museum. It adopts Tibetan architectural style and integrates modern elements. It collects and displays a large number of precious cultural relics and Tibetan artworks. At the same time, you can also learn about Diqing’s long history, splendid culture and art. It is definitely worth a visit!

Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture National Museum

Dukezong Ancient Town, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture National Museum

Dukezong Ancient Town

I've heard of Dukezong Ancient Town, a place shrouded in history and mystery. It boasts the world's largest prayer wheel, ancient architecture, and breathtaking scenery. This time, I finally made my way to this enigmatic place.

Dukezong Ancient City

Dukezong Ancient City Upon arriving at the ancient city, I was immediately captivated by its atmosphere. The buildings are simple and solemn, each brick and tile telling a story of the ages. I strolled along the cobblestone path, stopping occasionally to admire the scenery. In the distance, the mountains were as green as ink, and nearby, flowers were in full bloom. Everything was so harmonious and beautiful.

Dukezong Ancient Town

Although I had just arrived in Shangri-La on the plateau and had not yet fully adapted to the high altitude, I still climbed to the highest point of Dukezong Ancient Town in one breath to see the world's largest prayer wheel. I was extremely shocked.

Dukezong Ancient City

Dukezong Ancient City Dukezong Ancient City: A massive golden cylinder, 21 meters tall and weighing dozens of tons, the prayer wheel contains 1.24 million mantras and the Six-Syllable Mantra, along with 16 tons of various Buddhist treasures. The prayer wheel is made of pure gilded copper, and its walls are embossed with images of the Four Great Bodhisattvas, the Three Parallel Rivers, the Eight Treasures of Buddhism, and the unity of the 56 ethnic groups. I tried to squeeze in, and then circled around with the other tourists, as if I could feel the mysterious power it exuded, and also felt the piety and faith of my fellow Tibetans.

Dukezong Ancient City

Dukezong Ancient City src="https://dimg04.c-ctrip.com/images/1mf4w12000cjuuv944F9F_W_671_0_Q90.jpg?proc=autoorient" />Dukezong Ancient City

Dukezong Ancient City

Looking forward to returning here again and continuing to explore the mystery and charm of this ancient city. To celebrate the "Shangri-La" World Cultural Tourism Festival, the local government held a grand Golden Autumn Horse Racing Festival at the Shangri-La National Sports Center Gymnasium. The event attracted a large number of tourists and local residents, who witnessed this exciting moment together. More than a hundred athletes from Inner Mongolia, Sichuan, Kunming, Dali Prefecture, Lijiang City and other prefectures galloped on their horses across the racecourse, presenting a visual feast of speed and passion, equestrian skills and heroic posture to the audience. Before the competition began, outstanding riders from the local equestrian club showcased their superb equestrian skills. Their coordinated performance with their horses showcased a series of stunning equestrian maneuvers. Whether challenging jumps or graceful strides, their performances drew applause from the audience. The equestrian demonstrations also featured numerous female riders, demonstrating the strength and courage of women and further promoting the development of local equestrianism.

Pudacuo, a beautiful place located on my country's western plateau, attracts countless visitors with its unique natural scenery and rich biodiversity.

Pudacuo National Park

Autumn imbues the landscape with vibrant colors, offering opportunities for discovery and experience. Upon entering the park, a sea of golden and emerald green greets the eye. The golden leaves contrast sharply with the towering pine trees, as if nature has draped the earth in a magnificent brocade. Countless yaks and goats are grazing peacefully on the grassland!

Pudacuo National Park

Walking along the winding plank road, birds fly happily among the trees, chirping from time to time. These free creatures add infinite vitality to Pudacuo in autumn.

Pudacuo National Park

A drone takes off from a high altitude, overlooking the entire park. A vibrant array of colors fills the air. This is not only a gift from nature, but also a token of its appreciation for our journey.

Pudacuo National Park

Pudacuo National Park Pudacuo National Park

Pudacuo National Park

src="/travelogue/China/Yunnan/4118134/57.webp"> Autumn is also the most beautiful time for the plank road in Pudacuo. The fiery maple leaves on both sides of the plank road contrast beautifully with the blue sky and white clouds. Walking along the plank road felt like stepping into a beautiful painting. Pudacuo National Park: A gentle breeze swept away the summer heat and ushered in the coolness of autumn. Along the way, we encountered many small animals, such as squirrels. These adorable creatures nimbly darted through the trees. They weren't startled by us, but rather observed us with curiosity. They foraged for food in the autumn Pudacuo, preparing for the coming winter.

Pudacuo National Park

Pudacuo National Park Pudacuo National Park

Pudacuo National Park

Pudacuo National Park: Here, we felt the diversity of life and the majesty of nature. I hope more people will come here to experience the charm of nature and understand the beauty and fragility of the planet we live on.

Ganden Songzanlin Monastery in Pudacuo National Park

Ganden Songzanlin Monastery is an important holy place of Tibetan Buddhism and is known as the "Little Potala Palace". Ganden Songzanlin MonasteryGanden Songzanlin Monastery

From the outside, this monastery's unique architectural style, with its red and white walls and resplendent golden roof, creates a striking visual impact. Inside, however, one is struck by a sense of tranquility and harmony. The prayer wheels, white pagodas, shrines, and monks—each element exudes a deep religious sentiment.

Ganden Songzanlin Monastery

It is particularly worth mentioning that you can take a short break in the square in front of the monastery, and then follow the guide into Ganden Songzanlin Monastery to learn about the long history of Tibetan Buddhism.

Ganden Songzanlin Monastery

Next, guided by floating bridges and stone paths, you can stroll along the shores of Lhamoyangcuo Lake and enjoy the beautiful scenery. The lake's mirror-like surface reflects the clouds, while the Mani piles within it stand silently, like the embodiment of the gods. Standing here, you'll be astounded by the breathtaking scenery before you: the sky burial platform, the temple's reflection, the Mani piles in the lake's center, the sacred lake meadow, and the pastoral scenery of the manor. Lhamoyangcuo Lake is also a rare scenic spot. On a calm day, you can see the perfect reflection of Songzanlin Monastery.

Lamyangcuo Lake

Lamyangcuo Lake src="https://dimg04.c-ctrip.com/images/1mf4812000cjuuvcpC0A3_W_671_0_Q90.jpg?proc=autoorient" />Lamyangcuo Lake

Lamyangcuo Lake

Lamyangtso Lake

Although my visit to Ganden Songzanlin Monastery and Lhamoyangtso Lake was brief, these two places have left a lasting impression on me. Here, I could hear the echoes of history and the reflections of nature, and experience a beauty and harmony that transcends time and space.

Napa Lake

In Shangri-La, there's a place called Napa Lake. It's not only a breathtaking natural wonder but also an ideal wintering home for many rare birds.

Napahai La Grassland

Napahai Yila Grassland

Napahai in autumn and winter is a paradise for birds. Among the most precious are the black-necked cranes, bar-headed geese, yellow ducks, coots, and crested grebes. They fly from the far north to spend the warm winter here, and Napahai becomes more lively and vibrant with the arrival of these birds.

Napahaila Grassland

The black-necked crane is a national first-class protected animal and the only plateau crane species in the world. Their graceful posture and unique feathers make them unique among birds. In Napahai, you can see them dancing and flying lightly on the lake. Napahaila GrasslandNapahaila GrasslandNapahaila GrasslandBar-headed geese, a resident bird species in Yunnan, frolic in flocks on the lake, occasionally emitting clear calls, as if sharing their joy.

Napahaila Grassland

Yellow ducks and coots enjoy foraging in the grass by the lake, moving alertly around and taking flight at the slightest sign of movement.

Napahai Yila Grassland

In Napahai, these rare birds coexist harmoniously with nature, creating a beautiful scene. However, this beauty requires our joint efforts to maintain. Only when we learn to respect and protect nature can these rare birds and the ecosystems they depend on be permanently protected.

Napahai Yila Grassland

Walking along the shores of Napahai Lake, admiring the reflections on its surface, I felt as if I were transported to a fairytale world. The picturesque scenery here is truly captivating. The birds soaring through the sky made me feel the magic and charm of nature, and the harmonious coexistence of man and nature. I could even witness the beautiful sight of rare birds dancing gracefully on the lake. I believe that everyone who visits Napahai will be moved by its beauty.

Food & Accommodation

Potala Wooden House Tibetan Restaurant

Potala Wooden House

Potala Wooden House Tibetan Restaurant is a Tibetan restaurant located at the intersection of Niangre Road and Tibetan Hospital in Chengguan District, Lhasa. It specializes in Tibetan cuisine. Here, you can admire the traditional Tibetan wooden building architecture and enjoy authentic Tibetan cuisine such as barley wine, butter tea, tsampa, and yak beef. The restaurant also offers a variety of Tibetan drinks and snacks, as well as a variety of seasonal vegetables and fruits. For those interested in Tibetan culture, the restaurant also features folk song and dance performances and handicraft displays, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of Tibetan culture.

Potala Wooden Building

Potala Wooden Building src="https://dimg04.c-ctrip.com/images/1mf4r12000cjuuzb16069_W_671_0_Q90.jpg?proc=autoorient" />Potala Wooden Building

Potala Wooden Building

Napahai Alpine Villa

This time I specially experienced Tibetan-style afternoon tea at Gaoshan Villa. It combines the fusion and innovation of traditional Tibetan cuisine and Western-style afternoon tea. It includes traditional flavors such as Tibetan butter tea, tsampa, and Tibetan milk tea, as well as classic afternoon tea delicacies such as Western-style rose milk tea, sandwiches, scones, and nuts, bringing a unique gourmet experience.

Gucheng Nanka Mingdian Hotel

Nanka Mingdian

The hotel is located on Shangri-La's broad viewing platform, overlooking the cultural landscape of the city from a distance, and the snow-capped mountains from a distance. The overall decoration is based on restoring classic Tibetan houses, and introduces high-end modern hotel designs, such as whole-house floor heating, high-end beds, brand bathrooms, etc. It is within walking distance to Sifang Street, Moonlight Square, and Xincheng Mandala Square!

South Carolina Code

Shangri-La Private Hotel

It is great to meet such a small and fresh Tibetan hotel in Shangri-La. Although the overall decoration style is still Tibetan, it is not as complicated as traditional Tibetan hotels.

The atrium of the hotel is very grand, and it is very good to take tea, take a break, and check in. The curved Mani pile was also designed by a designer to look like a monument!

The guest rooms are spacious and comfortable. Another thumbs up is that their home has floor heating. It is very comfortable to live here in autumn and winter.

Written at the end

During this trip to Shangri-La, we experienced the majesty of the snow-capped mountains on the plateau, the vastness of the grasslands, the unique Tibetan culture, and the tranquility and harmony. Every inch of land and every piece of scenery in Shangri-La seems to be telling an ancient and mysterious story. Let us take these beautiful memories with us as we return home and look forward to the next adventure. Shangri-La, may your beauty remain in our hearts forever and never disappear.