Shangri-la Travel Guide
Old name: Zhongdian, Tibetan for Jiantang
Population: 130,000
Area: 11,613 square kilometers (4,484 square miles)
Nationalities: Tibetan, Han
Administrative Division: 4 towns (Jiantang, Xiaozhongdian, Hutiaoxia, Jinjiang); 7 townships (Shangjiang, Luoji, Nixi, Gezan, Dongwang, Wujing, Sanba Naxi Township)
Useful Telephone Numbers:
Tourist Complaints: 0887-96927
Travel Bureau: 0887-225390
Weather Forecast: 121
Zip Code Inquiry: 184
Location: Shangri-la County lies in the eastern part of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. It shares boundaries with Daocheng County of Sichuan Province in the east, and Lijiang in the south.
History: According to archeological discoveries, the history of the people living in this area can be traced back to the Western Zhou Dynasty (11th century BC-771BC). Several tribes successively inhabited this remote region over hundreds of years. It was during the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD) that Shangri-la made contact with Central China. The whole world came to know the name Shangri-La since it was proved to be the Eden that James Hilton depicted in his Lost Horizon.
Physical Features: Located in the southern edge of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the hinterland of Hengduan Mountains and the Three Parallel Rivers of the Yunnan Protected Area. Snow-covered mountains, alpine lakes, gorges, and pastures make up the main landforms of the county.
Special Local Products:
Herbal medicines: Tibetan medicine, cordyceps, snow lotus
Beverages: snow tea
Handicrafts: silver ornaments
Climatic Features: Shangri-la is about 3,300 meters (10,827 feet) above the sea level, enjoying a plateau humid climate. The temperature varies greatly between day and night and among the four seasons of a year as well. There is a spring thaw here so the weather gets quite cold in winter. Summer is the rainy season.
When to Go: Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Shangri-la for the moderate temperature. Particularly in the autumn, the scenery on the plateau can not be missed.
Local Highlights: Tibetans compose the main part of Shangri-la's population. Apart from the Chinese traditional festivals, such as the New Year, they also celebrate Tibetan New Year according to the Tibetan calendar. In addition, sutra preaching, horse racing festival and Gedong (Lattice Winter) Festival will provide visitors perfect opportunities to know the religious and folk customs of the people in Shangri-la.
Scenic Spots:
Haba Snow Mountain: a natural reserve established for the rich preservation of natural wonders, rare plants and animals, such as fir, Yunan snub-nose monkey, and kiang
White Water Terrace: a vast rock formation of lava sculpture comprised of tier upon tier of terraces with clear spring water flowing downwards.
Tiger Leaping Gorge: one of the most distinguished gorges in the world with 18 rapids famous for their steepness and grandeur.
Gedan Songzanlin Lamastery (Guihua Temple): a Buddhist architecture constructed in the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), embodying the essence of Tibetan Buddhist culture
Tourist Tips: Diqing Airport is only 5 kilometers (3 miles) southeast of Shangri-la downtown operating flights to Kunming, Lhasa, Guangzhou and Shanghai. Long-distance bus is the most important vehicle to get in and out of the county. From Shangri-la, visitors can get to Lijiang and Dali in about 5 to 6 hours.