Shangri-La is a fictional place described in the 1933 novel Lost Horizon by British author James Hilton. In the book, "Shangri-La" is a mystical, harmonious valley, gently guided from a lamasery, enclosed in the western end of the Kunlun Mountains. Shangri-La features the simple but peaceful life, the friendly and honest interpersonal relationship, the pious and persistent religious believe, the kind, uninhibited and unsophisticated characters of the local people.
Shangri-la in James Hilton's eye
It was the British writer James Hilton's novel "The Lost Horizon" that has brought fame to an unknown and uncontaminated place Shangri-La and made it a household word since its publication 50 years ago. And from then on this fascinating place has become the dreamland for many tourists and adventure lovers.
According to the novel, the uncontaminated nature and folklore of Shangri-La would never fail to impress a special emotion into these who encounter it: the clear air, the nearer white clouds in the blue sky, the breathtaking beauty of landscape and the warm heart of the honest and unsophisticated local people would certainly soothe the body and allow the mind to rest.
How it got its name
The phrase "Shangri-La" most probably comes from the Tibetan, Shang - a district of Tsang, north of Tashilhunpo, "Mountain" equal to "Shang Mountain", Mountain Pass, which suggests that the area is accessed to, or is named by, "Shang Mountain Pass". However, it maybe that Hilton had heard of Shambhala - the Tibetan equivalent of Shangri-La, but could not remember its name.
Where "Shangri-la" locate in
Dozens of years witnessed the failure of efforts to seek out and locate for certain this dreamland. However, with the passing of time, people believe that it must be somewhere in the southeast tip of the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, the highest plateau in the world, became firmer with more and more evidences as a result of persistent search and research. At last, a few years ago, the government of Yunnan Province declared the discovery of Shangri-La. It is in "Diqing," now a prefecture in Yunnan Province, China.
What used to be
One hundred million years ago, the area of Shangri-La began to come out of waters along with the rising of the Himalayas from the bottom of the sea, which was brought about by the collision of the Eurasian Plate and the Indian Plate. This unique geographical and natural environment has formulated the different tradition and culture of the residents.
Right place for rest at ease
It is true, Diqing, deep in contact with nature, is the right place where one can rest at ease in the green shelter provided by the woods, relax next to the crystal clear waters of the alpine lakes or let the eyes wander towards the impressive snowcapped peaks surrounding the area.
The area of Shangri-La provides the possibility to enjoy unforgettable moments without any stress and confusion but excitement while enveloped in a natural environment which is remarkable charming and overwhelmed in an aura of honesty and hospitality of the local ethnic group which is unforgettably touching.
Another name "Zhongdian"
The town has promising hints of nirvana: broad thoroughfares lined with three-storey buildings, many gaily painted in reds and oranges. It seems appropriately relaxed, with neither pedestrians nor vehicles in any hurry; a yak plods past, pulling a cart.
What to see
For long in the heart of those who have been eager to encounter it, Shangri-La has been a wonder worked by nature and a place "full of sunshine and moonlight." It plays as the meeting point of the sun and the moon, time and again embraces beautiful flowers, white clouds, snowcapped mountains, untouched forests and mirror tranquil alpine lakes.
The grassland has been divided magically into eight pieces like eight petals of a lotus flower by crisscross rivers and has provided a wonderful habitat for both animals and human beings. Yaks and sheep are easily seen grazing themselves and playing on the grassland; tree-shaded villages of white houses are scattered over the prairie; the fragrance of buttered tea blended with the fresh air exerts a temptation on those who encounter it; the melodious pastoral songs by headsmen in colorful costumes can be heard here and there - all these create a charming and unparallel mosaic and possibly drive one into an ecstasy of enjoyment.
Moutain
Three snow-capped mountains, Meili, Baimang and Haba, tower magnificently over the landscape. The region is crisscrossed by the Golden Sand, Mekong, and Yangtze Rivers. These snowy peaks form a beautiful backdrop whose beauty is a feast to behold.
A paradise for hiking
Shangri-La is also a paradise for mountaineers. There are nearly one hundred snowcapped peaks which are a constant challenge irresistible to mountain climbers. Among these peaks, the Thirteen Princes are all over 6000 meters high and among the most mysterious and precipitous. The Kagebo Peak, known as "Chief of the Eight Sacred Peaks," soars up as high as 6,740 meters and towers its surrounding mountains. In the 20th century, mankind has set foot on top of Everest for many times but has failed to conquer the Kagebo Peak.
Lakes
Mirror-like lakes, scattered across the vast expanse of grassland, look like rich jewels inlaid on a beautiful tapestry.
Animals
Cattle graze leisurely in the meadows, where exotic flowers and luxuriant grass wave at the request of the gentle breeze. In the depths of the surrounding forests is an exotic world of rare birds and animals.
The lamasery
The lamasery of "Shangri-La" is Guihua Temple, or Songzanlinbu Lamasery in Tibet. The lamasery, with 800 lamas, resembles Butala Palace of Lasa in its layout. The five-story Tibetan style building is covered with wooden carvings and gold-plated copper tiles. You may have a look at the Gallery of Tibetan Religion and Culture in Diqing.
Gedansongzanlin Lamasery
We head for Gedansongzanlin Lamasery. Imposingly set on a low hill, this ancient place is a good match for Shangri-La's lamasery. The main hall has golden statues and walls adorned with paintings of Buddha and fanciful beasts.
Local friends here
Mother Nature has endowed Shangri-La with bountiful natural wealth, making the land a happy home for the 100,000 Tibetans, Lisus, Naxis and Yis who call the area their home. As is this pristine natural environment, these nationalities are all kind, honest, extremely hospitable to outsiders.
What to eat
It is said "Some foods and drinks were more pleasant than others" in Hilton's Shangri-La and it is true of this place too. Here you cound taste slices of fried potato and scrambled egg with tomato, eaten with chunks of unleavened bread. here find a cup of yak-butter tea hard going, like salty sour cream with flour.