Most people think Shangri-La is only a name from a
Most people think Shangri-La is only a name from a novel. In Yunnan’s Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, it’s a real high-altitude world of snow mountains, deep gorges, monasteries, grasslands and extraordinary wildlife. This is where the Tibetan Plateau meets some of China’s richest alpine biodiversity. 🏔️ The landscapes Shangri-La is surrounded by sacred snow peaks, including Meili Snow Mountain (Kawagebo), one of the most beautiful unclimbed mountains in the world. You can also explore Tiger Leaping Gorge, Pudacuo National Park, Napa Lake, Balagezong Grand Canyon and the Baima Snow Mountain Nature Reserve. The region is part of the UNESCO Three Parallel Rivers area—one of the most biodiverse places on Earth. 🙏 The Tibetan soul Visit Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. Walk through Dukezong Old Town, spin the giant prayer wheel, join locals on a kora around the monastery, and taste butter tea, tsampa and Tibetan snacks. You can also experience thangka painting, Tibetan incense, village homestays and local festivals such as the horse racing festival. 🦌 Wildlife & plants This is a paradise for nature lovers.