The Top Attractions of Shangri-La
Shangri-La, formerly known as Zhongdian, is located in the northwest of Yunnan province. It is the political, economic, cultural, technological, financial and information center of the autonomous prefecture of Dêqên. In 2002, the city was renamed Shangri-La in honor of novelist James Hilton and his novel Lost Horizons. The name change meant a significant increase in the number of tourists who visited the city. It has become one of the starting points for trips to Tibet. Enjoying the reputation of a "lost paradise", Shangri-La is a place rich in natural resources and pristine historical relics. In this article, we will introduce the landmarks of Lijiang so that tourists can appreciate the wonderful snow mountains, try the ethnic dress and see the hundred-year-old consecrated religious architectures, etc.
Dukezong Ancient Town is a Tibetan town in Shangri-la District, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, which was built in the 7th century as a stopping point on the Tea Horse Route and a station for the Han-Tibetan trade. In the 7th century, the Tubo Regime conquered the surrounding region of Deqin and built Dukezong. The 1.6 square kilometer ancient city was designed in the shape of an eight-petaled lotus flower in accordance with Tibetan Buddhist geomantic theory, and its 1,084 houses radiate outward from its center on Turtle Hill. . The city is made up of traditional Tibetan houses, ancient temples and pagodas, with narrow alleys winding between them and buildings decorated with Tibetan prayer flags of many colors. At Dukezong visitors can live an authentic experience of Tibetan culture. You can visit Dukezong all year round, it is advisable to take a trip in summer because then it is very hot. The city is built at the foot of a mountain at 3,200 meters above sea level, so be prepared for the temperature to drop at night. Either way, Dukezong offers visitors an authentic view of Tibetan culture and is a welcome respite from busy big city life.
Potatson National Park is a nature reserve administered by the Diqing Shangri-la Province of Yunnan. The park has an area of 1,300 square kilometers. It incorporates the Bita Lake Nature Reserve and the Duhu Scenic Area in the Hongshan region. As such, they form part of the Three Parallel Rivers World Heritage Site of Yunnan Protected Areas. The park is famous for its primitive landscape and features several picturesque hills, meadows and lakes. It is also home to over 100 endangered species, including leopards, cranes, macaques, lynx and many more. Shudu Lake, on the north side of the park, is a 20-minute bus ride from the park entrance. At an elevation of 3,705 meters, this lake is an alpine gem. Its crystal clear waters are enjoyed by wild ducks, cranes and various species of fish, and are surrounded by tree-covered hills. Lake Bitahai, commonly considered the highlight of the park. Once at the lake, there are two ways to appreciate the surrounding landscape. Many visitors choose to walk along the 4km wooden boardwalk that surrounds the lake. This will allow you to get a close-up look at the surrounding flora and fauna, as well as great views of the lake. When walking around Bitahai Lake, remember to walk clockwise as that is the local Tibetan Buddhist custom.
Ganden Sumtsenling Monastery, also known as Sungtseling and Guihuasi, is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located 5 kilometers from the city of Shangri-La, at an altitude of 3,380 meters, in Yunnan province. Built in 1679, it is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan and is sometimes known as the Little Potala Palace. Built in the style of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, the magnificent monastery resides on a hilltop and is composed of the two lamaseries Zhacang and Jikang - which take the form of a five-story Tibetan watchtower - five gates, numerous sub -lamaseries and hundreds of monks' rooms. The main scripture hall in the center of the complex is the highlight of the visit, especially during the morning prayer time or during auspicious festivals when devotees come to participate in the festivities. The hall itself can accommodate around 1,600 lamas who sit in meditation or chant Buddhist scriptures and has 108 imposing pillars.
