There is an eternal and peaceful pure land in James Hilton's "Lost Horizon". Everyone has such a Shangri-La in their hearts.
If you haven't been there yet, hurry up.
There is a secret Tibetan area in northwest Yunnan, with an altitude of more than 3,000 meters. It not only has magnificent snow-capped mountains, grasslands and canyons, but also has a profound Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Many people worry that a trip to the plateau will be complicated. In fact, as long as relevant arrangements are made in advance, you can have a smooth and safe trip.
The following is a carefully compiled list of Shangri-La tourist attractions. It explains the top ten must-see attractions and core precautions very thoroughly. I hope it can help you plan a trip that will not leave any regrets.
01 Pudacuo: A beautiful fairy tale in autumn
If there is one place to represent the autumn of Shangri-La, it must undoubtedly be Pudacuo National Park.
This is a national 5A-level scenic spot with an altitude of about 3,200 meters. The oxygen content in the air is lower than in the urban area, but the scenery is definitely worth seeing.
Stepping into the park, what you will see is the large area of alpine pastures, the forests that have remained in their natural state and unspoiled, and the lakes that can clearly reflect the appearance of the snow-capped mountains like a mirror.
The plank road of Shudu Lake is very suitable for hiking. It takes about an hour to walk. Along the way, you can see yaks grazing leisurely and squirrels scurrying around.
Many people say this place looks like Europe, but in fact it has more of the purity unique to the plateau than Europe.
Remember to bring a warm jacket, as the wind is strong near the lake and the temperature is much lower than in the city.
02 Songzanlin Temple: The City of Sunshine in My Heart
If Shangri-La belongs to the category of "the sun and moon in the heart", then Songzanlin Temple is the most shining and conspicuous light in this area.
It is built on the mountain and looks like the Potala Palace, so it is also called the "Little Potala Palace".
When visiting, there is a very important rule. As long as you enter the main hall, turn around the pagoda, or circle the Mani Dou, you must proceed in a clockwise direction. This is a reflection of respect for faith.
It is best to arrive at eight or nine in the morning. The temple is shining with golden light in the morning mist and is particularly sacred.
Take the bus into the scenic spot at the entrance and follow the guide, you can hear many stories. Which hall contains the relics of the living Buddha, and which murals describe what kind of sutra changes?
03 Napa Sea: Back Garden next to the forest
"Napahai" in Tibetan means "the lake behind the forest".
There is something particularly magical about this place. It takes the shape of a sea during the rainy season, and transforms into a grassland during the dry season. Wetlands, meadows and lakes blend with each other to form the back garden of Shangri-La.
You can spend tens of dollars to ride a horse and feel the joy of running on the grassland.
In the distance, Shika Snow Mountain is looming. Nearby, water birds are looking for food on the shallows. Above the head, the blue sky and white clouds are clearly visible. In the ears, the sound of wind and the sounds of animals are lingering. That sense of freedom cannot be found in the city.
If you choose to travel by car, it is highly recommended to drive on the road around the lake. Once you see the beautiful scenery, stop and take pictures. Every picture is like a postcard.
04 Tiger Leaping Gorge: Stormy Waves in the Canyon
Among the top ten most beautiful canyons in China is Tiger Leaping Gorge, which is also the canyon with the largest drop in the world.
Before you even get close, you can hear the roar of the Jinsha River in the distance.
Stepping onto the plank road, I saw the river fiercely beating against the Tiger Leaping Stone in the center of the river, splashing water up to several meters high. This momentum really made me feel weak in the legs and shocked at the same time.
The canyon is divided into three sections: upper, middle and lower. The upper section of Tiger Leaping is the easiest and suitable for ordinary tourists; the middle section of Tiger Leaping is the most ornamental and also the most dangerous. It is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts and can witness the Tiger Head Waterfall falling from a high place.
If you are not a professional hiker, it is recommended that you just walk on the plank road in Hutiao. Put safety first, and you can also experience the beauty that will shock your heart.
05 Dukezong Ancient City: The Legend of Immortality under the Moonlight
The ancient city of Dukezong, located on the Ancient Tea Horse Road, is an important town. Its meaning in Tibetan is "castle built on stone". It also has the nickname "Moonlight City".
With an altitude of more than 3,300 meters, it is the best-preserved and largest Tibetan settlement in China.
Walking on the stone road, lined with quaint Tibetan wooden houses, you can smell the butter tea.
Guishan Park is located above the ancient city. It is equipped with the largest prayer wheel in the world. This prayer wheel requires the joint efforts of more than a dozen people to make it rotate.
It is said that every turn is equivalent to reciting a sutra, which can ward off disasters and pray for blessings.
At night, when the lights are on, the whole ancient city becomes warm. It is very pleasant to find a Tibetan restaurant, eat a yak hot pot, and then drink a bowl of highland barley wine.
06 Baishui Terrace: Immortal Relics Field under Haba Snow Mountain
Many people don't know that there is a place with a unique environment similar to Pamukkale in Shangri-La, called White Water Terrace.
It is hidden at the foot of Haba Snow Mountain. The calcium carbonate in the spring water has accumulated over the years, gradually forming layers of white terraces.
When the sun shines down, the water in the pool will glow with light blue or light green, which is very dreamy.
This piece of land is called the "immortal's legacy field" by people living nearby. It is said that there was an immortal who once plowed the land here and left it behind.
The route to Baishuitai is a bit winding. It takes more than two hours to drive from Shangri-La City, and the subsequent section is actually a mountainous road. But the moment you see the scenery, you will know that everything is worthwhile.
Remember to wear non-slip shoes as the white travertine surface is very slippery.
07 Haba Snow Mountain: the first stop for entry-level snow mountain enthusiasts
If we are novice mountaineers like us and still have the idea of trying to feel the exhilarating feeling of climbing a snow mountain, then Haba Snow Mountain is a very suitable choice. The punctuation at the end of the sentence should be a period.
It and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain look across the Jinsha River from each other. Its highest peak is 5,396 meters high. It is unanimously recognized by the public as one of the "five basic experience-based snow mountains with the most climbing value in China".
The gathering center for climbers is Haba Village at the foot of the mountain. There are professional guides and equipment rentals in the village.
The climbing route is relatively mature, but don't take it lightly because altitude sickness and changes in weather are the biggest challenges.
Not every ordinary tourist has to climb to the top of the mountain, stay in the village for two days, watch the sunrise and sunset over the snow-capped mountains, or embark on a hiking trail at the foot of the mountain, so that he can appreciate its magnificence.
08 Shika Snow Mountain: Wealth Mountain where you can see the eight sacred mountains
"Shika" in Tibetan means "mountain with red deer", and the red deer is the mascot of Tibetan Buddhism.
This mountain is regarded by the local people as the most spiritual sacred mountain. Legend has it that it is the incarnation of the goddess of wealth, Jixiang Tianmu.
The special thing is that when you climb to the top of Shika Caishen Mountain, if the weather is good, you can see eight sacred mountains in Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet at the same time, including Meili Snow Mountain, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, Haba Snow Mountain, etc.
Take the cable car up the mountain, and there is an alpine pasture halfway up the mountain, full of wild flowers in summer.
Many people come here to pray for good luck and seek wealth. No matter what your wishes are, the local people firmly believe that as long as you pray sincerely, the mountain gods will protect you.
It's windy on the mountain, so be sure to wear a hat and gloves.
09 Niru Village: a secret place that is hard to find on the map
If you're after rawness and purity, go for Niru Village Bar.
United Nations officials call this place the "real Shangri-La," and it is one of the pure lands depicted in "Lost Horizon."
This is due to the small number of people who know about it and the poor road conditions, so the most complete Tibetan village style and virgin forest have been preserved.
Located in Diqing Prefecture, it is included in the most beautiful hiking routes. Starting from the village, you can reach Qicai Waterfall and Nanbao Ranch. The round trip takes a day or two.
It is not recommended for those without outdoor experience to go alone. It is best to hire a local guide.
Even if you only stayed in the village for a short night, going to see the starry sky at night, and falling asleep with the sound of the flowing stream, the tranquility and tranquility of being isolated from the world is enough to be unforgettable.
10 Balagezong Grand Canyon: a paradise not marked on the map
Many people have been to Shangri-La, but have never heard of it Balagezong Grand Canyon .
A long, long time ago, this was a place that was not even marked on maps. Later, a road builder named Sina Dingzhu spent more than ten years and went through many difficulties and obstacles to build the road. Only then did the outside world get to see its true appearance.
The canyon is very deep, with vertical cliffs on both sides, and the clear Gangqu River flows at the bottom.
There is no over-commercialization in the scenic area. If you live in a Tibetan-style hotel in it, you can see the golden mountains in the sunshine when you open the window in the early morning.
When entering the snow-capped mountains, listen to the sound of prayer flags blowing in the wind during the day. In the afternoon, go to the canyon to participate in rafting activities where the water is cold but extremely exciting.
Every moment here is like a paradise, suitable for those who want to relax deeply and get away from the crowd.
Special reminder for visiting Shangri-La
When traveling to the plateau, you must be well prepared.
First, it is normal for the temperature difference between day and night to be large. Even in summer, you must wear fleece clothes or thin down jackets in the morning and evening. In spring, autumn and winter, you must make sure to bring enough thick clothes.
Firstly, sun protection is of top priority. Secondly, the intensity of ultraviolet rays here is several times higher than in the plains. Thirdly, if you do not apply sunscreen and wear a hat with a wide brim, fourthly, your skin will suffer from sunburn and peeling after one day.
Third, on the first day after arriving, don’t take a shower or engage in strenuous exercise. Give your body some time to adapt to the altitude.
Fourth, respect local customs and do not wear a hat, step on the threshold, or point at Buddha statues when entering a temple.
Finally, bring some commonly used medicines, such as medicines for treating colds, medicines that can relieve gastrointestinal discomfort, and glucose or rhodiola rosea that can reduce altitude sickness.
Generally speaking, the beauty of Shangri-La does not lie in a specific scenic spot, but in the atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and calm down.
Each of these ten places has its own characteristics. Pudacuo presents a colorful appearance, Songzanlin Temple has a sense of solemnity, Tiger Leaping Gorge gives people a shocking experience, and Niru Village retains its original style. Each place is worth savoring.
Before setting off, take a look at Lijiang Shangri-La's travel guide to properly arrange the route, accommodation, and transportation matters. Especially in the case of chartered cars or carpooling, go and confirm in advance.
With this guide in mind, go and meet the sun and moon in your heart. I firmly believe that you will fall in love with this particularly special place that is the closest to heaven.
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