Diqing, Everlasting Shangri-la

Diqing, Everlasting Shangri-la

Diqing, referring to an auspicious place in Tibetan, is situated in Northwest Yunnan. 
Thanks to its geological location in the southeast part of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and 
at the center of Three Parallel Rivers Area, Diqing principally exhibits landscapes
 and sceneries of snowy mountains, grasslands, valleys, alpine lakes, virgin forests
 and even ethnic cultures, forming a multifunctional tourist destination. Further 
more, most of major snow-capped mountains of Yunnan distribute in Diqing. It is 
home to 13 nationalities including Tibetan, Han, Naxi, Yi, Bai, and Hui etc, each 
of whom is noted for its own ethnic custom and culture.  

Shangri-la, the center of Diqing, was mentioned as early as 1933 by James Hilton
 in his novel Lost Horizon. Shangri-la is a word from Tibetan dialect of Zhongdian
 (the former name of Shangri-la), meaning the Sun and Moon in Heart. In the minds
 of Tibetans, Shangri-la is the most ideal habitat and the most sublime realm in the
 world. Main scenic attractions of Diqing include Gandan-Songzanlin Monastery, 
Gandan-Dongzhulin Monastery, the Tiger Leaping Gorge, Pudacuo National Park, 
Meili Snow Mountain, Shika Snow Mountain, Napa Lake, Haba Snow Mountain and
 Jiantang Ancient Town etc.