The word Shangri La can literally be translated as “ideal
place” or “utopia.” The name alone,
Shangri La China, is intriguing to many people looking
for excellent China attractions.
The history of Shangri La the word takes roots from the
Tibetan word meaning “land of sacredness and peace.”
The word Shangri La, as it has come to be known today,
was first published in a novel by James Hilton called
The Lost Horizon. The novel tells the tale of a trio of
pilots from the USA who crash-landed in what is now known
as Shangri La China. At this time in the history of Shangri
La, as it was first discovered by westerners, it quickly
became known as a haven of beauty and tranquility, brimming
with mountains, rivers, grasslands and abundant breathtaking
landscapes.
Today Shangri La is a major tourist attraction of China and bears the symbol of true luxury and exotic elements. In China attractions in Shangri La include the Song Zanlin Monastery, a favorite of China tours in the area. The Tibetan Monastery regained much of its beauty in restoration efforts after the Chinese invasion where many religious houses were burned, damaged or destroyed in the 1950s and on. Transportation to the north end of town where the monastery sits is easy. In the history of Shangri La this monastery once boasted an attendance of more than 1200 monks. These days most work outside of the building itself and gather for major Chinese festivals or special Chinese holidays.
China attractions in the city also include Meili Snow Mountain, a magical mountain boasting the highest summit in Yunnan Province, at more than 20,000 feet. The main peak is called Kang Karpo and there are thirteen other peaks that sit at lower altitudes. The main peak, Kang Karpo, is called White Snow Mountain in Tibetan and favored as one of the most breathtaking of all mountains in the world. This tourist attraction of China entices many visitors to explore its peaks and valleys in good weather. In between the summit and base of the mountain the climactic zones range from frigid and icy to tropical with myriad plant variations. Tibetan Buddhists consider Kang Karpo a holy place for pilgrimage and one of the eight divine mountains in the region. Homage is paid by pilgrims from Sichuan, Gansu and Qinghai every year in late fall and the early months of winter when conditions are still tolerable.
There are a number of other Shangri Las China attractions to explore during a visit including scenic Baishui Terrace, Feilai Temple and nearby Napahai Lake. At the back of the mountain lies the enticing village of Yubeng, an oasis of natural beauty and calm. Surrounded by large mountains, the location is very unique and is home to less than 30 families. The village is separated into the lower and upper parts. From the lower area this tourist attraction of China leads the way to the Ancient Seal Character, lovely Yubeng Waterfall and many other striking scenic areas. From the upper village the Joint Sino-Japanese base camp is accessible.
Shangri La China is divided into two areas, the Old Town, with history dating back more than 1200 years, and its counterpart, the modern area resembling more of a city scape. Evident is the abundance of interesting Tibetan architecture all around the city. Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest gorges in the world, is a major tourist attraction of China. Tourists can also find Wufeng Mountain and the picturesque White Water Terraces in the southern end of Shangri La. A handful of lakes in the region offer many things to do outdoors. One of the places that best exemplifies the oasis that Shangri La is, is the Nixi Pottery Village. This small Tibetan village is characterized by vibrant, sweeping grasslands filled with grazing sheep, yaks and horses. The scene depicts a timeless sense of peace and calm. Best-known for century-old pottery making, the majority of families still create pottery items for a living. On a tour of Shangri La, the village is a must see to top off a visit to the Eden-like region and enjoy a visit that will seem like a step back in time.
