Pronounced as Xiang Ge Li la in Mandarin, Shangri-La is one of earth’s best kept secret paradise located in the Yunnan province of southern China.
Shangri-La was described in James Hilton’s Lost Horizon as an other-worldly place of mystique, while the Tibetans refer to it as “sun and moon in heart”, which makes it a divine and ideal home in heaven. It wasn’t until 2002 that it received the name Shangri-La.
Land of wonder
Shangri-La is home to earth’s rawest, most bountiful resources. Plants grow freely and animals such as musk deer, golden monkeys and yak roam unrestricted across the plateau.
Mineral deposits are rich and inexhaustible, and its ethnic inhabitants, mostly Tibetans, live harmoniously in accordance to the values and traditions passed down for centuries.
The ideal period to visit Shangri-La is between March to August, where flowers are in full bloom in perfect spring weather.
Shangri-La travel tips
Prepare to be exposed to strong UV radiation and the ever-changing weather. Even if not hiking, be sure to pack sunscreen and long-sleeve shirts for protection.
Altitude sickness is common, and its symptoms are shortness of breath, light headedness and tightness in the chest area. Make sure to get enough rest on arrival and bring along medication if necessary.
Must-try traditional Tibetan drink: yak butter tea
A drink loved across the Himalayan regions of Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal and India, butter tea or Pho Cha is traditionally brewed using fragrant tea leaves, rich yak butter, water and salt.
The consumption of butter tea has become a necessity in this part of the world due to its colder climate and higher altitudes, as it is able to provide high caloric energy while keeping the body warm for a longer period of time.
The taste? Literally like sipping melted butter that has been diluted with hot water. Oily, possibly rancid and carrying the perfect concentration, the drink is practical rather than tasty.
Nevertheless, sampling this exotic tea passed down from the seventh century is a must, because it can rarely be found outside of the region and it does a fantastic job warming both body and soul.
Must-try traditional food in Shangri-La: yak momo
Momo is a traditional delicacy native to South Asia, notably Tibet, Nepal, North India, and Bhutan. Although highly similar to the dumplings from East Asia, they are distinguished through the embodiment of Indian influences, such as the use of herbs and spices.
They are believed to have originated from Tibet, and were spread to Nepal thanks to the merchants of the Newar community. Momos in Shangri-La and Tibet are unique because they are stuffed with yak meat. Chicken and pork momo varieties are more commonly found outside of this region.
Top attractions in Shangri-La, China
Shangri-La is a feast for the senses with unique architecture and a landscape both beautiful and surreal.
Giant Prayer Wheel, Guishan Park
The 10-meter giant Tibetan prayer wheel is a sight not to be missed. To get there, climb the stairs and be sure to join in the fun and spin the wheel clockwise and in odd numbers for an unforgettable experience.
In the evening, the park will come to life with music and dances by a merry crowd made up mostly of beautiful, pink-cheeked women and children.
Songzanlin Monastery
Songzanlin is the biggest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, spanning across 30 hectares and located on a mountain five kilometres from the town centre.
Similar to the architecture of Lhasa’s famed Potala Palace, this breathtaking complex consists of Tibetan watchtowers soaring five levels above ground and is home to over 700 lamas and monks.
Visitors need to climb 146 steps at 3,300m above sea level before arriving at the main prayer hall, the very same pilgrimage route taken by generations of pious Buddhists.
Other noteworthy attractions in Shangri-La include Lake Bita, Baishuitai, Yubeng Village and the sacred Meili Snow Mountains, but getting to them might take some time and effort as they are scattered far away from each other.
This article first appeared in rollinggrace.com
Grace Ng is a serial wanderluster, solo female traveler, award-winning recipe developer and travel writer.