Little Know Shangri-la - Zhongdian

Zhongdian is also known as Shangri-la and is a brightRegion. Spring water flows down from the mountain,
pearl mounted in the "Great Triangle" connectingleaving the crystallized sodium carbonate along its
Yunnan, Sichuan and Tibet. Shangri-La is depicted asslope, giving the impression of a marble sculpture.
the Eden in dreams, a fascinating land out of this world.Tiger Leaping Gorge: Stretching 15 kilometers from the
Lofty and continuous snow-covered mountains,Jade Dragon Snow Mountain of Lijiang to Haba Snow
endless grasslands, majestic canyons, azure lakes andMountain of Zhongdian, Tiger Leaping Gorge
very quaint villages promote the reputation of an(Hutiaoxia) is regarded as one of the deepest gorges
eternally pure and tranquil land to this ideal home ofin the world with a depth of 3,000 meters. Here, the
dream. Many people can not find a place as theriver twists and turns and vigorously swash against the
spiritual home until they arrive at Zhongdian.rocks, the breakers sent up a fountain of spray. The
On the Shangri-La tour most visitors mainly intend tocharm of tiger leaping gorge is attracting millions of
get in a close touch with this wonderland by car,domestic and overseas tourists.
cycling or even trekking. Songzanlin Monastery -Bita Hai: Situated about 32 kilometers (about 19.9 miles)
reportedly the biggest Tibetan monastery complex inaway from Shangri-La County (zhongdian), Bita Hai
the province, Bai Shui Tai - a picturesque limestonecovers an area of 166 hectares. Bita Lake, a fault lake,
formation, Tiger Leaping Gorge - a sheer gorge whichis an intact natural attraction with various species of
has a well marked trail and good tourist infrastructureflora and fauna and picturesque landscapes. In Tibetan
and as well as Bita Hai - a lake featuring a small islandlanguage, Bita means "a piece of land as soft as cattle
in its middle and is a popular destination, are all worthyhair felt". With an altitude of 3,539 meters (about 11,608
to be visited.feet), the lake is the highest in Yunnan Province. The
Songzanlin Monastery: Originally built in 1681, themain attraction of this area is the Tibetan folklore, the
Songzanlin Monastery is the largest and the mostprimeval forest, the highland meadow, and the highland
important Tibetan Buddhist Lamasery in Yunnanflowers and plants.
province. It now has more than 700 Buddhist monks.Recommended Shangri-La tours:
The architectural style of the building is a faithful- Day 1 Arrive in Lijiang Airport to Hotel Transfer
imitation of the Potala Palace in Tibet, hence the name(Lijiang) and visit The Ancient City
"Small Potala Palace". There are hundreds of small- Day 2 Lijiang Visit Shuhe Naxi Village, The Jade
houses for Buddhist monks and living Buddhist in theDragon Snow Mountain, Yak Meadow
Songzanlin Monastery. In addition, the monastery has 8- Day 3 Lijiang Overlook for The First Bend of the
wing buildings, among which one premier temple hasYangtze, Tiger Leaping Gorge
108 pillars in its main hall and can house 1,600 monks- Day 4 Lijiang Visit Haba
sitting and chanting scriptures.- Day 5 Lijiang to Zhongdian(Shangri-La) Today will be
Baishui Terrace: Located in the foothills of the Habaone more strenuous hiking tour to Baishuitai, white
Snow Mountains, 101 kilometers (about 62 miles)water terrace, which means "growing flower" in Naxi.
southeast of the Zhongdian County, Baishui TerraceReach Zhongdian(Shangri-la) in the afternoon.
covers an area of 3 square kilometers. With a history- Day 6 Zhongdian(Shangri-La) Visit Songzanlin
of 200,000 to 300,000 years, the Baishui Terrace is theLamasery and a visit to Napa Lake and Tibetan Family
birthplace of the Naxi ethnic minority Dongba cultureare also arranged today.
and widely accepted as the holy land of Dongba