Zhongdian (Shangri-La) holidays

Zhongdian (Shangri-La) is claimed to be the location of the fabled Shangri-La and was officially renamed Shangri-La in 2001. It has a strong Tibetan influence due to its proximity to Tibet. There is a large practising Buddhist monastery nearby and it is surrounded by some spectacular landscapes of high prairies, crystal lakes and jagged mountains.

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The Tibetan monasteries of Shangri-La

Modelled on the Potala Palace in Lhasa, the Song Zan Lin monastery has a delightful setting against a backdrop of dramatic mountain scenery. The monastery was founded in 1679 by the fifth Dalai Lama and completed 2 years later. At the height of its importance the monastery housed over 3,000 monks. The Dhondrupling monastery belongs to Tibet's predominant Yellow Hat school of Buddhism, which is headed by the Dalai Lama. The monastery, once renowned for its printing of Buddhist scriptures, was completely destroyed during the 1966-1976 Cultural Revolution but has been rebuilt and restored to its former glory. Today it houses around 300 monks and receives few visitors, which makes for a tranquil and peaceful visit.

Wildlife & lakes of Pudacuo National Park

Pudacuo National Park is set in one of the most biodiverse regions of the world. While the region comprises less than 1% of China's land area, it contains more than 20 % of the country's plant species, about one-third of its mammal and bird species and almost 100 endangered species including fish and rare orchids. Among the bird species recorded here is the endanagered black-necked crane. The region is famous for crystal lakes and breathtaking scenery. A highlight of the park is Shudu Lake, a calm lake surrounded by pastures and forest flowers. It is set at 3,705 metres above sea level and is one of the largest lakes in Diqing Prefecture. Every spring and summer herds of yak and goat are found grazing alongside its waters.