"Shangri-La", the word coined by the English author James Hilton in his 1933 novel Lost Horizon, has long been used in the English language as a synonym for utopia.

Shangri-La, a grand song and dance performance presented by a folk dance troupe from Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Yunan Province, shows off the culture, religion and history of the Tibetan people.

The fictitious paradise, characterized by towering snow-capped mountains, lush forests, vast gorges and idyllic lakes, became a reality with Shangri-La, a grand song and dance performance in a Tibetan style, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, on Wednesday evening.

The show was presented by a folk dance troupe from Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Around 60 dancers and singers took part in the performance. Through classical dance, traditional folk songs and music, the performances, in five parts, showed off the culture, religion and history of the Tibetan people.

"We were intoxicated by the beautiful scenery of the lakes and mountains during the performance," said one of the audience members, surnamed Zhang.
 
As if the fetching dances, clear and characteristic singing of the performers and powerful drum beats were not enough, ghee tea and qingke spirits (made from highland barley) were brought to the table by the graceful performers.

According to Gao Du, the show's executive director, Diqing, in Tibetan, means "the place of good luck and happiness".

The performance celebrates the 50th anniversary of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in Southwest China's Yunnan Province.

"The idea of the performance is to display the harmony and development of Diqing since its establishment," Gao said.

Surrounded by beautiful mountains and lakes, Diqing in southwestern China is one of the most well-known tourist sites in the country. More commonly known as Shangri-La, Diqing is paradise to many Chinese, as well as foreigners. There are 26 different ethnic groups in the region, including Tibetan, Lisu, Naxi, Han and Bai people.

"In Shangri-La, people find the spiritual garden they were looking for," Gao said.

The program intends to bring every day scenes of life to the stage.

"The people of Shangri-La are proud to inhabit this paradise of the imagination. Diqing people are especially proud, because Diqing is the home of Shangri-La," Gao said.

Since debuting in 2004, the Shangri-La show has toured the world. "Many foreigners come to watch the show. They say it is novel and unique. Investors, too, are interested in introducing the show to overseas markets."

Shangri-La will return to Beijing's stage and tour China's other cities next year during the Olympic Games.

(China Daily December 29, 2007)