7.Shangri-La

Shangri-La, a Tibetan town in the northwest of Yunnan Province, is a hidden paradise of spectacular landscapes and ethnic culture. Set in tranquil grassland surrounded by snow-covered peaks, gorges, lakes and virgin forests, Shangri-La County’s attractions include the famous Tiger Leaping Gorge, Songzanlin Temple, Bita Lake Nature Reserve and Baishui Terrace (White Water Terrace). Shangri-la is at its most beautiful in May and June when the grassland is carpeted with colorful flowers. In May, the county is a sea of azaleas under vast blue skies. Visitors can also experience the lifestyle, culture and cuisine of 13 different ethnic groups.

Travel Tips:

Transportation:Starting from Kunming, a long-distance coach passes through Dali and Lijiang on the way to Shangri-La. There are also flights from Kunming to Diqing Shangri-La Airport.

Accommodation:A standard hotel room costs about RMB200.

Local food:Tibetan cuisine is simple. Try the yak meat, tsampa (roasted barley flour), and yak butter tea. To drink, sample the highland barley wine.