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Shangri-la County
A dust-free magic land in Yunnan
Instead of being simply a part of Yunnan province, Shangri-la county is really a secret place enclosed since ancient times. Its mysteries may bring you fantasy and wonder. A painter says that each inch of this land will serve as the subject matter of a painting. Then a poet comments that each flower grown here is a poem. Finally, a musician concludes that its every river may produce a melody. As a result, any immortal that is moved by the land is happy to regard Shangri-la as his own home.
Yunnan is the only province in the country with three rivers running parallel to each other, and Shangri-la is perched on the area where these rivers roar forward day and night. Its enchanting natural scenery makes a deep impression on tourists, who often stand and marvel at this paradise on earth.
Situated on the Zhongdian Plateau, Napahai Lake and Bitahai Lake are the most beautiful lakes in Shangri-la. In May, when the sea of azaleas along the lakes is in full blossom, the fallen petals are scattered and drift in the breeze. They settle on the water and become an attraction to the fish. Consequently, tourists may enjoy the unique scene of the Fish in the Bitahai Lake intoxicated by fallen Azalea Petals.
Moreover, the hand of nature has produced the terraced field, a miracle comparable with any in the world, which attracts numerous travellers from across the land and further afield. They may prefer to be called "pilgrims" rather than travellers since they take a long route to find the home for their souls in Shangri-la.
It is said that the biggest mystery may lie in the snow-capped Meili Mountain, which is regarded as a holy mountain by the Tibetan people. Up till now, no climber has ever conquered the mountain, in spite of all their painstaking efforts. Enshrouded in thick cloud or heavy mist all through the year, Meili Mountain has seldom lifted its veil to the local people. Even the few lucky witnesses find it difficult to describe how they feel about the mountain.
Lying at an altitude of more than 6560ft (2000m), the Baishuitai scenic area is another attraction in Shangri-la. But there is a serpentine road running to Baishuitai. Looking upward, you may enjoy its very special geological feature. It is composed of calcium carbonate deposits in the water, which are then exposed to the sun for long periods. Eventually, the white sedimentation piles up, one layer upon another, resulting in the outlandish geology. Its surface shines brilliantly in the sun.
In Shangri-la there are many other scenic spots and historical sites. They include the Buddhist temple, Gedansongzanlin Temple, Dabao Temple, No. 1 Bay on the Yangtze River, and the Xiage hot spring.
What is more, tourists may have the opportunity to enjoy the extensive azalea bushes in full bloom, the pastoral melodies to be heard on the prairie, and the uncontaminated snowmelt water from the high snow-bound mountains.
Tibetan Buddhism is the main religion in this area. A subdivision of the main stream of the religion, it has a good many sections that flourish alongside each other and attract different groups of local believers.
Location
Situated in the northwest of Yunnan province, and on the huge triangle among Yunnan province, Sichuan province and the Tibetan Autonomous Region, Shangri-la county is tucked away in the hinterland where three rivers run in parallel, a unique natural wonder in the country.
Climate
With obvious dramatic changes in climate, Shangri-la has a low average temperature and a drastic temperature difference between day and night, and enjoys a great deal of sunshine. Almost all weather-related natural scenery is found within one day of the Jinsha River area, from the warm and humid climate typical of the region south of the Yangtze River, to the snowbound gorge with its very low temperature.
Of Special Interest
Praised as the Huge Garden on the High Moutain, the Kingdom of Fauna and Flora, and the Kingdom of Nonferrous Metals, Shangri-la is a pristine land featuring both primitive ecology and traditional ethnic culture.
Main Attractions
Bitahai Lake, Songzanlin Temple, Napahai Lake, Baishuitai scenic area, and the Tibetan villages.
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