Shangri-La described by the author of the famous novel Lost Horizon is said to have originated from the legend of Shambhala. There is also a legend of Shambhala in Tibetan Buddhism, which comes from Sanskrit translation. Shambhala is a paradise on earth, a paradise, and the legendary hometown of Buddha. This is probably the inspiration of the author of the novel.
In fact, before 200 1, Shangri-La had a common name called Zhongdian District, Yunnan. Because Shangri-La described in the novel The Lost Horizon is so fascinating, Zhongdian County in Yunnan Province was approved to be established in 200 1 year according to the description in the Reference Book of Geographical Environment and Ecology. Up to now, Shangri-La's county-building history is only 20 years, but compared with Tibet and Linzhi, it is very famous at home and abroad.
In 20 14, a fire reduced this charming Dukezong ancient city to ashes. Although many buildings, Buddhist temples and prayer wheels were protected in the rescue, the fire brought an "extinction" disaster to Shangri-La. This ancient city of Shambala is the essence of Shangri-La, and its tourism significance is equivalent to that of Old Town of Lijiang.
Even so, Shangri-La is still the most important section of the Sichuan-Tibet Line of National Highway 3 18, the most beautiful highway in China, and the only way to "paradise" Tibet. Every year, groups of cyclists and hikers scramble to wander this road, and they will never forget it when they come back. This is a road that starts from Kunming, Yunnan, passes through Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La, Medog, Bomi and Yanjing all the way to Lhasa, Tibet.
This is also a "brave" road. The cyclist has his own ideas and the hiker has his persistent ideas. There are also a group of warriors who took a ride to Lhasa, which is admirable; When you arrive at Shangri-La, it's like you really came to a "paradise". This small county is full of Tibetan Buddhist temples, and there is something that attracts tourists here.
The beauty of Shangri-La is reflected in the early morning, the smoky grassland and the snowy mountains in the distance; In the evening, the square dance of Dukezong ancient city is very cheerful for men, women and children. It is also reflected in the yak hot pot here. Large pieces of yak meat rolled in white thick soup, picked up a piece and put it in your mouth. It's so delicious that it sweeps away altitude sickness.
The rebuilt Shangri-La is the largest prayer wheel in China. Seen from a distance, it stands on the ruins of Pudacuo National Park. Tibetan Buddhism turns the prayer wheel clockwise every day, just like China Buddhism, full of ritual.
Tibetan Buddhist Temple: The Great Buddha Temple is an iconic Buddhist temple in Shangri-La. It looks sacred and solemn from the outside, and it is not much different from Jokhang Temple in Tibet. It is dedicated to Sakyamuni Buddha and his disciples.
Shangri-La, as the most important tourist county of National Highway 3 18, has completely restored its legendary appearance of "Xanadu" after six years of perfect reconstruction. The novel describes that at the end of the horizon is an almost isolated world of ice and snow, where there are "pyramid-like snow peaks and blue plateau lakes", "deep and steep Grand Canyon" and "three great rivers rushing forward". There are amazing "magnificent Lama Temple Groups", "simple-minded Tibetan people and profound religious culture".
After nearly 100 years, the paradise described in 1933' s novel has been realized, and Shangri-La has also attracted people's attention all over the world. When traveling in Shangri-La, there are three major attractions that must be visited.
1. Pudacuo National Park
It is an important part of the world natural heritage "Three Parallel Rivers" scenic spot. The original ecological environment is well preserved, with mirror-like mountains and lakes, beautiful pastures, wetlands with blooming flowers and dense virgin forests.
2.
Known as the Little Potala Palace, it is also the largest Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan. Its gorgeous architectural appearance and glittering gold are awe-inspiring, and people who don't believe in Buddhism will also be infected.
3. Dukezong Ancient City
This is the essence of Shangri-La. Unfortunately, the original ancient city was burned down, and now the antique buildings rebuilt have lost their flavor.
Shangri-La, this dream "paradise", must feel the legendary "Xanadu", with horses, grasslands, yak meat hot pot and a group of people who read Buddha.