- Duration
- 8 days / 7 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $6,100
Shangri-la
The capital of the predominantly Tibetan prefecture of Diqing, Zhongdian was renamed Shangri-la, after the mythical, Tibetan-influenced setting of James Hilton's novel Lost Horizon. While Zhongdian did see a large increase in visitors and tourists after its name change, the city nonetheless managed to preserve its heritage and unique architecture, especially its flat-roofed, ornate buildings. Today, as in the past, Zhongdian is home to the Kham people, a distinct ethnicity of Tibetan origin famed for their warrior traditions.
Experiences
A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.
Lunch & Antiques
Have lunch at the Songsten Hotel, filled with the owner’s excellent collection of rare Tibetan antiques.
Songzanlin Monastery
Visit the Songzanlin Monastery, the largest Tibetan monastery in Yunnan Province. Join the monks for a private blessing ceremony, before having tea with a senior lama in his private chambers. You will be able to visit parts of the monastery normally off-limits to visitors, including the kitchen, bedrooms and storage rooms.
Yak Dinner
Enjoy an authentic traditional dinner and cooking demonstration in the home of a local family. Savory yak-butter tea, stewed yak meat, and cheese made from yak milk are all staples in the local diet, highlighting the importance of the hardy animal to the people of this remote region. After dinner, join the locals for a dance in the village square, a unique local tradition that goes on most evenings.
Zhongdian Old Town
Drive into Zhongdian and explore the Old Town. Shop for Himalayan arts and crafts, such as prayer flags, thangkas, or painted, embroidered silk tapestries, jewelry and traditional clothes. Afterwards, visit the Zong Gu Monastery, home to the world’s largest prayer wheel, a towering, gold-painted monolith.
China Regions
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Yunnan
Shangri-la Itineraries
- Duration
- 11 days / 10 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $10,500
- Duration
- 10 days / 9 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $10,000
- Duration
- 11 days / 10 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $14,200
- Duration
- 14 days / 13 nights
- Price Per Person
- From $18,700
Banyan Tree Ringha
Banyan Tree Ringha is in China’s Yunnan province, in a mountainous area that has been officially designated “Shangri-La” by the Chinese government and is part of Greater Tibet, both historically and culturally. The architecture reflects the local Tibetan culture: the 32 spacious lodges and suites are traditional Tibetan farmhouses with intricate woodcarvings, enormous pine pillars, smoky fireplaces and wooden balconies that have valley or river views. There are three restaurants to choose from: Llamo, which serves Chinese and Western dishes,...
Songtsam Linka Shangri-La
At 10,500 feet above sea level, Shangri-La is a land of majestic landscapes, diverse cultures, and deep spirituality. The town is located in a wide valley surrounded by mountain ranges on all four sides, and it enchants with the traditional Tibetan architecture that lines its streets. The Songtsam Linka in Shangri-La is located a short distance from the hustle and bustle of downtown Shangri-La among green valleys between Tibetan villages and Himalayan barley fields. Just a 20-minute drive from Diqing...
Songtsam Shangri-la
Set in the high hills outside Zhongdian, Songtsam Shangri-la brings a new level of five-star luxury to this wind-swept, scenic area. Each of the resort’s rooms feature a collection of hand-made fixtures, from antique furniture to Tibetan textiles and carpets; in addition, all rooms offer amenities such as cable and satellite television, complimentary high-speed Internet access, and large, expansive windows. Songtsam is home to a restaurant serving Tibetan specialties as well as creative, fusion dishes, such as pizza with Tibetan...
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Travelogues
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
What to Read in Beijing: 10 Books to Keep you Inspired in the Middle Kingdom’s Capital
- Author
- Jeremiah Jenne
From the Cultural Revolution and Chinese millennials to the Kangxi Emperor and hutongs, this list of books to read on your trip through Beijing will keep you entertained, informed, and enlightened.
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Himalayas: Visit the Roof of the World after COVID
- Author
- Travelogues
In Nepal, India, Bhutan, China, and beyond, the unique landscapes and cultures of the Himalayas are a paradise for travelers looking for peace — from the wildlife and mountains to the history and spirituality.
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Shanxi Journey: History and Temples in the Sky
- Author
- Travelogues
An expedition on China's roads from the Hanging Temple of Datong to the ancient walled city of Pingyao, tracing China's history all the way.
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