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

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below on the right.

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Southeastern

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Western & Silk Road

Southern

Yunnan

Multi-Country Specialists

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Nepal

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Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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.

Terence Tan of Shangri-La Ulaanbaatar on the Future of Travel in Mongolia

Author: Travelogues

Terence Tan, General Manager of Shangri-La Hotel, Ulaanbaatar speaks with Remote Lands about how the capital is changing.

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Golden Eagle’s New Tibet and China Rail Discovery Route Set to Take Off

Author: Travelogues

A new journey from the luxury train brand Golden Eagle takes riders on a journey from Lhasa to Urumqi aboard the Shangri-la Express.

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Off the Grid in Yunnan: Lijiang to Shangri La

Author: Jay Tindall

I recently took a trip to Yunnan, upon which I did as I always do, and strayed as far off the tourist trail as possible. What followed were some of the most incredible memories I’ve ever made in China.

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