Zhongdian lies to the north of Lijiang in a Tibetan area of Yunnan. Isolated for decades the town, known as Gyalthang in Tibetan sits at 3300m above sea leavel and is in an area of beautiful mountains and alpine lakes.

Now renamed as Shangri La after the mythical paradise in James Hilton’s book, Lost Horizon, the town is the home to the stunning Ganden Sumtseling Monastery and its retinue of several hundred monks and lamas.

This is the land of the Khampa people who in spite of the extremes of temperature and a simple diet of roasted barley flour (tsampa) and salty, butter-tea thrive. These highland people build fortress like houses and their villages are one of the highlights of a visit. Famous for the equestrian skills the annual Horse Festivals is a great time to visit.

Nearby, Meili Snow Mountain and Bitahai Lake provide opportunities for walking.