My Shangri-La Dream: A Journey to Tibetan Paradise
I'm back from Shangri-La, still floating on a cloud, like stepping out of a Tibetan dream. Honestly, before going, I was a little apprehensive. I'd heard about altitude sickness at over 3,000m, dairy-rich food causing digestive issues, and unpredictable weather with sunshine and snow. But... after going, I can say it's worth every breath!
The Journey Begins
I flew from Kunming to Shangri-La, just about an hour, but when the plane landed, I was stunned by the view. A panorama of golden-brown fields, snow-capped mountains, and crisp highland air. If you're adventurous, you can drive from Lijiang, a winding mountain road but with stunning scenery.
Altitude Adjustments
Right after landing, I tried taking a deep breath... and realized, hey, why can't I get enough air? Going up really makes a difference. The secret: don't overexert yourself, drink plenty of water, and don't overeat. Don't be careless either, the hotel has oxygen tanks, so use them if you need to. Luckily, I only had a slight headache, but I saw some Chinese tourists using oxygen from the moment they got off the plane.
Exploring Dukezong Ancient Town
I stayed in Dukezong Ancient Town for easy access. There are many beautiful Tibetan-style homestays. I stayed in a small one with a courtyard, and the owner was super friendly, even making free butter tea for guests.
Dukezong Ancient Town
This ancient town was reportedly destroyed in a fire back in 2014, but has been beautifully restored. The most impressive thing is the giant prayer wheel on the hill – it takes 8 people to turn it! At first, I thought it was just a check-in spot, but when I pushed the prayer wheel myself and heard the bell ringing in the quiet space, I suddenly felt an incredible sense of peace.
Songzanlin Monastery: A Mini Lhasa
Anyone who loves Tibet but hasn't had a chance to go to Lhasa should come here! The monastery sits on a hill, with incredibly majestic architecture, and the interior is lavishly decorated with Buddha statues, thangka paintings, and golden butter lamps. When I went, a group of monks were chanting, and the deep chanting sound in the vast space created an unimaginable sacred feeling.
Napa Lake
This lake is a lush green grassland in the summer and a snow-covered field in the winter. I went in mid-spring, the grass wasn't completely green yet, but the mist over the lake made the space beautifully dreamy, like a watercolor painting. There's also horseback riding here, but I chose to walk to enjoy the air more.
Getting Around
Within the city, you can mostly walk. The old town is small and cute, and strolling around in the morning is relaxing. For further places like Napa Lake or Songzanlin Monastery, you can take a bus or hire a private car. Taxis are available but not many, so it's best to book a car in advance if you want to go far.
Taste of Shangri-La: Food and Drink
If you don't try Tibetan butter tea, yak yogurt, and grilled yak meat here, it's like you haven't been! The first time I drank butter tea, I had "culture shock" – it was salty and fatty, like drinking diluted pho broth, but the more I drank, the more addicted I became. The yak meat was tender, fragrant, and not as gamey as I imagined. If you're afraid of unfamiliar food, you can order Shangri-La mushroom hotpot – a local specialty with a sweet and light broth that's easy to eat.
Shangri-La: More Than a Destination
Shangri-La is not just a destination, but also a feeling – a feeling of being lost in another world, where the pace of life is slower, the people are kinder, and nature is breathtakingly beautiful. If you're looking for a place to "escape life," to breathe fresh air and see vast grasslands with yaks grazing peacefully, then Shangri-La is the answer.
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