Shangri-La 香格里拉/迪庆 — Tibetan Paradise on Earth
Zhongdian officially renamed itself Shangri-La in 2001 after James Hilton's novel. The Tibetan plateau town offers monasteries, alpine lakes, and genuine Tibetan culture at 3,300m altitude.
The largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, often called 'Little Potala Palace.' Built in 1679, it contains golden Buddhas, thangka paintings, and offers sweeping views of the surrounding valley.
Hours: 9:00–17:00
Admission: ¥90