I’ve been out and about this summer in Yunnan province in China. The purpose of this article is for me to make the case that it deserves a spot on your travel list if you haven’t been already!

My first stop was Li Jiang which I wrote about here. The second stop is Shangri La.

There is an interesting story behind the name.

It was renamed Shangri La following the James Hilton novel lost horizon. Officials believe it’s a direct inspiration for the mythical place of fiction famed for its beauty and connection to nature.

Such lofty expectations in a name might make it difficult for the actual place to live up to. If you go there with that expectation you might just be disappointed.

Then again since when does a place need to be a literal paradise on earth to be worth a visit? I had one full day to see as much of it as possible and below are the places I managed to get to.

Take a look and decide for yourself if it captures the name.

Pudacuo Park.

The park is a beautiful natural area dotted with lakes that offer serenity and calmness, making it one of my favorite places to visit on the trip. This area famously contains one-third of China’s plant and animal species.

As usual, I planned to see many places on this trip and was often in a rush. Perhaps I enjoyed this day because I could slow down the pace and breathe in the crisp natural air.

I visited two spots in the reserve. A bus when you arrive at the park will take you to both.

Shudu Lake.

It’s a stress-free walk all the way across one side of the lake. Along the way, You can hear the birds singing, and see fish popping out of the water; if you’re very lucky, a squirrel might jump onto your shoulder. The squirrels here seem unafraid of people.

The entire right side of the walk is shrouded in dense forest, which is home to varied wildlife. Watch out for the red pandas and black bears!

Bita Lake trail.

This is a gentle walk along a wooden pathway that closes at another lake and oversees a pasture with some grazing horses. It was a relaxing and pleasant stroll that washed my worries away.

The walks are not challenging and allow plenty of space for some thoughtful reflection as you walk along soaking in the scenery.

Old Town — Dukezong.

Yes, I went to another Chinese old town. It’s not the first one on the trip; it also won’t be the last. Those who read my article about Li Jiang (the first stop on my journey) will know how I love the old towns.

This one initially dates to the 7th century, so when I say it’s old…It’s old.

The town has a strong Tibetan cultural influence; having been to Lhasa, I could feel that. I even saw a traditional folk dance I had seen in Tibet.

It’s an excellent little spot. Aesthetically, it’s beautiful, like something straight out of a history book or Chinese historical film; you could spend hours wandering through the winding alleyways and streets spoilt for choice for where to look and what to explore.

Like many old towns, it’s a popular tourist destination with plenty of places to eat, grab a drink or buy souvenirs. At night, the bustle stays alive as people eat dinner and drink at the bars.

In the center of the town lies its unique highlight, Guishan park. Here lies a Buddhist temple that offers a beautiful view of the entire town and hosts a giant prayer wheel. (The biggest I’ve ever seen.) that requires a whole crown of people to spin. It’s an incredible sight that can be seen across the town. Even at night, when illuminated by bright lights, it continues to spin.

Songzanlin Monastery.

This Monastery was built in the 17th century and is the largest in Yunnan. It’s sometimes called the “Little Potala” in reference to the enormous temple located in Lhasa, which was the former residence of the Dalai lama.

I’ve seen both, and there is a striking resemblance.

This is no coincidence as the Monastery was established by the 5th Dalai lama following a revelation. The Monastery is still an active place of worship, making a living, breathing piece of history.

The beautiful building cuts a majestic figure over the surrounding landscape. The pictures honestly don’t do it justice.

As is often the case in Buddhist monasteries, it’s not permitted to take photo’s inside, meaning that on the plus side, your camera does not distract you from experiencing the moment.

The pungent smell of incense, the people observing worship, and standing in the presence of the enormous buddha is a powerful experience whether or not you are religious.

The color, vibrancy, and vivid expressions from the Buddha statues and illustrations never cease to have an impact on me.

Napa Hai Nature Reserve.

The surrounding mountain, grasslands, and the chance for some birdwatching often draw tourists to the Napa Hai reserve.

More recently, the locals have capitalized on this fantastic opportunity and erected a fence blocking the way in, and now you must pay for entry. The area is not developed as a tourist spot which will be an inconvenience for some and no doubt a big plus for others.

Your options are to pay for a horse ride for 160 Yuan…. Or go on foot for a mere 30 Yuan.

There is also a fair bit of…ahh excrement from the horses, sheep, and cows, so watch your step if you decide on the latter.

Ultimately, we opted for the horse ride since most of us had never ridden a horse before, and it felt like the right moment. We also reasoned that access to the area is not held by an opportunistic company but by the natives from this area making a reasonable buck from the most precious treasure their land has to offer.

Seems reasonable to me.

We took about an hour-long horse ride and were treated to beautiful views of the surrounding grassland and the mountains. This one might not be for everyone, but we enjoyed the stop.

I enjoyed my trip to Shangri la! Did you ever visit before? Does it deserve its famous name?