Shangri-La

🎀Shangri-La Secret Realm Tour: A Pilgrim's Guide to Paradise 💐Deep within the folds of the Hengduan Mountains lies Shangri-La, a secret realm praised as "Paradise on Earth" in "Lost Horizon." This snow-covered town at an altitude of 3,280m is a pearl on the Ancient Tea Horse Road of Yunnan and Tibet, where Tibetan culture, holy snow mountains and lakes, and religious atmosphere blend perfectly. 1⃣️**First stop: Morning light at the Songzanlin Monastery** In the morning, head to the "Little Potala Palace," the Songzanlin Monastery. This is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan, built on a mountain, with its golden roof shining in the morning light. It is recommended to arrive before 8am to avoid the crowds and witness the monks' morning prayers. Remember to walk around the temple clockwise for three circles, and observe the exquisite six-character mantra carvings on the prayer wheels. The "Ganjur" scriptures and the stupas of successive Living Buddhas enshrined in the main hall are cultural treasures that should not be missed. 🌹**Secret Realm Exploration: Pudacuo National Park** 🌅In the afternoon, drive to Pudacuo, 22 km away, which perfectly interprets the artistic conception of "Shangri-La." Bita Lake is like a jadeite falling into the world. It is recommended to hike along the 4.2 km wooden boardwalk. From May to June, you can see the spectacle of azaleas intoxicating the fish floating on the lake. In the primeval spruce forest by Shudu Lake, you can often encounter squirrels and Tibetan eared pheasants. The weather on the plateau is changeable, so be sure to bring a waterproof jacket and oxygen tank. 🌆**Night in Dukezong Ancient City** Return to Dukezong Ancient City at sunset and climb to Guishan Park to turn the world's largest prayer wheel. There are often Tibetan Guozhuang dance performances in Moonlight Square, so you may want to join the dance team to experience it. In the Tangka Painting Academy in the ancient city, you can try to paint with mineral pigments by hand. For Tibetan hot pot, it is recommended to try matsutake stewed chicken, and a bowl of buttered tea can relieve altitude sickness. ‼️**Special tips:** 🌂1. The best season is from May to October, and pay attention to the rainy season in July and August and bring an umbrella. ✅2. Avoid taking a bath on the first day to prevent altitude sickness, and you can prepare glucose oral liquid. ❌3. Respect local customs: no photos in temples, no touching children's heads ⭕4. The price of a chartered car is about CNY 400/day, and you can share a car to Meili Snow Mountain 🌃When the moonlight shines on the prayer flags, you will understand why Dr. Locke called this place "Shangri-La." The beauty of Shangri-La is not in the scenic spots, but in the rosary beads in the hands of the old woman on the prayer path, in the clear sound of the copper bells under the eaves of the temple, and in every moment that makes your breathing stagnate.