One of China's eight golden tourist destinations, Shangri-la is located in northwest of the country’s Yunnan province on the Tibetan border. Previously known as Zhongdian, this region was renamed in 2001 to embrace the fictional name of Shangri-la, derived from James Hilton’s 1933 novel, Lost Horizons. Through its paradisiacal description in the novel, the name Shangri-la has become synonymous with the idea of utopia on earth. But, in this small Yunnan township, paradise is more than just a literary construct. This peaceful land simply looks like a paradise on earth, and so it is now called Shangri-la. Blessed with a real life version of the picturesque and ever-changing scenery made famous by Lost Horizons, Shangri-la is a place decorated with lush forests, snow-capped mountains, tranquil mirror-like lakes and traditional Tibetan villages. It is a World Heritage-listed site and, although Shangri-la’s isolation and seclusion remain key characteristics, it is increasingly attracting tourists, eager to glimpse its immortalized beauty with their own eyes, from around the world. Perched on a plateau at over 3000m above sea level, Shangri-la is a haven for trekkers and offers fantastic opportunities for exploring the area’s botanical delights and experiencing its Tibetan culture. Major Shangri-la attractions include the snowy peaks of the Meilie, Haba and Baimang Mountains, Bita and Napa Lakes, and the Mount Kawakarpo Tibetan pilgrimage site. And no visit to this idyllic destination would be complete without a visit to the centuries old Songzanlin Monastery.