Lijiang & Shangri-La, China

Quick Facts

• Lijiang's Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site, recognized in 1997 for its well-preserved ancient architecture and vibrant Naxi culture.
• Shangri-La, formerly known as Zhongdian, was officially renamed in 2001 to evoke the mythical paradise described in James Hilton's 1933 novel 'Lost Horizon'.
• The region is home to the Yulong Snow Mountain, which rises to 5,596 meters (18,363 feet) and is considered one of the southernmost glaciers in the Northern Hemisphere.
• Lijiang boasts over 100 ancient water channels, some of which date back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279), showcasing an intricate urban water management system.
• The local Naxi people's Dongba culture includes a unique pictographic script, recognized as one of the few remaining hieroglyphic writing systems in the world.

Travel Details

Country

China

Population

Varies

Daily Budget

$40-80

Best Time to Visit

Apr–Oct

Current Weather

☀️

10°C/50°F

Clear

Currency

¥ CNY

Coordinates

26.8550, 100.2277