Thursday, 28 February 2013

Day 06: LIJIANG-SHANGRILA (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)


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Move on to Zhongdian (Shangri-La).

En route, see the First Bend of Yangtze River.

Upon arrival, tour to visit Gedan SongZanLing Lamasery which was constructed in 1679. This lamasery, which is only 5 kilometres from the country seat of Shangri-la, is similar to the original one in the Tibet. Covering an area of 34 hectares, it is the first Tibetan Buddhist temple in Yunnan.

Next, visit Shika Snowy Mountain by cable car*. Shika Snowy Mountain is 4,449 meters above sea level. Up to the observation terrace, you can overlook the panoramic view of highland prairies and the remote Snow Peaks as Meili, Jade Dragon, Haba etc.

Continue to see the World’s Biggest Tibetan Prayer Wheel and visit the Dukezong Ancient Town.

Dukezong Old Town, a 1300-year-old Tibetan town located in Shangri-La, which it has experienced both the flames of war and prosperity of frontier trade. Dukezong Old Town's authentic Tibetan dwellings, majestic prayer halls and pagodas, winding lanes offer sanctuary to all those seeking refuge from the bustle city.It is the largest and best-preserved Tibetan city among China's Tibetan counties. Dukezong Old Town was a key stop on the Ancient Tea-horse Road and a focal point for Han-Tibetan exchanges. As one of the oldest towns in the region, it is also known as the 'footstep of Shangri-La'.
According to Tibetan Buddhist scriptures, there is a lost city called Shambhala in the Snow Mountains, shaped like an eight-petal lotus flower. The Dukezong Old Town Town is also laid out in this design.