| Baimang Snow Mountain |
| Baimang Snow Mountain (baimang xueshan), a national natural reserve, is a well-preserved natural resort with typical views of vertical belts. Located in the mid section of the Hengdgun Mountain range in Diqing County, all of the peaks here are above 4000 meters with the highest topping 5430 meters. |
| Baishui Terraces |
| The Baishui Terraces (baishui tai) are the cradle of trhe Dongba culture of the Naxi people. It is said that the founding father of Dongba culture settled here to spread his beliefs on his way back from Tibet. On the eighth day of the second month of the lunar calendar, that is, the day when the founding father held his founding ceremony, people of various groups congregate round the terrace, singing and dancing and slaughtering chickens to pay tribute. |
| Birong Valley |
| Birong Valley (birong xiagu) is also known as the Strange Valley to local people. The valley is situated 103km northeast of Zhongdian on the way to Xiangcheng. The river cutting through the valley roars its way through the mountains and lofty ancient trees decorate the sky line. Both sides of the valley are covered by rich vegetation. |
| Bitahai Nature Reserve |
Bitahai Nature Reserve (bitahai ziran baohuqu) is an intact natural attraction with various species of flora and fauna and of course picturesque landscapes. In ancient Tibetan language, Bita means the area heavily covered with trees.
In the reserve itself, century-old pines and cypresses grow around Bitahai Lake, in which the water is crystal clear. |
| Cizhong Cathedral |
| Even in the isolated terrain of Xiangri-la, locals not only believe in Buddhism but also Catholicism. Every Saturday and Sunday, adherents from the Li, Tibetan, Naxi and Han villages congregate at Cizhong Cathedral (cizhong tianzhujiao tang) by the Langcan River,to pray in Tibetan dialect. |
| Dongzhulin Monastery |
Also known as Chongchong Cuogang, Dongzhulin Monastery is located in the town of Benzilan,on the way from Zhongdian to Deqing, around 100km from Zhongdian county town.
The main building in this Tibetan Buddhist Monastery is a 4 storey construction surrounded by 82 trees. The first floor, or main hall, is the meeting place for monks reciting Buddhist scriptures. |
| Haba Snow Mountain |
Haba Snow Mountain (haba xueshan) boasts glaciers, lakes and waterfalls, and contains one of the best preserved nature reserves in Shangri-la.
The main peak of the mountain is 5396m above sea level and is capped with snow all year round. |
| Kagebo Peak |
| Kagebo Peak (kagebo feng) is the main peak on Meili Mountain and something of a Mecca for Tibetans. this peak tops the list of the Eight Holy Mountains for Tibetans. Every year, thousands upon thousands of pilgrims from Tibet, Qinghai, Sichuan and Gansu come here to pay homage to the mountain. |
| Napahai Nature Reserve |
| Napahai Nature Reserve (napahai ziran baohqu) is both an ideal grazing field for herdsmen and a paradise for many species of birds. This is, in the true sense, a seasonal lake. When summer comes, snow on the adjacent mountains melts and flows down into about ten rivers forming a vast lake. In the dry season, Napahai becomes a boundless green grassland--the best time for herding sheep or cattle. |
| Shuoduhai Lake |
| The first thing that hits most visitors to Shuoduhai Lake, is the sheer beauty of the spot. The lake is known for its clear water, and the peaceful environment of the area around here. As the source of the Shuoduogang River, the lake is 3705m above sea level and covers an area of 15 square kilometers. The lake abounds in unique species of fish, with double lips and a golden color. |
| Songzanlin Monastery |
| Songzanlin Monastery (songzanlin si) is a typical Lama monastery. Located at the foot of Mt. Foping, four kilometers north of Zhongdian County, a monastery was first built here in 1679 and has been rebuilt many times. The architectural style of the building is a faithful imitation of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. |
| Yila Prairie |
| Yila Prairie (yila caoyuan) is the best place to experience the life of Tibetan herdsmen in Yunnan. In summer and autumn, numerous little flowers bloom where while flocks of cattle and sheep graze on the grass. |
