Shangri-La, Yunnan: Discover the Hidden Tibetan Paradise Welcome to Shangri-La, a real-life paradise in northwest Yunnan, China. Officially part of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Shangri-La city lies at the heart of this mystical region. The name "Shangri-La," inspired by James Hilton's novel Lost Horizon, evokes a sense of serene beauty and timelessness. At an average altitude of 3,459 meters, it is the highest city in Yunnan. For travelers, a journey to Shangri-La is a soul-stirring pilgrimage: marvel at majestic snow-capped mountains and deep gorges, explore grand Tibetan Buddhist monasteries, and experience the rich culture of Tibetan and other local ethnic communities. As the gateway to Tibet and the core area of the UNESCO Three Parallel Rivers World Heritage site, Shangri-La blends natural wonders with spiritual and cultural depth.