China Travel Notes & News

Shangri-la: So That's Where It Is Shangri-la, where is it? Ever since 1933 when British writer James Hilton published his novel Lost Horizon, there has been this continuous debate over the location of the Himalayan community that inspired Hilton in his utopian creation. Paradise-like landscape, modest and virtuous people, ever-lasting youth - who wouldn't want to take a peek of the wonderland? In recent years, as Tibet and surrounding areas became an ever-more popular destination for tourists from within China and from around the world, efforts to place the Shangri-la in real life intensified. Quite a few localities in Southwest China came forward to claim the coveted name. Now it is official: after examining the conflicting assertions by various parties, the Chinese government has decided to support the made by Zhongdian County of Yunnan Province. Not long ago, with the blessing of the central government, Zhongdian officially renamed Shangri-la. But surely the quest for the true paradise will continue. Back to China Notes and News