Perched at 3,300 meters above sea level, Zhongdian extends northwestern Yunnan, surrounded by pastures and mountains at snow-covered summits. Some travelers describe this region as a kind of «Far West Chinese». In addition to being close to the Sichuan border, Zhongdian is also one of the gateways to the Tibet road. Well known for extreme adventures, the region also inspired many authors and explorers. In the interwar period, the American geographer Joseph Rock described in many articles published in National Geographic these border regions, which were located in the former Tibetan Kham. In 1933, his texts inspired the writer James Hilton for his Horizon Lost novel, in which he depicted a mythical part of Shangri-La's imaginary name.In 2001, Zhongdian County was renamed the county of Zhongdian to bathe travelers looking for breathtaking landscapes as described in the novel. Today, Zhongdian is between Romanesque legend and economic reality. This does not prevent trekking fans from being served! Stopping Zhongdian is an excellent opportunity to take a huge bowl of fresh air. The modern part of the town does not deserve attention. The soulless buildings come together around a main artery where taxis and shops are piled up. Further south is the old town, which took a serious blow to attract the barge. The paved alleys run around traditional wooden houses hosting smoked pubs or Buddhist handicrafts imported from Thailand. The fire in January 2014 destroyed part of the old town and stopped a constant tourist development for a decade. But the city quickly recovered.The region is essentially inhabited by Tibetans. In their language, Zhongdian is called Gyalthang, a name they prefer far from Shangri-La, this empty sobriquet of meaning. Here you will discover this community rich in centuries-old traditions, that mass tourism is developing in the region, gradually diverting. As in Lijiang, the night falls on the main square of the old town to enter the farandole, at the rhythm of traditional music, a moment of communion in these places that reinvent a story. In any case, it is high time to come to see what remains authentic in Zhongdian and to make it just a step towards other places, Tibetans or Sichuani.

What to visit Head 中甸?

Weather at the moment

Loading...
Organize your trip with our partners Head 中甸
Transportation
Accommodation & stays
Services / On site

Head 中甸 travel inspiration

Find unique Stay Offers with our Partners

Pictures and images Head 中甸

Zhongdian, porte d'entrée vers le Tibet. Jérôme Bouchaud

Other destinations nearby Head 中甸

Send a reply