History

Lost Horizon-Land of Peach Blossoms

More than half a century ago, British writer James Hilton wrote a novel entitled Lost Horizon. In the book he tells a story: Because of an aviation accident, a plane was forced to land in a valley southwest of the Himalayas. For survival, several young men trekked a long distance. Later, directed by local people, they went to a place called "Shangri-La." It had snow-capped mountains, forests, gorges and lakes, and the beautiful scenery made people linger.

What was more fantastic to them was the social conditions there. Many religions co-existed, and people of various ethnic groups got along in harmony. The man-to-man and man-to-nature relations were properly handled. People were well off and friendly, and the entire society was peaceful and tranquil .... Shangri-La has become a synonym of the "Land of Peach Blossoms" a fictious land of peace away from the turmoil of the world - and of an ideal society. For many years since then, looking for "Shangri-La" has become a painstaking pursuit for numerous tourists and adventurers.

In the mid-1990s, more and more evidences have shown that Shangri-La is located in northwestern Yunnan. The location, climate and natural sights, and especially the unique folklore, are similar to what was described in James Hilton's novel.

We hope that friends both in China and abroad, after reading this booklet, will make a tour of Shangri-La and discover the Shangri-La in their mind.