Yunnan 05: A Double Rainbow at A Tibetan Town...

“A journey of a thousand miles begins beneath one’s feet...” - Chinese proverb

(A dazzling double rainbow in Dukezong Old Town, Shangri-la)

Day 05: 28 August 2025 (Thursday)

Route: Lijiang - Tiger Leaping Gorge - Napa Lake Wetland - Dukezong Old Town - Shangri-la
Hotel: Shangri-la Elong Hotel

Shangri-La, the very name stirs the imagination. For years I had only known it as a mythical paradise, a hidden valley in the Himalayas where harmony and peace reign eternal. What began as a legend in James Hilton’s Lost Horizon novel has since become a universal symbol of an earthly utopia. Today, in the highlands of Yunnan, China, lies a town that bears this name.

To finally set foot in Shangri-La, here in Yunnan, feels like stepping into that legend. The crisp mountain air, the fluttering prayer flags, and the vast open grasslands all carry a sense of timelessness, as though the myth has quietly come to life before my eyes.

This morning, carrying with us the vision of an isolated and peaceful utopia, we set forth on our journey to Shangri-La.

(The group having early breakfast in the hotel)

(My simple but filling breakfast)

(Scenic views enroute to Tiger Leaping Gorge)

On the way, we detoured to the Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the deepest and most spectacular river canyons in the world, located about 60 km north of Lijiang between Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and Haba Snow Mountain. The Jinsha River or the upper Yangtze runs through the gorge. Legend says a tiger once escaped a hunter by leaping across the gorge at its narrowest point. There are escalators and walkways that make it easier for visitors to reach the main viewing platforms by the river closest to the Tiger Leaping Stone. the legendary spot where the tiger supposedly leapt across.

(Holding a canister of oxygen)

(Fully enclosed themed escalators to avoid the thousand steps)

(The Jinsha River carves its way through the gorge)

(The viewing deck over the powerful rapids)

(The legendary rock where the tiger supposedly leapt across)

(One of the world's deepest river gorges, with impressive cliffs)

(The crowd at the legendry tiger statue)

(One for the album)

(Love locks in place, against the roar of Tiger Leaping Gorge)

We had lunch at a Muslim Halal Food at Deqen and performed our jamak prayers in the room in the upper floor of the restaurant.

(Tasteful Tibetan and Chinese cusines for hungry travellers)

Next destination was Napahai Lake in Napahai Nature Reserve, which is a highland wetland and seasonal lake located about 8 km northwest of Shangri-La. The altitude is around 3,260 meters above sea level. In the rainy season it fills with water, while in winter it partly dries into grassland where horses and yaks graze. When we were there Naxi and Tibetan villagers offer horseback tours around the wetland. Visitors could also rent costumes for photography. Other activities are boat rides and Yak rides. I tried my hand at archery,  the arrows may have missed their mark, but the laughter and wide-open Tibetan grasslands made it unforgettable.

(Napahai Lake is a nature reserve and a seasonal wetland)

(The grassland is covered with water due to abundant rainfall)

(A Tibetan prayer flag pyramid is a string of five colors flags)

(A quiet moment for two Local girls in traditional attire)

(Trying the traditional archery - Aiming for the bullseye)

(A fun tourist activity - the ladies showing off their skills)

(Wooden lodges of Napahai Lake)

(Mani stone piles or cairn with prayer flags)

By the calm waters of Napahai Lake, I rode a yak draped in colorful Tibetan cloths - a short ride that carried the charm of Shangri-La’s highlands. It was more for the photos than the journey but what a fun story to bring home!

(Yak is a symbol of the local culture and nomadic lifestyle)

From Napahai Lake we travelled to Shangri-la Dukezong Old Town. Shangri-la, formerly known as Zhongdian, largely Tibetan, with famous Buddhist monasteries, alpine lakes, and rich culture. Shangri-La Old Town, is a well-preserved Tibetan town. It boasts a history of over 1,300 years and was an important stop on the Tea Horse Road. The old town was entirely destroyed by a giant fire in January 2014. The town has been rebuilt and is known for its traditional Tibetan architecture, including residential complexes, with endless shophouses selling tourist trinkets and souvenirs. The nightly dancing in the square begins at 7.00 pm is popular for locals of all ages and lasts until 10:00 pm. The temple at the top of the hill with a giant praying wheel gives a first taste of what can be seen in Songzanlin Monastery.

(The world's largest prayer wheel atop Guishan Hill)

(A stupa at the Central Square of Dukezong Ancient City)

(Metal statues of the Red Army Long March greeting visitors)

(Shangri-la Tangka Painting Academy)

(A shop selling durians in Dukezong Ancient Town)

(Father and son in Tibetan attire)

(A long Tibetan robe, the Chuba)

(Taking a breather in Dukezong Old Town)

(A brass sculpture of a Tibetan lady in the Central Square) 

It was drizzling when we were in Dukezong Old Town. The rain gave way to a dazzling double rainbow, painting the sky above the Tibetan roofs in colors of wonder. Legends say such colors are trails to hidden treasure, a fleeting myths and blessings. Subhanallah, what a beautiful sight!

(A double rainbow - a rare phenomenon)

Dinner was at a Muslim restaurant in Diqing Zangzu, Shangri-la. After dinner we checked in Shangri-La Elong Hotel. The thin air left many of us with headaches, breathlessness, and poor sleep. Our guide advised skipping hot showers before bed, a tip we followed to ease the effects of altitude.

(The mouth-watering dishes on a round table)

(Shangri-la Elong Hotel)

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