Geographical Introduction of Shangri-La Eco-tourism Zone in China

Shangri-La, Yunnan is located at the southeast edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the northern end of the southern section of Hengduan Mountains, in the hinterland of "Three Parallel Rivers", forming a unique landscape integrating snow-capped mountains, canyons, grasslands, alpine lakes, virgin forests and ethnic customs, and is a multi-functional tourist scenic spot. In Shangri-La Scenic Area, the snow peaks are continuous, and Kawagebo, the highest peak in Yunnan Province, is magnificent. In Shangri-La [Zhongdian] County alone, there are 470 snow-capped mountains with deep canyons above 4000 meters above sea level. The most famous are Tiger Leaping Gorge in Jinsha River and Lancang River Gorge, as well as vast alpine grassland pastures, vast virgin forests and dotted alpine lakes, all of which make Diqing's natural landscape magical, steep and beautiful. Shangri-La is inhabited by 13 ethnic groups, such as Tibetan, Yi, Han, Naxi, Yi, Bai and Hui. They are United and harmonious, maintaining their own characteristics in traditional customs such as lifestyle, costumes, residential buildings and wedding etiquette, and forming their own unique customs.