5 June, Wednesday

Photo By: chopsticksontheloose

CHINA, Yunnan – The inspiration behind the mythical paradise of novelist James Hilton, Shangri-la doesn’t disappoint. A land of harsh, natural beauty and gentle, enduring smiles, the city offers an intriguing blend of Tibetan and Han cultures.

Losing half of the city in a fire provided the opportunity to add improvements and reconstructions of beloved traditional architecture, marked by strong hues and vibrant colours that stand out under the clear blue skies. Such splendour is best enjoyed in person. Don’t let the threat of altitude sickness – the city sits at an elevation of 3,200m – stop you from discovering this gem of a city.