For those who love reconnecting with nature and have always been fascinated by Tibetan culture or Shangri-La, the hidden paradise in the Himalayas, Club Med in the Chinese city of Lijiang (a UNESCO World Heritage site) is the perfect base.
Text by Anja Van Der Borght – Photos by Anja Van Der Borght & Y. Hann
The idea of a hidden paradise in the Himalayas has existed in ancient legends, but Shangri-La was first introduced in 1933 by British writer James Hilton in Lost Horizon. The kidnapped characters in this adventure novel discover this remote place in Tibet or the western region of China after crashing into a hidden valley. Shangri-La turns out to be a utopia of peace, wisdom, and harmony, where residents enjoy exceptional longevity. The idea of Shangri-La became so popular that it is now synonymous with an unattainable paradise. In 2001, the city of Zhongdian in China’s Yunnan province, just south of Tibet, even officially changed its name to Shangri-La.
Fascinating Natural Power
Travel to Tibet is strictly regulated by Chinese authorities, requiring special permits. As an alternative, a two-day excursion from Club Med Lijiang offers an excellent way to immerse yourself in Tibetan culture and experience the earthly paradise. Along the way (a two-hour drive from Lijiang), we visit the fascinating natural wonder of Tiger Leaping Gorge. This ‘wonder’ can be taken quite literally. The gorge is one of the deepest in the world, with impressive height differences of up to 3,790 meters. A descending staircase leads to the Upper Tiger Leaping area, dominated by the ‘Tiger Leaping Stone’—a massive flat rock around which the Jinsha River’s waters rage. According to legend, a tiger once leaped across the narrow gorge to escape a hunter, landing on the stone. While no tigers are in sight, the ion-rich water mist provides us with an invigorating energy boost. We recommend descending on foot to fully enjoy the nature and the sight of small bells with colorful tags and wishes hanging on the railings—symbols of luck used by the local Naxi people to honor their ancestors. For the way up, the (paid) escalator is the best option.
Club Med Lijiang offers a majestic view of Yulong, also known as the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain—often referred to as the Mont Blanc of China.
Mandala Structure
In the afternoon, we visit Dukezong, the historic Tibetan old town of Zhongdian, also known as Shangri-La. In 2014, a fire destroyed much of this 7th-century Tibetan town, originally built according to a mandala structure, yet it remains the best-preserved and largest Tibetan residential complex in China. As a key stop along the ancient Tea-Horse Road, a network of trade routes through the mountains of Yunnan and Sichuan, it is a remarkable place. Western tourists are scarce here, and the meditative Tibetan music echoing across the squares adds to the authentic atmosphere. From the central square, a series of stairs lead up the hill. From Guishan Park, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of Tibetan pagoda roofs and visit a Tibetan Buddhist temple. Here, you can also turn the world’s largest prayer wheel. At least four people are needed to set the 21-meter-high wheel in motion.
Dining in Sign Language
The evening ends with a Tibetan dinner and ethnic show at Shangri-La Zhaya Tusi Manor—an unforgettable dining experience. We’ll never forget the moment we stepped into the unheated hall. Hundreds of Chinese diners sat across two floors, not at tables as we do, but neatly aligned in rows, bundled up in winter coats, scarves, and hats. Not the most comfortable way to dine, but certainly a cozy one. No one spoke a word of English, so with sign language, we learned which vegetables and meats to add to the boiling water of the Tibetan yak hotpot before us. We also enjoyed barley noodles without husks, butter tea, and sinku sio (a strong barley-based liquor) while watching the Tusi festival’s dance, singing, and ritual ceremonies—an intriguing mix of Tibetan and Han Chinese influences.
Oxygen Tanks in Hand
The next day, after visiting Tibetan homes and attending a meditative Tang-ga card-making class (a traditional painting technique), we set off for the Tibetan Buddhist Songzanlin Monastery. The altitude difference of one kilometer in just two days—Lijiang at 2,416 meters versus Songzanlin at 3,300 meters—begins to take its toll. Many visitors carry small oxygen tanks, which are sold in nearly every shop, though we manage without. Our altitude sickness tablets seem to be working. At its peak, the monastery housed around two thousand monks; today, about 700 remain. With its white-plastered houses, this center of Yellow Hat Buddhism is a village in itself. Built in 1679, it is known as the “Little Potala Palace” due to its impressive architecture reminiscent of the Potala Palace in Lhasa. The prayer halls are beautifully adorned with Buddhist paintings and colorful fabrics, contributing to the serene and spiritual ambiance.
Venice of the East
The excursion to Shangri-La is a must-do, but Lijiang itself also has plenty to offer. It is one of China’s most picturesque and culturally rich cities, known for its well-preserved historic center and unique Naxi culture. Lijiang was once the capital of the Naxi Kingdom, an important minority group in China, recognized for their Dongba script—one of the few pictographic writing systems still in use today. Their culture is strongly influenced by the Dongba religion, which incorporates elements of animism and shamanism. The old town, known as Dayan, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its traditional wooden houses, narrow streets, and charming waterways and bridges, earning Lijiang the nickname Venice of the East.
Just ten kilometers north of Lijiang’s old town lies Baisha. The two cities are historically and geographically linked, with many Naxi traditions in Lijiang originating in Baisha. This town is renowned for its Baisha frescoes, which showcase a unique blend of Naxi, Han, and Tibetan artistic and religious influences, reflecting the region’s cultural cross-pollination. We highly recommend visiting both cities to gain a more comprehensive understanding of Naxi culture and history. However, Baisha is the more authentic and peaceful alternative.
Sidebar: Dancing with Yulong
- Club Med Lijiang opened in 2021 and features a 1,500 m² indoor water park with colorful slides and two pools offering breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Nestled at the foot of the spectacular Jade Dragon Snow Mountain—a sacred site for the locals—Club Med Lijiang is the perfect retreat for families and couples alike. Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, enrich your soul with Naxi culture, and enjoy the region’s natural splendor.
- Strategically located at the crossroads of Yunnan, Sichuan, and Tibet, Lijiang boasts a diverse geography of snow-capped mountains and lush meadows. Each room has a balcony to enjoy the unspoiled nature and fresh mountain air.
- Comfortable daytime temperatures: mild in winter and cool in summer.
- Stargazing Experience: Astronomy enthusiasts will love it here. One of China’s five main observatories is located in Lijiang. Thanks to its high altitude, favorable southern latitude, and minimal light pollution, this is an excellent spot for stargazing from April onward.
The room designs are inspired by the pagoda roofs of Lijiang’s Old Town, featuring an inviting decor with a vibrant color palette: sky blue, the gray hues of Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, and traditional Naxi clothing.
