Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1The best way to explore the monastery and green lands is by scooter; a Chinese driver's license is usually not required. (2:11)
- Tip 2Renting scooters offers freedom to enjoy the scenery at your own pace. (3:38)
- Tip 3Take a short walk instead of the bus to the monastery for a scenic experience. (5:38)
- Tip 4Try the wild mushroom hotpot in Shangri-La, known for its variety of wild mushrooms. (15:17)
- Tip 5Yunnan is pet-friendly; you'll see many cats and dogs with their owners. (18:01)
Journey with Vera and Lee of Feeding Foca to the breathtaking Shangri-La, a town in Yunnan, China, inspired by James Hilton's "Lost Horizon." Explore Tibetan monasteries, ride electric scooters through stunning landscapes, and savor unique Tibetan dishes like yak butter tea and wild mushroom hotpot. Discover a harmonious blend of ancient traditions and modern tourism, leaving you enchanted by Shangri-La's captivating charm.
More about the current video:( 2 / 2 )
This travelogue follows Vera and Lee of Feeding Foca as they journey to Shangri-La, Yunnan, China, a destination inspired by James Hilton's novel, "Lost Horizon." Their adventure begins with a high-speed train ride, arriving to a fresh breeze and welcoming Tibetan blue sky. They check into a centrally located hotel with the essential amenity of heating, crucial at the high altitude. Shangri-La, situated in northwest Yunnan, borders Sichuan and the Tibetan Autonomous Region, with a primarily Tibetan population, though influenced by Chinese migration due to tourism and economic growth. The high altitude (over 3000 meters) can pose challenges for some tourists, but most hotels are equipped with oxygen machines.
Their exploration starts with renting an electric scooter, providing a unique perspective of the region. They visit a large monastery in Yunnan province, navigating a digital ticketing system and choosing to walk instead of taking the bus, discovering a scenic viewpoint along the way. The monastery, once home to 2000 monks, now houses around 700, and is known as the "Little Potala." The walk around the lake offered stunning views of the monastery. The original name of Shangri-La was Zhongdian, renamed for tourism purposes. Despite its popularity, they found the area surprisingly calm, except for the main square and monastery.
The journey continues to the Napa Lake, a seasonal wetland and nature reserve, currently resembling a grassland with yaks, horses, and donkeys. They enjoy a walk, breathing in the fresh air and taking in the beauty of the surrounding Tibetan villages. A local dish of stir-fried Qing Ke (Tibetan barley) with yak meat is savored. As night falls, the city transforms, with illuminated streets and the aroma of street food. The abundance and size of local fruits are noted. They sample traditional Tibetan yak butter tea, learning about its preparation and unique taste. A visit to a giant golden prayer wheel, believed to bring good fortune if spun multiple times, is also highlighted.
Their culinary adventure culminates in a wild mushroom hotpot, a regional specialty, noting the abundance of mushrooms and comparing the experience to their previous trip to Lijiang. The hanging ham in restaurants, a similar technique to Spain's tapas culture, is also mentioned. The day ends back at their hotel, where they encounter the resident cats, symbolic of Yunnan's pet-friendly atmosphere. Vera and Lee conclude their Shangri-La experience, expressing their excitement to explore Tibet and other Tibetan regions. They leave viewers with a sense of wonder and a desire to experience Shangri-La's unique blend of tradition and modernity.
FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)
- Q: What's the best way to get around Shangri-La?
- A: We rented an electric scooter, it was super fun and easy!
- Q: What's the weather like in Shangri-La?
- A: It gets really cold at night at that altitude, so pack warm clothes!
- Q: What was the yak butter tea like?
- A: It was interesting! Salty, buttery, and very strong. Definitely a unique taste!
- Q: What's the most memorable food experience?
- A: The wild mushroom hotpot was amazing! So many different types of mushrooms, it was a feast!
