Zhongdian

The Chinese tourist industry calls it Shangrila but Zhongdian is actually no more than a very ugly Chinese town with a few Tibetan shops that sell all the same things at high prices. The region that surrounds the city (situated at a freezing 3200 mt.) is on the contrary a real little piece of Tibet in Yunnan province, and the atmosphere is really different. On the left: no more bricks and curved eaves in the little villages of the valley, but thick mud walls painted in white and wooden roofs topped by colorful flags.

The destination of your journey is just outside Zhongdian: Songzanlin temple. Known as the little Potala, this Tibetan monastery-village lies on a steep hill surrounded by high mud walls. Seems like a lot of monks live here, included some very young ones. The buildings are continously restored and painted anew, but this is a living religion after all. Enjoy the atmosphere since it seems quite real... How to get there: Zhongdian is some 9 hours by bus from Dali, and a little closer to Lijiang. Count 16 hours directly from Kunming. Once there take bus n.3 from the main street to get to the monastery (last stop).

Left and below: frescoes and carvings of Songzanlin Temple.

Hints and tips: Zhongdian is definitely cold, so take warm clothes with you at any time of year. It rains often, but don't forget a sunscreen in case you're lucky. Over 3000 mt. some people can get mountain sickness (nausea, vomiting, tiredness, dizziness): drink a lot and take the right medicines with you. All pictures taken by Anna Del Franco (1, 5) and Diana Lavarini (2, 3, 4) on April, 24, 2000. Camera: Minolta Dynax 500si, 35-70 and 80-210.