A high-speed train runs on the Lijiang-Shangri-La railway. Photo: VCG

On November 26, the Lijiang-Shangri-La railway officially opened, marking a new milestone for tourism in Southwest China's Yunnan Province. In just one hour and 18 minutes, this railway, which overcame the challenges of high altitude and steep slopes, connects Lijiang and Shangri-La, two cities with different ethnic cultures and stunning landscapes. 

One of the highest railways in China with a maximum elevation of 3,328 meters, the railway connects world-renowned tourist attractions through high-speed trains and forms the Sichuan-Yunnan-Xizang Shangri-La tourism loop. 

"This railway not only facilitates the economic development and ethnic unity of Yunnan, but also opens a window for tourists to appreciate the colorful nature and culture of Yunnan." Li Chuan, a local guide with 13 years of experience, told the Global Times. 

The 139-kilometer railway also connects Shangri-La, the Dechen Tibetan Autonomous Prefectureto the provincial capital Kunming. Geographically, the railway links three ethnic minority-inhabited areas, namely Lijiang, the cultural center of the Naxi ethnic group, Dali, the home of the Bai ethnic group, and Shangri-La, the land of Tibetan ethnic group. Taking this railway, tourists can experience the diverse nature and culture of Yunnan, making it a memorable journey.

Cultural center of Naxi

Lijiang Ancient Town, where the railway starts, is a historical and cultural city in China, as well as a world cultural heritage site. The town has a unique architectural style, mainly composed of wood and stone structures, with tiled roofs, courtyards surrounded by flowers and trees, and a harmonious layout. The town has a network of streets and alleys, filled with various shops and bars overflowing with life and art.

The area is also the main settlement as well as a cultural center of the Naxi people, an ethnic minority group in China, who have preserved many of their customs, food, and activities here.  The Naxi people have their own distinctive clothing and food, as well as a rich patrimony of traditional music and dance. 

Due to the average low temperature, this time of the year is the off-season for tourism in Lijiang Ancient Town, but also the best time to enjoy its beauty. In winter, the ancient town is filled with fresh air and bright sunshine, and you can walk in the alleys of the old town, discovering and exploring the traditional culture and folk customs of the Naxi people, or sit on the terrace of a bar and admire the stars and the outline of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain against the night sky.

Paradise of black-necked cranes

Lashi Lake is a highland lake, and the largest wintering ground for the black-necked cranes in China. Winter is the best season for tourists to visit and watch these birds. 
The black-necked crane is a national first-class protected animal, and the tallest crane in the world. They have white bodies, black necks, and a tuft of red feathers on their heads. When they fly, they spread their wings producing a very spectacular view. From November to March, thousands of black-necked cranes fly from the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, and settle on the lakeshore and meadows of Lashi Lake, living in harmony with the local herders and livestock. 

In winter, visitors can appreciate the natural scenery of Lashi Lake, while enjoy watching the rare and graceful black-necked cranes flying and walking about. 

The black-necked crane is also regarded as a sacred bird and a symbol of happiness and longevity by the Naxi people. Every year, many tourists and photography enthusiasts come to Lashi Lake to watch and take pictures of these beautiful creatures. Besides the black-necked cranes, Lashi Lake is also home to many other wild animals, such as egrets, mandarin ducks, ducks, geese, foxes and weasels. 

The Lashi Lake features clear water, a green shore, and a small island at its center, which can be reached by boat. On the island, there is a temple, which enshrines a statue of the black-necked crane, a good place to pray for blessings. Around the Lashi Lake, there are also many villages and farmlands, where visitors can experience the local farming culture, observe folk customs, and taste the local specialties, such as yak butter tea, grilled fish, yogurt, fried rice cakes, etc., which are all very delicious.

Mysterious land 

In Tibetan language, Shangri-La means "the sun and the moon in one's heart," a place painted in mythical colors and filled with enchanting Tibetan culture. 

Shangri-La is characterized by a picturesque scenery with snowy mountains, grasslands, forests, lakes and canyons, offering visitors a land of adventure and hiking. 

More importantly, the place offers an immersive experience in the rich Tibetan culture thanks to its many Tibetan Buddhism temples, monks, prayer flags, prayer wheels, and other religious elements, as well as unique Tibetan customs such as Tibetan opera, songs, dances, wine and food. 

If these features are still not enough to fascinate visitors, the people's hospitality is the jewel on Shangri-La's crown: Locals enjoy welcoming guests and inviting them to drink some yak butter tea or highland barley wine, making them feel at home.