Zhongdian (中甸) is the highest point in this trip, average 3200m altitude. It is located in Diqing County (迪慶), where is renamed as Shangri-la (香格里拉) County in 2001. The term Shangri-la firstly appeared in the James Hilton's book, The Lost Horizon, published in 1933. In Tibetan, Shangri-la means 'a place where the sun and the moon comes across'. The major inhabitants here is Tibetan. Similar to Tibet, Zhongdian is a quiet and peaceful place. If you love nature, Zhongdian never disappoints you!

The most inspiring architecture in Zhongdian is Songzanlin Monastery (松贊林寺), also named as Guihua Monastery (歸化寺). It was built in 1679 and the construction continued until Qing Dynasty (清朝). It is the second largest monastery of Lamaism.

Napahai nature reserve (納帕海自然保護區) is a seasonal lake. In summer, the lake is filled with water melting from snow of surrounding mountains. However, it is winter when I have been there and water almost dried up.

Natural Bridge (天生橋) is a hot spring in the highland. Actually, the tibetans will shift to live around there up to one week in winter, in order to enjoy the warmth bringing from hot spring water.

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