Shangri-la, original named Zhongdian County, was said to be the appanage of Tibet King’s three suns. Shangri-la is Diqing Tibetan language, meaning “sun and moon in heart”. In 1993, James Hilton’s novel-Lost Horizon, describes the peaceful and beautiful land-Shangri-la.
Shangri-la History
Diqing has long history. Wexi Lisu Autonomous County’s Gordon Neolithic sites proves that as early as six or seven thousand years ago, there was human lives and breeds in Diqing.
About two or three thousands years ago, Tubo ancestors had been here and created distinctive aboriginal culture.
In Qin Dynasty, Tibetan Empire’s ruling power had extended to Diqing already.
In Han Dynasty, Shangri-la was the land of Yark Qiang.
In the Three Kingdoms Period, it belonged to Yunnan.
In South and North Dynasties, it belonged to Dangxian Tribe.
During Sui Dynasty, it was under the administration of Nanningzhou Main Office.
In Tang Dynasty China, it was the land of Shenzhou of Tibetan Empire.
In Song Dynasty, it was in Dali Kingdom.
In Yuan Dynasty, it was name “Da Dan Dang”, and in 1293, it belonged to Luxuanweisi Government.
After the middle of the Ming Dynasty, it belonged to Lijiang Military and Civilian Government.
During Qing Dynasty, Shangri-la was gave to Dalai Lama by Wu Sangui, and In 1726, it was put under LIjiang Government.
In Apirl, 1913, Zhongdiang Ting was renamed to Zhongdian County
On May 10, 1950, Zhongdian was liberated and put under Lijiang Prefecture.
On Sep. 13, 1957, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture was officially established.
On Dec. 17, 2001, Zhongdian County renamed as Shangri-la County.
Ask a Question
