TOPBUZZ

Zhongdian or as it is known as Shangrila once was considered the Lost Paradise settled by Europeans many years ago as their remote Shangrila!   A popular tourist destination in north Yunnan Province at the corners of Tibet and Sichuan, it has been the favorite place to relax and enjoy the Tibetan culture at   10,000 feet above sea level.  Only in the last 10 years or so has it become a well known destination for  adventure seeking tourists.  My first visit there many years ago, there were only two hotels, few restaurants and some nightly entertainment which was at a wealthy residence where they served butter tea and sang and danced to recorded music.  Having just been there two years ago, the quaint old town with its weathered wooden buildings and narrow streets was the perfect small town to relax and enjoy the culture and the people.  Many sights are near by to enjoy.   HOWEVER this all changed January 2014...

Good planning insures a great  tour.  One can not see everything in a country as large as the U.S. but you can see what you really are interested in with good planning.  I have been planning tours for  25 years for over 2,500 people.  Everyone's interests are different so I have a Profile sheet that I ask clients to fill out stating their interests and requirements.  China can be overwhelming with the differences between western countries and Asia in general.  Ancient history and culture has a fantastic appeal to people.  Modern China which surprises most people and ancient China is side by side and offers a great contrast to compare and enjoy.  Most people come back from their tour exclaiming how friendly the people were and were a bit taken back by the modern facilities of China with their beautiful modern airports and the ultra modern high speed trains between many cities reaching speeds of 180 + mph,  Yes, travel costs have increase...