Tibetan rodeo, Himalayan peaks and wandering monks comprise the Sangri-la area.  Formerly known as Zhong Dian, Sangri-la (Chinese: 香格里拉, Pinyin: Xianggelila, or by its older name of Gyalthang建糖) is Yunnan's gateway to Tibet.  The current greater Sangri-la population is about  130,000 people and rests 3300m (10826.77ft) above sea level.  The Song Lan Lin Tibetan monastery located a few kilometers outside of town is one of the largest Tibetan monasteries outside of Tibet.  Da Bao Si is also another famous monsatery 15 km out of town.  Bai Shui Tai, known for its picturesque limestone formations, and Tian Qiao's limestone hot springs are incredible sites.  Bita Hai, famous for it's Himalayan setting with a small beautiful lake in its middle, is another attraction not far from Sangri-la. Every evening the Shangri-la old town square is a hopping traditional Tibetan dance festival.. Anyone is welcome and encouraged to join in the dancing and fun.  The old town is full of small local crafts shops, cafes and eateries.  From Shangri-la you can travel on towards Litang and the Sichuan province, Weixi and the Mekong river or up to Diqin and the Mt. Meili Tibetan border area.  Shangri-la is a mountain bikers paradise.  On the roads few vehicles compete for safe space and on the trails you will often times be the first mountain biker to break the trail.  We have a professional and qualified team of guides to take you to the ultimate mountain biking destinations.  For more information please email us as info@yehs.org.