Touted as the true Shangri-la (the city’s name was officially changed to Xianggelila in 2002), Zhongdian is the capital of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Region and worth visiting if you’re not able to visit Tibet. The town filled with blocky architecture does not quite live up to the paradise billing, but there is an interesting section of traditional Tibetan buildings to the south of town. Just north is the largest Tibetan monastery in the Southwest, Ganden Sumtseling Gompa (Songzanlin Si), home to over 600 monks. It was built by the fifth Dalai Lama almost 400 years ago, destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, and re-opened in 1981. Head to the roof for stunning views over Zhongdian.

Environs: There are plenty of possible trips out into the countryside – geographically, part of the Tibetan plateau – to Baishui Tai, for example, a set of limestone terraces, or to Bita Hai, an emerald lake and home to many endangered species. These trips are best arranged with local agencies, who can also set up a trip into Tibet – it takes about a week to reach Lhasa by four-by-four.