As our high-speed train crossed over Tiger Leaping Gorge, passengers eagerly pulled out their phones and started snapping photos of the stunning views. That could mean only one thing: we would soon be arriving at the mystical paradise of Shangri-La.

A stunning view of the Jinsha River as seen from the train window, Feb. 19, 2024. [Photo by Wang Qian/China.org.cn]

On Nov. 26, 2023, a new railway line opened between the ancient cities of Lijiang and Shangri-La in southwest China's Yunnan province, connecting the Diqing Tibetan autonomous prefecture to the outside world by rail for the first time.

Previously, a journey from Lijiang to Shangri-La took at least three hours by car, but travel has now been reduced to just one hour. Moreover, travel time from Kunming, the provincial capital, to Shangri-La has been cut to five hours, at an average speed of 159 kph and a cost ranging from 230 yuan to 714 yuan per person, depending on seating class.

A composite photo shows the impressive business class interior on the high-speed train from Kunming to Shangri-La, Feb. 19, 2024. [Photo by Wang Qian/China.org.cn]

For years, tourists in northwestern Yunnan rarely ventured further than Lijiang city due to inconvenient transportation and expensive air tickets. Only the most intrepid of visitors to Lijiang continued onward to Shangri-La, despite it boasting magnificent snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands and spectacular rivers, as well as unique Tibetan culture and traditions.

Construction of the Lixiang Railway connecting Lijiang and Shangri-La was a very challenging task. It took a total of nine years to complete the 139-kilometer-long railway due to its extremely complex topography featuring mountains, plateaus, basins and valleys. While the peak travel season for Shangri-La previously ran from May to October, the new railway line has extended the tourist season, attracting a significant number of visitors year-round to explore the region's diverse landscapes and also appreciate its tranquil winter scenery.

Shangri-La Railway Station, with its Tibetan architecture style, Feb. 19, 2024. [Photo by Wang Qian/China.org.cn]

According to China Railway Kunming Group, in the first half of 2024, the Lixiang Railway transported a total of 1.18 million passengers with a daily peak of 7,666 passengers and more than 654,000 tons of goods, significantly boosting the local economy and social development.

Upon arriving at Shangri-La Train Station, travelers can make use of chartered car services or hail a car through the Didi ride-hailing app to continue their journey within the city. Many local hotels also offer convenient pick-up service from the station. For those with limited time, the top must-see destinations include Songzanlin Monastery, Pudacuo National Park, Balagezong Snow Mountain and Dukezong Ancient Town.

Red-billed choughs fly over the golden Songzanlin Monastery, Feb. 19, 2024. [Photo by Wang Qian/China.org.cn]