My Secret Garden

camellia of Yunnan

These days i was looking for some information about Shangri-La, which apppeared and used to discribe a fictional holy place for the first time in the novel "Lost Horizon" written by James Hilton (an American novelist) in 1993. So far, Shangri-La has been found. It is located in Yunnan province of China, a peaceful, tranquil and beautiful place. But in my opition, you must have your own "Shangri-La" in your heart, a place you think is the "Garden of Eden" or "Utopia" on the earth, a place you want to go in your dream. Can you tell me where is your "Shangri-La"?

The information below is from
1. Q: Is Tibet safe for travelling?
Generally, it is quiet safe for travelling in Tibet. Since most Tibetans are devout Buddhists, who believe good deeds will accumulate merit in their next lives, crimes are rare. Dangers in Tibet stem mainly from natural disasters, accidents and sometimes from encounters with animals.

2. Q: Can I travel to Tibet independently?
Since independent tour is prohibited in Tibet according to the local tourist rules and regulations, so you have to join in an organized group or have the travel agency to arrange for you.

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The Festival of Lanterns (the 15th day of the 1st lunar month) falls on the 17th, February this year, which is just the day after tomorrow. The 15th day is the first night to see a full moon, so the day is also called Yuan Xiao Festival in China. According to the Chinese tradition, at the very beginning of a new year, when there is a bright full moon hanging in the sky, there should be thousands of colorful lanterns hung out for people to appreciate. At this time, people will try to solve the puzzles on the lanterns and eat yuanxiao (glutinous rice ball) and get all their families united in the joyful atmosphere.

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Valentine's Day in China falls on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month every year. That is, on that evening, Niu Lang and Zhi Nu will meet on a bridge of magpies across the Milky Way. Chinese grannies will remind children that they would not be able to see any magpies on that evening because all the magpies have left to form a bridge in the heavens with their wings.

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