The "Real" Shangri-la

We took a bus to Shangri-la, winding up the hills, took about 5 hrs. It is at 3200 mts so a bit cooler which was nice. It is the last major town on the way to Tibet and the people are mostly Tibetan with monasteries, gompas and temples all about. Also the largest prayer wheel - it is enormous!  A bit like some parts of Nepal but more modern. Some of the women seem to dress in the traditional costume with big colourful hats everywhere. Lots of dancing in the square. Prayer flags on mass as well. There is also an 'old town' which seems to cater for the tourists though not as busy as Lijiang. We spent 2 nights here just sight seeing wandering the markets, they have amazing fungi for sale and fried up squares of this jellied pig blood...  We also climbed to the town high point. Generally a very poor area, lots of poverty, bad plumbing, rubbish and dirt, they all seem to go together. Quite  different seeing rural China. Lots of crops everywhere. They are certainly very good at growing everything.Also more hoicking, spitting & smoking!