Ever dreamed of finding the real-life Shangri-La? 😍 Look no further than Zhagana Village in Diebu County, northwest China's Gansu Province! This stunning village, recently crowned as the Best Tourism Village for 2023 by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. ✨
But here's the kicker: Zhagana's beauty isn't just a recent discovery. Back in the 1920s, the adventurous Austrian-American botanist Joseph Rock journeyed through western China and stumbled upon this magical place. He was so mesmerized that he wrote in his diary:
\"I have never seen such a magnificent view in my life. If the author of Genesis had been to Diebu, he would have chosen it as the birthplace of Adam and Eve.\"
His breathtaking photos of Zhagana were first published in National Geographic, capturing the world's attention. 🌏 These images later inspired author James Hilton to write about Shangri-La in his famous novel \"Lost Horizon\". 📖
From its majestic mountains to its ancient glacial relics, Zhagana is a mix of natural wonders and cultural heritage. It's like stepping into a fantasy world! 🏔️✨
So, if you're itching for an adventure off the beaten path, pack your bags and set your GPS to Zhagana Village. It's time to make some epic memories! 🎒🌄
Reference(s):
Next Stop: The stone box that sits on ancient glacial relics
cgtn.com
