Shangri-la Festivals and Activities
If you can, visit the prefecture during festivals such as the Tibetan Horse Racing Festival. It simply pays homage to a very old tradition—that is, riding horses to move from one place to another. As its name suggests, horses from the three counties compete against one another in several categories such as speed. The rest watch in the sidelines. This is also a great time for the family to bond by eating at the outdoors.
In the autonomous county of Weixi Lisu is an intimate festival known as Kuoshi. It is a way to welcome springtime. It usually lasts for a couple of days, though in some places the affair can be good for an entire month. Like the other festivals, there will be a lot of dancing and singing, with men and women garbed in their traditional costumes. They also create their rice wines by preparing them over sand. Interestingly, the wines are served in bowls, which are then shared by two people. Even if you are a foreigner you can join the celebration and partake with the wine.
Activities
Songs and Dances
Two forms of entertainment, songs and dances, are very significant to the lives of the Tibetans and even the other minorities in the region. This is how they express their gratitude, say their prayers, or tell their stories. Remember, as primarily Buddhists, they participate in chanting sutras in monasteries. Thus, in Diqing, the celebration of folk music and dance does not end at dusk. Instead, it continues all the way to the evening, even late at night.
One of the best places to go to, to see their performance is the Sifanglou Plaza, located in the New Town of Shangri-La County. There, people would play music and dance in a round pattern. One leads the pack while the rest follow the movements of the main dancer. The Tibetans are extremely open people, so they may invite those who are watching to join. It is best to say yes and try to perform like a local at least once in your life.
You can also proceed to the Black-necked Crane Dance Hall, which feature the performances of a local arts group. Guests may be allowed to join in the singing. The venue is also popular because it also functions as karaoke room. You can also skate in here.
Visiting Local Families
Didn’t we mention that the Tibetans are generous and open people? Indeed, they are, and they can welcome you into their homes. All you need to do is to drop by and ask if they are willing to accept visitors. Actually, these people have already prepared some food for you, which you can pay for a very small amount. Some of the dishes you can eat are the typical Tibetan cuisines such as tsampa, mutton soup, and baked lamb.
You can also get to taste their famous yak butter tea, which is composed of yak butter, black tea, and some salt. But definitely you will not mind paying the price as they can give you a lot more than food. They can show you their way of living, talk to you more about the region and their culture, and even perform for you their folk dances and music.
Bars and Clubs
It is quite rare to come across bars and clubs that play techno or other modern music in Shangri-La. They prefer a more laid-back approach to a night life, so they spend most of their time drinking specially brewed beers and wines. Mind you, though, you will never miss the noise since you do not want to destroy the overall serenity of the place.
Nevertheless, if you find yourself hungry at night, want to meet the locals, or try their club scene, you can go to the following places:
- Soyala Tibetan Diner and Bar: This is one of the most awesome places for eating yak burger paired with some Shangri-La Beer. For a small price, you can already get a huge plate of the combo. Hopefully the food is enough to satiate you for the rest of the evening. Soyala is currently being run by former children of an orphanage located in Shangri-La County. You can find it in 1 Cangfang Street in the Old Town of Shangri-La County.
- Tantra Restobar: Tantra offers a wide range of dishes, from the local Tibetan cuisines to Chinese, and some Western meals. It is a very cozy and informal-style restaurant slash bar, where you can just relax while listening to some feel-good music. A portion of its income is actually donated to several nonprofit organizations, so it is also great eating in here. It is found in Changzeng Avenue, at a street that borders both Old and New Towns.
- Raven Café: If you have no idea how long you want to enjoy your night life, then you better head here. The café does not close until everyone has gone home, and well, you can leave at any time you like. Nevertheless, it opens before noon. It serves Western and Asian cocktails; that is why this is a favorite among the foreigners. The drinks can then be complemented by some Mexican dishes or pastries that are homemade.
Shangri-La Festivals and Events introduce a brief introduction of festivals and activities and tell travelers Top Things to Do for Shangri-La festivals Tours and important Shangri-La events and activities including Exhibition, Conference, Trade Show, Expositions and Trade Fairs.
