The postcard-like beauty of Yunnan's Shangri-La (8)

Lamas in dormitory at Songzanlin Monastery 1995. (Photo/chinadaily.com.cn)

Due to seasonal water fluctuations few permanent structures rose near the shores but villages, seemingly of log cabins, could be seen clinging to lower slopes of surrounding hills, the calm waters reflecting the scene. Indeed the sheer beauty was also enhanced by views of distant snow mountains. It was a Shangri-La moment where simply sitting there induced a feeling of tranquility, of Shangri-La within my heart. I could honestly say that given an opportunity to escape from the modern world I inevitably had to return to, I would easily have stayed there to be a photographer, an artist or even just a dreamer.