Shangri-La is a term from James Hilton’s novel “Lost Horizon,” representing a mythical paradise. The Chinese government renamed the area to promote tourism, I believe. That happened in 2001. So Zhongdian is now Shangri-La City, which is part of the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Yunnan.

I should check if there’s any confusion between the county and the city. Since the renaming, the administrative divisions might have changed. The area is known for its Tibetan culture and beautiful landscapes. Places like the Songzanlin Monastery, which is the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery in Yunnan. Also, the Three Parallel Rivers of Yunnan Protected Areas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is nearby. The region is at a high altitude, around 3,000 meters, so altitude sickness could be a concern for visitors.

Economically, tourism is a big part of Shangri-La. The name change was strategic to attract more tourists. They have festivals like the Tibetan New Year (Losar) and horse racing festivals. The climate is probably plateau mountain climate, with cool summers and cold winters. Transportation-wise, there’s an airport, Diqing Shangri-La Airport, connecting to major cities like Kunming and Chengdu.

I need to make sure I’m not mixing up any details. Let me verify the renaming date. Yes, it was approved by the State Council in December 2001 and implemented in 2002. The county became a county-level city. Also, the area is part of the historical Kham region of Tibet, so the culture is predominantly Tibetan. The Pudacuo National Park is another attraction there, known for its biodiversity.

Potential mistakes: Confusing Zhongdian with another similarly named place. But given the context, it’s definitely the one in Yunnan. Also, ensuring that the name change details are accurate. Another point is the altitude—confirming the exact elevation. Sources say the city is around 3,160 meters above sea level. That’s quite high, so mentioning altitude sickness is relevant.

Also, the economy: besides tourism, agriculture and animal husbandry are important, especially yak herding. Traditional crafts like Thangka paintings and Tibetan incense might be notable products. The Ganden Sumtseling Monastery is another name for Songzanlin Monastery, so using both names could be helpful.

I should structure the answer to first explain the name change, then location, cultural aspects, economy, tourism highlights, climate, and transportation. Making sure to note the Tibetan influence and the reasons behind the renaming. Including UNESCO sites and natural parks adds depth. Mentioning the airport is important for practical visitor information.

Double-checking any other key points: The county is in Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, correct. The name Shangri-La was chosen to reflect the mythical place, which helped boost tourism. The area’s natural beauty includes snow-capped mountains, lakes, and grasslands. Yes, that’s right. Also, it’s a gateway to the Meili Snow Mountain and other parts of the Himalayas.

I think that covers the main aspects. Need to present this information clearly and concisely, ensuring accuracy and covering all relevant points about Zhongdian County, now Shangri-La City.