What We Do

Mountainous landscape forested with pine, rhododendron, and a long list of diverse flora and fauna is backdrop to the unique cultural heritage of Shangri-La. YMHF is dedicated to the preservation of this heritage and supports projects to promote sustainable tourism and to partner with others to protect the natural beauty of the prefecture.

YMHF Projects in a Nutshell

Ecotourism

Shangri-La, A Photographic Essay by Sahra Malik

This is the first major publication for YMHF. Photographer and designer, Sahra Malik, has completed the first edition of this beautiful photo story of uniqueness of Shangri-La as a travel destination. As we go through the “Essay” we begin to understand why this fragile blend of people with an ethnic diversity and strong cultural heritage who make this beautiful landscape their home is a treasure not just for China but for all people on earth.

Eco-tourism Workshop

Held in January 2006, this workshop brought together government officials, local and international experts and investors to discuss the options for creating a national park system in Diqing.

*Read more about this interesting workshop under Eco-Tourism heading.

Handicraft Design and Development

Shangri-La Women’s Center
Funded by Hong Kong Federation of Women and Pansy Ho

Opened in August 2006, this Center is dedicated to handicrafts made for and by the women of Shangri-La. It is open to visitors and tourists from 10am to 5 pm. You may visit the shop where authentic handicrafts from the region are sold at fair trade prices. Any profits from the sale of these items will go back to the training projects for skill and design improvement of local handicrafts and projects for the artisans.

Hamagu Handicraft Workshop

The Handicraft Workshop was held in Hamagu village in May 2006. Hazel Pu and Carter Malik met with a group of women artisans from this charming village on the Napa Hai wetlands to discuss the development of their hand made woolen carpets, belts, and cloth for tourism. After viewing their woven handicrafts, a town meeting was held to answer questions that the women had about participating in the growing tourist market.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

Gathering of Friends of Diqing in Shangri-La

This is a bi-annual event where friends interested in learning more about Diqing and YMHF projects gather in Shangri-La. We spend several days together brainstorming issues surrounding eco-tourism and better practices for Diqing prefecture. Experts in a variety of tourism related fields are invited to give us new ideas and relate experiences which will help us build appropriate projects. This event is sponsored jointly by Diqing Prefecture government and YMHF. Our first “Gathering of Friends” held in October 2005 was a great success. About 35 guests came from China and abroad. Vice Governor Shi Zhong Kai gave a breath taking slide presentation which drove home the uniqueness of this corner of Yunnan’s mountain landscape. Many of our guests added valuable insights and stories of eco-tourism experiences. The American architect, Ben Wood, shared his vision for a tourist friendly, beautiful Shangri-La Valley. Our next Gathering is on the drawing board for spring 2007.

YMHF Interns

Eric Cheng and Natalie Kwan came to Shangri-la July-August 2006 to help Carter with the renovation and opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Women’s Federation Pansy Ho Handicraft Center. These two bright and energetic young students set a high standard for future aspirant interns to YMHF. YMHF hopes to engage interns in the future to help with the various projects planned for Shangri-La handicraft and eco-tourism efforts.

Future project plans

Handicraft Store
Resource Room- computer and reading room for artisans
Research and Design for Handicrafts
Bed and Breakfast training project
Rural Women’s Empowerment project
Master-Student handicraft traning
Making Woolen Felt in Shangri-La
Branding Environment friendly tourism practices
Awards and Signs for Historic Buildings
Tourist Map for Shangri-La

Hand Loom weaving

Traditional Bowls

Clay Pottery

Wooden Masks

Yi Lady

Local Goods