Foreign Correspondent

Beyond the Lost Horizon

In Shangri-La, once you visit you may never want to leave. The mystical, magical, mythical destination is supposed to be a heaven on earth. China's real Shangri-La - high in the mountains of the south west - is a picture of blissful simplicity but it's beginning to rumble and grow. The surrounding countryside is home to many ethnic Tibetans leading uncomplicated, rudimentary lives but they're about to feel the winds of change. China's economic boom is closing in on Shangri-La and the locals will need to get ready for what's coming their way. An Australian is helping them prepare.