The outlying area of southeastern Shangri-La County, known as Xiao Zhongdian, is home to mountains, rivers, valleys and gorges and a wide range of wildlife. 

Well beyond the developments beginning to take root in Shangri-La town itself (Gyeltang to to the local Tibetans) and crisscrossed by paths and small dirt roads connecting pasture lands where yaks and horses roam, Xiao Zhongdian is a photographer's dream and a great destination for hiking, bicycling, motorcycling and even full-fledged camping.