Shangri-La JUST WRITTEN FOR YOU

/ʃæŋˈɡriː ˈlɑː/ · Shang·ri·La
noun
  1. A fictional, idyllic valley hidden in the Himalayas, described in James Hilton's novel Lost Horizon as a place of peace and longevity. In the story, the protagonists discover Shangri‑La, a sanctuary untouched by time.
  2. Any place or state of ideal happiness, peace, or perfection; a utopia. After retiring, she found her own Shangri‑La in the quiet mountain cabin.
Did you know? The name Shangri‑La was later adopted for a real tourist region in Yunnan, China, and also for the famous luxury hotel chain, cementing its place in popular culture.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 0 lookups Added Jul 14, 2026