EPISODE · Mar 5, 2026 · 26 MIN
The Last Shelter: Joseph Rock and the Search for Shangri-La
from Matter of Fact: A play on "matter" (physics) and "facts" (news). · host Larry White
In 1922, American explorer Joseph Rock traveled to Lijiang to find a tree to cure leprosy but stayed for decades after becoming captivated by the Naxi culture and the stunning scenery of the Yulong Snowy Mountain. Driven by local legends of a "third Kingdom," he spent seven years searching for a hidden river valley in Yading protected by three sacred snowy mountains that served as a prehistoric shelter for ancient species and a spiritual sanctuary for lovers. Although Rock was ultimately barred from entering this "pure land" due to local warfare and traps, his published accounts inspired the legend of Shangri-La and established world-renowned trekking routes that celebrate the region's natural beauty.
What this episode covers
In 1922, American explorer Joseph Rock traveled to Lijiang to find a tree to cure leprosy but stayed for decades after becoming captivated by the Naxi culture and the stunning scenery of the Yulong Snowy Mountain. Driven by local legends of a "third Kingdom," he spent seven years searching for a hidden river valley in Yading protected by three sacred snowy mountains that served as a prehistoric shelter for ancient species and a spiritual sanctuary for lovers. Although Rock was ultimately barred from entering this "pure land" due to local warfare and traps, his published accounts inspired the legend of Shangri-La and established world-renowned trekking routes that celebrate the region's natural beauty.
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The Last Shelter: Joseph Rock and the Search for Shangri-La
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