Dukezong Ancient Town（独克宗古城）Travel Guide

Dukezong Ancient Town Travel Guide

Introduction

Dukezong Ancient Town is located in Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is a place with a long history and rich culture, known as the "Moonlight City" in Tibetan. The town has a history of over 1,300 years and is one of the largest and best-preserved Tibetan residential complexes in China3. It used to be an important stop on the Tea Horse Road and is now a popular tourist destination23.

Highlights and Attractions

Guishan Park4: Located in the center of the ancient town, this park is built along the mountain. At the top of the mountain is the Chaoyang Tower, which offers a panoramic view of the ancient town. At the foot of the mountain, there is an ancient well providing clear and sweet water. Inside the park, the Guishan Temple and the Giant Prayer Wheel are the most distinctive architectures. The Giant Prayer Wheel is 21 meters high and weighs 60 tons. It is a remarkable sight and a symbol of the ancient town. It is said that it takes at least four or five people to turn it. Spinning the prayer wheel three times is said to symbolize the unity of "body, speech, and mind" and can bring peace and happiness.
Center Town Hall2: One of the few national-level protected cultural relics in Shangri-La, it was built in the second year of Yongzheng in the Qing Dynasty (1724). The exterior is in the style of a Han Chinese building, while the interior structure is in the traditional Tibetan style. The murals inside the hall dating back to the Qing Dynasty are very valuable, but photography is not allowed.
Jinlong Street Ancient Building Complex: To the southwest of Guishan Park, this is a well-preserved wooden-structured Tibetan building complex. It offers a romantic and quaint atmosphere, making it a great place for taking pictures2.
Moonlight Square: The center of the ancient town, usually the starting point of a visit. On one side of the square is the Diqing Prefecture Museum, and on the other side is the Center Town Hall. Behind the square is Guishan Park. Near the museum side, you can capture the beautiful sunset view with the Dafo Temple in the background2.
North Gate: Although it is a newly built city gate, the narrow old street and the magnificent gate make for a great photo opportunity2.
Red Army Long March Museum: Located in the ancient town, this museum displays the history of the Red Army's Long March passing through this area. There are a variety of exhibits, including ships, guns, slogans, documents, books, and daily necessities used by the Red Army, which provide a vivid introduction to this important historical event3.
Dukezong Huaxiang: Located at the north gate of the ancient town, it is a place that integrates intangible cultural heritage experience centers, Tibetan cultural style streets, and hotels. Here, you can see traditional Tibetan craftsmanship such as Tibetan painted pottery, Dongba papermaking, and Mani stone carving3.

Best Time to Visit

The best times to visit Dukezong Ancient Town are from June to October. During this period, the weather is relatively pleasant, and the scenery is at its best. However, it should be noted that Shangri-La is located at a high altitude, and the temperature difference between day and night is large. Visitors need to bring appropriate clothing.

How to Get There

By Air: The nearest airport is Diqing Shangri-La Airport. After arriving at the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to Dukezong Ancient Town.
By Bus: There are regular buses from major cities in Yunnan Province to Shangri-La City. Once you arrive in Shangri-La, you can take a local bus or a taxi to the ancient town.

Food and Beverage

In Dukezong Ancient Town, you can taste a variety of Tibetan-style foods, such as butter tea, tsampa (roasted highland barley flour), yak meat, and Tibetan pastries. These foods have unique flavors and are worth trying. There are also some teahouses and restaurants in the ancient town where you can enjoy local cuisine while experiencing the local culture.

Tips

Shangri-La is located at a high altitude, so visitors may experience altitude sickness. It is advisable to rest for a while after arriving and avoid strenuous exercise. If necessary, you can take some altitude sickness prevention drugs in advance1.
When visiting the Giant Prayer Wheel, respect the local religious beliefs and customs. Follow the guidance of the locals when turning the prayer wheel4.
The ancient town is made of stone roads, so it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes for walking.

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