Dukezong

The "Moonlight City" of Shangri-La

1.Located in the heart of Jiantang: Town, Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Dukezong Ancient Town is a living sanctuary of Tibetan culture. Nestled at an altitude of approximately 3,300 meters, it is the largest and best-preserved Tibetan residential group in China. In Tibetan, "Dukezong" translates to "The Castle Built on Stones" or "Moonlight City." Legend has it that the town was built using white clay that gleamed silver under the moonlight, giving it this poetic name. Unlike the bustling commercialism found in some other ancient towns, Dukezong retains a sacred and serene atmosphere, filled with the scent of butter tea, the smoke of burning pine, and the low hum of spinning prayer wheels. It serves as a vital window into the "Lost Horizon" dreamscape of Shangri-La.

A Millennium on the Tea Horse Road

With a history dating back over 1,300 years to the Tang Dynasty (Tubo period), Dukezong was a pivotal stop on the ancient Tea Horse Road. It served as a crucial trading post where caravans carrying tea from Yunnan exchanged goods for Tibetan horses and furs. The town's layout, shaped like an eight-petal lotus or a crescent moon, was designed around Guishan Hill (Turtle Hill). Historically, it was a hub where Han and Tibetan cultures intersected. Despite a devastating fire in 2014, the town has been meticulously restored to preserve its traditional Tibetan architectural style and ancient street patterns, continuing its legacy as a cultural bridge.

The World's Largest Prayer Wheel

2.The spiritual and visual focal point of: Dukezong is Guishan Park (Turtle Hill Park). Perched atop this hill is the Big Buddha Temple and the colossal Golden Prayer Wheel, which holds a Guinness World Record. Standing over 21 meters tall and weighing 60 tons, this gilded cylinder is visible from almost anywhere in the town,. It is a symbol of blessing and harmony. Visitors are encouraged to join locals in spinning the wheel clockwise—an act that requires the combined strength of several people—to pray for happiness and well-being. From the top of the hill, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the crescent-shaped ancient town below and the surrounding snow-capped mountains.

Sifang Street and Tibetan Life

3.At the heart of the town lies Sifang: Street (Square Street). By day, it is a quiet plaza where one can admire the traditional Tibetan architecture—sturdy wooden structures with intricate carvings and whitewashed walls. By night, it transforms into a lively venue for the Guozhuang Dance (Pot Circle Dance), where locals and tourists link arms and dance around a bonfire to the rhythm of traditional folk songs,. The labyrinthine cobblestone alleys radiating from the square are lined with shops selling Thangka paintings, Tibetan silver, and yak meat, offering a glimpse into the region's intangible cultural heritage.

A Center for Arts and Flavors

Dukezong is not just about history; it is a thriving center for Tibetan arts. Visitors can explore the Tea Horse Road Museum to learn about the arduous journeys of the ancient caravans. The town is also home to Thangka academies where the intricate art of religious scroll painting is preserved. For food lovers, Dukezong offers an authentic taste of the plateau. Local taverns and restaurants serve staples like yak butter tea, highland barley wine (Qingke Jiu), and tsampa (roasted barley flour), allowing travelers to fully immerse themselves in the "fire and smoke" of Tibetan hospitality.