The Dawn of Tibetan Records: Unearthing the Ancient Echoes of the Tubo Dynasty at Xiangdui Town

A Pearl Dusted by Time in Eastern Tibet

1.Deep within the folds of the Hengduan: Mountains and along the upper reaches of the Lancang River, lies a cultural sanctuary often overlooked by the rushing world—Xiangdui Town Historic Site (Xiangdui Guzhen). Located in Chaya County, Chamdo, Tibet, at an altitude of 3,200 meters, this site is not merely a single attraction but a cluster of historical treasures scattered along the Chaya River valley. It comprises the vibrant Xiangdui Town center, the sacred Xiangdui Temple, and the monumental Renda Cliff Carvings. Unlike the commercialized ancient towns found elsewhere, Xiangdui retains a raw, breathing history, standing as a silent witness to the integration of the Tubo Kingdom and the local Supi/Sumpa cultures. It represents the "Genealogy of Tibetan Civilization" in the east, offering a profound glimpse into the political and religious origins of the region.

The Stone Annals of the Tubo Empire

2.The crown jewel of: Xiangdui is undoubtedly the Renda Cliff Carvings (Renda Moyashike), located on a cliff west of the town. This site holds a status of paramount importance in Tibetan history: it contains the earliest known Tibetan inscription with a verifiable date in the Tibet Autonomous Region. Dated to the Monkey Year (804 AD), during the reign of the Tubo Tsenpo (King) Sadnalegs (Tride Songtsen), the carvings detail the royal tour and the pacification of the local Bailan tribes. Standing before these weathered rock faces, visitors are looking directly at the "birth certificate" of Tibetan written history in this region. The inscriptions and the accompanying Buddhist reliefs are not just art; they are political declarations carved in stone, marking the sovereignty and cultural expansion of the Tubo Dynasty into the river valleys of Eastern Tibet.

A Town Woven with Faith: Xiangdui Temple

3.In the heart of the town lies Xiangdui: Temple (Xianggang Temple), a Gelugpa monastery that seamlessly blends with the daily life of the local residents. The temple and the town are inextricably linked, creating a unique "temple-town integration" landscape. The monastery, with its crimson walls and golden roofs, stands amidst the residential houses, creating a skyline where the sacred and the secular coexist in harmony. Inside, the temple houses precious Thangkas and scriptures, echoing with the sound of chanting monks. Walking through the narrow alleys of the town, you can witness the authentic rhythm of Kham Tibetan life—elders spinning prayer wheels, children playing in the courtyards, and the scent of juniper incense wafting through the air. It is a living museum of faith and tradition,.

4.Echoes of: Ancient Hunts and Administration

5.Beyond the: Buddhist heritage, the area around Xiangdui reveals even older layers of human history. The Doma Rock Art Group (Duoma Yanhua) scattered in the vicinity depicts vivid scenes of hunting deer and horses, offering a window into the primitive nomadic life that predated the grand empires. These simple yet powerful lines connect the present observer with the early inhabitants of the plateau. Additionally, the Chaya Zong Government Site stands on a cliff near the river, a remnant of the Qing Dynasty's administrative control. Although now in ruins, its imposing walls and strategic location tell the story of the region's political evolution from a tribal area to a governed county, marking the transition of power through the centuries,.

The Pastoral Beauty of the Kham Valleys

Visiting Xiangdui is also a journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Hengduan Mountains. The town is situated in a fertile river valley where the Zhaqu River (a tributary of the Lancang) flows. The juxtaposition of the arid, rugged mountains and the lush, green valley floor creates a stunning visual contrast known as the "Pastoral Scenery of Kham." In summer and autumn, the fields are a patchwork of highland barley and rape flowers, dotted with herds of yak and sheep. This harmonious blend of natural beauty and deep historical resonance makes Xiangdui a destination for those seeking to understand the soul of Eastern Tibet, far from the crowds, in a place where history is still written in the landscape,.