“Dukezong” in Tibetan means moonlight city or the city built on rocks. It was firstly built around 678 and accordingly, there was another sunlight city “Niwangzong” build on the summit of the hill in front of Dukezong. Niwangzong has disappeared now but Dukezong is still very busy and it once was a very important spot on the Ancient Tea Horse Road. As the largest and well-preserved residential place of Tibetan people, strolling around the town and going into the small shops is an excellent way to know the life style of local Tibetan people. The local landmark Guishan Hill can be seen anywhere in the town. You can also rotate the world’s biggest praywheel here and it is said that once rotate the wheel, all the bad lucks around you will be wiped off.
In 2014, a fire broke out and destroyed a large portion of the town, reporting over 100 building burned to the ground. But after 2 years of restoration, the town was reopened in 2016 and it has brought back to life by the efforts of both locals and travelers who love there.
The Dukezong Old Town
Features
Chinese Name: 独克宗古镇
Location: About 5 kilometers away from Shangri-La.
Time needed: 3 hours
Travel Information
Best time for visiting: Spring and Autumn.
Opening Time: Open from 08:30-23:00 all year round.
Customer Service Phone: 0887-8223310
Admission fee: free
