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Dukezong Ancient Town

Introducing Dukezong Ancient Town (from chinaculture.org)
Dukezong, meaning "Moonlight City" in Tibetan, was built 1,300 years ago and was an important landmark on the South Silk Road, also called the old Tea-Horse Road. It is now one of the most renowned resorts in Shangri-la, known for its well-preserved ancient Tibetan dwellings. The town was built according to "Shambhala (heavenly realm)" in Sutra, and its fame was boosted by British writer James Hilton's 1933 novel "Lost Horizon." It is the largest and best-preserved Tibetan community in all of China's Tibetan areas. Unfortunately, a big fire in January 2014 razed almost one third of the town's buildings. With the orderly reconstruction work being carried out, the "Moonlight City" is regaining its vitality on the ruins. The world's largest prayer wheel is located in the Guishan Park of the town.

Dukezong Ancient Town Fast Facts
• Chinese Name: Du Ke Zong Gu Cheng 独克宗古城
• Best Time to Visit: Jun, Jul, Sept & Oct
• Recommended Visiting Hours: 2-3 hours
• Things to Do: Photography, History, Tibetan-style Architecture
• Opening Hours: All day
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Address: Shangri-La, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan

What to expect at Dukezong Ancient Town

Ancient Tibetan Architecture
The old town covers an area of 1.6 kilometers and is laid out in the shape of a lotus flower with eight petals, with houses radiating from Guishan Hill at its center, arranged in conformity with Tibetan Buddhist geomantic theory. When the town was being built, the local people discovered a type of white clay that could be spread on the external walls of buildings. As a result, all the houses were painted white, making the entire town appear especially enchanting in the silver moonlight, hence the name. After reconstruction and reopened to the public in 2016, Tibetan architecture is once-again drawing in tourists to the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Based on local customs and weather conditions, Tibetan architecture in the Prefecture employs traditional color combinations, religious totems, pictures of flowers, birds, insects, as well as patterns of the sun and moon, to express the local's vision for a better life. Patios and skylights have also been added to the original architectural designs to deal with the summer heat.

Local Costums
The old Tibetan way of life, as well as dwellings, are well-preserved in Dukezong, as each barley wine-redolent lane testifies. Tibetan chess is played in local households as it has been for the past 1,000 years, and horse bells still tinkle along the ancient caravan path. Tourists and local residents dance as a way of doing exercise on Moonlight Square in the ancient town of Dukezong. Wandering in the old town, one can always see elderly Tibetans, mostly women, dancing in a circle while singing traditional Tibetan songs. When dusk falls, Tibetan youths, after finishing a full day's work or study, will come outdoors to dance with a faster pace and

 
 

How to get to Dukezong Ancient Town
• Dukezong Ancient Town is located in the center of Shangri-La ancient city.
• Dukezong Ancient Town can be reached by bus 1 and 3.
• Rent a car/bus from GGC to enjoy a hassle free private transfer from hotels in Shangri-La to Dukezong Ancient Town.

Additional travel advice on Dukezong Ancient Town
• With an average elevation over 3,300 meters, a mild altitude sickness in Shangri-La is quite common. Avoid strenuous activity, and better drink more water. Prepare AMS medication, in accordance with a doctor's advice.
• Sunglasses and sun cream are always needed to protect from the sunburn and strong ultraviolet radiation in the daytime.
• In the principle of Tibetan Buddhist culture, walking around temples, palaces and spinning praying wheels should follow the clockwise direction.

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