Dukezong Ancient Town(Shangri-La Ancient City)

Dukezong Ancient Town is located in the southeast of Shangri-La, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, and was built by the Tubo Kingdom during the Tang Dynasty. "Dukezong" is a Tibetan pronunciation, meaning "moonlight city" and "a castle built on stones." The ancient town is built along the mountain, with stone-paved roads following the natural terrain. To this day, even hoof prints can still be seen on the stone roads, relics left by ancient horse caravans over time.

The architectural layout of the ancient town resembles an eight-petal lotus, with Moonlight Square at its center, surrounded by rustic Tibetan-style wooden houses where locals live peacefully. To the west of the square stands Great Turtle Mountain, also known as Dukezong Ancient Town - Turtle Mountain Park,GuishanThe top features the world's largest prayer wheel, which holds a Guinness World Record. Dukezong Ancient Town - northwest side of Guishan ParkSifang StreetEvery evening, the Tibetan Guozhuang dance always attracts a large number of tourists to join in. If you happen to encounter it, be sure to participate in this joyful experience.

The courtyard on the north side of Moonlight Square is the "Diqing Prefecture Red Army Long March Museum." At the entrance of the museum stands the Central Town Hall, built during the Qing Dynasty, also known asScripture hall, the architectural style blends Han, Tibetan, and Naxi elements, offering considerable aesthetic value. South of the Long March Museum stands the Diqing Prefecture Museum, displaying Neolithic artifacts and Tibetan medical exhibits—worth a visit for observation.

Most of the residences in the ancient town have been converted into inns, restaurants, and shops. The shops sell local specialties like Tibetan knives, yak meat, and Tibetan accessories. The meals in restaurants are mostly Sichuan cuisine and Tibetan dishes, with yak meat hotpot, butter tea, and tsampa being must-tries.