Dukezong Ancient Town, located in Shangri-La City, Yunnan Province, is a Tibetan ancient town with a history of over 1,300 years. It is one of the best-preserved and largest Tibetan settlements in China. Built on a mountainside, the town features unique architectural styles that blend Tibetan, Han, and Naxi cultural elements, serving as an important stop along the ancient Tea-Horse Road.
The heart of Dukezong Ancient Town is Daguishan (Big Turtle Mountain), where the world's largest prayer wheel, the Gyaltsen Chorten, stands. This iconic structure is approximately 21 meters tall and weighs 60 tons. The town's winding streets are lined with traditional Tibetan wooden houses and cobblestone paths, exuding a timeless charm. Once a bustling trade center on the Tea-Horse Road, Dukezong still retains a strong Tibetan cultural and religious atmosphere, with prayer flags, mani stones, and temples visible throughout.
Dukezong Ancient Town is not only a cultural symbol of Shangri-La but also an ideal destination for visitors to experience Tibetan culture and the harmonious blend of history and nature. Although the town suffered a fire in 2014
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