# Dukezong Ancient Town (独克宗古城)

Shangri-La, Yunnan Province · Southwest, China · Guidebook rating: 4/5
Canonical: https://cnatrip.com/en/places/dukezong-ancient-town
Language: en

## Key facts

- **Admission:** Free
- **Opening hours:** Open all day (all year 2026)
- **Time needed:** 2 hours
- **Address:** Shangri-La City, Diqing Prefecture
- **Getting there:** Accessible on foot or by bus or taxi from downtown Shangri-La City
- **Good for:** Old Towns & Villages, Photography, Ethnic Culture

## About Dukezong Ancient Town

Dukezong Ancient Town was a hub of the Tea Horse Ancient Road and has a history of more than 1,300 years. It was built according to the Buddhist scriptures' vision of the ideal kingdom of Shambhala, earning it the nicknames "Castle Built on Stone" and "Moonlight City."
On 11 January 2014, a sudden and devastating fire swept through the old town, causing severe damage. It has since been restored and officially reopened to the public.

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Source: China Self-Guided Travel 2025 (《中国自助游》, Tianjin Science & Technology Press, Aug 2024), p. 257. Prices, hours and transport details are as printed in the August 2024 edition and may have changed. Always confirm with the venue before you travel.
Site: China Trip (https://cnatrip.com) — independent China travel guide in 13 languages.