Dukezong Huaxiang Folk Market, Shangri-La

Dukezong Huaxiang (独克宗花巷), developed by Cedrus Cultural Tourism Group (雪松文旅集团), is a Tibetan cultural tourism complex and themed town located at the North Gate of Dukezong Ancient Town (独克宗古城), Shangri-La City (香格里拉市), Yunnan Province. Covering over 50,000 square meters, it officially opened on September 18, 2018.

With Tibetan culture at its core, the project integrates intangible cultural heritage experiences, a Tibetan-style cultural street, the “Fifth Meteorite” themed hotel series, and the large-scale performance Encounter Shangri-La (《遇见·香格里拉》). It has become a cultural showcase of the Tibetan ethnic group and was awarded the title of “Demonstration Base for Integrated Development of Culture and Tourism Industry” by Diqing Prefecture (迪庆州) in its opening year.

As a key cultural tourism project dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the founding of Diqing Prefecture, it is expected to provide 500–800 jobs and generate around RMB 30 million in annual tax revenue.

Since 2019, Dukezong Huaxiang has enhanced its cultural experiences through themed activities such as Tibetan wedding shows, the Folk Market, and the New Year’s Eve Guozhuang Dance (锅庄舞), establishing its own cultural brand identity. Even during the pandemic, the project implemented rent-reduction measures and gained nationwide exposure through CCTV New Year’s Eve programs and variety shows. In 2021, Zhejiang TV’s program Chasing Stars (《追星星的人》) was filmed here, further cementing its reputation as a landmark in the cultural tourism map of Northwest Yunnan.

Basic Information

• Location: North Gate of Dukezong Ancient Town (独克宗古城), Shangri-La

• Opening Hours: All day

• Area: Over 50,000 square meters

About the Town

A Cultural Landmark of Shangri-La

Relying on Shangri-La’s natural resources and cultural heritage, Dukezong Huaxiang was designed as a cultural hub and a window for visitors to experience Tibetan life. It brings together Tibetan cultural streets, intangible cultural heritage experiences, the “Fifth Meteorite” hotel, and the immersive stage performance Encounter Shangri-La.

The project was conceived as a cultural gathering place from its inception. Cedrus Cultural Tourism Group worked closely with rural communities, seeking out local inheritors of intangible cultural heritage and presenting their crafts directly to visitors.

Walking through the town, visitors can see traditional Tibetan artisans painting murals, carving wood, and creating crafts. The Intangible Heritage Experience Center showcases unique skills and crafts such as:

• Nixi Black Pottery (尼西黑陶)

• Dongba Paper-making (东巴造纸)

• Mani Stone Carving (玛尼石雕)

• Songlin Tibetan Incense (松林藏香)

• Kasa Tibetan Knives (卡萨藏刀)

Experiences

Encounter Shangri-La Performance

This large-scale Tibetan cultural show was created by top Chinese tourism performance experts, including Han Lixun (韩立勋), chief stage designer of the Beijing Olympic Games opening ceremony, and Yang Deyu (杨德瑜), a renowned tourism performance scriptwriter.

The show, staged at an altitude of over 3,300 meters, has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the “highest-altitude indoor musical performance.” With themes based on Shangri-La’s culture and seasonal changes, it incorporates stunning effects such as giant prayer flag lights, descending wine platforms, and “sun and moon in harmony.” The performance vividly brings to life images of grasslands, sacred mountains, holy lakes, ancient towns, monasteries, and golden temple roofs.

The Fifth Meteorite Hotel Series

According to local legend, five meteorites fell in Shangri-La, symbolizing courage, wisdom, love, health, and luck. The first four were preserved by noble families, while the fifth—the “Lucky Meteorite”—was lost for decades. When it reappeared, Dukezong Huaxiang was built at its landing site, inspiring the creation of the Fifth Meteorite Hotel series.

The hotels combine themed dining, boutique accommodation, business facilities, and cultural leisure. Their design blends traditional Tibetan elements with modern aesthetics, offering guests both comfort and a deep cultural experience.

Tibetan Cultural Street

With a focus on preserving and innovating Tibetan traditions, the cultural street integrates themed shops and craft studios. Visitors can explore:

• Thangka Painting Academies (唐卡画院)

• Benzilan Wooden Bowls (奔子栏木碗)

• Nixi Black Pottery (尼西黑陶)

• Dongba Paper (东巴纸业)

• Traditional Woodcarving

• Mani Stone Carving

• Songlin Incense (松林藏香)

• Kasa Knives (卡萨藏刀)

This lively street offers a chance to experience centuries-old Tibetan craftsmanship in a modern setting.

Recognition and Honors

Dukezong Huaxiang was awarded the plaque of “Demonstration Base for the Integrated Development of Culture and Tourism Industry” by the Cultural Industry Office of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture.

Seasonal Folk Market and Events

Summer Folk Market

The “Shangri-La Summer Folk Market,” launched at Dukezong Huaxiang, marked the start of summer festivities. Nearly 40 vendors offered more than 100 varieties of local delicacies, specialty products, handmade souvenirs, and intangible cultural heritage workshops. Visitors also enjoyed Tibetan cultural performances, open-air concerts, and outdoor cinema screenings.

Dance performances and live music drew large crowds, creating a lively festival atmosphere.

Cultural Salons and Workshops

The Intangible Heritage Experience Center regularly hosts cultural salons, which have quickly become highly popular. Events featuring Mani Stone carving, Jianchuan woodcarving, Nixi Black Pottery, and Songlin Tibetan incense attract many participants and receive enthusiastic feedback.

Part of the Yunnan Travel Photography Festival

The Folk Market was a highlight of Cedrus Cultural Tourism’s first Cultural Tourism Season and the “Encounter Yunnan Travel Photography Festival.” This festival promotes Diqing tourism by linking two major destinations—Lijiang (丽江) and Shangri-La (香格里拉)—and creating a popular route showcasing highland valleys, snow-capped meadows, rivers, lakes, cultural traditions, and regional cuisine.

A New Cultural Landmark

The Shangri-La Folk Market has become a vibrant cultural icon of the city. By combining authentic local foods, handicrafts, and heritage workshops, it has set a new benchmark for entertainment and cultural tourism in Shangri-La, attracting both residents and visitors.