Nationalities Museum of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

The Nationalities Museum of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州民族博物馆, Dìqīng zàngzú zìzhìzhōu mínzú bówùguǎn) is a significant cultural institution located on Sanhao Road (三号路, Sān hào lù) in Shangri-La (香格里拉, Xiānggélǐlā), Yunnan Province. With a total construction area of 5,420 square meters, the museum opened its doors to the public in September 1997.

Basic Information

• Chinese Name: 迪庆藏族自治州民族博物馆 (Dìqīng zàngzú zìzhìzhōu mínzú bówùguǎn)
• Category: Comprehensive Museum
• Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (appointments recommended)
• Location: Dukezong Ancient Town (独克宗古城, Dúkèzōng gǔchéng), Jian Tang Town (建塘镇, Jiàn táng zhèn), Shangri-La County (香格里拉县, Xiānggélǐlā xiàn), Diqing Prefecture (迪庆州, Dìqīng zhōu)
• Completion Year: 1997
• Notable Collections: Large Vajrapani Statue (大威德金刚像, Dà wēidédìngāng xiàng), Dongba Paper Card Paintings (东巴纸牌画, Dōngbā zhǐpái huà)
• Director: He Guihua (和桂华, Hé Guīhuá)

Development History

The museum showcases artifacts from the Geden Neolithic Culture (戈登新石器文化, Gēdēng xīn shíqì wénhuà) discovered in Weixi Lisu Autonomous County (维西傈僳族自治县, Wéixī lǐsù zìzhìxiàn), indicating that human life in Diqing dates back over 6,000 to 7,000 years. The burial sites and associated artifacts from locations like Yongzhi, Nagu, and Shidi in Deqin County (德钦县, Déqīn xiàn) reveal the rich indigenous culture created by early Tibetans more than 2,300 years ago.

As a tribute to the 40th anniversary of Diqing's establishment, the museum was built near Moonlight Square (月光广场, Yuèguāng guǎngchǎng) and occupies a total area of 5,420 square meters, with an exhibition space of 3,576.84 square meters.

A new building for the museum was constructed adjacent to Moonlight Square, starting in 2006 and opening in September 2007. This facility encompasses 3,239 square meters, with dedicated areas for exhibitions, multimedia, and offices.

Collection Highlights

The museum features four main exhibition halls, titled "Nature of Shangri-La," "History of Shangri-La," "Culture of Shangri-La," and "Contemporary Shangri-La." These halls collectively illustrate the distinctive natural, historical, and cultural aspects of the Tibetan region in Yunnan, alongside the accomplishments of the autonomous prefecture over the last fifty years.

Notable Exhibits

• Buddhist Artifacts: Including statues, Thangka paintings, and Buddhist ritual objects.
• Cultural Artifacts: Items such as Qiangmu dance masks and costumes, partition paintings, and Dongba scriptures.
• Historical Artifacts: Numerous Neolithic tools and relics showcasing the area's prehistoric cultures.

The museum's layout comprises two floors: the first predominantly exhibits Neolithic-era artifacts, while the second focuses on Tibetan medicine and Buddhist philosophy. There is also a consultation room for Tibetan medicine practice.

Visiting Information

• Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
• Postal Code: 674400
• Address: Dukezong Ancient Town, Jian Tang Town, Shangri-La County, Diqing Prefecture, Yunnan Province
• Website: Check the official site for updates on exhibitions and educational programs.

Importance and Value

The Nationalities Museum of Diqing acts as a vital platform for showcasing the social history, ethnic diversity, and natural resources of the region. Recognized by the Yunnan Provincial Government as both a provincial-level popular science education base and a patriotic education base, the museum is dedicated to promoting the understanding of local history and culture, alongside serving as an educational resource for the youth.

Institutional Structure

Under the governance of the Diqing Cultural Bureau (迪庆州文化局, Dìqīng zhōu wénhuà jú), the museum is a fully government-funded institution. It currently employs a staff of 9 individuals, including 2 with bachelor’s degrees and 7 with associate degrees. The team consists of various professionals, including one senior-level and two mid-level specialists.

Significant Activities

The museum has been actively involved in various cultural exchanges:

• 2006: Participated in a six-month exchange exhibition titled "Sanxingdui and the Southern Silk Road Bronze Artifacts" at the Sanxingdui Museum (三星堆博物馆, Sān xīng duī bówùguǎn) in Sichuan.
• 2007: Collaborated with Kunming Museum for a three-month exhibition on "Yunnan Ethnic Costumes" at Yangzhou Museum (扬州博物馆, Yángzhōu bówùguǎn). Additionally, museum staff engaged in knowledge sharing with colleagues at neighboring museums in Dali and Lijiang.

How to Get There

Visitors can reach the Nationalities Museum of Diqing by public transport to Shangri-La. The museum is centrally located in Dukezong Ancient Town, which is easily walkable from major transport hubs and accommodations in the area.

Transportation Options

• Bus: Local buses frequently service Shangri-La from various locations in Yunnan.
• Taxi: Taxis are readily available and can be hired to reach the museum directly.
• Self-Driving: For those with rental vehicles, the museum has designated parking areas.

Travel Tips

• Plan Your Visit: Consider checking for special events or temporary exhibitions to enrich your experience.
• Respect Local Customs: Understanding and adhering to local cultural norms enhances the visit.
• Photography Restrictions: Be aware that some exhibits may have restrictions on photography.
• Accessibility Considerations: Inquire about accessibility features if needed.
• Explore Local Cuisine: Take advantage of the various dining options nearby after your museum visit, experiencing local flavors and specialties.

The Nationalities Museum of Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture provides an enriching experience, reflecting the area's cultural richness and history, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Tibetan culture and the heritage of Yunnan Province.