Zhaya Tusi Chieftain Manor Banquet in Shangri-La, Diqing

Zhaya Chieftain Manor (扎雅土司庄园) is the first and largest Tusi (土司) manor in Shangri-La (香格里拉), covering an impressive area of 3,000 square meters. The manor features an elegant and clean dining environment, preserving the traditional practice of serving meals in separate dishes, reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the Tusi.

Dining Experience

Guests are treated to a delectable yak meat hot pot, featuring an assortment of dishes, including fatty yak beef and yak meatballs, complemented by eight meat dishes and eight vegetarian options. The manor hosts numerous engaging song and dance performances throughout the evening, culminating in a grand bonfire party with over a hundred participants, where guests can dance and celebrate together.

Evening Dinner Details

The Zhaya Chieftain Dinner typically begins at 6:00 PM. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a traditional welcome ceremony, including photo opportunities and the presentation of a khata (哈达), a ceremonial Tibetan scarf. Visitors will then follow the flow of guests into the dining area, where staff will verify attendance and contact information. Seating arrangements are made on-site, and reservations are strictly non-refundable. It’s advisable to plan your itinerary in advance, as fees are not refundable for personal reasons if you are unable to attend.

Historical and Cultural Significance

Zhaya Chieftain Manor is reputed to be the largest Tusi manor in Shangri-La and is believed to have served as the residence of Lord Duoji in the TV series "Shangri-La" (香格里拉). The manor is nestled against the backdrop of majestic snow-capped mountains, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the town.

Manor Composition

The manor consists of several key structures, including a Tibetan-style main building, a Tibetan culture exhibition hall, a scripture hall, and Tibetan guest rooms. Covering over 5,000 square meters, the manor's expansive design features a grand roof that enhances its majestic appearance. At the entrance, a fine horse symbolizes the Tusi lord, allowing visitors the chance to ride around the manor and emulate the Tusi’s traditional inspections of their territory.

Cultural Exhibits

As you enter the manor, the Tibetan Culture Exhibition Room showcases various artifacts associated with the Tusi, including hunting bows, saddles, wine pots, snuff bottles, and thumb rings—each item reflecting the unique aspects of Tibetan culture.

Main Building Features

Inside the main building, the second floor houses the council hall and bedroom of the Tusi. The council hall, adorned with intricate wood carvings, is a significant space where the Tusi conducted administrative affairs. Adjacent to the council hall is a fire pit, an essential feature in Tibetan households that is now utilized for cooking.

The Tusi's bedroom is furnished with incense burners, tea sets, and a collection of traditional garments displayed on the Tusi's couch.

Scripture Hall and Performances

Next to the bedroom, the scripture hall features a wall adorned with a 3D embroidery sculpture of Yani silk, which is recognized as part of China’s intangible cultural heritage. The hall is dedicated to revered figures such as Avalokiteshvara and Shakyamuni. It is said that high monks would gather here nightly to impart teachings and blessings.

Upon exiting the scripture hall, visitors enter a spacious hall that once hosted grand banquets by the Tusi. Today, it serves as a venue for guests to enjoy traditional Tibetan song and dance performances. While indulging in barley wine and butter tea, guests can savor roasted whole lamb, immersing themselves in the luxurious lifestyle once enjoyed by the Tusi.

For those wanting to continue the festivities, there is a lively courtyard in front of the main building where guests can participate in the energetic Guozhuang dance, joining in the merriment to the cheerful tunes played by local musicians.

Address

157 Kangzhu Avenue (康珠大道157号), Shangri-La City (香格里拉市), Diqing Prefecture (迪庆州)

Type

Cultural Heritage Site

Recommended Visit Duration

1-2 hours

Contact Information

Phone: 0887-8224379

Opening Hours

6:30 PM - 10:00 PM (Please check the daily announcements for specific performance times.)

Ticket Price

Approximately 281 yuan per person.

How to Get There

To reach Zhaya Chieftain Manor:

1. By Air: Fly into Shangri-La Airport (香格里拉机场) from major cities in China.
2. From the Airport: Take a taxi or arrange for transportation to the manor, which is approximately 10 km away from the airport.
3. Local Transport: The manor is easily accessible via local taxis or public transport within Shangri-La.

Travel Tips

• Best Time to Visit: Spring and autumn are ideal for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The landscape is particularly stunning during these seasons.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Be respectful during performances, and follow local customs. Engaging with the local culture enhances the experience.
• Altitude Awareness: Shangri-La is situated at a high altitude, so allow time to acclimatize and stay hydrated.
• Local Cuisine: Don't miss the opportunity to try local dishes, especially those made from yak, to experience the flavors of Tibetan culture fully.
• Photography: Capture the vibrant performances and scenic views, but always ask for permission when taking photos of locals.