Benzilan Village Tibetan Ethnic Culture Protection Area in Deqin County, Diqing

Benzilan Village (奔子栏村) is located in the southeast of Deqin County (德钦县), Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (迪庆藏族自治州), Yunnan Province (云南省). Nestled at the foot of Baima Snow Mountain (白马雪山) on the western bank of the Jinsha River (金沙江), it faces Shangri-La City (香格里拉市) and Waka Town (瓦卡镇) in Derong County (得荣县), Sichuan Province (四川省), across the river. The National Highway 214 passes through the village, which is a vital stop along the ancient Tea-Horse Road (茶马古道).

History and Culture

Benzilan Village (奔子栏村) has a long history. Its name means “beautiful sandy plain” in Tibetan and is also referred to as “the paradise where a princess danced.” According to legend, Princess Wencheng (文成公主) paused and danced here on her journey to Tibet. Historically, it was part of the ancient southwestern route to Tubo (吐蕃) and served as a strategic point on the Yunnan-Tibet section of the Tea-Horse Road (茶马古道). The village preserves rich Tibetan traditional culture, including traditional clothing, handicrafts, and religious practices.

Folk Customs

Traditional Clothing

Tibetan women in Benzilan (奔子栏) wear brightly colored, elegant garments, while men wear traditional Tibetan attire.

Traditional Handicrafts

Local crafts include wooden bowls, tsampa (糌粑) boxes, and Tibetan-style folding tables, showcasing refined craftsmanship.

Religious Culture

Nearby sacred sites include the mountains Rinpoche Bawu (日尼巴乌) and Buyong Xuebu (布雍学布), as well as white stupas and prayer halls.

Song and Dance Culture

Benzilan’s Guozhuang Dance (锅庄舞) is a key cultural activity. The annual “Rinpoche Pilgrimage Ceremony” (日尼转山仪式) features group dancing and chanting of devotional songs.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Benzilan (奔子栏) has a dry-hot valley climate, with a mild year-round temperature averaging 15°C. Extremes range from 36°C to -7.4°C. The best seasons to visit are spring and autumn, when the weather is pleasant and the scenery most beautiful.

Recommended Attractions

Traditional Tibetan Residential Architecture

Benzilan Village (奔子栏村) features well-preserved tower-style wooden houses, representative of traditional Tibetan construction.

Benzilan Stupa Hall Murals (佛塔殿壁画)

Built in the mid-19th century, these murals exhibit exquisite artistry and are listed as a provincial cultural heritage site.

The First Bend of the Jinsha River (金沙江第一湾)

Located at the border between Benzilan Town (奔子栏镇) and Derong County (得荣县), Sichuan, the river makes a dramatic “Ω”-shaped turn.

Helong Bridge (贺龙桥)

Situated in the Gelaangshui Village Group (格浪水小组) of Benzilan Village, it is a third-batch prefecture-level protected cultural relic in Diqing Prefecture (迪庆州).

Suggested Duration of Stay

• Benzilan Village overall: 1 day to experience local customs and culture.
• Stupa Hall Murals: Half a day to explore the mural art in depth.
• First Bend of the Jinsha River: Half a day to enjoy the natural beauty.

Transportation

Self-Driving

Start from Shangri-La City (香格里拉市) and take National Highway 214 to Benzilan Village (奔子栏村), approximately 100 kilometers.

Public Transportation

Take a coach from Shangri-La Bus Station (香格里拉客运站) to Benzilan Town (奔子栏镇), then transfer to local transport.

Local Cuisine

• Tibetan Highland Barley Wine (青稞酒): Traditionally brewed, rich in flavor.
• Tsampa (糌粑): A staple Tibetan food, usually consumed with butter tea.
• Tibetan Hotpot: Made with yak meat and various vegetables.

Shopping

• Traditional Tibetan Clothing: Bright colors and exquisite craftsmanship.
• Wooden Handicrafts: Items like wooden bowls and tsampa boxes rich in ethnic character.

Accommodation

Benzilan Village (奔子栏村) and nearby areas offer Tibetan-style homestays with good facilities that allow guests to experience Tibetan hospitality.

Travel Tips

• Respect Local Customs: Visitors should respect the religious beliefs and traditional customs of the Tibetan people.
• Environmental Protection: The village has a well-preserved natural environment. Please avoid littering or causing damage.
• Safety: The roads leading to Benzilan can be rugged. Drivers should exercise caution.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Benzilan Village (奔子栏村), visit traditional Tibetan homes, experience local customs, and enjoy Tibetan cuisine.
Day 2: Visit the Stupa Hall murals (佛塔殿壁画) to learn about mural art; in the afternoon, head to the First Bend of the Jinsha River (金沙江第一湾) for scenic views.
Day 3: Visit Helong Bridge (贺龙桥) to explore historical relics; return to Shangri-La City (香格里拉市) or continue to other destinations.

Benzilan Village (奔子栏村) is rich in Tibetan cultural heritage and natural beauty, making it an ideal destination for travelers interested in ethnic customs and landscapes. Here, you’ll experience the warmth and hospitality of the Tibetan people and discover the unique charm of ancient culture. May your journey in Benzilan be filled with meaningful experiences and unforgettable memories.

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