Benzilan Town of Deqin County, Diqing

Benzilan Town （奔子栏镇）is located in the southeastern part of Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It sits at the foot of the Baima Snow Mountain and on the west bank of the Jinsha River, facing Shangri-La City and Deqen County in Sichuan Province across the river. The town covers an area of 1245 square kilometers. It is a key transportation hub on the ancient Tea Horse Road, with National Highway 214 passing through.

History

Benzilan has a long history dating back to the Tubo Dynasty. It was historically an important stop on the Tea Horse Road. In 1950, it was established as the Sixth District of Weixi County. It was later renamed and restructured several times, becoming a township in 2002.

Folklore

Benzilan is a multi-ethnic settlement, predominantly inhabited by Tibetans. The town is renowned for its rich Tibetan culture, including traditional costumes, religious ceremonies, and folk dances like Guozhuang. The annual “Rini Zhuan Mountain Ceremony” is a significant event where locals perform rituals and dances.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Benzilan features a subtropical monsoon climate with a dry-hot valley climate. The annual rainfall is only 374 millimeters, making it a typical dry area despite its proximity to high-rainfall regions. The best time to visit is from March to November, with May to October being the peak season.

Recommended Attractions

  • Gaden Dongzhulin Monastery: Located 23 kilometers from Benzilan, this monastery is a significant religious site with a rich collection of Buddhist artifacts.
  • Jinsha River: The river offers beautiful scenery and is a great spot for photography and hiking.

Suggested Duration of Stay

  • Gaden Dongzhulin Monastery: Suggested stay of half a day.
  • Jinsha River: Suggested stay of 1 hour.

Transportation

  • By Car: From Deqin County, the drive to Benzilan is approximately 180 kilometers.
  • By Public Transport: Buses are available from Deqin County Passenger Station to Benzilan.

Cuisine

  • Tibetan Butter Tea: A traditional Tibetan beverage made from butter, tea, and salt.
  • Zamba: A staple food of the Tibetan people, made from roasted barley flour.
  • Fresh Fish from Jinsha River: A local delicacy.

Shopping

  • Ethnic Handicrafts: Items such as wooden bowls and Zamba boxes, known for their craftsmanship.
  • Local Agricultural Products: Including grapes and olives.

Accommodation

There are several Tibetan-style guesthouses in Benzilan, offering a good experience of Tibetan culture and lifestyle.

Travel Tips

  • Respect Local Customs: When visiting, respect the religious beliefs and traditional customs of the local ethnic groups.
  • Protect the Environment: Benzilan has a good ecological environment. Pay attention to environmental protection during your visit.
  • Safety First: The roads to Benzilan are relatively rugged. Drive carefully if you are traveling by car.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrive in Benzilan, explore the town center, and taste local specialties.
  • Day 2: Visit Gaden Dongzhulin Monastery to experience the rich Tibetan Buddhist culture.
  • Day 3: Explore the Jinsha River area. Return to Deqin County or continue to other attractions.
Benzilan Town is a place full of ethnic characteristics and cultural heritage, suitable for tourists who love folk culture and natural scenery. Here, you can feel the warm hospitality of the local people and appreciate the unique charm of ancient ethnic cultures. We hope that your trip to Benzilan Town will be fruitful and leave you with unforgettable memories.