Dongwang Town of Shangri-La City, Diqing

Geographic Location

Dongwang Township (东旺乡) is located in the northern part of Shangri-La City (香格里拉市), situated between 99°23′ to 99°53′ east longitude and 28°22′ to 28°52′ north latitude, near the Yunnan-Sichuan border.

  • East: Borders Dongsong Township (洞松乡) of Xiangcheng County (乡城县), Sichuan Province.
  • Southeast: Adjacent to Geza Township (格咱乡) of Shangri-La City.
  • South: Borders Nixi Township (尼西乡) of Shangri-La City.
  • West: Neighboring Bairi Township (白依乡) of Xiangcheng County (乡城县), Sichuan Province.

The township spans 50 km from east to west and 23 km from north to south, covering an area of 1,281.69 square kilometers. It is located within the Hengduan Mountains (横断山脉) fault zone, characterized by a high mountain and deep valley landscape.

  • Highest point: Yongniannalong Snow Mountain (拥念那垄雪山) at 5,050 meters above sea level.
  • Lowest point: Lower Dongwang River (东旺河) at 2,180 meters, creating a 2,870-meter altitude difference.

This vertical climate zone results in a unique weather pattern described as “four seasons in one mountain, different climates within ten miles”. The river valleys exhibit a dry and hot climate typical of such regions.

Ethnic Groups and Traditional Crafts

Ethnic Groups

Dongwang Township is predominantly inhabited by Tibetans, who account for 99.67% of the total population (2008 data). Tibetan culture is deeply rooted in daily life, reflected in architecture, clothing, and festivals.

Traditional Crafts

Tibetan Clothing Production

  • Main material: Handmade pulu (氆氇), a traditional Tibetan woolen fabric.
  • Weaving techniques:
  • Plain weave with cross “十” patterns.
  • Twill weave with “人” (human-shaped) patterns.
  • Typical products: Tibetan robes, belts, leg wraps, blankets, and bags.
  • Colors and designs:
  • Men’s Tibetan robes are white and brown with cross-patterns.
  • Women’s attire is vibrant, dominated by black and dark blue, with red, yellow, green, black, and white triangle patterns on the chest and cuffs.

Other Potential Crafts

  • Thangka Painting (唐卡绘制): Intricate Buddhist paintings with vibrant colors.
  • Wood Carving (木雕): Commonly found in home décor and temples.
  • Tibetan Incense Making (藏香制作): Using natural ingredients for aromatic and medicinal purposes.

Customs and Festivals

Traditional Festivals

Tibetan New Year (藏历新年)

The most significant festival for Tibetans, equivalent to the Han Chinese Spring Festival.

  • Activities include house cleaning, making “Kasai” (卡赛, fried Tibetan pastries), horse racing, archery, and singing/dancing performances.

Wangguo Festival (望果节)

A harvest festival where villagers wear festive attire, hold barley stalks, and walk around farmland to pray for a good harvest.

  • Includes horse racing, archery, and cultural performances.

Shoton Festival (雪顿节)

Held in the seventh month of the Tibetan calendar, meaning “yogurt banquet”.

  • Features Buddha image unveiling, Tibetan opera performances, and a grand market fair.

Daily Customs

  • Tibetan Buddhism influences daily life, with prayer flags and prayer wheels seen everywhere.
  • Hospitality: Presenting a white Khata (哈达, ceremonial scarf) is a sign of respect and welcome.
  • Religious ceremonies: Major life events (weddings, funerals, housewarming) involve inviting lamas to chant prayers.

Traditional Architecture

Dongwang Township does not have widely documented ancient buildings, but Tibetan settlements typically feature earth-wood structures:

  • Two-story houses: Lower level for livestock storage, upper level for residence.
  • Intricate wooden carvings on doors, windows, and pillars, featuring auspicious symbols, floral designs, and animals.
  • Flat rooftops for drying crops and holding religious activities.
  • Mani stone piles (玛尼堆) and prayer flags enhance the spiritual ambiance.

Tourist Attractions

Natural Landscapes

Dongwang Grand Canyon (东旺大峡谷)

  • Located on the route from Daocheng’s Shangri-La Town (香格里拉镇) to Benzilan (奔子栏).
  • Features steep cliffs and deep valleys, with roads built along the cliff base.
  • Unlike Tiger Leaping Gorge (虎跳峡), this canyon is more secluded and rugged.
  • Caution during rainy seasons due to rockfall hazards.

Snow-Capped Mountains

  • Home to Yongniannalong Snow Mountain (拥念那垄雪山) and others.
  • The snow-covered peaks shimmer under the sunlight, creating breathtaking views.

Pristine Forests

  • Rich in spruce, fir, and diverse undergrowth.
  • Habitat for wildlife like the Takin (羚牛) and Tibetan Snowcock (藏马鸡).
  • Ideal for hiking and nature photography.

Alpine Meadows

  • Flourish with wildflowers in summer and turn into a golden landscape in autumn.
  • Great for wildlife spotting and outdoor activities.

Cultural Attractions

Tibetan Villages

  • Experience traditional Tibetan homes and daily life.
  • Enjoy butter tea (酥油茶), barley wine (青稞酒), and Tsampa (糌粑).

Handicraft Workshops

  • Participate in Tibetan weaving and Thangka painting.
  • Buy local handmade crafts as souvenirs.

Transportation

External Transportation

By Air

  • Closest airport: Diqing Shangri-La Airport (迪庆香格里拉机场).
  • Connected to Kunming, Chengdu, Chongqing, Guangzhou, etc.
  • From the airport, travel to Shangri-La City by airport shuttle, taxi, or rental car.
  • To Dongwang Township: No direct public transport; requires chartered vehicle (2-3 hours).

By Train

  • Nearest station: Lijiang Railway Station (丽江站).
  • From Lijiang to Shangri-La: Take a long-distance bus.
  • From Shangri-La to Dongwang Township: Travel via chartered vehicle.

Internal Transportation

  • Main roads are mountainous; some roads may be in poor condition.
  • Self-driving is an option, but requires caution due to landslides and steep cliffs.
  • For remote areas like forests and meadows, hiring a local guide is recommended.