Jiangpo Village of Foshan Town in Deqin County, Diqing

Jiangpo Village is located in Foshan Township, Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It lies in the southern part of Foshan Township, approximately 24 kilometers from the township government. The village is situated in the heart of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage site of the “Three Parallel Rivers,” along the eastern bank of the Lancang River, facing the Thirteen Peaks of Meili Snow Mountain across the river. The average elevation of Jiangpo Village ranges from 2500 to 3400 meters.

Cultural History

Jiangpo Village is an ancient Tibetan settlement, with its name meaning “above the iron mine” in Tibetan, derived from an iron mine located below the village. Historically, Foshan Township belonged to the Sang Clan’s “De Ben” (also known as Ba Zong) jurisdiction. During the Ming Dynasty, it was referred to as Foshan Township or District One. After liberation, Jiangpo Village underwent several administrative adjustments, and in 2001, it was officially established as the Jiangpo Village Committee, which is still in use today. In 2014, Jiangpo Village was included in the third batch of China’s Traditional Villages list.

Customs and Traditions

Jiangpo Village preserves a rich Tibetan cultural heritage. In this village, men are skilled at playing the stringed instrument “Xianzi,” while women are known for their beautiful singing voices. The “Xianzi dance” is an important form of local artistic expression. Moreover, Jiangpo is the birthplace of traditional archery, and every spring, when the peach blossoms bloom, the village is beautifully adorned in pink, earning it the nickname “Peach Blossom Village.”

Weather and Best Travel Time

Jiangpo Village experiences a plateau monsoon climate, with moderate and humid weather. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn, when the climate is pleasant and the scenery is at its most beautiful. In spring, the blooming peach blossoms make the village especially picturesque.

Recommended Attractions

  • Traditional Residential Buildings of Jiangpo Village: Experience the traditional Tibetan architectural style.
  • Xueda Lake: Located near the Suoda Village Group, the lake offers a complete reflection of the Thirteen Peaks of Meili Snow Mountain.
  • Meili Snow Mountain Viewing Platform: Located in the Suoda Group, every household has a view of Meili Snow Mountain.

Suggested Duration for Each Destination

  • Traditional Residential Buildings of Jiangpo Village: Stay for half a day to deeply understand the local architectural culture.
  • Xueda Lake: Stay for half a day to enjoy the natural beauty.
  • Meili Snow Mountain Viewing Platform: Stay for half a day to experience the religious culture.

Transportation

  • By Car: From Deqin County, drive along National Highway 214 (De Yan Road) for 51 kilometers, and after reaching Hongxing Bridge, turn right and drive for another 13 kilometers to Jiangpo Village.
  • By Public Transport: Take a bus from Deqin County Bus Station to Foshan Township, and then transfer to local transportation.

Cuisine

  • Butter Tea: A traditional Tibetan drink served with Tsampa (roasted barley flour).
  • Wild Honey: A local specialty with a rich and smooth taste.
  • Homemade Dishes: Simple, traditional Tibetan home-cooked dishes.

Shopping

  • Ethnic Handicrafts: Such as wooden bowls and Tsampa boxes, showcasing strong ethnic characteristics.
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine: Locally abundant medicinal herbs like Gastrodia Elata and Qin Jiao.

Accommodation

Jiangpo Village offers the chance to stay with local villagers in a warm and rustic environment. The average cost for three meals and accommodation is around 100 RMB per day.

Travel Tips

  • Respect Local Customs: Respect Tibetan religious beliefs and traditional customs while visiting.
  • Protect the Environment: Jiangpo Village has a good ecological environment, so please pay attention to environmental protection during your visit.
  • Safety: The road to Jiangpo Village is quite rugged, so be cautious when driving.

Suggested Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrive in Jiangpo Village, visit the traditional residential buildings, experience local customs, and taste traditional food.
  • Day 2: Visit Xueda Lake to enjoy natural scenery, and in the afternoon, go to the Meili Snow Mountain Viewing Platform to experience the religious culture.
  • Day 3: Return to Deqin County or continue exploring other destinations.

Jiangpo Village is a place full of ethnic characteristics and cultural heritage, perfect for visitors who enjoy folk culture and natural scenery. Here, you can experience the warm hospitality of the locals and explore the unique charm of ancient ethnic cultures. We hope your trip to Jiangpo Village will be memorable, leaving you with unforgettable memories.