Shangbala Tibetan Culture Museum in Shangri-La, Diqing
Attraction Overview
Shangbala Tibetan Culture Museum is a new attraction in Diqing Prefecture and a landmark building in Shangri-la city. It's worth a visit where you can have an intuitive understanding of Tibetan culture in a short time.
Attraction Type: Museum
Chinese Name: 香巴拉藏文化博物馆
Recommended Visiting Time: 2 Hours
Open Hours: 08:00-18:00
Admission Fee: RMB 280
Location: in the middle section of Changzheng avenue in Shangri-la city, Diqing Prefecture, Yunnan province
Overview
The Shangbala Tibetan Culture Museum, located in the central area of Shangri-La County (香格里拉县), Diqing Prefecture (迪庆州), Yunnan Province (云南省), is a significant cultural establishment dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan culture. Covering an area of 22 acres, the museum features a striking 11-story main building that stands approximately 60 meters tall. With a total floor area of 25,131 square meters, the architectural design includes a tower-like golden dome that embodies distinctive Tibetan traditional styles. The museum not only showcases a vast collection of invaluable Tibetan cultural artifacts but also serves as an essential window into the region’s rich history and artistic heritage.
Construction History
The museum was constructed within the scenic area of Yading (亚丁) in Daocheng County (稻城县), with an elevation of 3,900 meters. Once completed, it is set to surpass the height of the Tibetan Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum, establishing itself as the highest cultural museum globally. Officially opened to the public in October 2023, the museum marks a significant addition to cultural tourism in the region.
Architectural Features
The museum’s primary structure is made of steel framing, with a unique shell-like roof. The exterior showcases a combination of glass curtain walls and stone façades, creating a modern yet culturally resonant appearance. The building’s total height is 17.5 meters, and it occupies around 1,000 square meters, with approximately 3,000 square meters of total construction area, including three floors above ground.
Key Exhibits
The museum consists of several exhibition halls, each offering unique insights into Tibetan culture. Notably, the large Thangka (唐卡) exhibition hall is a highlight, featuring a Thangka recognized by the Guinness World Records for its size and intricacy. Visitors are encouraged to start their journey on the fourth floor, gradually descending through the halls to experience the profound visual and cultural impact of the displays.
In addition to the Thangka hall, the Tibetan Buddhist Art Exhibition Hall and the Tibetan Medicine Culture Exhibition Hall are essential visits. The Northern Hall houses a free-entry Tibetan Medicine Culture Museum, which is a treasure trove for those curious about Tibetan medicine. Here, you’ll find famous Tibetan medical texts, including the Four Medical Classics (四部医典), which delve into the mysteries and intricacies of Tibetan medical practices. It is advisable to engage a guide to provide insights into the historical context, stories, and medicinal uses of the exhibited artifacts.
The museum also features a library where visitors can borrow books to gain a deeper understanding of Tibetan culture. Many of these books are rare and not easily accessible online or in Han Chinese regions, making this an invaluable resource for enthusiasts.
Visitor Information
- Chinese Name: 香巴拉藏文化博物馆
- Location: Center of Shangri-La County, Diqing Prefecture, Yunnan Province
- Area: 22 acres
- Type: Non-state-owned museum
- Opening Date: May 1, 2015
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Building Area: 25,131 m²
Attraction Highlights
The museum’s layout is designed to accommodate various cultural experiences. The first and second floors serve as reception and visitor services areas, while the grand hall on the third floor is dedicated to the Kalachakra Buddha (时轮金刚大佛). The exhibition halls on the third through sixth floors contain a total of twenty rooms, showcasing a diverse array of Tibetan art and culture.
Above the seventh floor, the museum houses a three-dimensional Kalachakra Mandala (时轮金刚立体坛城) alongside a learning center, scripture storage rooms, and various cultural displays, all contributing to an immersive Tibetan cultural atmosphere. The museum aims to promote in-depth exploration of the “Shangbala” cultural concept, serving as a vital platform for research, exhibition, and education.
How to Get There
By Car
Travelers can drive from Shangri-La Passenger Station (香格里拉客运站) by heading south on Shangbala Avenue (香巴拉大道), passing through Gezan Road (格咱路) to reach Changzheng Avenue (长征大道) and continuing to Shangri-La Mandala Square (香格里拉坛城广场).
By Air
Shangri-La Airport (香格里拉机场) covers 225 hectares and is one of the largest airports in Northwest Yunnan. It operates flights to Kunming (昆明), Chengdu (成都), and Lhasa (拉萨). Most tourists choose to fly from Kunming to Diqing, with daily flights taking approximately 55 minutes at a fare of around ¥560. Flights to Chengdu take about 2.5 hours, costing approximately ¥780, while flights to Lhasa Gonggar Airport (拉萨贡嘎机场) take 1 hour and 40 minutes, priced around ¥1,250. Taxis from the airport to the bus station typically cost around ¥5.
Travel Tips
- Plan Ahead: Check flight schedules and availability in advance, particularly during peak travel seasons to avoid disappointment.
- Hire a Guide: Engaging a knowledgeable guide can enhance your experience by providing context and deeper understanding of the exhibits.
- Library Access: Take full advantage of the library’s offerings to explore Tibetan culture more thoroughly, as many resources are unique to this area.
- Respect Cultural Practices: When visiting the museum, maintain a respectful demeanor towards the artifacts and the cultural significance they hold.
- Photography: While photography may be allowed in certain areas, always check for signage regarding restrictions to preserve the sanctity of the exhibits.
