Shengping Town of Deqin County, Diqing

Shengping Town （升平镇）is located in the central high mountain area of Deqin County, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province. It is the county seat and serves as the political, economic, and cultural center of Deqin County. The town is surrounded by mountains on three sides and faces the Lancang River valley, with the famous Meili Snow Mountain in the distance. It is often referred to as the “Snow Mountain City” due to its proximity to the snow-capped peaks. The town covers an area of about 765 square kilometers.

History

Shengping Town, historically known as “Adunzi,” was renamed in 1878 during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty. The name “Shengping” was derived from the local temple “Deqin,” which means “peace and prosperity” in Tibetan. The town has been a significant trading hub on the ancient Tea Horse Road. In 1950, it was referred to as Shengping District, and in 1969, it was renamed Gaofeng Commune. In 1984, the commune system was abolished, and Shengping Town was reestablished.

Folklore

Shengping Town is a multi-ethnic settlement, home to Tibetan, Naxi, Bai, Lisu, Yi, Nu, and Han ethnic groups. The town is renowned for its rich ethnic cultures and traditional customs. For instance, the Tibetan ethnic group is known for its traditional costumes and religious ceremonies, while the Lisu ethnic group is famous for its Azhi Muge singing and dancing. The town also hosts various festivals such as the Kuoshe Festival and Harvest Festival.

Weather and Best Time to Visit

Shengping Town has a cold temperate mountain monsoon climate, characterized by long winters and short summers, with an average annual temperature of 5.5℃. The best time to visit is in spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the scenery is at its most beautiful.

Recommended Attractions

  • Meili Snow Mountain: A famous snow mountain range with stunning natural beauty. It is considered one of the most beautiful mountains in China.
  • Baima Snow Mountain: A natural reserve with rich biodiversity and beautiful alpine landscapes.
  • Shengping Town Center: Explore the town’s architecture and experience the local culture.

Suggested Duration of Stay

  • Meili Snow Mountain: Suggested stay of half a day to one day.
  • Baima Snow Mountain: Suggested stay of half a day.
  • Shengping Town Center: Suggested stay of 2 hours.

Transportation

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

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.
  • Roast Suckling Pig: A local specialty.

Shopping

  • Ethnic Handicrafts: Items such as wooden bowls and Zamba boxes, which are rich in ethnic characteristics.
  • Local Agricultural Products: Including Yunnan Golden Snub-nosed Monkey honey and walnuts.

Accommodation

There are several Tibetan-style guesthouses in and around Shengping Town, 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: Shengping Town has a good ecological environment. Pay attention to environmental protection during your visit.
  • Safety First: The roads to Shengping Town are relatively rugged. Drive carefully if you are traveling by car.

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrive in Shengping Town, explore the town center, and taste local specialties.
  • Day 2: Head to Meili Snow Mountain to enjoy the stunning natural scenery.
  • Day 3: Visit Baima Snow Mountain. Return to Deqin County or continue to other attractions.
Shengping 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 Shengping Town will be fruitful and leave you with unforgettable memories.