Tangdui Village of Nixi Town in Shangri-la City, Diqing
Geographic Location
Tangdui Village (汤堆村) is situated in Tangman Village (汤满村), Nixi Township (尼西乡), approximately 30 kilometers from downtown Shangri-La City (香格里拉市). Located at the intersection of National Highway 214 (国道214线) and Xiangwei Road (香维路), this historic stop along the Ancient Tea-Horse Road (茶马古道) serves as a gateway to:
- Meili Snow Mountain National Park (梅里雪山国家公园)
- Balagezong·Shangri-La Grand Canyon National Park (巴拉格宗·香格里拉大峡谷国家公园)
- Baima Snow Mountain Yunnan Snub-Nosed Monkey National Park (白马雪山滇金丝猴国家公园)
2. Ethnic Groups and Traditional Crafts
Tibetan Community
The village is predominantly inhabited by Tibetans who maintain authentic cultural traditions.
Black Pottery Craft
Recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage (国家级非物质文化遗产), Nixi Black Pottery (尼西黑陶) making involves 12 meticulous steps:
- Clay collection (采土)
- Sun drying (晒土)
- Pounding (舦土)
- Sieving (筛土)
- Kneading (和泥)
- Shaping (制坯)
- Porcelain inlaying (镶瓷)
- Air drying (阴干)
- Polishing (磨光)
- Firing (烧制)
- Smoke curing (焐熏)
- Yogurt wash (刷酸奶渣水)
Visitors can observe demonstrations and participate in workshops.
3. Customs and Festivals
Apple Picking Festival
- Period: September-October
- Activities: Harvest experiences, apple-based culinary events
Peach Blossom Festival
- Period: March-April
- Activities: Cultural activities amidst blooming orchards
Love Dance Festival (情舞节)
- Period: Summer
- Activities: Traditional Nixi Tibetan courtship dances
Zangchang Festival (藏昌节)
- Period: Summer
- Activities: Folk song and dance performances
Dragon Boat Horse Racing Festival (端午赛马节)
Period: 3 days around Lunar May 5th
Highlights:
- Equestrian competitions
- Yak races
- Ox-pulling contests
Oil Sunflower Viewing Festival (油葵观赏节)
- Period: July-August
- Activities: Photography in golden sunflower fields
Happy Shangri-La Festival (欢乐香巴拉)
Period: Lunar New Year (2nd day)
Venue: Moon Square (月光广场), Dukezong Ancient Town (独克宗古城)
Events:
Dragon dances
- Cultural performances
- Blessing ceremonies
4. Ancient Architecture
Listed in China’s 3rd Batch of Traditional Villages (第三批中国传统村落名录), the village preserves authentic Tibetan dwellings with:
- Stone-wood structures
- Ornate window carvings
- Flat roofs for grain drying
5. Historical Figures
Lu Rong Enzhu (鲁茸恩主)
As the national inheritor of black pottery craft (国家级非物质文化遗产代表性传承人), he:
- Preserves ancient techniques
- Runs cultural workshops
- Promotes Tangdui’s pottery globally
6. Tourism Resources
Cultural Experiences
- Black pottery workshops
- Traditional dance participation
Natural Attractions
Seasonal landscapes:
- Spring peach blossoms
- Summer sunflower seas
- Autumn apple orchards
Scenic diversity:
- Snow mountains
- Grasslands
- Coniferous forests
Culinary Specialties
- Nixi Black Pottery Stewed Chicken (尼西黑陶炖尼西鸡)
- Nixi Potatoes (尼西洋芋)
7. Transportation
Public Transit
Take Deqin-bound buses from Shangri-La, alight at Tangdui.
Self-Drive
30km along National Highway 214 from Shangri-La.
