Shangri La Dukezong Old Town Night Tour
Tour Overview
Dukezong Old Town in Shangri-La, located in Yunnan Province, is one of the best-preserved ancient Tibetan towns. At night, the town transforms into a mystical and enchanting place, with...
Code of Tour: YET0000063651
Length of Travel: 1 Day
Destinations of Tour: Shangri La
Departure City: Shangri-La
Price of Tour: Request
Type of Tour:
Features of Tour: Nightlife tours
Dukezong Old Town in Shangri-La, located in Yunnan Province, is one of the best-preserved ancient Tibetan towns. At night, the town transforms into a mystical and enchanting place, with its cobblestone streets, traditional Tibetan architecture, and colorful prayer flags illuminated by soft lights. A night tour of Dukezong Old Town offers visitors an opportunity to experience the unique culture, cuisine, and traditions of the Tibetan people in a serene and magical setting.
Tour Highlights
- Moonlight Square (月光广场):
- Central Gathering Place: Begin your tour at Moonlight Square, the central square of Dukezong Old Town. This area is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and often features traditional Tibetan music and dance performances.
- Giant Prayer Wheel: Admire the giant prayer wheel, one of the largest in the world, and try spinning it for good luck and blessings.
- Guishan Park (龟山公园):
- Panoramic Views: Climb up to Guishan Park for a panoramic view of the entire old town illuminated at night. The park offers a peaceful escape and beautiful vistas of the surrounding area.
- Ancient Tibetan Monastery: Visit the small Tibetan monastery located within the park, which is beautifully lit and provides a serene atmosphere for evening reflection.
- Exploring the Ancient Streets:
- Traditional Tibetan Houses: Stroll through the narrow, winding streets lined with traditional Tibetan houses adorned with wooden carvings and colorful prayer flags.
- Local Shops and Boutiques: Browse local shops selling Tibetan handicrafts, including Thangka paintings, prayer beads, and traditional clothing.
- Tibetan Cuisine:
- Authentic Tibetan Food: Dine at local restaurants offering authentic Tibetan cuisine such as yak meat, butter tea, and barley wine. Many establishments feature cozy, traditional Tibetan decor.
- Street Food: Enjoy Tibetan street food like momos (dumplings), roasted barley, and fried yak cheese.
- Night Market:
- Vibrant Atmosphere: Explore the night market, which is filled with stalls selling local snacks, handicrafts, and souvenirs. The market is a great place to sample local delicacies and find unique gifts.
- Tibetan Cultural Performances:
- Traditional Music and Dance: Experience traditional Tibetan music and dance performances at various venues around the old town. These performances often include colorful costumes and traditional instruments.
- Monastic Chanting: Visit a local monastery to listen to the monks’ evening chants, a deeply spiritual and moving experience.
- Prayer Flag Hill:
- Symbolic Landscape: Walk up Prayer Flag Hill, adorned with thousands of colorful prayer flags fluttering in the night breeze. This site is particularly beautiful and offers a tranquil spot for contemplation.
- Local Bars and Tea Houses:
- Relaxing Evenings: End your tour by relaxing in one of the local bars or tea houses, many of which offer a cozy atmosphere and beautiful views of the old town.
Tips for the Night Tour
- Warm Clothing: Evenings can be cold, especially at high altitudes, so dress warmly.
- Comfortable Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven cobblestone streets.
- Cash: Bring cash for purchases, as many vendors may not accept credit cards.
- Respect Local Customs: Be mindful of local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.
- Flashlight: Carry a small flashlight for navigating darker areas.
Conclusion
A night tour of Shangri-La Dukezong Old Town offers an unforgettable experience filled with cultural insights, beautiful scenery, and authentic Tibetan hospitality. From the serene atmosphere of Guishan Park to the lively night market and traditional performances, this tour provides a captivating glimpse into the rich heritage and vibrant nightlife of this ancient Tibetan town.
Service Included:
- Admission fees for all of the sightseeing spots listed in the itinerary;
- Meals as listed in the itinerary;
- Hotels as listed in the itinerary;
- Private English-speaking tour guide;
- Private vehicle for transfers & sightseeing with skilled driver;
- Service charge & government taxes;
- Luggage transfers between airports and hotels;
- Service charge and all government taxes;
- Travel Agency’s Responsibility Insurance coverage.
Service Excluded:
- Any arrival and departure international airfares or train tickets;
- Chinese visa fees;
- Excess baggage charged by Airlines;
- Single room supplement;
- Tips to guides and drivers;
- Personal expenses and gratuities to service staff;
- Personal travel accident insurance;
- All optional programs.
