Hometown of Tibetan Kings · Cradle of Civilization
Shannan City, Qiongjie County—the birthplace of the Tubo Dynasty, boasting national key cultural relics protection units such as the Tibetan King's Tombs and Qingwa Dazi Palace ruins. A 3-day 2-night itinerary to touch the pulse of ancient Tibetan civilization.
Tibetan King's Tombs
National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit
Qingwa Dazi Palace
Tubo Dynasty Ancient Capital Ruins
3900m
Average Altitude
18,000
Population
Qiongjie County Three Days Tubo Cultural Journey
Tomb Exploration + Ancient Capital Tracing + Religious Origins, decode the Tubo civilization
Duration
3 Days 2 Nights
Main Destinations
Tibetan King's Tombs, Qingwa Dazi Palace Ruins, Riwo Dechen Monastery, Qiongjie Dzong
Target Audience
History enthusiasts, archaeology researchers, photography fans, cultural explorers
Per Capita Budget
¥600-¥1200
01
Tomb Exploration
Tubo Dynasty Memories
Highlights
Tibetan King's Tombs archaeological journey
Attractions
Tibetan King's Tombs
National Key Cultural Relics Protection Unit (altitude 3880m), the mausoleum complex of Tubo Dynasty emperors, with 9 tombs existing, among which the tombs of Songtsen Gampo and Tride Songtsen are the most famous.
Qingwa Dazi Palace Ruins
Early Tubo Dynasty capital ruins (altitude 3920m), once the royal palace of Tubo emperors, with existing palace foundations and city wall ruins, overlooking the entire Qiongjie Valley.
Tibetan King's Tomb Museum
A special museum showcasing excavated cultural relics from the Tibetan King's Tombs and Tubo history and culture (altitude 3870m), with precious cultural relics such as gold and silver wares, pottery, and stone carvings in its collection.
Practical Information
Travel Tips
- Abide by cultural relics protection regulations in the scenic area
- The mountain road to Qingwa Dazi Palace ruins is steep
- Photography is prohibited inside the museum
- It is recommended to hire a professional guide to understand the historical background
Dining Recommendations
- Qiongjie Tibetan Noodles
- Tubo Flavor Roast Lamb Chops
- Butter Cake
- Highland Barley Wine
02
Religious Culture
Tibetan Buddhism Heritage
Highlights
Ancient monasteries and religious art
Attractions
Riwo Dechen Monastery
An important Nyingma school monastery of Tibetan Buddhism (altitude 3950m), built in the 11th century, famous for its exquisite murals and sculptures. Ancient Buddhist scriptures are preserved inside the monastery.
Qiongjie Dzong Ruins
An ancient local administrative center of Qiongjie (altitude 3900m), a castle-style building integrating military defense and religious functions, with complete walls and some buildings remaining.
Tangboqie Monastery
A Sakya school monastery of Tibetan Buddhism (altitude 3890m), built in 1017, renowned for its unique architectural style and precious religious relics.
Practical Information
Travel Tips
- Dress formally when entering monasteries
- Do not touch Buddha statues and murals
- Obtain consent before photographing inside the monastery
- Some monasteries require hiking to reach
Special Experiences
- Observe monks chanting scriptures
- Religious mural appreciation
- Thangka making experience
- Tibetan incense making craft learning
03
Folk Customs
Tradition and Nature
Highlights
Rural cultural experience
Attractions
Jiamo Township Folk Village
A village preserving intact Tibetan traditional dwellings (altitude 3850m), where you can experience traditional Tibetan lifestyles and watch folk song and dance performances.
Qiongjie Wetland
A plateau wetland located around the county town (altitude 3880m), with lush water plants, serving as a habitat for various water birds, and beautiful natural scenery.
Qiongjie Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop
A venue showcasing and inheriting the intangible cultural heritage of Qiongjie County (altitude 3890m), where you can watch and experience traditional crafts such as Tibetan paper making and carving.
Practical Information
Travel Tips
- Respect local customs when entering villages
- You can bargain appropriately when buying handicrafts
- Keep quiet when visiting the wetland
- Intangible cultural heritage experiences require advance reservation
Special Experiences
- Tibetan family home visit
- Traditional wedding custom experience
- Wetland bird watching photography
- Intangible cultural heritage handicraft making
Qiongjie County Must-Try Foods
Qiongjie Tibetan Noodles
A specialty noodle dish of Qiongjie County, made with local highland barley flour, served with yak beef broth and special spicy sauce, offering a unique flavor.
Tubo Roast Lamb Chops
A specialty dish inheriting ancient Tubo cooking skills, using local lamb marinated and then roasted, with a crispy outside and tender inside, full of aroma.
Qiongjie Butter Cake
A traditional pastry made with butter, highland barley flour, and sugar, with a soft texture, sweet but not greasy.
Tibetan Yogurt Rice
A specialty food made by mixing rice with plateau yogurt, sweet and sour, delicious, and helpful for digestion.
Qiongjie County Travel Tips
Best Seasons
- Apr-May: Spring warmth and flowering, pleasant climate, fewer tourists
- Sep-Oct: Crisp autumn air, suitable for outdoor tours and photography
- Jun-Aug: Rainy season, but lush greenery and comfortable temperatures
Travel Suggestions
- Day 1: Focus on visiting the Tibetan King's Tombs and Qingwa Dazi Palace ruins
- Day 2: Explore religious and cultural attractions
- Day 3: Experience rural folk customs and intangible cultural heritage
- It is recommended to hire a professional guide to understand the historical background
Practical Information
- No graffiti or carving inside cultural relics protection units
- Respect local religious beliefs and customs
- Some ruin areas lack shading facilities, take sun protection measures
- Accommodation conditions in the county are limited, you can choose to return to Shannan city for accommodation
Transportation Guide
- Qiongjie County is about 60km from Shannan city center, accessible by shuttle bus or chartered car
- Attractions within the county are relatively concentrated, accessible on foot or by local tricycle
- Renting a local vehicle is required to reach some rural attractions
- Road conditions are good, ordinary sedans can pass