Tibetan Villages at Shangri-la

A cluster of ethnic Tibetan villages fills a grassland plane between the mountains. Yaks, pigs, horses, cows, donkeys and sheep constantly wander across the roads. Grand Canyon, snow-capped mountains, pastures, lakes, forests…Shangri-La is a mysterious puzzling legend. To have a village tour in Shangri-la, you should not miss some below Tibetan villages:

Tangdui Village (塘堆村)
This village is 30 km away from Shangri-la city. It’s famous for black pottery made by its local villagers. There are 148 families here totaling about 800 people. Over 50% of the village families are black pottery makers. The history of making pottery in this village dates back over 3000 years. The traditional way of making pottery is handed down from generation to generation. In ancient times, villagers use pottery to trade for rice, salt, tea, oil and everything they need for their livelihood. They use clay to make hot pot, tea pot, and fire pot, vase, incense burner and butter lamp. In this village tourists not only can learn how to make pottery, but can also enjoy the beautiful scenery and learn about Tibetan daily life.

Tibetan Villages at Shangri-la

Xiagei Tibetan Culture Village (霞给藏族文化村)
Some 8 miles from the county seat of Shangri-la, it is located along the same road that takes you to Pudacuo National Park (普达措国家公园). If you take a tour of the park or hire a private car, Xiagei is the usual stop on the way back to Shangri-la. More than twenty families live in this Tibetan village cum shopping center in traditional style homes. The village is meant to exhibit the colorful Tibetan culture, costumes, foods, music and festivals. The Xiagei hot spring is an excellent place to relax after hiking the rigorous trails of Shangri-La. Complete with a large pool, several hot springs and optional accommodations, Xiagei offers travelers an enjoyable retreat away from the city and old town. In the village, artisans show people the history and process of making pottery, Tangka embroidery, wooden and yak bone carving and incense.

Tibetan Villagers at Shangri-la

Niru Village (尼汝村)
In Niru Village, the Tibetan villagers live a peaceful and carefree life, and they always go to bed with the lamb, and rise with the lark. Located in the mysterious valley, Niru village is regarded as a place where people prefer drinking themselves to death. It is a paradise for tourism, adventure and hiking.

Bala village (巴拉村)
The Bala village is a mountainous village sitting high in the clouds at the heart of the national park – the Balagezong Shangri-la Grand Canyon National Park, previously isolated from the outside world, is an almost magical experience. It is such a place that many who have been there agree that it’s the real Shangri-la, the beautiful land described in John Lock’s “Lost Horizon.”