The Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Ethnic Museum (迪庆自治州民族博物馆), established in September 1997, occupies an area of 3,239 square meters, with an exhibition area of 3,576.84 square meters. As a comprehensive museum of regional significance, it serves as an essential institution for the preservation of cultural heritage in the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and a vital venue for the public to understand and learn about Tibetan culture.
The museum boasts an extensive collection of artifacts, including Buddhist statues, Thangka paintings, Buddhist artifacts, musical instruments used in Buddhism, Qiangmu dance masks and costumes, partition paintings, Dongba scriptures, Dongba paper paintings, as well as stone tools, bronzeware, pottery, handicrafts, ethnic costumes, calligraphy, paintings, and coins. These artifacts not only hold significant historical value but also showcase the rich ethnic culture and natural resources of the Diqing region.
The museum also houses artifacts unearthed from the Gordon Neolithic Culture within the territory of Weixi Lisu Autonomous County, bearing witness to human habitation and civilization in the Diqing region six to seven thousand years ago. Artifacts such as stone coffins and burial objects excavated from Yongzhi, Nagu, and Shidi in Deqin County indicate the existence of a diverse indigenous culture created by the early Tubo people over 2,300 years ago.
Through four exhibition halls titled “Natural Shangri-La,” “Historical Shangri-La,” “Cultural Shangri-La,” and “Today’s Shangri-La,” the Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Ethnic Museum comprehensively presents the unique natural, historical, and cultural features of “Shangri-La” in the Yunnan Tibetan area and the achievements of the autonomous prefecture. The museum is divided into two floors, with the first floor primarily displaying artifacts unearthed from the Neolithic Age, while the second floor focuses on exhibitions related to Tibetan medicine and Buddhism. Additionally, the museum features specialty areas such as a Tibetan medical consultation room, providing visitors with rich and immersive viewing experiences.
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 17.00; Last admission: 16.30 Closed on Mondays |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0887-8226610 |
Location and Transportation
The Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture Ethnic Museum is situated next to the Moonlight Square in the Dukezong Ancient Town of Shangri-La City, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. Visitors can easily access the museum by taking public transportation within Shangri-La City. Bus routes such as Shangri-La Route 16, Shangri-La Route 3, and the Shuttle Bus stop at various bus stops near Dukezong Ancient Town. From there, visitors can disembark and walk to the museum.
