Relics of Xiangxiong Kingdom in Nyima County, Nagqu
Chinese Name: 象雄王国的遗迹
English Name: Relics of Xiangxiong Kingdom
Location: Located in Nyima County(尼玛县), Nagqu Prefecture(那曲)， Tibet Autonomous Region, China
Admission fee: Free
Opening hours: All day
About Relics of Xiangxiong Kingdom
According to historical records, before the rise of the Tubo Kingdom, western Tibet was where the Xiangxiong Kingdom was located and flourished. Xiangxiong was later subdued and became part of the Tubo Kingdom.
History and Development of Relics of Xiangxiong Kingdom
Tibetan historical records show that the Xiangxiong Kingdom flourished in the 7th century. The Xiangquan and Shiquan river valleys were its central regions. Xiangxiong culture, consisting of religion, characters, and medical science, occupies an important position in Tibet’s civilization history. The Xiangxiong Kingdom was also the cradle of the Bon, the indigenous religion of Tibet. But due to poor traffic conditions in the area and a lack of research on Xiangxiong culture, the ruins are relatively little known.
A legend says there are two ruins of the Xiangxiong Kingdom of the Bon.
One ruin was the capital of the Xiangxiong Kingdom located in the Qionglong silver city in Zhada County of the Ngari Prefecture. Many relics of early human caves and paintings on rocks exist at Zhada Clay Forest. The famous Qionglong City was found in a basin surrounded by mountains. The ruins stand on a cliff, facing east and dotted with caves. The ruined walls and stones lend an atmosphere of mystery.
The other ruin is Qongzon nearby the Ombu Office in Nagqu, where many relics of the Xiangxiong Kingdom have been found, including a temple near the most sacred lake of the Bon followers. The ruins consist of many caves dug into the Daguo Mountains, covering one square kilometer. Old trees and caves on surrounding cliffs are the most striking features.
Main Attractions- The mysterious of Relics of Xiangxiong Kingdom
The Ngari Prefecture has opened a special route to the ancient Xiangxiong ruins, offering more chances to experience the grandness of this mysterious ancient kingdom. The 380-kilometer route runs through Burang and Zanda counties in the western part of Southwest China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. There are many ruins of the ancient kingdom along the way.
Attraction Transportation
The main road 301 (Ann lion road) runs through Anduo to Nyima County, Dongcuo, Gaize and finally reaches to Lion Spring Town with a total length of 1338 kilometers.
Attraction Travel Tips
1. Traveling Hours: 2~3 hours
2. Traveling Seasons: All year
3. High Altitude Sickness Avoiding: Bring enough water and some thick clothes, eating more fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and so on.
