迪庆

Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture is located in the northwest of Yunnan Province, on the southeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, with an average altitude of about 3,380 meters. It has a plateau monsoon climate, with low temperatures throughout the year, large temperature differences between day and night, distinct dry and wet seasons, and an annual precipitation of about 600 mm.

Diqing has a long history. During the Tang and Song dynasties, it was under the rule of the Tubo regime. In the Yuan dynasty, the Xuanzheng Yuan was established here. In the Ming dynasty, it belonged to the Mu chieftain of Lijiang, and in the Qing dynasty, Zhongdian Prefecture was set up. In 1957, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture was established, becoming the only Tibetan autonomous prefecture in Yunnan Province.

Diqing is dominated by Tibetan culture, blended with multi-ethnic characteristics. Famous festivals include Tibetan New Year and Horse Racing Festival. Local cuisine features butter tea, tsampa, yak meat hot pot, and highland barley wine, with rich flavors typical of the plateau.

Modern Diqing relies on tourism as a pillar industry. Shangri-La Airport has opened multiple routes, and the Lijiang-Shangri-La Railway is now operational. Ecological protection and tourism development go hand in hand. Scenic spots like Potatso National Park and Songzanlin Monastery have well-established facilities, making Diqing an internationally renowned tourist destination.