Dukezong Old Town
Shangri-La, Shangri-La
Shangri-La's Tibetan old town, centered on the world's largest prayer wheel.
Dukezong ('moonlight city') is a Tibetan old town of stone lanes, yak-hair awnings, and carved windows, rebuilt after the 2014 fire with the original patterns. At its heart stands the world's largest prayer wheel, brass and 60 tons, turned by hand.
Twelve people pulling together spin it for luck. Come at dusk when the lanes light up and the butter-lamp rooms glow.
Best for: The moonlight city and the world's biggest prayer wheel.
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