Ruins of the Shangshung Kingdom

Ruins of the Shangshung Kingdom

The ruins of the Shangshung Kingdom are located in Qiongzhong, not far from the office of Wenbu Township in Nyima County, Nagqu. This vast site is believed to have been the capital of the Shangshung Kingdom. Built halfway up a mountain with stone structures, the ruins are on a grand scale. The ancient Shangshung Kingdom was once highly influential on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and it was during this time that the world’s oldest form of Tibetan Buddhism, the ancient Bon doctrine known as “Yungdrung Bon,” emerged.

Guide: In the Wenbu area of Nagqu, there is said to be an ancient Shangshung ruin built halfway up a mountain, constructed from stone and on a grand scale. The ruins date back approximately 1,600 years. The Shangshung Kingdom was once prominent on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, and the Bon religion originated during this period. In the 8th century, the Shangshung Kingdom was conquered by the Tibetan Empire. Today, the Shangshung ruins coexist with the famous Mount Daguo and Lake Dangreyongco, featuring countless broken walls and ruins that offer visitors a place for reflection and sightseeing. The ancient Shangshung civilization reached a very high level—not only developing its own unique script, but also serving as the birthplace of Tibet’s indigenous Bon religion. It had a profound impact on later Tibetan culture, including the Tubo Kingdom, leaving behind many mysteries after its mysterious decline. According to Bon legend, the capital of Shangshung was located in Qionglong Yincheng, which is now within the boundaries of Zhada in Ngari. Indeed, there are numerous early human cave dwellings and rock paintings in the Zhada Tulin region. In Qiongzhong, not far from the office of Wenbu Township in Nyima County, Nagqu, there is a large site also believed to have been the capital of Shangshung. Nearby Lake Dangreyongco is considered the most sacred lake by Bon followers, and by the lakeside stands the Yubeng Temple, built inside a cliff cave. It is said to be the oldest Bon temple and remains highly active in worship.

Transport: Qiongzhong is about 20 kilometers from Wenbu Village and can be reached by car from Nyima.

Address: Wenbu Township, Nyima County, Nagqu Prefecture, Tibet

Type: Historical Site

Recommended Visiting Time: 2–3 hours

Opening Hours:

Open all day

Ticket Information:

No admission fee.