Fire in Xianggelila

[Randy W]

Ancient town catches fire in China's Shangri-la

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/china/2014-01/11/133036341_13894066434621n.jpg

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Dukezong, meaning "the town of moon" in Tibetan and built 1,300 years ago, was an important town on the South Silk Road, also known as the Ancient Road of Tea and Horse. It is now one of the most renowned resorts in Shangri-la, known for its well-preserved ancient Tibetan dwellings.

From the AP

China tourist town burned despite safety system

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The system in Dukezong had been shut down to prevent pipes from bursting in the below-freezing temperatures, the Deqen prefecture fire brigade said on its microblog. The service said the system was installed in 2011 at a cost of 8 million yuan ($1.3 million).

In addition to the system's failure, the freezing temperatures lowered water pressure in hydrants when the fire broke out at about 1:30 a.m. Saturday. The wooden houses burned quickly, while fire trucks were unable to penetrate narrow streets and alleys.

Tourism is virtually the only industry in the traditional Tibetan region. The ancient Tibetan quarter of Dukezong dates back more than 1,000 years and is known for its preserved cobbled streets, ancient structures and Tibetan culture.

The fire raged for nearly 10 hours and destroyed 242 structures. About 2,600 people were left homeless, although no casualties were reported. The blaze started in a guesthouse and has been ruled accidental.

Once called Gyaitang Zong, the county surrounding Dukezong renamed itself Shangri-La in 2001, hoping to draw tourists by referencing the mythical Himalayan land described in James Hilton's 1933 novel.

Edited March 3, 2021 by Randy W (see edit history)

[Randy W]

Updated links -

 

Ancient town catches fire in China's Shangri-la

Edited December 23, 2020 by Randy W (see edit history)

[amberjack1234]

That was so terrible then and it is no better today. Heart breaking for me as a history buff and collector of antiques. I wish that I could have visited it before it went up in smoke. I went to see the hutongs in Beijing and they had walled them up and were demolishing them for the Olympics. Now all those nice new shiny building are sitting and not even being used. What a pity. But the city leaders got what they wanted. Out with the old and in with the new just to impress the world.