Daocheng history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of the area where Daocheng stands today is rooted in ancient times. Historically, this region was known by its Tibetan name, Dabba, and was part of the Kham cultural area. The county received its modern administrative name only in the early 20th century, in 1911, during the twilight of the Qing Dynasty. The city's name, which translates as "Rice City" or "City of Rice Fields," symbolised a hope for agricultural prosperity despite the harsh climatic conditions of the highlands.

Key Factors of Development

The formation of the settlement and its development were defined by a complex combination of natural and social factors:

• Geographical Location. The city is situated on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau surrounded by high mountains, which provided natural protection for centuries and helped preserve the authentic way of life.
• Administrative Reforms. The transition from the traditional system of governance by local chieftains (Tusi) to a centralised administrative system in the early 20th century was a turning point in the county's history, integrating it into the general structure being built by China.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

The region's economy was traditionally based on highland animal husbandry (yak breeding) and the cultivation of frost-resistant crops such as barley. The cultural appearance of Daocheng was formed under the strong influence of Tibetan Buddhism. Ancient monasteries, such as the famous Chonggu or Gongga Langjiling, served not only as religious shrines but also as centres of education, art, and social life, around which the local population concentrated.

Major Development Milestones

• 7th Century: The territory enters the sphere of influence of the Tibetan Empire, facilitating the spread of Buddhism and the formation of local culture.
• Ming Dynasty Era (1368–1644): The region is governed through a system of local hereditary chieftains (Tusi) recognised by the central authority.
• 1911: During administrative reforms, Daocheng county is officially established; its name symbolises a wish for a rich harvest.
• 1928: The famous explorer Joseph Rock visits these places, and his photographs in National Geographic magazine reveal the beauty of the region to the Western world for the first time.
• 1936: Troops pass through the county during the Long March, becoming an important page in the modern history of the area.
• 1955: Following the abolition of Xikang province, the county is administratively annexed to Sichuan province, China.
• 1980s: Restoration begins on historical religious structures, including the famous Chonggu Monastery.
• 2001: The scenic Yading nature area receives the status of a state nature reserve.
• 2003: The reserve is included in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, confirming its unique ecological value.
• 2013: Daocheng Yading Airport opens, becoming the highest civilian airport in the world (4,411 metres above sea level).
• 2020: The Yading tourist zone receives the highest category, 5A, in the national rating of tourist attractions.

Key Stages of Transformation

The history of the city's development and its surroundings is a journey from a remote mountain settlement to a centre of global tourism and advanced science. The main milestones that defined the modern economic and cultural appearance of the region include:

• Administrative Birth (1911). The official establishment of Daocheng county became the starting point for the formation of civil administration. The assignment of a name meaning "Rice City" symbolised an attempt to introduce farming and a striving for food sustainability in harsh conditions.
• Cultural Discovery to the World (1928). Joseph Rock's expedition and his publications in the Western press laid the foundation for the Shangri-La myth. This event created a powerful cultural brand which, decades later, became the main driver of the tourism economy.
• Integration into Sichuan Province (1955). Administrative annexation to one of the key provinces ensured a stable supply for the region and inclusion in general infrastructure development plans, linking the highlands with the economic centres of the plains.
• Change of Economic Paradigm (2001). The creation of the Yading Nature Reserve marked a shift away from logging in favour of nature conservation. This decision reoriented the county's economy towards eco-tourism, which became the main source of income.
• Infrastructure Breakthrough (2013). The opening of Daocheng Yading Airport, the highest in the world, eliminated centuries of transport isolation. Reducing travel time from Chengdu from two days to one hour made the region accessible to mass tourists.
• Rise of a Science Cluster (2010s – 2020s). The construction of the LHAASO observatory and solar observation telescopes transformed the plateau into a unique open-air laboratory. Now China is developing not only tourism here but also advanced astrophysics.
• Service Standardisation (2020). Awarding the tourist zone the highest 5A category stimulated urban renewal: improved roads, hotel modernisation, and the implementation of high standards of guest service.

Architectural Appearance and Traditions

The urban development of the region, centred on Daocheng, is inextricably linked with the culture of the Kham Tibetans and the harsh conditions of the highlands. Unlike in megacities, you will not find glass and concrete skyscrapers here; the architectural landscape has been formed over centuries under the influence of religion and the need for protection against cold winds. The appearance of the city represents a unique fusion of traditional architecture and modern tourist infrastructure, stylised to look ancient.

Main Architectural Styles and Eras

The development of buildings can be roughly divided into historical stages, each corresponding to a specific approach to construction:

• Traditional Vernacular Architecture (Diaofang). A historically established style of residential buildings characteristic of the region for centuries. These are massive stone fortress-houses with flat roofs and walls tapering towards the top. The ground floor was usually used for livestock, and the first floor for living. A characteristic feature is windows with trapezoidal frames, decorated with bright painting.
• Monastic Architecture (Ming and Qing Eras). Religious structures, such as monasteries and stupas, became the dominant features of the landscape. This style is characterised by golden roofs, rich wood carving, and the use of red and yellow colours, symbolising Buddhist wisdom and compassion.
• Neo-Tibetan Style (Modernity). With the start of the tourism boom in the 2000s, China began actively developing the region's infrastructure. New hotels, administrative buildings, and museums are built using modern materials (reinforced concrete) but are externally stylised as traditional Tibetan structures, preserving the local flair.

Iconic Structures and Landmarks

The look of Daocheng is defined by several key objects that serve as visual landmarks and cultural centres:

• White Stupa Park (Baita). A majestic complex located at the entrance to the city. It is the largest white stupa in Sichuan province, surrounded by numerous prayer wheels. It is the symbol of the city and a main point of attraction for pilgrims, setting a sacred tone for the entire space.
• Gongga Langjiling Monastery. A striking example of classical Tibetan temple architecture. The building stands out for its scale and complex internal layout, reflecting the spiritual hierarchy and history of Buddhism in the region.
• Stone Houses in the Valley. Authentic villages have been preserved in the city's surroundings, where architecture is perfectly integrated into the natural landscape. Stone for construction is quarried right here, making the buildings a natural extension of the rocky mountains.

Outstanding Personalities in Daocheng's History

The fate of this highland region is intertwined with the lives of spiritual leaders, brave explorers, and scientists, each of whom contributed to transforming a remote county into a global legend.

• Ngawang Lobsang Gyatso (1617–1682)
  Spiritual leader, the 5th Dalai Lama
  Played a key role in the religious enlightenment of the region. It was he who granted the name and patronage to the Gongga Langjiling Monastery, cementing the influence of the Gelug school in Daocheng county. Thanks to him, the monastery became a vital spiritual centre uniting local residents for centuries.
• Zhao Erfeng (1845–1911)
  Statesman of the Qing Dynasty
  Initiator of administrative reforms in the Kham region. His efforts to transition from governance by local chieftains to a centralised system led to the official establishment of the county in 1911, which marked the beginning of the integration of these lands into the state's administrative structure.
• Joseph Rock (1884–1962)
  American explorer, botanist, and photographer
  Undertook several expeditions to this area in the 1920s. His captivating articles and photographs in National Geographic magazine opened the "Holy Mountains" of Yading to the Western world for the first time. Rock effectively became the godfather of tourism in the region by documenting its unique flora and culture.
• James Hilton (1900–1954)
  English novelist
  Author of the famous novel "Lost Horizon". Although the writer never visited China personally, it was the descriptions of landscapes made by Joseph Rock in these parts that inspired Hilton to create the image of Shangri-La — a mythical land of eternal happiness and harmony.
• Xiao Ke (1907–2008)
  General, military commander
  Commander of the 6th Corps of the Red Army. During the historic Long March in 1936, he led his troops through the territory of the county. This event left a deep mark on local historiography and helped establish connections between the region and the future government of the republic.
• Cao Zhen (Contemporary)
  Astrophysicist
  Leading researcher and head of the LHAASO project. Thanks to his work, one of the world's most advanced observatories for registering cosmic rays was built on the Haizi Mountain plateau, turning the region into a global centre for astrophysical research.