Qionglong Silver City
In Qulong Village, Zanda County, Ngari Prefecture, Tibet, atop the Gangdise Mountains on the south bank of the Xiangquan River, stands the ancient Zhangzhung civilization's millennia-old ruins—Qionglong Silver City. At an altitude of approximately 4400 meters, its Tibetan name means "silver castle." Widely regarded by scholars as the capital of the ancient Zhangzhung Kingdom, it is one of the largest and earliest plateau city ruins discovered in Tibet to date, carrying the memories of the Zhangzhung civilization dating back over 3000 years.
Qionglong Silver City holds a pivotal historical position, serving as the political, economic, and cultural center of the ancient Zhangzhung civilization. The ancient Zhangzhung Kingdom was a vast and influential civilization on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, predating the Guge Kingdom by centuries. As its capital, Qionglong Silver City witnessed the Zhangzhung civilization's peak and glory. It was not only the residence of the Zhangzhung royal family but also an important center for the spread of Bon religion. The founder of Bon, Shenrab Miwofo, propagated his teachings here, imbuing the site with a profound religious and cultural heritage.
The ruins showcase the grandeur and mystery of this ancient highland city. Built against the mountainside, the entire city is distributed in a terraced pattern along the ridge, covering a total area of over 100,000 square meters. Existing remains include palaces, temples, residences, fortifications, and sacrificial altars. The buildings are mostly constructed of stone, with thick and sturdy walls; despite thousands of years of weathering, the architectural layout is still clearly discernible. The palace ruins atop the mountain are strategically located, commanding a commanding view and exuding regal grandeur. The sacrificial altars on the mountainside retain traces of Bon religious rituals, surrounded by scattered Mani stones and prayer flags, bearing witness to ancient beliefs.
Archaeological discoveries are gradually clarifying the outline of the ancient Zhangzhung civilization. Numerous artifacts, including pottery, stone tools, metalware, and glass beads, have been unearthed at the site. The painted pottery fragments and bronze ornaments are exquisitely crafted, demonstrating the advanced level of handicrafts at the time. Furthermore, symbolic remains related to Bon religion have been discovered at the site, further confirming its historical status as a sacred site of Bon. These artifacts and relics provide invaluable material evidence for the study of the social structure, religious beliefs, and cultural customs of the ancient Zhangzhung civilization.
Today, Qionglong Silver City lies serenely on the vast plateau, surrounded by rolling earth forests and the winding Xiangquan River, a breathtaking and majestic landscape. Due to its remote location, the site retains its original and rustic appearance, untouched by excessive commercial development. Strolling through it, touching the mottled stone walls, and gazing at the remaining architectural ruins, one feels as if transported back in time, listening to the historical echoes of the ancient Zhangzhung dynasty. This is not only a sacred place for archaeological exploration but also an excellent destination to experience the profound heritage of early Qinghai-Tibet Plateau civilization, captivating every visitor with the unique charm of this millennia-old secret.