Sangmu Folk Nature Village, located in Dongga Town, Doilungdeqen District, lies conveniently near the Lhasa River and the Qinghai-Tibet Highway. This picturesque village, nestled along the Duilong River, boasts sprawling farmlands, quaint cottages, lush forests, and winding streams, forming a tranquil rural setting. In 2012, the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Tourism Administration jointly designated Sangmu Village as a “National Agricultural Leisure and Rural Tourism Demonstration Site.”
Rich in cultural heritage, Sangmu Village offers a variety of attractions. Visitors can discover ancient handicrafts, such as a millennium-old water mill and the 600-year-old historic Sere Manor. A notable tradition in Sangmu Village is the Mulberry New Year Flowers, unique plants inserted into Chema boxes during Tibetan New Year celebrations. According to legend, Master Padmasambhava named the village “Sangmu” during his time in the area.
Birthplace of the Third Dalai Lama
Sangmu Village also holds historical importance as the birthplace of the Third Dalai Lama, Sonam Gyatso, with his birthplace meticulously preserved. The village is known for producing notable individuals and centenarians, including Gar Dongtsen, a significant Tibetan official.
Sangmu Village is famous in Lhasa as a hub for singing and dancing, with the Kyumolong Tibetan Opera Troupe, founded by Tibetan opera performer Ache Dangsang, gaining widespread acclaim. Additionally, the village is known for its expertise in wool carpet processing, with every household engaged in the production of carpets and car mats. This rich cultural heritage and artistic tradition make Sangmu Village a captivating destination for travellers.
Here are some tour tips for visiting Sangmu Village:
Getting There:
Sangmu Village is located 12 kilometres away from Lhasa city. Visitors have the option to drive or ride there themselves. To reach the village by road, you can take the 109 national highway and look for the roadside signboard indicating “Sangmu Natural Folk Village.” The entire journey is on asphalt roads in good condition. Alternatively, you can take city buses 16 and 18, and simply get off at the “Sangmu Natural Folk Village” station.
Explore Rural Life:
Once in Sangmu Village, tourists can immerse themselves in the rural scenery of Lhasa. You can visit local families, savour authentic farm cuisine, go horseback riding, explore traditional Tibetan Linka gardens, enjoy traditional songs, dances, and dramas, and even join in on local celebrations. This provides a unique opportunity to appreciate Tibetan customs, lifestyles, religious beliefs, and the culture of the villagers. It’s a window into the local way of life.
Visit Hada Folk Scenic Area:
For those with more time and a keen interest in exploring the region’s culture, consider visiting the Hada Folk Scenic Area, located about 10 kilometres west of the county seat. This area boasts rich folk culture and picturesque Tibetan pastoral scenery. It offers various activities such as folk tourism, leisure, summer vacations, and educational experiences related to history and culture. One notable feature is Tongga Village, the region’s first comprehensive solar energy utilization demonstration village. You can explore the use of solar devices installed at the doorstep and on the roofs of every household.
These tips should help you make the most of your visit to Sangmu Village and the surrounding areas. Enjoy your trip!
