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Ruins of Xiangxiong Kingdom

The legendary Xiangxiong Kingdom was the earliest civilization center on the Tibetan plateau. Xiangxiong means "land of the roc (a mythical huge bird)" in Tibetan. According to historical records, before the rise of the Tubo Kingdom (629-846), the Xiangxiong Kingdom existed and flourished in western Tibet, living mainly on animal husbandry, with some agriculture. The kingdom even established ties with the Tang Dynasty (618-907) in China's Central Plains.

Tibetan historical records show that the Xiangxiong Kingdom flourished in the 7th century, and contained a highly developed culture that included the unique Xiangxiong written language. It was also the cradle of Bon, the indigenous Tibetan religion. The Xiangquan (Elephant Spring River) and Shiquan (Lion Spring River) valleys were its central regions. Xiangxiong culture, consisting of religion, characters, and medical science, occupies an important position in Tibet's civilization history.