Update | Fire destroys most of ancient Tibetan town of Dukezong in Shangri-la

A blaze that raged for nearly 10 hours has destroyed most of a 1,300-year-old Tibetan town in Shangri-la, in Yunnan province.

Hundreds of buildings, including one with monument status dating to the early 17th century, were destroyed in the fire which began early yesterday in Dukezong Ancient Town.

No injuries were reported but at least 1,000 people were evacuated. The cost of the damage was initially put at more than 100 million yuan (HK$128 million).

"My entire 10-year-old guest house with 47 beds was burned to ashes," said guest-house owner Zhou Peng. "This is the biggest fire we have ever seen. There were at least six gas-tank explosions."

The fire broke out at 1.30am and was brought under control by 11am, CCTV reported. Firefighters struggled to navigate the area's narrow streets and find water for their hoses. The town had only one water tank, with a supply of just 800 tonnes. That was exhausted after 10 minutes. The next nearest source was 1.5 kilometres away. Sub-zero temperatures froze the fire engines' water. Winds fanned the flames.

Locals estimated that more than 70 per cent of Dukezong was destroyed, including the town's central Sifang Street and a white Tibetan prayer tower.