West Sichuan Tour Experience
Traveling to China is a wonderful experience, but traveling to West Sichuan is a different type of once-in-a-lifetime experience. Visiting a different culture and learning about tradition and history is what made me travel to West Sichuan.
West Sichuan is a Province in the southwest of China, and it is an amazing place where the wild beauty of the Tibetan Plateau meets green valleys and old cultures. This part of Sichuan Province is famous for its stunning scenery, including high mountains with snow on top, clear lakes formed by glaciers, wide grassy areas with yaks, and traditional Tibetan villages. The special geography of the area supports a wide variety of plants and animals, making it a perfect spot for people who love nature and outdoor adventures.
But there's more to West Sichuan than just its nature. It's a place full of culture, home to the Khampa Tibetans. This region lets you see a lifestyle that hasn't changed much for hundreds of years. You'll find old monasteries, colorful prayer flags blowing in the breeze, and lively festivals that show off the strong spiritual beliefs and community feeling of its people. The mix of Tibetan Buddhism with local ways of life gives visitors a deep and meaningful experience, letting them learn about the region's spiritual, artistic, and food traditions.
This is My West Sichuan Tour Experience
This is my travel journal to West Sichuan in this mid of autumn, I have traveled to Kangding, Daocheng and Yading, Xinduqiao, Danba, and Mountain Siguniang.
Visiting West Sichuan is a must for adventurers and those who love culture and nature. It's a chance to see untouched beauty and take part in deep cultural traditions that are hard to find anywhere else. Whether you're hiking in the Yading Nature Reserve, looking at the ancient Tibetan towers in Danba, or trying the hot and spicy Sichuan food, West Sichuan offers a wide range of exciting experiences.
Start of the Tour in Chengdu
Oct 16 : Chengdu - Ya'an - Er'lang mountain - Luding -Kangding- Xinduqiao - Yajiang
Early morning at 6:40, after meeting with everyone in the hotel, and putting tons of our luggage in the minivan, our west Sichuan trip officially started!
From Chengdu to Ya'an it's like 1 hour and 40 min drive, all well-built highway without any scenery along the way, it's all peaceful in the minivan and I couldn't help taking a nap to cover my poor sleep last night due to the incoming trip!
We arrived at Duoying County, Ya'an City at 8:20, where we could already see the body of Mt.Er'lang clearly, we had a very nice breakfast including noodles and some pieces of cold mutton, a good start to nice meals during the following trip.
Breakfast took half an hour and then came the mountain road ride, at 11:25 we arrived Er'lang mountain tunnel, the highest and longest road tunnel in China.
12:50 noon we arrived at Luding town, which is a historical spot in China especially during the war of liberation, 19 soldiers of the red army risked their lives and successfully crossed the bridge of only 5 chains over Dadu River, and destroyed the enemy's pillboxes on the other side of the river, so that the majority of red army could get through.
Famous Luding bridge
One of the popular attractions in Luding County in Sichuan is the Luding Bridge, also known as the Luding Iron Chain Bridge. This is a significant historical and architectural landmark located bridge because it has played a crucial role in Chinese history, particularly during the Long March of the Chinese Communist Party's Red Army in 1935. Here are some key facts about the Luding Bridge:
Historical Importance: The Luding Bridge is best known for the Battle of Luding Bridge on May 29, 1935, during the Long March. This battle was a critical moment for the survival of the Red Army, allowing them to continue their strategic retreat and eventually lead to the rise of the Communist Party in China.
Construction and Design: The bridge has a long history date. It dates back to the Qing Dynasty, constructed in 1706. It spans the Dadu River, featuring a length of approximately 100 meters (about 330 feet). The bridge is supported by 13 iron chains, with two chains serving as railings and the remaining as the base for wooden planks. Over time, the original wooden planks have been replaced, but the iron chains remain.
Cultural Symbol: The Luding Bridge is celebrated in Chinese history and literature after it has become a symbol of bravery and heroism in Chinese culture, embodying the spirit of the Red Army's determination and sacrifice.
Tourist Attraction: Today, the Luding Bridge is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors who come to admire its historical significance and architectural uniqueness. The surrounding area offers breathtaking views of the Dadu River and the mountains, making it a picturesque spot for photography.
Accessibility and Challenges: Accessing the bridge involves crossing the Dadu River, which can be challenging during periods of high water flow. Visitors are advised to exercise caution and respect the natural environment around the bridge.
After lunch at Luding town, we headed to Kangding, which is about an hour away, we moved across Zheduo mountain and rushed to Xinduqiao. Enjoying a reputation as' the paradise of photographers ', Xinduqiao was always filled of photography fans everywhere when we arrived, the blue sky, yellow woods, open hills, streams, everything was awesome not only for those camera guys but for all people with love to nature.
Zheduo Mountain
Zheduo Mountain is a mountain pass close to Kangding, in the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It’s at about 4,298 meters (14,100 feet) above sea level. Let's dive into some interesting things about Zheduo Mountain:
Key Location: Right on the edge of the Tibetan Plateau, Zheduo Mountain acts as a bridge between two worlds: the green, fertile lands of the Sichuan Basin and the rough, untouched lands of the Tibetan Plateau. This spot has been key for traders for centuries, especially with the ancient Tea Horse Road that connected China's Han regions with Tibet.
Natural Wonders: The mountain is famous for its amazing views, colorful wildflowers in the warmer months, and snowy peaks in the winter. Thanks to its varied weather and height, you can see everything from thick forests at the bottom to wide-open meadows higher up.
Cultural Heart: For the Tibetan people living nearby, Zheduo Mountain is very special. It's part of many local stories and is a place where traditional events and rituals happen, showing the deep bond between the community and nature.
Fun for Visitors: Zheduo Mountain is a hit with tourists and anyone who loves being outdoors. You can go hiking, bike on mountain trails, or take photos. It's a great place to see the beauty of the Tibetan Plateau and learn about Tibetan culture.
With its beautiful nature and deep cultural roots, Zheduo Mountain is a fantastic spot for anyone traveling through Sichuan Province or heading to the Tibetan Plateau. It offers a unique glimpse into the area's natural beauty and cultural traditions.
After taking photos at Xinduqiao, instead of staying around for overnight, we drove to Ya'jiang for overnight in order to save time for next day's activities.
Road condition & scenery along the way:
- Chengdu - Ya'an, all highway, very good, no scenery
- Ya'an - Luding, mountain road, not very well, many cars at first at Er'lang mountain, the road condition is getting better to Luding. Mountain View, a good spot for photography.
- Luding - Kangding, good, mountain road, less cars, mountain view, river.
- Kangding - Xinduqiao, is very good, couldn't move because of the amazing sceneries:)
- Xinduqiao-Yajiang is very bad, like sitting on the waves, no views along the way.
Next Stop
In order to catch the sunrise, we had to get up very early though didn't have a good sleep last night due to the long drive and poor accommodation at Yajiang, 6:45a.m we were already on our way to Litang county.
We drove along the Yalong river, rode thought Mt.Jianziwan (4659m) and Mt.Kazila (4718m), arrived in Litang at 11:30a.m and had some dumplings for lunch, everything in Litang is much more expensive than in other places due to its high altitude and poor transportation, half kilo dumplings charged 35RMB!
About Litang
Litang is a town famous for its high location, rich Tibetan culture, stunning landscapes, and deep history. It’s also known as the "World's High City" because it's over 4,000 meters (about 13,123 feet) above sea level, Litang is a place where nature's beauty meets a rich cultural history.
Cultural Heart: Litang is very important in Tibetan Buddhism as it's the birthplace of several key figures, including the 7th Dalai Lama. The town is filled with old monasteries, like the famous Litang Chode Monastery, which are central to the spiritual life here.
Nature's Canvas: The area around Litang is a dream for nature lovers, with wide-open grasslands, rolling hills, and mountains that touch the sky. It's perfect for those who like horse riding, hiking, or just soaking in the views.
A Look into the Past: There's more to Litang than just its natural beauty and culture. The town has a rich history, including stories of Tibetan resistance and its relationship with China. There are many historic sites to discover.
Travel Advice: Since Litang is so high up, visitors need to get used to the altitude to avoid getting sick. Also, its remote location is perfect for those looking to get away from it all and enjoy some peace on the Tibetan Plateau.
Litang offers a special mix of breathtaking landscapes, important cultural sites, and fun festivals that make it a must-see for anyone visiting Sichuan Province or interested in Tibetan culture.
In the afternoon, we another 2 over 4000m mountains to drive through, first Mt.Tuzi followed by Mt.Haizi, the latter is the famous glacier relic, after four hours drive we arrived at Daocheng at 4:45, and without a break we continued to Yading scenic spot for overnight and eventually arrived at 6:50 p.m. Overnight at Yading local Tibetan homestay.
The Next day
With a forecast of no possibility of sunshine this morning, I had a long enough sleep last night and got up to finish, had a shabby breakfast of cookies and pure waters on the minivan, and then we headed to Mt.Echu, a place I've never heard before, it was like 29 km from the entrance of Yading scenic spot, road condition on the mountain was terrible, but awesome landscapes along the mountain road, we finally reached to a local Tibetan village close to the peak, local Tibetan people were very hospitable there and asked me for a milk tea at their house, it was a nice treat.
We drove back to Yading County at noon after a visit to Mt.Echu, and we got some free time for the rest of the day, I stayed in the Inn for several hours watching some American dramas and later went to visit some local hotels and took record and pics of each one for future reference.
Road condition & Scenery long the way
- Yading - Mt.Echu, very bad, mountain road seen above, but scenery is stunning, local Tibetan village is so worth visiting.
Yading Nature Reserve
October 19th: At 8:20, we arrived at the entrance of Yading Nature Reserve, only 5 5-minute rides from our Inn. From the entrance to Lotongba, where we could climb the mountain, is an hour and a half ride, it all snows for most of the ride, vert stunning snow view of the mountain.
From Longtongba to Chonggu Temple, it was about 3 km but with several hundred meters altitude difference, we rode a horse at 40RMB per person, it was about an hour ride if walking then it took double time, from where tourists dismount the horse to Chonggu temple is another 10 min walk, we were already surrounded by the extreme amazing autumn sceneries, colorful woods, snow mountain, streams, everything was breath-taking.
It's a pity that the way to Luorong cattle farm was blocked due to the heavy snow by then, we had to stay at Chonggu temple trying to see if the road could be open again later the same day, but with negative answers eventually, so we rode a horse down after several hours waiting and visiting at Chonggu temple, thought the scenery there was very beautiful already.
Road condition & scenery along the way: Yading - Longtongba, sightseeing bus route, very good, great sceneries along the way! Longtongba - Chonggu temple, horse riding, the road is very difficult, too bad even for horses, surrounded by the smell of Autumn, great scenery!
Way to Chonggu Temple
Chonggu Temple is a peaceful Tibetan Buddhist temple located in the stunning Yading Nature Reserve, in Daocheng County. Sitting high at about 3,900 meters (12,795 feet) in the Eastern Himalayas, this temple is not just a place for spiritual reflection but also a starting point for adventurers looking to explore the beautiful Yading area.
History and Culture: With a history that stretches back hundreds of years, Chonggu Temple is deeply rooted in Tibetan Buddhist traditions. It's connected to Yading's three holy mountains — Mount Chenresig, Jambeyang, and Chanadorje. These mountains are symbols of compassion, wisdom, and power. The temple is dedicated to Chenresig, the Bodhisattva of Compassion, making it an important place for pilgrims and visitors.
Design and Beauty: Chonggu Temple is known for its Tibetan architectural style, featuring colorful prayer flags, detailed carvings, and wall paintings that tell stories of Buddhism and Tibetan culture. Its beautiful setting and spiritual atmosphere draw in visitors.
Surrounding Nature: The temple is surrounded by incredible natural scenery, including wide meadows, clear streams, and tall mountains. The nearby Chonggu Meadow offers great views of the area and is home to many plants and animals.
Visiting the Temple: Many people visit Chonggu Temple as they explore the Yading Nature Reserve, heading out on hikes to the holy mountains or to see sights like Pearl Lake. The temple offers a chance to see the spiritual side of this secluded part of Sichuan and to enjoy its natural beauty.
Looking After the Place: Because Chonggu Temple is both spiritually important and located in a sensitive environment, visitors are asked to be respectful and careful to keep the area peaceful and clean for future generations.
Chonggu Temple stands as a reminder of Tibetan Buddhism's long history in Sichuan, inviting travelers to experience a place where culture and the natural world meet beautifully.
On the way to Daocheng
Oct 20, Yading -(78km) - Daocheng -(146km) - Litang
Farewell time to Yading, we gonna miss you so much. In order to visit Danba Tibetan village, today we left Yading for Litang at 7:50 a.m, 2 days in Yading already left me a very memorable stay.
At 12:00 we arrived in at Daocheng and had some noodles for lunch, not a very good taste but in places like Daocheng you cannot ask for more as you do in big cities. After lunch, we drove to Sela village for a short visit.
About Daocheng
Daocheng, together with the nearby Yading Nature Reserve, is a breathtakingly beautiful and secluded area in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in western Sichuan. It's a place known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich Tibetan culture, and diverse plant and animal life. Here's a quick look at what makes Daocheng stand out:
Natural Beauty: The most famous part of Daocheng is the Yading Nature Reserve, sometimes called "Shangri-La" because of its amazing and almost untouched landscapes. The reserve is home to snow-covered mountains, including three sacred peaks known as Chenresig, Jambeyang, and Chanadorje, which hold special meaning in Tibetan Buddhism. The area also has crystal-clear lakes, broad valleys, and meadows full of wildflowers, creating a peaceful and almost magical atmosphere.
Cultural Richness: Tibetan culture is alive and well in Daocheng. The area is dotted with monasteries, religious monuments, and fluttering prayer flags that add a spiritual dimension to the scenery. Visitors can learn about the traditional lifestyles of the local people, who mainly herd yaks and farm, by exploring these communities.
Adventure and Relaxation: Despite being far from big cities, Daocheng is becoming more popular with tourists looking for adventure, spiritual growth, or a peaceful escape into nature. There are plenty of activities, like hiking, taking photos, and going on cultural tours. Getting to Daocheng is an adventure in itself, with winding mountain roads offering incredible views.
Responsible Travel: As more people come to visit, there's a big focus on making sure tourism is done in a way that doesn't harm the local environment or culture. Visitors are asked to be respectful, stick to the main paths, and follow the community's customs.
Getting There and Staying There: You can get to Daocheng by road or fly into Daocheng Yading Airport, one of the highest airports in the world. There are various places to stay, from guesthouses and hostels in the town of Daocheng to more traditional accommodations in nearby villages, suitable for all budgets and preferences.
Afterwards again ride through Haizi mountain and Tuzi mountain, both over 4000m mountains, I took a nap at the mountain foot and when I opened my eyes again, there was already an snow world outside, this was amazing, it was like a whole other world!
We arrived at Litang at 19:05 early in the evening, it was 4000, altitude, and at this altitude, even several constant talks could accelerate your breath, lucky enough we found a famous hotpot chain store at Litang and had a good dinner.
Road conditions & scenery along the way
- Yading - Daocheng: good in the very first drive, but gradually started to become worse. Autumn view along the way, could be very beautiful at some spots.
- Daocheng - Litang, overall good, mountain view for most rides, at the top views are better.
Next stop Danba
Oct 23, Danba 1 Day Sightseeing
Today we had a full day at Danba visiting Jiaju Tibetan village followed by Zhonglu Tibetan village in the afternoon, with no sunshine, we got up later than other days and had one more hour at Jiaju Tibetan village, then we drove to Zhonglu Tibetan villageat noon, in the whole afternoon we were climbing the mountain at Zhonglu trying to find good spot to take shoots, and lucky enough we finally found one, also the great sunshine late in the afternoon.
About Danba
Danba is often called as "Beauty Valley" of China, and it is a picturesque county located in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province. Known for its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique architectural marvels, Danba offers a blend of natural beauty and traditional Tibetan life. The region is known for its scenic valleys, including the Jiaju, Zhonglu, and Suopo valleys, which are dotted with traditional Tibetan houses and are among the most photographed locations in Danba.
Here are some facts travelers will find useful when planning a visit:
- Altitude: The county sits at an elevation of about 1,900 to 3,900 meters (6,233 to 12,795 feet), which can affect travelers who are sensitive to high altitudes.
- Tibetan Villages: Danba is renowned for its well-preserved Tibetan villages. The architecture, customs, and traditional clothing provide a glimpse into the lifestyle of the local Tibetan communities.
- Stone Towers: The ancient stone towers of Danba, some dating back over a thousand years, are a unique feature of the landscape. These towers, varying in height and design, were used for both defense and as status symbols by ancient clans.
- Hiking and Exploration: Numerous trails and paths wind through the valleys and mountains, offering breathtaking views and the opportunity to explore the natural beauty of the area.
- Getting There: Danba is accessible by road from Chengdu, with the journey offering spectacular views of the Sichuan countryside. The road trip itself can be an adventure due to the mountainous terrain.
Danba's combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and unique architecture makes it a compelling destination for those looking to explore the lesser-known areas of Sichuan and experience the warmth and tradition of Tibetan culture.
Road condition & scenery along the way:
- Jiaju Tibetan village - Danba - Zhonglu Tibetan village, bad road condition especially at Zhonglu Tibetan village, typical mountain view.
Danba-Xiaojin - Siguniang mountain
Today was the last day of actual sightseeing of our west Sichuan tour, morning at 8:35 we drove to visit Suopo Watchtowers for about an hour, and then headed to our last sightseeing spot - Siguniang mountain.
We arrived Mt.Siguniang at 14:20 in the afternoon, and due to the time limit we only got to visit Shuangqiao valley, one of three valleys in Mt.Siguniang, but already impressed me greatly by its very awesome scenery.
Learn more about Shuangqiao Valley
Shuangqiao Valley is nestled in the Four Sisters Mountain National Park in Sichuan. It is a stunning place known for its beautiful mountain views. It's one of the three main valleys there, along with Changping and Haizi Valleys, and it's famous for being really easy to get around. Here's a quick look at what makes it special:
Easy to Explore: Out of the three valleys, Shuangqiao is the easiest to visit. It has a nice wooden walkway and a road for bus tours that stretch over 30 kilometers. This makes it a perfect spot for all visitors, whether you're young, old, or somewhere in between, to enjoy the beautiful nature without too much effort.
What You'll See: This valley is packed with beautiful sights, from snowy mountain tops and green forests to clear, flowing streams. Some of the best parts include the famous Four Sisters Mountain, the impressive Hunter Peak, and other cool spots like the Yin-Yang Valley and the Five-Colored Mountain. Each place has its own special view to offer.
Shuangqiao Valley is like a doorway to the incredible beauty of the Four Sisters Mountain National Park, mixing amazing natural sights with a touch of local culture. It's definitely a place you should visit if you're heading to Sichuan.
Road condition & scenery along the way:
- Danba - Xiaojin county, normal, some jolt, no special view
- Xiaojin county - Mt.Siguniang, good road condition, great Autumn view
The Last day of the West Sichuan Tour
Siguniang Mountain - Yingxiu - Chengdu
Today was the last day of my tour to the west Sichuan region, the only day without any special travel spots to visit, 8:40a.m we drove back from Siguniang mountain to Chengdum, 11:00a.m around passed by Wolong Panda Reserve, which had been closed since the earthquake in 2008.
Road close to Yingxiu, the center area of the previous earthquake was still difficult, you could see the vestige of new landslides everywhere, but due to the time limit we didn't get to visit the earthquake relic museum, which was a pity during the tour. We finally arrived in Chengdu at 4:30 p.m.
About Wolong
Wolong National Nature Reserve is a protected area located in Wenchuan County in Sichuan Province. Established in 1963, it's one of China's earliest and most famous conservation areas, primarily known for its efforts to protect and research the giant panda. Here are some key facts about Wolong:
Wolong is a vital center for panda conservation, housing numerous giant pandas in a setting that closely mimics their natural habitat. The reserve conducts important research and breeding programs aimed at increasing the panda population and understanding their needs better.
Biodiversity: Beyond pandas, Wolong National Nature Reserve is home to a rich array of wildlife, including red pandas, snow leopards, and various species of birds and insects. Its diverse ecosystems range from rainforests to alpine meadows, supporting over 4,000 plant species.
Size and Location: Spanning over 200,000 hectares (about 494,211 acres), the reserve is nestled in the Qionglai Mountain range, providing a varied topography that's ideal for a broad range of flora and fauna.
Tourism and Education: While the reserve's primary focus is on conservation and research, it also serves as an educational and eco-tourism destination. Visitors can learn about giant pandas and the importance of conservation efforts through guided tours and educational centers.
After the Earthquake: The Wolong National Nature Reserve was significantly damaged by the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, leading to major reconstruction efforts to rebuild panda habitats and facilities. These efforts have been largely successful, helping to ensure the reserve remains a safe haven for pandas and other wildlife.
Road condition & scenery along the way:
- Rilong - Wolong, relatively good, mountain road, view is good along the way
- Wolong - Yingxiu, no good especially close to Yingxiu county, could be very bad, but you may meet wild monkeys which makes it very interestin
- Yingxiu - Dujiangyan, good
- Dujiangyan - Chengdu, highway, very good
This was my West Sichuan Tour Experience, I hope you enjoyed it!