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Most Tibetan People in Sichuan: Unique Journey to Aba and Ganzi

What comes to mind when you think of Tibet? Majestic mountains, serene lakes, vibrant traditions, and a rich culture? If so, you’re not alone. Tibet is a land of wonder and mystery, and most Tibetan people in Sichuan gather in two remarkable regions: Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture and Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. These areas, located in northwest Sichuan, offer an authentic Tibetan experience, from breathtaking landscapes to unique cultural encounters.

Top Ten Tourist Attractions in Sichuan

Seven out of the ten attractions are located in Western Sichuan.

Jiuzhaigou Valley

Recommendation Index: ★★★★★
Duration: At least 3 days. It’s recommended to visit Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong together.
Located in the southern section of the Minshan Mountains, Jiuzhaigou Valley is often referred to as paradise on earth and offers varying sceneries throughout the year. It’s approximately a 7-8 hour drive from Chengdu.

Daocheng Yading

Recommendation Index: ★★★★★
Duration: At least 5 days.
The scenic area is home to three sacred mountains and the surrounding rivers, lakes, and alpine meadows. Known as the “Soul of Shangri-La,” this place is a haven for photography enthusiasts. A 14-hour drive from Chengdu is typical.

Mount Emei

Recommendation Index: ★★★★★

Mount Emei, one of the four renowned Buddhist mountains in China, offers breathtaking views, especially during sunrise. It’s about a 2.5-hour drive from Chengdu.

Siguniang Mountain

Recommendation Index: ★★★★★
Duration: 2-3 days.
Siguniang Mountain, located at the junction of Xiaojin County and Wenchuan County, comprises four adjacent peaks. The area is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. The scenic area is roughly a 5-hour drive from Chengdu.

Qingcheng Mountain

Recommendation Index: ★★★★★
Duration: 2-day tour. Best visited alongside Dujiangyan.
This national AAAAA tourist attraction is located a mere 1.5 hours from Chengdu.

Dujiangyan

Recommendation Index: ★★★★★
Duration: 2-day tour. It’s ideal to visit Qingcheng Mountain and Dujiangyan together.
This world cultural heritage site is an ancient water conservancy project that birthed the fertile Chengdu Plain. It’s 1.5 hours from Chengdu.

Huanglong

Recommendation Index: ★★★★★
Duration: At least 3 days. It’s recommended to visit Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong together.
Located in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Huanglong is renowned for its diverse natural beauty, including colourful pools, snow-capped mountains, and canyons. It’s approximately 6-7 hours from Chengdu.

Leshan Giant Buddha

Recommendation Index: ★★★★★

Duration: 2–3 days. Recommended visiting Mount Emei and Leshan Giant Buddha together.

The Leshan Giant Buddha, the largest cliff-carved statue in China, stands majestically on the east bank of the Nanmin River. It’s a 2-hour drive from Chengdu.

Langzhong Ancient City

Recommendation Index: ★★★★★
Duration: 2 days.
Known as a “Feng Shui ancient city,” Langzhong has a rich history spanning more than 2,300 years. It’s approximately a 3-hour drive from Chengdu.

Hailuogou

Recommendation Index: ★★★★★
Duration: 2–3 days.
As one of the top ten most beautiful forest parks in China, Hailuogou Glacier Forest Park is one of the world’s last remaining low-altitude glaciers. It’s situated around 6 hours from Chengdu.

For those interested in exploring these attractions, feel free to reach out for more information!

Ganzi’s landscapes are awe-inspiring. When you visit, don’t miss these gems:

Nature’s Masterpieces

  • Yading of Daocheng
  • Kangding County
  • Hailuogou National Park
  • Luorong Meadow to Niunaihai Lake
  • Xian Nairi

When to Travel

The charm of these regions varies throughout the year, making any time a good time to visit. Each season has its unique beauty, ensuring a memorable experience. Winters can be chilly, with temperatures ranging from -12°C to 4°C, while other seasons offer milder weather, ideal for exploring.

Discovering

Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

Embracing Khampa Tibetan Tradition

Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture boasts a distinctive culture, largely influenced by Khampa Tibetans. The region’s name, meaning “a beautiful and snow-white place,” perfectly captures its charm. With Tibetan people making up 77.8% of the population, Ganzi offers an unparalleled Tibetan experience.

Ganzi, another spectacle in Sichuan, is unmissable. The heartbeat of this region is Kangding, its state capital. This city gained widespread fame due to the melodious “Kangding Love Song”, forever branding Kangding as the homeland of love songs.

Venture further, and you’ll discover the picturesque Liuliu City and Daocheng Yading. Often described as the final bastion of untouched beauty beneath the vast blue sky, its breathtaking landscapes and unique topography have earned it the title of “Heaven on Earth”. This piece of paradise, with its unmatched natural splendour, beckons travellers from all corners of the world.

Exploring Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture

Sichuan Aba

A Land of Amdo Tibetans

Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture is known as one of the primary areas for Amdo Tibetans. With borders connecting to Qinghai and Gansu, this region is a melting pot of Tibetan culture. Tibetan people make up 54.5% of the Aba population, ensuring an immersive Tibetan experience.

Aba Prefecture, nestled in the heart of Sichuan Province, is a gem for nature lovers. A visit to Jiuzhaigou Valley will redefine your understanding of pristine landscapes, with lakes that seem like mirrors reflecting the heavens. The region boasts of numerous lakes, the radiant Yaochi Jade Basin, and the entirety of Jiuzhaigou which the world reverently dubs as the “fairy tale world”.

The vast grasslands of Aba stretch endlessly, interrupted only by the imposing snow-capped peaks that pierce the sky. Rivers carve their paths through the grasslands, each bend and curve telling a story of its own. The scenery is nothing short of majestic, vast, bewitching, and profound. For those seeking serene, untouched landscapes that speak volumes in their silence, Aba Prefecture is a must-visit. A journey here promises delightful surprises at every turn.

Renowned for its awe-inspiring natural beauty. Here are some must-visit places:

Aba

  • Jiuzhaigou Scenery Zone
  • Huanglong Scenery Zone
  • Wolong Giant Panda Nature Reserve
  • Mount Siguniang

Most Popular Places to Visit in the Tibetan Area

1. Siguniang Mountain

Siguniang Mountain is situated on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and features the “Three Valleys and Four Peaks,” including Shuangqiao Valley, Changping Valley, Haizigou, Yaomei Peak, Sanguniang Mountain, Erguniang Mountain, and Dagangang Mountain.

During our visit, we explored Changping Valley and were fortunate enough to have the misty veil reveal the distant beauty of Yaomei Peak. The hike along a wooden mule path from the entrance to the end covers approximately 12 kilometres, reaching an altitude of 3,760 meters. After traversing the mountain road, you’ll find Muluuzi, a vast meadow with spectacular views. The closest to the sky, Yaomei Peak boasts a clear and awe-inspiring silhouette.

2. Moshi Park

Moshi Park, formerly known as Bamei Stone Forest Scenic Area, is located near Bamei Town. Over time, the rocks in the area have taken on various styles due to erosion and the presence of calcium salts that can change colour with shifts in air humidity.

The park features rugged rocks, and during our exploration, my fellow adventurers and I stumbled upon a peculiar rock formation resembling a cat from a distance, which we’ve documented here.

3. Serda Wuming Buddhist College

Serda Wuming Buddhist College is nestled in a valley about 20 kilometres southeast of Seda County. This Tibetan Buddhist college is renowned worldwide. Notable is the crimson monastery constructed by monks across the mountains. With changing seasons, both sunrise and sunset offer entirely different scenic vistas. Although we arrived in the afternoon, time constraints prevented us from witnessing the dusk scenery.

Walking among the monks’ residences, you’ll encounter many monks in robes going about their daily routines. Devotees can also be seen circumambulating the mandala to seek blessings. During this part of our journey, we witnessed the profound motivation of those driven by faith.

4. Lotus Leaf (Lianbaoye)

Lianbaoye was the only cloudy segment of our trip, with heavy snowfall at the mountain’s peak. Consequently, we missed the legendary water, lakes, peaks, and rocks. Nevertheless, we experienced rare mountain wind, snow, and fog and savored a Peanut Americano at a mountaintop cafe.

Despite the snowfall, we disembarked from our vehicle and walked the final section of the mountain road. As we descended, the snow gradually ceased. While reminiscing about the snow on the roadside, we discovered a whimsical object left among the stone peaks, which not only one tourist had quietly placed but also brought a smile to our faces.

5. Gemo Temple

Gemo Temple serves as the last stop on our journey. Although we hadn’t initially planned to visit, local recommendations led us to adjust our schedule, resulting in a rewarding experience.

Gemo Temple is one of the three major Gelug Sect Tibetan Buddhist temples in Aba Prefecture. In addition to a massive 37-meter-tall golden Buddha statue, the temple houses numerous Buddhist scriptures and cultural relics. Regrettably, photography is prohibited throughout the site, and I couldn’t capture any images. While at the Buddhist temple, we inadvertently stumbled upon a Bible reading session in a local village. The sight of nearly 300 Tibetans and countless handheld prayer wheels left us awestruck. Locals explained that such events are commonplace, and we couldn’t help but feel deep respect.

GET HELP (HELP CENTER)

Frequently asked questions.

What makes Aba and Ganzi special for Tibetan culture?

Aba and Ganzi are two regions in Sichuan where Tibetan culture thrives, with a majority of the population being Tibetans. This ensures an authentic Tibetan experience.

Are these regions suitable for nature lovers and adventurers?

Absolutely! Aba and Ganzi are rich in natural beauty, offering diverse landscapes, wildlife, and outdoor activities.

When is the best time to visit Aba and Ganzi?

The regions are beautiful year-round, but each season brings its unique charm. Spring to autumn is often considered the best time for travellers.

How do I get to Aba and Ganzi from Chengdu, Sichuan’s capital?

There are various transportation options, including buses and flights, making it relatively easy to reach both Aba and Ganzi from Chengdu.

What should I pack when travelling to these regions?

Prepare for varying weather conditions, including warm clothing, comfortable hiking gear, and essentials for high-altitude travel.