Nestled at the foot of the vibrant Wango Shen Mountain and gently caressed by the tranquil waters of the Nyang River, Walnut Village, known locally as “Gongzhong Village,” sits at an altitude of 2900 meters, covering an area of 40 acres. “Gongzhong,” meaning “forest at the foot of the mountain” in Tibetan, perfectly encapsulates the essence of this picturesque village located just a stone’s throw away from Bayi Town in Nyingchi. With its strategic proximity to National Highway 318 and the Nyang River, Walnut Village has garnered attention as “Tibet’s foremost folk village,” hosting the inaugural “Kongpo Style—Primitive Ecological Culture Tourism Festival.”
A Village Steeped in History and Nature
Walnut Village holds the distinction of being the first village in Tibet where every household had a telephone connection. It’s a melting pot of Tibetan, Menba, and Lhoba ethnic groups, living in harmony amidst ancient traditions and modern advancements. The village owes its name to two millennium-old walnut trees that continue to bear fruit each year, their nuts rumoured to carry the flavour of a thousand years. Besides these iconic trees, over a hundred wild walnut trees dot the landscape, offering delicious and crunchy nuts.
Harvest season transforms Walnut Village into a hub of activity, with “walnut picking” becoming a popular pastime for visitors and locals alike. Guests are welcomed into homes to share in the joy of the harvest, immersing themselves in the traditional architecture, vibrant song and dance, and the rich flavours of barley wine—a true encapsulation of Nyingchi’s diverse cultural offerings.
Visiting Tips
- Accessibility: Just 1.5 kilometers from Bayi Town and adjacent to National Highway 318, Walnut Village is easily reachable by car or on foot.
- Explore More: Nyingchi boasts other unique villages worth visiting. Dobu Village, known as “the dairy farming village,” lies about 30 kilometres from Bayi Town along National Highway 318. Nixi Village, celebrated for its distinctive animal husbandry practices, is 19 kilometers from Bayi Town, also beside National Highway 318.
Walnut Village invites you to experience the essence of Linzhi’s folk customs and natural beauty in one place, offering a unique window into the soul of Tibet’s diverse cultural landscape.
