10D9N Daocheng Yading--- Hailuogou --

China
Cheng Du
2010
05 – 16 June
Day 1: (5 June) Shopping at Jinli Street, Chunxi Road, Sichuan Mask Opera
Day 2: (6 June) Chengdu - Ya’an - Hailuogou. Mt. Erlang, Luding Bridge. Moxi Town
Day 3: (7 June) Hailuogou – Xinduqiao, Sunrise at Mt. Gongga, Xinduqiao
Day 4: (8 June) Xinduqiao - Yajiang - Litang – Daocheng, Mt. Gaoersi, Mt. Jianziwan,
Mt. Kazila, Mt. Haizi, Hotspring
Day 5: (9 June) Daocheng - Riwa - Yading, Sunrise at Daocheng, Gongga Langjiling Temple, Last
Shangri-La -Yading Nature Reserve, Xiannaiyi, Yading village
Day 6: (10 June) Chonggu Temple - Luorong Pastureland - Five Color Lake, Niunaihai
Day 7: (11 June) Daocheng - Xinduqiao, Changqingchun Keer Temple
Day 8: (12 June) Xinduqiao - Tagong Temple - Bamei Village - Danba - Rilong
Day 9: (13 June) Siguniangshan (Mt. Four Sisters) Long-Peace (Changping) Valley Two-Bridge
(Shuangqiao) Valley
Day 10: (14 June) Danba - Luding Bridge - Free & Easy
Day 11: (15 June) Free & Easy
Day 12: (16 June) Free & Easy - Chengdu – KL 11.55
Compiled by Ooi Chooi Seng
Chengdu is the capital of "Heavenly State" (Tian Fu Zhi Guo), habitat of giant pandas and city of
cotton-rose hibiscus.
Located in the west of Sichuan Basin and in the
center of Chengdu Plain, Chengdu covers a
total area of 12.3 thousand square kilometres
(4,749 square miles) with a population of over
11 million.
Benefiting from Dujiangyan Irrigation Project
which was constructed in 256 B.C., Sichuan
Province is reputed as "Tian Fu Zhi Guo",
literally a place richly endowed with natural
resources. Chengdu, as the capital, is extremely
productive. The Min and Tuo Rivers, two
branches of the Yangtze River, connected to
forty other rivers, supply an irrigation area of
more than 700 square kilometres (270.27
square miles) with 150-180 million kilowatts of water. Consisting of abundant mineral resources, the
land is extremely fertile.
The history of Chengdu can be traced back 2,400
when the first emperor built his capital here and
named the city. Through thousands of years its
original name has been kept and its position as
the capital and as the significant center of politics,
commerce and military of the Sichuan area (once
called Shu) has remained unchanged. Since the
Han (206B.C.-220) and Tang (618-907)
Dynasties when its handicraft industry flourished,
Chengdu has been famous for its brocades and
embroideries. Shu embroideries still enjoy a high
reputation for their bright colors and delicate
designs, ranking among the four main
embroideries in China. Chengdu was the place
where the bronze culture, an indispensable part of ancient Chinese culture, originated, the place
1
where the Southern Silk Road started, and the place where the earliest paper currency, Jiaozi (not
the dumpling!), was first printed. It is listed among the first 24 state-approved historical and cultural
cities and owns 23 state and provincial cultural relic units.
In addition to its profound historical and cultural background featuring historic places of interest such
as the Thatched Cottage of Du Fu , Wuhou Memorial Temple and Wenshu Monastery , etc, natural
beauty abounds in surrounding areas such as in the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area and Huang Long Valley
(Yellow Dragon Valley) . The natural habitat of giant pandas, Chengdu Panda Breeding and
Research Center , supports the world's only giant panda breeding and research base.
Sampling the famous Sichuan cuisine is a must on a trip to Chengdu. Enjoying the food as well as the
culture, shopping and having tea at a teahouse afford a deeper understanding of Chengdu.
Improved land and airlines extending nationwide provide greater convenience. Chengdu is also the
main inland access city to Tibet.
Chengdu成都
— Sub-provincial city — 成都市
Seal
Nickname(s): Rongcheng (蓉城) (The Hibiscus City)
Motto: 和谐包容，智慧诚信，务实创新 (Harmony and Tolerance, Wisdom and Integrity, Truth-seeking and
2
Innovation)
Location of Chengdu City jurisdiction (yellow) within Sichuan
Chengdu Location in Sichuan
Coordinates:
30°39′49″N 104°04′00″E30.66361°N 104.0666667°E
Country
People's Republic of China
Province
Sichuan
Settled
Established
City seat
Divisions
- County-level
5th century BC
311 BC
Qingyang District
9 districts, 4 county-level cities, 6 counties
Government
- Type
- CPC Party Chief
- Mayor
Sub-provincial city
Li Chuncheng (李春城)
Ge Honglin (葛红林)
Area
- Total
12,390 km2 (4,783.8 sq mi)
500 m (1,640 ft)
Elevation
Population
- Total
11,000,670
887.9/km2 (2,299.6/sq mi)
- Density
- Major Nationalities
Time zone
Han
China Standard (UTC+8)
Postal code
610000-611944
Area code(s)
28
GDP (nominal) Total
(2009)
GDP (nominal) Per
Capita (2009)
License Plate Prefix
Website
¥ 450.26 billion (US$65.956 billion)
¥ 35,215 (US$5,159)
川 A 川 O (Government)
http://www.chengdu.gov.cn
Chengdu
Chinese
Hanyu Pinyin
Literal meaning
成都
Chéngdū
City Capital
Chengdu
3
(Chinese: 成都; pinyin: Chéngdū; Wade-Giles: Ch'eng-tu, located in southwest People's
Republic of China, is the capital of Sichuan province and a sub-provincial city. Chengdu
is also one of the most important economic centers, transportation and communication
hubs in Western China. According to the 2007 Public Appraisal for Best Chinese Cities
for Investment, Chengdu was chosen as one of the top ten cities to invest in out of a total
of 280 urban centers in China.[1] More than four thousand years ago, the prehistorical
Bronze Age culture of Jinsha (Chinese: 金沙; pinyin: Jīnshā) established itself in this
region. The fertile Chengdu Plain, on which Chengdu is located, is called Tianfuzhi guo
(simplified Chinese: 天府之国; pinyin: Tiānfǔzhi Guó) in Chinese, which literally means
"the country of heaven", or more often seen translated as "the Land of Abundance". It
was recently named China's 4th-most livable city by China Daily.[2]
Contents
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
1 City nicknames
2 History
3 Administrative divisions
4 Geography and climate
5 Culture and folklore
o 5.1 Gallery
6 Economy
o 6.1 Electronic and IT industry
o 6.2 Financial industry
o 6.3 Defense industry
o 6.4 Investment
o 6.5 Industrial zones
7 Transportation
o 7.1 Expressways
o 7.2 Highway
o 7.3 Public transport
o 7.4 Air transport
o 7.5 Railway transport
o 7.6 River transport
8 Education
o 8.1 Colleges and universities
o 8.2 International schools
o 8.3 Secondary schools
9 Consulates
10 International relations
o 10.1 Twin towns — Sister cities
11 See also
12 References
13 Further reading
4
The name "Chengdu" has never changed since the city was founded, and the city has
always been in the same location. The nicknames below are not formal names.
•
The Brocade City: Jinchéng, 锦城
In the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC-23 AD), brocade produced in Chengdu enjoyed
great popularity among the royal and elite class in China. An emperor created the office
of Jin Guan (锦官) to oversee brocade production in Chengdu. Since then, Chengdu has
been called "Jin Guan Cheng" (锦官城) meaning Brocade Official's City, or in its short
form, "Jin Cheng" (锦城) meaning Brocade city.
•
The City of Hibiscus: Róngchéng, 蓉城
In the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period (907-960), Mengchang, the king of the
Later Shu Kingdom, ordered the planting of hibiscus on the fortress wall surrounding the
city. After this, Chengdu started being called the City of Hibiscus. Nowadays, the
hibiscus is still the city flower of Chengdu, but the last city wall was torn down in the
1960s, along with the Royal Palace situated in the middle of the city, where the statue of
Mao Zedong now stands.
History
Jinli Street
In the early 4th century BC, the 9th Kaiming king of the
ancient Shu moved his capital to the city's current location
from today's nearby Pixian. He was said to have been
inspired to move his capital by the ancient story of King Tai of Zhou, Grandfather of King
Wu of Zhou. History recorded King Tai of Zhou's move as "it took a year to become a
town; it took three years to become a capital". Following this, the king of Shu named the
new city as "Cheng Du", which means "become a capital" (In Chinese, the word "cheng"
means "become", "du" means "capital"). There are, however, several versions of why the
capital was moved to Chengdu, and more recent theories of the name's origin point to it
as stemming from, or referring to, earlier non-Han inhabitants and/or their languages.
After the conquest of Shu by the State of Qin in 316 BC, a new city was founded by the
Qin general Zhang Yi (who as a matter of fact had argued against the invasion). This can
be seen as the beginning of the Chinese Chengdu. It was renamed Yìzhou (益州) during
the Han Dynasty.
During the partition following the fall of the Eastern Han Dynasty, i.e. the era of the Three
Kingdoms, Liu Bei founded the southwest kingdom of Shu-Han (蜀汉; 221-263) with
Chengdu as its capital.
5
During the Tang Dynasty, both the "Poet God" Li Bаí (李白) and the "Poet Sage" Dù Fǔ (
杜甫) spent some part of their lives in Chengdu. Du Fu constructed the celebrated
"Caotáng" (thatched cottage or grass-hut) in the second year of his four-years stay
(759-762). But today's Caotang, a rather sumptuous house in the traditional style, was
only constructed in 1078 in memory of Du Fu. As early as the Tang dynasty more than
1,200 years ago, Chengdu became one of the foremost commercial cities in China,
second only to Yangzhou.
Chengdu was also the birthplace of the first widely used paper money in the world
(Northern Song Dynasty, around A.D. 960). The Qingyang Gong Taoist temple was built
in Chengdu in the ninth century, meaning "Green Goat".
Two rebel leaders, one around the end of Song Dynasty, the other near the end of Ming
Dynasty, set up the capitals of their short-lived kingdoms here, called Dàshu (大蜀) and
Dàxi (大西), respectively.
In the 13th century, Marco Polo wrote about several bridges in China and the Anshun
Bridge (or an earlier version of it) in Chengdu was one of them. He referred to Chengdu
as "Sindafu" ("Cheng-Tu_Fu") as the capital of the province of the same name.[3][4][5]
During the Second World War the Kuomintang (KMT, Chinese Nationalist Party)
government under Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek fled to Sichuan Province to escape
the invading Japanese forces. They brought with them businesspeople, workers and
academics, who founded many of the industries and cultural institutions which continue
to make Chengdu an important center.
In 1944 the American XX Bomber Command launched Operation Matterhorn, an
ambitious plan to base B-29 Superfortresses at Chengdu and strategically bomb the
Japanese Home Islands. Because the operation required a massive airlift of fuel and
supplies over the Himalayas, it was not a significant military success, but it did earn
Chengdu the distinction of launching the first serious retaliation against the Japanese
homeland.
During the Chinese Civil War, Chengdu was the last city on the Chinese mainland to be
held by the Kuomintang-controlled government. R.O.C. President Chiang Kai-shek and
his son Chiang Ching-kuo directed the defence of the city at Chengdu Central Military
Academy until 1949, when the city fell into Communist hands. The People's Liberation
Army took the city on December 10 and the remnants of the Nationalist Chinese
government fled to Taiwan.
Today the industrial base is very broad, including light and heavy manufacturing,
aluminum smelting and chemicals. The textile industry remains important, with cotton
and wool milling added to the traditional manufacturing of silk brocade and satin.
Today Chengdu is the headquarters of the Chengdu Military Region.
6
On May 12, 2008, a magnitude 8.0 earthquake struck causing damage to the area, killing
about 80,000 people and injuring 26,413 as of May 12, 2008. 4,021 of the casualties and
most of the property damage were from Dujiangyan and Pengzhou, two cities within the
administration of Chengdu, the sub-provincial city. Though only 75 kilometers (48 miles)
from the epicenter, Chengdu did not suffer any discernible damage.[6].
Administrative divisions
Chengdu is a sub-provincial city. It has direct jurisdiction over 9 districts (区 qu), 4
county-level cities (市 shi) and 6 counties (县xian) :
Ma
p
Subdivision
Hanz
i
Subdivision
Chengdu City Proper
■ Qingyang-qu
■ Jinjiang-qu
■ Jinniu-qu
■ Wuhou-qu
■
Chenghua-qu
区 Pengzhou-shi
区
■ Qionglai-shi
■
金牛
Chongzhou-s
区
hi
武侯
区
■ Jintang-xian
■
成华
Shuangliu-xia
区
n
Chengdu Suburban
■ Pi-xian
龙泉
■
■ Dayi-xian
Longquanyi-qu 驿区
■
青白 ■
Qingbaijiang-q
江区 Pujiang-xian
u
■ Xindu-qu
■ Wenjiang-qu
新都
区
■ Xinjin-xian
■
Dujiangyan-s
区
hi
温江
i
Geography and climate
Chengdu Rural
青羊 ■
锦江
Hanz
彭州
Chengdu
市
Climate chart (explanation)
邛崃
市
J
F M A M
J
J
A
S
O N D
107
225
201
119
9 11 16 22 26
28
30
30
25 21 16
11
3
21
22
22
19 15 10
5
崇州
市
金堂
7.9
12
20
44
79
35
16
5.2
县
双流
县
郫县
大邑
5
8 13 17
average max. and min. temperatures in °C
precipitation totals in mm
[show]Imperial conversion
县
蒲江
县
新津
县
都江
堰市
7
The Dujiangyan Irrigation System located near Chengdu is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites
together with Mount Qingcheng
Chengdu has a humid subtropical climate (Koppen Cwa) and is largely mild and humid.
Chengdu is situated at the western edge of the Sichuan Basin and is therefore sheltered
from northwest winds from Siberia in winter by the Qinling Mountains to the north; the
short winter is milder than in the Lower Yangtze because of the sheltering effect of the
Qinling. Snow is rare but there are a few periods of frost each winter. The summer is hot
and humid, but not to the extent of the "Three Furnaces" (三大火炉) cities of Wuhan,
Nanjing, and Chongqing in the Lower Yangtze. The average daytime high in July and
August is 29.6 °C (85.3 °F), with afternoon highs sometimes reaching 33 °C (91 °F). The
average low in January is 2.8 °C (37.0 °F), with lows sometimes dropping below freezing.
Rainfall is common year-round but peaks in July and August. Chengdu also has one of
the lowest sunshine totals in China (less sunshine annually than London), and most days
are cloudy even if without rain. This is especially so in the winter months, when it is
typically interminably grey and dreary. Spring (March-April) tends to be sunnier and
warmer than autumn (October-November).
Climate data for Chengdu (1971-2000)
[hide]Month Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Year
9.3 11.2 15.9 21.7 26.0 28.0 29.5 29.7 25.2 20.6 15.8 10.7 20.3
Average
high °C (°F) (49) (52) (61) (71) (79) (82) (85) (85) (77) (69) (60) (51) (69)
Average low 2.8 4.7 8.2 12.9 17.2 20.5 22.0 21.7 18.6 14.6 9.5 4.5
(37) (40) (47) (55) (63) (69) (72) (71) (65) (58) (49) (40)
°C (°F)
13.1
(56)
Precipitation 7.9 12.1 20.0 44.2 78.5 106.8 224.5 201.1 118.8 35.2 15.9 5.2 870.1
mm (inches) (0.31) (0.48) (0.79) (1.74) (3.09) (4.2) (8.84) (7.92) (4.68) (1.39) (0.63) (0.2) (34.26)
Sunshine
hours
% Humidity
53.3 51.4 83.1 113.9 121.7 117.2 131.9 155.0 77.6 59.4 57.2 51.6 1,073.2
83
81
7.0
8.5
79
78
76
81
86
85
85
85
83
84
82
7.7
5.2
144.3
Avg.
precipitation
10.9 13.0 14.7 15.2 17.6 15.8 15.6 13.1
days
8
Source: China Meteorological Administration 2009-03-17
Culture and folklore
See also: Sichuan cuisine
Sichuan opera in Chengdu
The native language in Chengdu is Sichuanese (四川
话), otherwise referred as Sichuan dialect. More
precisely, "Chengdu Dialect" (成都话/成都方言) is widely used in lieu of "Sichuanese"
due to the largely different accents of Sichuanese speakers residing elsewhere.
People from Chengdu (or Sichuan, in general) tend to eat spicy food. Local specialties
include Grandma Chen's Tofu (Mapo doufu), Chengdu Hot pot, and Dan Dan Mien
(literally meaning, "Noodles carried on a pole" (Dan Dan Noodles). All three dishes are
spicy. Mapo Doufu and Dan Dan Mien contain Sichuan peppers (huājiāo; 花椒; literally
"flower pepper") to give them additional flavor.
An article by the Los Angeles Times (2006) called Chengdu "China's party city" for its
carefree lifestyle. Chengdu outnumbers Shanghai in the number of tea houses and bars
despite having less than half the population. The inhabitants have a reputation in China
for having a laid-back attitude and for knowing how to enjoy life.
Economy
Tianfu New Area
The main industries in Chengdu - which include food,
medicine, machinery and information technology are supported by numerous large-scale enterprises,
such as Chengdu Sugar and Wine Co. Ltd., Chengdu
Food Group, Sichuan Medicine Co. Ltd., Chengdu
Automobile Co. Ltd. etc. Many high-tech enterprises
from outside Chengdu are also beginning to settle
down there.
Chengdu is becoming one of the favorite cities for
investment in western China.[7] Among the World's
500 largest companies, 133 multinational enterprises have had subsidiaries or branch
offices in Chengdu by October 2009.[7] These MNEs include Intel, Sony, and Toyota that
have assembly and manufacturing bases, as well as Motorola, Ericsson, and Microsoft
that have R&D centers in Chengdu.[7]
9
The National Development and Reform Commission has formally approved Chengdu's
proposed establishment of a national bio-industry base there. The government of
Chengdu has recently unveiled a plan to create a ¥90 billion bio pharmaceutical sector
by 2012.[8] China's aviation industries have begun construction of a high-tech industrial
park in the city that will feature space and aviation technology. The local government
plans to attract overseas and domestic companies for service outsourcing and become a
well-known service outsourcing base in China and worldwide.
Electronic and IT industry
Chengdu has long been established as a national base for electronic and IT industry.
The first telecom R&D centre was set up by an Indian Company called Primetel in 1996
and since then the city has developed as the global centre for the telecom R&D industry.
Chengdu's growth accelerated alongside the growth of the telecom services sector in
India and China. These two countries now account for over 70% of the world telecom
market. Several key national electronic R&D institutes are located in Chengdu. Chengdu
Hi-tech Industrial Development Zone has attracted a variety of multinationals, at least 30
Fortune 500 companies and 12,000 domestic companies, including Intel, IBM, NOKIA,
Motorola, SAP, Siemens, Canon, HP, Xerox, Microsoft, Tieto, NIIT and Wipro, as well as
domestic powerhouses such as Lenovo.[9]
Intel's Chengdu factory is its second in China, after its Shanghai factory, and the first
such large-scale foreign investment in electronic industry in interior mainland China. Intel,
the world's largest chipmaker, has invested US$525 million in two assembly and testing
facilities in Chengdu. Following the footsteps of Intel, Semiconductor Manufacturing
International Corporation (SMIC), the world's third largest foundry, set up an assembly
and testing plant in Chengdu. Intel's rival AMD is likewise set to open an R&D center in
this city.
In November 2006, IBM signed an agreement with the Chengdu High-Tech Zone to
establish a Global Delivery Center, its fourth in China after Dalian, Shanghai and
Shenzhen, within the Chengdu Tianfu Software Park. Scheduled to be operational by
February 2007, this new center will provide multi-lingual application development and
maintenance services to clients globally in English, Japanese and Chinese, and to the
IBM Global Procurement Center, recently located to the southern Chinese city of
Shenzhen.[10] On March 23, 2008, IBM announced at the "West China Excellent
Enterprises CEO Forum" that the southwest working team of IBM's Global Business
Services is now formally stationed in Chengdu. On May 28, 2008, Zhou Weikun,
president of IBM China disclosed that IBM Chengdu would increase its staff number from
the present 600 to nearly 1,000 by the end of the year.[11][12]
Over the past few years, Chengdu's economy has flourished rapidly. Chengdu has been
quick to become a major base for communication infrastructure, with one of China's nine
top level postal centers and one of six national telecom exchanges.
10
In 2009, Chengdu hosted the World Cyber Games Grand Finals (11–15 November). It
was the first time China hosted the world's largest computer and video game
tournament.[13]
Financial industry
The financial centre of Chengdu
Chengdu is now building itself to be the financial
hub for Western China and has successfully
attracted major international financial institutions,
including Citigroup, HSBC, Standard Chartered
Bank, ABN AMRO, BNP Paribas, JPMorgan Chase,
The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, etc.
Historically, Chengdu has marked its name in the history of financial innovation. The
world’s first ever paper currency 'Jiao Zi' was seen in Chengdu in the year 1023, during
the Song Dynasty of ancient China.
Now, Chengdu is not only the gateway of Western People's Republic of China for foreign
financial institutions, but also a booming town for Chinese domestic financial firms. The
Chinese monetary authority, People's Bank of China (China’s central bank), set its
southwest China headquarters in Chengdu City. In addition, almost all domestic banks
and securities brokerage firms located their regional headquarters or branches in
Chengdu. At the same time, the local financial firms of Chengdu are strengthening their
presences nationally, notably, West China Securities, GuoJin Securities and Chengdu
Commercial Bank. Moreover, on top of banks and brokerage firms, the flourish of local
economy lured more and more financial service firms to the city to capitalize on the
economic growth. KPMG opened this first west China office in Chengdu City this October,
and before the inauguration of KPMG Chengdu office, its rival, Ernst & Young, had
already integrated Chengdu into its global operation for several years.
Defense industry
Located within the city limits is the Chengdu Aircraft
Company which produces the recently declassified
J-10 Vigorous Dragon combat aircraft as well as the
JF-17 Thunder, in a joint collaborative effort with
Pakistan Air Force. The company is one of the major
manufacturers of Chinese Military aviation
technology.
Temple in Chengdu
11
Investment
The Chengdu Statistics Bureau reports that the total investment in fixed assets in 2008
was 301.29 billion yuan (US$43.38 billion). Domestic investment was 180.52 billion yuan
(US$26 billion), an increase of 23.5 percent from 2007. The total amount of foreign direct
investment reached US$2.25 billion, an increase of 97.3 percent from 2007.
Industrial zones
•
•
•
•
Chengdu Economic & Technological Development Zone
Chengdu Export Processing Zone
Chengdu Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone
Chengdu National Cross-Strait Technology Industry Development Park
Transportation
Chengdu's transportation network is well developed, and Chengdu serves as the starting
point for many national highways, with major routes going from Sichuan-Shanxi,
Sichuan-Tibet, and Sichuan-Yunnan.
For the year 2007, Chengdu announced the official launch of 37 significant projects,
including the Chengdu-Jianyang Expressway in an attempt to accelerate the
construction of the experimental district. This project is expected to solve the current
transportation problem, which is proved to be the bottleneck in Jianyang's development.
Development of major tunnels and the Longquan Lake scenic spot has also been
planned to integrate Jianyang better into the Chengdu economic circle.
Several major road projects were also mentioned in the paper: a 15 km tunnel from
Shuangliu Taiping to Jianyang Sancha Lake; alteration of the National Expressway 321,
from Jiangyang to Longquanyi, totaling 26 kilometers. There will also be a road that
connects Longquan Town to Longquan Lake - it will be connected to the
Chengdu-Jianyang Expressway and hence shorten the journey by 10 kilometers. The
authority has yet to decide whether drivers will have to pay tolls to access the road.
Expressways
By the end of 2008, there are ten expressways, connecting the center of Chengdu to its
suburbs. The expressways that will be open to the public by the end of December are the
Chenglin Expressway, extensions of Guanghua Avenue, Shawan Line, and an
expressway from Chengdu to Heilongtan.
•
The toll-free Chengjin Expressway in the east of Chengdu is 38.7 km long, with six lines and
designed for travel at 80 km/h. After it opens to the public, it will take only about half an hour
to drive from the downtown Chengdu to Jintang, half the time of the current journey.
12
•
The expressway between Chengdu to Heilongtan (Chengdu section), going to the south of
the city, is 42 km long. It is also toll-free and a journey from downtown Chengdu to Heilongtan
will only take half an hour.
•
The extension of Guanghua Avenue, going towards the west of the city, is 11.6 km long with
an estimated investment of 300 million yuan. It will cut the journey time from Chongzhou city
to Sanhuan Road to less than half an hour.
•
The extension of Shawan Road going north will be 8.8 km long, and is designed for travel at
60 km/h. After it is connected to the expressways Pixian–Dujiangyan and Pixian–Pengzhou, it
will take only 30 minutes to go from Chengdu to Pengzhou.
•
Via the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, from Chengdu to Nagchu (near Lhasa) is a distance of
2028 km.
Highway
•
•
•
•
•
•
Chengdu Metro
China National Highway 055
China National Highway 213
China National Highway 317
China National Highway 318
China National Highway 319
China National Highway 321
Public transport
The Chengdu Metro seven line subway system has been planned, and Line 1 is under
construction. Chengdu was the site of the June 5th bus fire incident.
Air transport
Chengdu is served by the Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport located 16 km
southwest of downtown. It has been the busiest airport in Central and Western China
and the 6th busiest airport nationwide, with a total of 17.25 million in terms of passenger
traffic in 2008.[14]
The Chengdu Airport has constructed a second runway, capable of landing Airbus 380,
the largest commercial airplane to date. The second runway had a trial flight in October
2009 and is expected to be in use soon. Chengdu is the fourth city in China with double
commercial runways, after Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. On May 26, 2009, Air
China, the Chengdu Government and Sichuan Airport Group signed an agreement to
improve the infrastructure of the airport and increase the number of international direct
flights to and from Chengdu. The objective is to have a passenger traffic of 40 million by
2015, making Chengdu Airport the fourth international hub in China, after Beijing,
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Shanghai, and GuangZhou.[14][15]. There is also a long-term plan to build a second airport
in Jintang County with five runways. Upon completion, it will take less than 30 minutes to
travel from Jintang to downtown Chengdu.[16]
Railway transport
Chengdu is a major railway junction city and rail administrative center in southwestern
China. It is the terminus for the Baoji-Chengdu, Chengdu-Chongqing, ChengKun
(Chengdu-Kunming) and DaCheng (Chengdu-Dazhou), as well as the
Chengdu-Dujiangyan High-Speed Railway. The Chengdu Railway Bureau manages the
railway system of Sichuan, Chongqing, Guizhou and Yunnan.
New lines under construction include conventional line to Lanzhou and high-speed lines
to Mianyang, Leshan and Chongqing.
Chengdu now has four main train stations. Among them the North Marshalling Station is
the largest marshalling station in China[17]. Meanwhile, a new station for passenger
transportation is to be built in a few years.
River transport
Located to the northwest of Chongqing, Chengdu has no direct access to the Yangtze
River, or any other larger river. However, to ensure that Chengdu's goods have access
to the river efficiently, the port cities of Yibin and Luzhou -- both of which are reachable
from Chengdu within hours by expressways—on the Yangtze have commenced
large-scale port infrastructure development. As materials and equipment for the
rebuilding of northern Sichuan are sent in from the East Coast to Sichuan, these ports
will see significant increases in throughput.
Education
Chengdu is the center of higher education and scientific research in Southwest China.
Colleges and universities
Chengdu is the center of higher education and scientific research in Southwest China.
National universities include:
•
•
Sichuan University (SCU) (四川大学) (Founded in 1896)
Southwest Jiaotong University (西南交通大学) (Founded in
1896)
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•
•
University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (电子科技大学) (Founded in 1956)
Southwestern University of Finance and Economics (西南财经大学) (Founded in 1952)
Important provincial universities include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Sichuan Normal University (四川师范大学) (Founded in 1946)
Southwest University for Nationalities (西南民族大学) (Founded in 1951)
Chengdu Institute Sichuan International Studies University (四川外语学院成都学院) (Founded
in 2000)
Chengdu University of Technology (成都理工大学) (Founded in 1956)
Southwest Petroleum University (西南石油大学) (Founded in 1958)
Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine (CDUTCM) (成都中医药大学) (Founded
in 1956)[18]
Sichuan Conservatory of Music(四川音乐学院) (Founded in 1939)
Chengdu University of Information Technology (CUIT) (成都信息工程学院) (Founded in 1951)
Chengdu Kinesiology University (成都体育学院) (Founded in 1942)
Xihua University (西华大学) (Founded in 1960)
Chengdu University (成都大学) (Founded in 1978)
Chengdu Medical College (成都医学院) (Founded in 2004)[19]
Chengdu College of UESTC (电子科技大学成都学院)
Note: Institutions without full-time bachelor programs are not listed.
International schools
•
•
•
•
•
Chengdu Meishi International School
Chengdu International School
The Leman International School - Chengdu
Quality Schools International
Eton House
Secondary schools
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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Chengdu No.7 High School (成都七中)
Chengdu Shude High School (成都树德中学)
Shishi Middle School (成都石室中学)
Chengdu Foreign Language School (成都外语学校)
Chengdu Shude Experimental School (成都树德实验中学)
Chengdu Shude Union School (成都树德联校)
Chengdu Shishi Union School (成都石室联中)
Chengdu Yulin Middle School (成都玉林中学)
15
Gallery
Chengdu is famous for its
teahouses
Jin River and Anshun (peaceful
and fluent) Bridge
Jingidang River, Anshun bridge,
and the city skyline
Jinli Street
Dating back to the Qin Dynasty (221BC-206BC), Jinli Street in Chengdu, Sichuan
Province, was in ancient times one of the busiest of commercial boulevards of the
Kingdom of Shu, during the Three Kingdoms Period (220-280). It is thus known as the
"First Street of the Shu Kingdom."<P></P>At the time of the Three Kingdoms period, the
production of the famous Shu brocade (a rich silk fabric with raised patterns in gold and
silver) was centralized at the southern bank of the Jinjiang River in Chengdu, adjacent to
the historical Temple of Marquis Wu. The area was originally known as Jinguan or Jinli,
and during the later Tang and Song Dynasties, Jinli became another name for the city of
Chengdu.<BR>Chengdu was the capital city of the Kingdom of Shu (221-263). Due
largely to the leadership of Zhuge Liang (an outstanding politician and strategist) and
other personages of the Kingdom of Shu, the "Sanguo" (Three Kingdoms) culture took
strong root here. And here still exists some of the richest of the remains of the Three
Kingdoms Period.<P></P>The geography of the area is relatively simple. Adjacent to
Jinli Street is the ancient Temple of Marquis Wu, while the Jinjiang River lies to the north
and the Rainbow Bridge to the east. By combining the spirits and styles of the Qin, Han,
Ming and Qing Dynasties and the Three Kingdoms period, along with the folk customs of
western Sichuan, Jinli has enriched the "Sanguo" culture.<P></P>Renovation of the
street was completed at the end of 2004.Visitors from all over China and abroad
gathered here in this ancient street to relax, take in the surroundings, and perhaps taste
some of the local specialties. It is said that citizens of Chengdu are particularly fond of
dining and socializing, and perhaps this is what helps to create the city¡®s leisurely
ambience.Chengdu has been newly designated as one of the ten most livable cities in
China.
16
Caotang the thatched cottage A Panda at the Chengdu zoo
of Du Fu
Chunxi Road
Chengdu is a city brimming with a strong leisurely ambience. Jinli Street, located to the
east of the Wuhou Memorial Temple of Chengdu (the most famous Three Kingdoms
period (220 - 280) relic museum in China) is particularly representative of this city. It is
recorded that as early as the Qin Dynasty (221 BC - 206 BC), Jinli Street was the most
famous place for baldachin - a rich, ornate cloth. And it was one of the busiest
commercial streets during the Shu Kingdom (221-263). Hence, it is known as 'First
Street of the Shu Kingdom'. In order to reclaim the street's prosperity of former days, it
was restored with contributions from the Wuhou Memorial Temple and was opened to
public in October of 2004. Since then, visitors from all over China and abroad gather in
this ancient street to relax, admire the traditional-style buildings, and taste some local
snacks.
At one end of the street is an imposing archway with 'Jinli Street' carved on it. From there
the street, paved with green flagstones, winds through Chengdu for a length of 350
meters (382.8 yards). By combining the culture of the Three Kingdoms Period with the
folk customs of Sichuan, the buildings on both sides including tea-houses, stores and
hotels, are modeled on the architectural style of a traditional old town in western Sichuan
Province from the Qing (1644-1911) Dynasty. The wooden steles and the brick-walls
exhibit an ancient charm.
Strolling down the narrow street, you will find yourself surrounded by old-world stores
selling Shu Embroidery, lacquer products, folk handicrafts, curios, or calligraphies and
paintings of celebrities. All of these stores have their unique style but also have one thing
in common: no matter how busy the street is, the stores are peaceful and relaxing. You
can browse leisurely or purchase some souvenirs for your friends. Most of the special
local products can be found here. Outside the stores, the stalls are busier but equally
attractive. You can find folk artisans putting on funny shows such as a shadow puppetry
show or a hand puppet show. Some traditional arts such as paper-cut and clay figurines
made by the skilled craftsmen are sold here. They are so delicate and life-like that you
won't be able to resist buying some. From these artworks you will get a taste of the true
life of the local people and find some reminders of China's past in the modern city.
17
In the middle of the street, there is a wooden stage which looks like an ancient pavilion. It
is used from time to time for performing classic Sichuan Operas. You can enjoy folk
music along with the actor's beautiful, quick costume and make-up changes. The actors'
perfect performances will wow you. Despite the traditional atmosphere in Jinli Street, you
can also sense something fashionable. There are many cafes and barrooms here including Starbucks. They blend modern elements into the old town harmoniously. It's
enjoyable to sit on a wooden bench with a cup of delicious coffee.When you reach the
end of the street, you'll be tempted by the aroma of delicious local snacks. The citizens of
Chengdu are born epicures and they are particularly fond of dining. Here there are many
restaurants as well as sidewalk booths offering local snacks that will make your mouth
water. San Da Pao is a distinctive snack of Sichuan Province and is made from sticky
rice, brown sugar, sesame, and beans. And the sweet dried persimmon here is also
considered a unique reflection of Chengdu. Some other local snacks include rice
glueballs, wontons, and boiled dumplings. Of course, the famous 'Dishes of Three
Kingdoms' is also delicious and waiting for you to enjoy.
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Chunxi Road，Chengdu Shopping, What to buy
Though not as famous as Hong Kong, Chengdu, too, is a shopping paradise
characterized by the ancient culture of Shu which presents visitors a truly local flavor.
Shu Brocade and Embroidery
The Chinese character Shu means silkworm breeding and mulberry growing. As early as
the Tang Dynasty (618-907), Shu brocade was exported overseas to Japan and as far
as Persia and in the period of the Three Kingdoms (220-280). It was a financial resource
for the military. Shu Brocade features various colors and a unique technique for
extracting colors from plants. Several hundred designs are used by the minority
nationalities in southwest China. Silk-woven, but durable, the brocade has a soft feel.
As the other local craft from silkworm breeding and mulberry growing, Shu Embroidery
has enjoyed a reputation for superb craftsmanship. With a unique technique and elegant
colors, the products look like Chinese ink and wash paintings embroidered on satins.
One masterpiece in the Great Hall of the People is called the Cottonrose Hibiscus and
the Carp. Functional as well as artistic, Shu embroidery appears on quilts covers, pillow
cases, clothes, shoes etc.
Lacquer wares
With a history dating back to the Spring and Autumn Period (475B.C.-221 B.C.) and the
Warring States Period (221B.C.-207 B.C.), Chengdu lacquer ware is renowned for its
ability to resist corrosion and aging, and for its unique gloss. When the Mawangdui Han
Dynasty Tombs were uncovered in 1972, a large number of exquisite Chengdu- lacquer
ware pieces were discovered. Visitors are astonished that their brilliant appearance has
remained for over 2,000 years. However, its durability doesn't come accidentally.
Originally using wood as its roughcast base with the addition of plastic, bamboo and
paper later, the complicated technique of lacquer-ware making has remained nearly
unchanged to this day. No lacquer-ware piece is finished until 72 procedures are taken,
not to mention the fact that the roughcast must have been in storage for 30-40 years
before lacquering.
Silver Inlaid Products and Bamboo Products
Chengdu silver inlaid products is made with silver threads no thicker than 3mm (0.1 inch)
inlaid on silver background. As a traditional area for silver inlaid technology, Chengdu
shares its reputation with Beijing, which is famous for the applied weaving technique.
Delicately shaped, the silver inlaid products appear on screens, tea wares and vases.
Bamboo can actually be woven around porcelain roughcast. This amazing technique can
be seen in Chengdu; in various bamboo products, such as bamboo sticks, baskets and
fans. With the warm climate and fertile lands stimulating the growth of bamboo, Chengdu
bamboo products are not only household necessities but also decorations.
Local Products
Chinese alcohol, tea and local food also deserve a try. Wuliangye, Luzhou Lao Jiao,
Quanxing Da Qu and Jiannanchun are all top-ranking alcohol brands. Jasmine tea,
Maofeng tea, hot pickled mustard tuber, mix-flavoured horsebean, Lao Cheng Du (Old
Chengdu), Dengying (shadow) dried beef (so thin that light can shine through it), Liu
Yang Gou dried beef, etc, can be gifts for friends back at home. In particular, there is
something special about Dengying dried beef. More than 80 years ago, a Mr. Liu made a
living by selling picked beef. When his business dragged, he was forced to create new
products. Thus a thin sliced dried beef came into being. Mr. Liu set up a stall, placing a
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lamp behind his sliced dried beef. This attracted people and the crispy hot beef became
popular. (*Check your country's Customs restrictions before buying foods to take home.)
If you are a fan of Chinese dishes, do not forget the soul of Sichuan Cuisine- thick
broad-bean sauce from Pixian County.
Where to buy
Chengdu's shopping centers converge at Chunxi Road, Zongfu Road and Luomashi
Area. Here you can shop for a huge range of wares, with everything from souvenirs and
street stall items to supermarket and department stores goods on offer.
Shopping malls, department stores, supermarkets and especially small stands are
widely scattered in the areas around Chunxi Road offering products ranging from
souvenirs to living and travelling necessities. The following list may help you to have a
pleasant shopping experience in Chengdu. Going to Chengdu without visiting Chunxi
Road is like going to Paris without visiting Champs Elysees, New York without 5th
Avenue, or more locally, Beijng without Wangfujing, or Shanghai without visiting Nanjing
Road. With a history of 70 years, Chunxi Road boasts the most typical and prosperous
commercial pedestrian street in Chengdu. Department stores, boutiques, modern cafes,
a spacious square and pretty Chengdu girls will leave you pleasant memory about
Chunxi Road.
Next to Chunxi Road is Yanshikou commercial circle. People's Department Store,
Chengdu Department Emporium, and Renhe Spring Department Store and more are all
concentrated here.
Local food specialties can be found at Hongqi Department Store, Shudu Avenue,
Chengdu. You can buy Shu brocade, bamboo-woven crafts, preserved ham and
alcoholic beverages such as Jiannanchun and Quanxing Da Qu.
Special recommendations:
Handicrafts
Chengdu Shu Brocade Factory
Address: No. 1, Caotang East Road
Sichuan Antiques Shop
Address: No. 6, Shaocheng Road, Shudu Avenue
Chengdu Bamboo-weaving Arts and Crafts Factory
Address: No. 12, the 1st Section of Jiefang Road
Sichuan Arts and Crafts Store
Address: Sichuan Exhibition Hall, No. 16, Renmin Middle Road.
Chengdu Lacquer wares Factory
Address: No. 81, Jinhe Street
Hehuachi (Lotus Pool) Distribution Center
Location: third section of Erhuan (the 2nd Ring) Road
Chengdu Classics Bookstore
Address: the south end of the North section of Chunxi Road
Magical Face Changes in Sichuan Opera
Sichuan Opera (Chuan Ju) originated at the end of the Ming (1368-1644)
and the beginning of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). With immigrants
flooding into Sichuan, different dramas were brought in to blend with
the local dialect, customs, folk music and dances. Gradually, brisk
humorous Sichuan Opera, reflecting Sichuan culture, came into being.
Face changing is the highlight of Sichuan Opera. It is said that ancient
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people painted their faces to drive away wild animals. Sichuan Opera absorbs this
ancient skill and perfects it into an art.
Three Types of Face Changes
In the Wiping Mask routine the actor applies cosmetic paint in a certain position on his
face. If the whole face is to be changed, the cosmetic paint is applied to the forehead or
eyebrows; for changes on the lower half of the face, paint is applied to his cheeks or
nose; or to other specific parts.
The Blowing Mask routine works with powder cosmetics, such as gold, silver, and ink
powders. Sometimes a tiny box is placed on the stage; the actor draws near and blows
at the box. The powder will puff up and stick to the face. Sometimes the powder is put in
a cup. The secret to success in this act is to close the eyes and mouth and to hold the
breath.
The Pulling Mask routine is the most complicated. Masks are painted on pieces of
damask, well cut, hung with a silk thread, and the lightly pasted to the face one by one.
The silk thread is fastened in an inconspicuous part of the costume. With a flick of his
cloak the performer magically whisks away the masks one by one as the drama
develops.
One Sichuan Opera master also used qi gong movements as he changed face color
from red to white, then from white to black. Face changing is a magical art. Actors
change more than 10 masks in less than 20 seconds! By raising the hand, swinging a
sleeve or tossing the head, an actor uses different masks to show different emotions,
expressing invisible and intangible feelings through visible and tangible masks. From
green to blue, red, yellow, brown, black, dark and gold, these masks show fear, tension,
relaxation, slyness, desperation, outrage, and so on.
Sichuan Opera master Peng Denghuai changed 14 masks in 25 seconds, and reverted
to four masks after revealing his true face. This was his latest Guinness World record,
breaking his previous one. Hong Kong super star Andy Lau was said to respect Mr. Peng
as teacher and mentor in this stunt. Today hi-tech is used to enhance this traditional art.
Lasers and twinkling lights add a touch of mystery. And modern faces like Zorro are
invited to the stage.
Sichuan Opera, like hot-pot and other Sichuan cuisine winners, is exciting, rich and
good-natured.
Ya'an
Bifengxia Mountain Park and Bifengxia Wildlife Park
In Bifengxia Mountain Park, the bese scenery is the gorge or canyou, which connected
the Panda Base, is very very beautiful with various shape waterfalls. If time permits,
usually hiking about 3-5 hours, about 5-8 KM. In Bifengxia Wildlife Park, many animals
for you to enjoy either in coach or trekking.
Bifengxia Panda Base
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Bifengxia is situated in 8 kilometers from Ya’an City, 150 kilometers from Chengdu.
Tourists can reach here in two hours by bus. It is the first scenic spot integrating natural
scenic spot and eco-zoo in China, including leisure, vacation, sightseeing, and
entertainment. Ecological wild animal zoo was built in 1999 in Bifeng Gorges. Former
Chinese PM Zhu Rongji gave words to ecological protection in Bifeng Gorge “Ecology is
our resource, our fortune and our lifeline”, when he inspected Bifeng Gorge in 2001. For
the safety and development of the captive giant panda, the State Forestry Administrative
Bureau decided and invested 27.6 million RMB to build a new panda base, i.e. Ya’an
Bifengxia Base of China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda. Ya’an
Bifengxia Panda Base is located in Bifengxia Town, Ya’an City of south-west Sichuan
Province. It’s a giant panda’s paradise with well captive raising, reproduction, rare wild
animal rescuing and education facilities.
Bifengxia base was opened in 2003 as the part of the world's largest Giant Panda
Migration. It was the biggest artificial migration of captive-bred giant panda ever seen.
The new accomplished reserve base is located in altitude of 1100m to 1800m. In the
base, there are over 20 spots, such as breeding, research centre and special
kindergarten, hotel for panda. In there 6 kind of bamboo as panda’s favorite food are
supplied. Then pandas can have many choices.
Before 2008 28 pandas were moved to the Bifengxia base, after erathquake on 12
May 2008, 53 pandas were sent from Wolong to Bifengxia, and between
12-05-2008-18-03-2009, 13 panda babies were born in Bifengxia. after earthquake
2008 , 8 pandas in Bifengxia were sent to Beijing, 5 pandas in Bifengxia were sent
to Guangdong Panyu, 3 pandas in Bifengxia were sent to Yunnan, 2 pandas in
Bifengxia were sent to Wuhan, 4 pandas in Bifengxia were sent to Chengdu, 4
pandas in Bifengxia were sent to Fuzhou ! and now in Bifengxia Panda Base 67
pandas sharing their life in luxurious villas with accompaniments
of air-conditioners, toilets, independent water supply system and sport areas .
Bifengxia Panda Base is arguably the best place to see pandas in the natural scenery
they inhabit. Extending to about 60 square kilometres, Bifengxia has been long famous
for its forest coverage, waterfalls, river and breathtaking landscapes. Now that it has
been selected as China's latest giant panda protection base, Bifengxia has a new role to
play in altering the destiny of the endangered species. Pandas will be returned to nature
after they have been given relevant training in simulated wild environments. At up to
1,200 metres above sea level, Bifengxia is under the jurisdiction of Ya'an City. In the
dense broadleaf forest with singing birds and murmuring streams stands a big gate with
the image of a lovely giant panda carved on it, marking the entrance to Bifengxia Giant
Panda Base. Walking through the gate and along the meandering mountain slope for a
while, visitors can see several European-style cabins made of bricks and tiles. These are
the pandas' homes. Camphor trees and oaks add mystery to the unusual environment.
More than 20 spots have been set aside for panda-related activities and scientific
experiments. There are dedicated grazing grounds, "kindergartens" for young pandas
22
and even a panda hospital and research institute. Several different varieties of bamboo
have been planted in the base either by the water or on the slopes. The new home for
giant pandas appears like a park with a natural environment.
The 68 giant pandas in the base will be raised through an outdoor method so as to
encourage them to develop abilities better fitted to the natural environment. The base will
lead the world in raising pandas in this way. Upon completion of the whole project, the
base will have four functional areas for grazing, offices and living quarters. This new
base is a branch of the China Giant Panda Research and Conservation Centre in
Wolong. With vegetation coverage of 80 per cent, it is the world's largest giant panda
eco-park. It is planned that in five to seven years, the base will have 40 giant pandas in
total.
World's Largest Giant Panda Park Opens
The world's largest park for giant pandas has opened in southwest China's Sichuan
Province with an initial group of 20 animals. Located at Bifengxia Base of the China
Giant Panda Research Center (CGPRC), Ya'an City, the park will cover an area of 400
hectares, of which 71.4 hectares has been completed. "The per capita living area of the
20 giant pandas is over 3.33hectares, enough for them to enjoy an active and
comfortable life," said Tang Chunxiang, an official with the CGPRC. With an investment
of 120 million RMB (14.46 million US dollars), the construction of the park began in April
2002. So far,16 standard shelters and auxiliary facilities, such as the research center and
the veterinary center, have been completed. "In an environment of high density, the
possibility of disease spread among the pandas and in-breeding is greatly raised," said
Zhang Guiquan, the deputy director of the CGPRC. "With the commodious space, the
new base will help the giant pandas maintain their natural instincts and lifestyles and
improve their survival and reproductive capacities. As a result, they will be better for
research," said Zhang.
Giant pandas are one of the most endangered species in the world. About 1,000 giant
pandas still live in the wild, mainly in the mountains around the Sichuan Basin. The
number of captive giant pandas is about 140. Ya'an has exported 138 giant pandas to
zoos or research institutions at home and abroad since 1949, accounting for 70 percent
of the total from China.
Accommodation and meals
Your new home will be in Xiaoxitian hostel, which is located in Befengxia Panda base,
enclosed in the mountains. There are 2 or 3 beds in the room with attached bath, 24-hour
hot water and washing laundry is available. You will have 3 good meals in the restaurant,
which is named “Family in Mountain” and is located in Xiaoxitian. The food is typical
Chinese and will contain a variety of delicious dishes.(english menu will help you:
English Menu of Bifengxia Panda base Xiaoxitian Hostel
Ya'an, is the starting point of the Sichuan-Tibet stretch of the Tea-horse Road. The brick
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tea produced in Ya'an, which was called frontiers tea was carried by caravans traversing
the Erlang Mountain to Tibet and further afar to India and Nepal to exchange for horses,
drugs. Those trading activities went on for centuries, which boosted economy along the
road and brought peace and stable atmosphere to the frontier regions.
Ya'an is one of the birthplaces of tea culture, whose tea
growing history can be traced back to the Western Han
Dynasty over 2,000 years ago. Tea trees planted at the
Mengding shang Hill by a man who was engaging in herds
were believed to be the ancestors of China’s tea. Even
today, tea grown at the Mengding shan is still considered
superior.
As the world- famous hometown of giant pandas, Ya'an is place where the 1s panda was
discovered. The number and density of the giant pandas in Yaan rank the 1st over the
world. Ya'an has a mountain subtropical monsoon climate. Spring with a lot of rain is not
a recommended travel season, The annual temperature averages between 14.1 degree
centigrade and 17.9 degree centigrade.
Ya'an Attractions
Best sights in and around Ya'an include the Mt. Erlang, Mt. Mengding.
Mt. Erlang
Mt. Erlang is characterized by primitive forests, varied wildlife, rugged mountains,
unspoiled streams. The view from the mountain summit is superb, with towering peaks
often cloaked in mist, like a white dragon rolling in from the sea. At night, streams of cars
running along the precipitous winding roads with their lights reflecting with each other are
like dragons dancing splendidly.
Mt. Mengding
Mt, Mengdingshan Scenic Area consists of a royal garden
where Wu Lizhen, the founder of Mengshan Tea in Han
Dynasty planted seven seeds of "miraculous tea" ,some
ancient stone trails from Palace of King Shu to Tiangai
Temple and a tea museum.
Accomodation in Ya'an
Do not expect too much in comfort in accommodation while traveling Ya’an. Most of the
hotels in the city only cater to Chinese visitors and English is very less spoken. The Ya'an Hotel
and Ya'an Yudou Hotel are considered the best two hotels in the town.
Transportation to Ya'an
Ya'an is the gateway from Sichuan and Yunnan to Tibet. There are no trains or flights to
Ya'an and the only practicable way is by highway. Ya'an city is served by three bus
stations with the Ya’an Tourist Station most important to travelers. Tourist bus station lies
at the junction of Beier Road and Yabi Road and there are arrivals from Chengdu,
Leshan, Kangding.
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Luding Bridge
Luding Bridge is located in the west of Luding County in Sichuan Province.
Luding Bridge was built in the 44th year (1705) of the Kangxi reign of the Qing Dynasty
(1644-1911). It is an iron suspension bridge over Dadu River. Its net length is 100 meters.
It is 28 meters wide and 14 meters high from the water surface. The whole bridge has 13
iron chains, each of them weighing 2.5 tons. Among them, nine parallel chains are tied to
the two banks. The wooden boards are spread on the chains for passengers to walk on.
The other four chains are suspended on the sides on the left and right, with two chains
on either side to be the handrails. The stele with the bridge's name written by Emperor
Kangxi is still hung at the one end of the bridge. On the east of the bridge, there stands
the stele Royal Stele for Luding Bridge written by Emperor Kangxi.
On May 29 1935, the First Corps of the
Chinese Red Army arrived here in the
Long March. At that time, there was the
blockage by two enemy battalions on the
opposite bank of the river. Meanwhile,
the main troop of the enemy were
chasing after. The headquarters decided
to organize a commando with 22
warriors to cross the river by force. The
commando members bellied forward by
scrambling the iron chains in the
enemy's hail of bullets. They at last
seized Luding Bridge, and annihilated
the defending enemies. The whole corps
then crossed the river safely and got rid
of the chasing enemies. This is a heroic
chapter in the history of the Chinese
Revolution.
Moxi Old Town
is situated at the entrance of Hailuogou. it is encompassed by lofty mountains with a
tongu-shaped table carved by the ancient glacier. The total area of this town adds up to
be 308.64 Km with a population of 5600, formed by a complex of 8 different tribes. They
are Han, Yi, Tibetan, Tujia and so on. The local tradition & custom are of original &
unique. The Moxi Table-land, 0.2-1.2 Km in width, is very special in topography, running
lower from north to south at a distance about 10Km like a giant lying dragon zigzagging
quietly among the sacred Minya Konka.<BR>In 1935, the famous Battle, Luding
suspension bridge, burst out fire during procces of the long March of Red Army. The
major force under leadership of Mao Tzetung & Zhe De had been settled in Moxi town.
Nowadays, Moxi town is famous for its tranquil & charming natural beauty, unique ethnic
tradition & lanes of old taste. Today, tourists from all over the country come to visit here in
honor.Tourists usually live at the township for one night. There are many hotels in the
town.
25
Moxi is a town and township in Luding County in the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous
Prefecture of Sichuan, China. As of 2000 it had 6,794 inhabitants. Moxi Town stands at
the gateway to the Hailuogou Glacier Forest Park, south of Kangding and east of Mount
Gongga. The town also featured in the Battle of Luding Bridge in 1935 when some of
those who fought in the battle including Mao Zedong met in Moxi and stayed the night
when the army marched through before heading north.
Moxi lies at roughly 1,600 meters above sea level, and the population are mainly ethnic
Han Chinese, Yi and Tibetan with other minorities.
The main crossroads at the park entrance has hotels, restaurants and souvenir stalls.
About 150 metres below is the original street of the village. It has a small Catholic church
built in the 1920s with a colourful bell tower and a number of wooden shops.[1]
The surrounding township is mainly pastoral land, and agriculture employs much of the
population.
Situated at the entrance of Hailuogou, Moxi Old Town, with a covering of 308.64 Km, is
encompassed by lofty mountains with a tongu-shaped table carved by the ancient glacier.
It has a population of 5600 and formed by a complex of 8 different tribes. They are Han,
Yi, Tibetan, Tujia and so on. The local tradition and custom are of original and unique.
The Moxi Table-land, in a width of 0.2-1.2 Km, is very special in topography, running
lower from north to south at a distance about 10Km like a giant lying dragon zigzagging
quietly among the sacred Minya Konka. In 1935, the famous Battle, Luding suspension
bridge, burst out fire during procces of the long March of Red Army. The major force
under leadership of Mao Tzetung had been settled in Moxi town. Nowadays, Moxi town
is famous for not only its tranquil and charming natural beauty but also unique ethnic
tradition and lanes of old taste. Today, tourists come to visit here in honor.
Hailuogou (Conch Gully)
To view from the summit of Mt.Erlang which is characterized by primitive forests, varied
wildlife, rugged mountains, unspoiled streams, is superb with towering peaks often
cloaked in mist, like a white dragon rolling in from the sea.
Located on the eastern side of Gonggar Mountain in Luding County of Tibetan
Autonomous Prefecture of Garze, Sichuan Province, Hailuogou (Conch Gully)
National Glacier Forest Park is 319 km from Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan
Province while 105 km from Kangding, where administrative organs of the Garze
Autonomous Prefecture are located. Glaciers in Hailuogou are typical modern marine
glaciers, which are rarely found either in low-latitude places or at low altitude. Its lowest
point is only 2,850 meters above sea level. It boasts lots of geographic attractions,
26
including ancient glaciers, grand glacier cascade, virgin forests, wild animals and hot
springs, and the like.
Hailuogou – Moxi
National parks, Chinese style.
Day 1
My driver stopped in front of some place in Moxi he claimed was a guesthouse but I
certainly would never have known it as one. He said he was staying there and I should
too, but it didn't look like anything I wanted and I saw no reason why I should reward him
with a free stay by paying up to stay there. So despite his and a few others' efforts to get
me to stay, I grabbed my bags and with a steady chant of "xie xie, bye bye, xie xie" I
walked away.
Lonely Planet has no idea what Moxi looks like. They describe it is a one-street village.
So I assumed I was on that one street and began looking for some sort of lodging
resembling their descriptions. One place sounded rather promising, Luyou Fandian, and
located next to a Catholic Church - Moxi really does have one! - it should be easy to find.
So I began walking up the hill looking for a Catholic Church or the Luyou Fandian. But all
I saw were shophouses and large hotels that were no doubt looking for large Chinese
tour groups to come their way. I'm not large, Chinese, or a tour group so I kept walking
until I reached the top of the hill and a road junction where the road turns left to
Hailuogou Glacier Park and right, well, to somewhere.
To the left are a couple of large hotels and to the right are some restaurants, shops, a
guesthouse of some sort, and another street. That makes three streets. And continuing
straight I encounter another crossroads. This makes four streets. Lonely Planet
describes Moxi as a "one-street village". I'm counting four streets, three in one direction
and one bisecting the trio. Like I said, Loney Planet has no idea what Moxi looks like.
The middle street seemed most likely to be the one street LP thinks Moxi has so I start
wandering up and then down searching for the Luyou Fandian. It's also past 2:00 p.m.
and I haven't eaten yet. After a few missteps I finally locate the Catholic Church. But I
don't see anything that looks like a guesthouse so I wander in on one side and ask if
anybody knows anything about a Luyou Fandian. Nobody knows what I'm talking about.
So I walk to the other side of the church and again inquire as to whether there's a Luyou
Fandian about. Nobody knows what I'm talking about. I decide that LP doesn't know
what it's talking about either so I stuff the book deep into my bag, start back up the hill
and enter the first decent looking place.
The name was a Hi-Lo something or other. It seems almost every hotel in Moxi is some
variance of the syllables Hai, Luo, and Gou. Actually, it's the place Lonely Planet refers
to as the Ho Fandian, I know this because the phone number (326-6296) in the
guidebook matched the phone number on the hotel's sign. But the sign definitely did not
say Ho Fandian. This hotel was not as LP described except for the rooftop terrace,
however, in LPs defense, it was also apparent the hotel had just been renovated and
27
expanded (actually some work wasn't even finished yet). But as it's obvious the town has
built several roads, a dozen hotels, and possibly the glacier in the park has moved a few
hundred meters since LP last bothered checking this place out, it should be no surprise
then, that this information is as inaccurate as everything else.
In any event, my best bargaining skills could only get a Y100 room down to Y90, but it
was a nice room with a very comfortable bed, en suite facilities and 24-hour hot water.
No complaints here.
At this point it's getting close to 3:00 p.m. and I still haven't eaten, so I stumble into some
dumpling shop across the street run by a very nice plump middle-aged woman and wolf
down a double order of dumplings and a big plate of fried bread, paying Y7 for it all.
Hailuogou
Glacier
7500-meter Gongga Shan
and View riding up the cable car
Gongga, Hailuogou Glacier, and tourists on the
viewing platform
Belly full, I wander over to the park entrance just for a look, not really planning on going
in the park yet. I stand around looking a little confused for no apparent reason. It's not
like I could walk in, Hailuogou Glacier was about 30 kilometers inside the park. As
experience has taught me, standing around looking bemused and/or confused is often
an effective way to receive assistance in China, though the help and the subsequent
result can sometimes turn out to be anything but what you expected. Sure enough, a half
dozen Chinese tourists traveling together beckon me their way tossing me into a van
with them and a smiling tour guide - a young woman of maybe 22 who speaks just
enough English to sometimes make herself understood. The others speak virtually no
English at all but seem more than happy with the novelty of having a lone western tourist
in their midst.
Heading into the park, relieved of the Y120 entry fee (50 for the bus - mandatory it would
seem, and 70 for the park admission) myself and my fellow passengers communicate as
well as possible (I do carry a phrasebook so I can make myself understood at a very
rudimentary level and I do know a smattering of Mandarin), dispensing with the usual
formalities - where I'm from, job, marital status, opinion of China and Chinese people,
etc.
For the ride we are surrounded by soaring snow-capped 6000+ meter peaks on a
spectacularly clear day as we make our way up and into the park (the climb is from about
2000 or so meters to 3200 at the top). An hour later and we reach the cable car station.
The only legal way now to reach the viewing area for the glacier and views of 7500-meter
28
Gongga Shan is to ride this cable car. Trekking is now forbidden and they do seem to
make some effort to prevent anyone from trying it.
But it's 4:30 pm and the cable car isn't running. A discussion ensues between tour guide
and fellow passengers, none of which I can understand save for common sense and
context. It's clearly displeasure being voiced by the tourists and apologies and
explanations from the tour guide. We head back down, stopping at one of the camps
where there is a hot spring and a hotel. We all get out. I figure we're here to visit the hot
spring and the glacier gets saved for tomorrow. No, we're here to stay in the hotel. I
already have a hotel. I paid for it and my bag and everything else is there. And it's in
Moxi.
Hailuogou Glacier
Gongga Shan
View from the cable car descending the mountain
Tour Guide is confused. So is the foreign tourist. In the parking lot is another van which
Tour Guide says is heading out which I go to board to leave the park. Tour Guide escorts
me. I try to ask whether or not I'll have to pay the admission and bus fee again (seeing as
the tourists staying in the park would not have to). Commence communication failure
mode.
Lucky for me, there's a young couple in the van; husband speaks near flawless English,
wife speaks very good English. Communication restored. Husband talks with Tour Guide
and I'm told I will indeed have to pay again tomorrow. Tour Guide looks distressed. I
speak to husband who speaks to Tour Guide and tells her for me that I'm not upset with
her and there's no problem (actually there is a problem, I'm going to have to pay another
Y120 to get in and I'm none too pleased about it, but it really wasn't her fault). Tour Guide
looks relieved, apologies profusely, and her omnipresent smile is restored. Meanwhile, I
pray for another clear day. LP claims Gongga Shan is under rain some 200 days a year.
But seeing as they know doodly-squat about Moxi, why should I believe them? Anyway...
I leave. But I make two new friends in Felix and Jenny, the English speaking couple on
the van, presently on a holiday from their home in Shanghai. We chat all the way down
the mountain. I then meet a few more of their friends who all decide to check into the
same hotel as me and I'm treated to a lively dinner with them. Stimulating conversation
on cultural, social, and political differences between US and China from American and
Chinese perspectives (Felix has been to the US a few times further enlightening the
conversation), interspersed with assorted verbal nonsense takes us through dinner.
29
Then four of us, Felix, Jenny, myself, and one of their other friends take a stroll through
town. Felix and the other man go off star gazing while Jenny and I continue the more
serious talk of US-Chinese differences which, when coming from an educated,
well-traveled Chinese, I find extremely enlightening.
The following morning they would make their way to Chongqing and back to Shanghai
and I would take a second stab at Hailuogou.
Day 2
Grabbing my bag I check out of the hotel and wander up to the park entrance, again
forking over Y120 to gain admission. Again I try the 'stand around and look lost' routine
whereupon I'm whisked into a large bus with about forty Chinese tourists on board, who
are as usual, delighted to have a westerner among the mix. Another piece of practical
advice: if visiting Hailuogou, try to get in a van and not a large bus - these buses take
forever to get up to the glacier as it's all uphill and very winding.
Lesser (but still 6000++ meter) peaks surrounding Hailuogou and Gongga
After about an hour and a half we finally reach the cable car. Now, you'd think if you
purchased an admission ticket to Hailuogou that the cable car ride would be included?
It's not. But seeing as they don't allow any other way of reaching the glacier viewing
platform, what do you do? You buy the ticket. And you even have the option of buying a
one-way or round-trip. But it's not much of an option when it's the only legal way to and
from the glacier. Though actually, people do get away with walking, and there are guys
working in the open that'll toss you on a chair and carry you up there for almost as much
as the cost of a cable car ticket, but as far as I could tell, the 'proper' way was by cable
car.
And how much is that cable car ticket? Try Y160 return. That's right, Y160. If you want to
see Hailuogou Glacier you're going to pay Y280 (70 admission, 50 bus, 160 cable car)
for the privilege... and in my case Y400 because I entered the park twice.
The viewing platform is at 3600 meters and the views are indeed outstanding. There is
not a cloud in the sky and above the glacier stands 7500-meter Gongga Shan with lesser
6000+ meter peaks flanking the sides. Standing around looking at the view, I hear a
familiar language, Thai. Hey I can speak this language! And I start chattering away at
one or two surprised Thais who turn out to be part of a large group doing a whirlwind
30
week-long tour of Sichuan. This week is a major holiday (Songkran) week in Thailand
and one holiday I'm happy to get away from.
With snow around us and Thailand not having any, it was certainly a topic for
conversation. I was speaking mostly in Thai (though several of the Thais spoke English
quite well, they were more than happy to stick with their native tongue as my skills are
strong enough for us to do so) unless it became necessary for me to say the Thai word
for "snow", whereupon I'd stumble and falter and just say "snow" in English.
I turned to one of the men and said "pom glu-ah poot cam pasa Thai snow" (I'm afraid to
say the Thai word for snow). He erupted in laughter and turned to a number of his
companions telling them what I just said which they all thought was the funniest thing
they'd heard all day.
You see, the Thai word for snow (he-ma) is not one you want to mispronounce. Using
the wrong tones and one may end up saying a rather vulgar word for the female anatomy
of, depending on how one mispronounces the second syllable, either a horse or a dog.
He then said to me that I shouldn't worry about it, for foreigners can get away with
mispronouncing such things, but the Thais can't. But just to be sure he gave me a crash
course in the proper pronunciation of the Thai word for 'snow' and I think I can now safely
say the word without becoming "na dang" (red-faced).
After viewing the glacier and mountains for awhile and posing for photos with my new
Thai friends and trying my best not to improperly say "pom yak gin he-ma" (I want to eat
snow), I return to the bottom cable car station alone and start figuring out how to get out
of here and ultimately back to Chengdu. But first I have to wait for a bus, and as usual,
the buses are all taken over by large groups so I can't go anywhere until one of the
groups (either my original group or the Thai group) turns up and I can slide onto a bus.
The Thai group arrives first and they pull me on board, but their bus is only going as far
as the next camp, just a few kilometers below where they had spent the previous night.
Knowing enough Thai, I understand the group leader telling everybody to eat lunch at the
hotel, then check out and prepare for the bus ride back to Chengdu later that afternoon.
Reaching the hotel, the Thais hope I join them for lunch and having nowhere else to go, I
oblige. Just as I'm about to enter the restaurant, the other bus pulls up and its tour guide
jumps off and tries with more effort than I thought necessary to return me to my proper
bus. I wasn't aware independent travelers were assigned buses here. I told him politely
to buzz off, that there's a group of Thais here, I speak Thai, and I'm going to eat with
them. Finally, after more discussion than there ever should have been, the tour guide
acquiesces and the bus disappears down the mountain.
Lunch finished, my only way back to Moxi is by motorcycle as the buses, which I paid for,
are all held by tour groups. I flag down a motorcycle, paying him additional money over
the cost of the bus ticket I had already paid for, but owing to the transportation system
31
32
here, wasn't practical for me to use. Heading down the mountain we pass my original
bus parked off at another restaurant/hotel and I can only imagine how much more time
I'd have wasted staying with them.
Now I need to vent a little bit. China has a problem. The problem is the management of
its national parks. I realize that the overwhelming majority of tourists in China are
domestic and if they are not already part of a group, will be happy to be made part of a
group. That's the Asian way. But China does receive a number of international visitors
who have no interest in being carted around a park in a bus full of package tourists
stopping here and there for everyone to jump out and take a quick photo and only really
spending time doing things like eating and shopping.
The whole reason I have not yet visited Jiuzhaigou National Park is because of this
system of transport. But Hailuogou was just as bad. I realize they want to protect the
parks and limit the damage that might be caused by thousands of people stomping
through the wilderness, but if they are going to push all tourists onto buses, than they
really need to have a system that allows people to move around the park where and
when they want, and not where and when the tour group that has taken over most of the
bus wants. This transportation system seriously inhibited my enjoyment of Hailuogou
Glacier Park.
Hailuogou Glacier Forest Park
Hailuogou (Conch Gully) National Glacier Forest Park is located on the eastern side of
Gonggar Mountain in Luding County of Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Ganzi,
Sichuan Province. It is 319 km from Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan Province and
105 km from Kangding, where administrative organs of the Ganzi Autonomous
Prefecture are located. Glaciers in Hailuogou are typical modern marine glaciers, which
are rarely found either in low-latitude places or at low altitude. Its lowest point is only
2,850 meters above sea level.
Glaciers cover 31 square kilometers of the Conch Gully. Classified as Modern Glacier,
they came into being 16 million years ago. The Grand Glacier Cascade -- 1,000 meters
in height and 1,000 meters in width -- is the only one in the world. Its 6 km glacier tongue
penetrates into the virgin forest, forming a rare natural landscape with the blend of
glacier and forest.
The Grand Glacier Cascade, with a drop of 1,080 meters, is made up of numerous ice
cubes. Looking like the milk way descending from heaven, it sends out brilliant rays in
the sunshine.
Beyond the cascade there is a snow basin -- the source of the glacier. When the frozen
water accumulates to a certain amount and the surplus ice and snow need to find a way
out, there will be an avalanche. So, for safety’s case, the snow basin can only be seen
from afar, which is a pity for such a unique attraction. Moreover, the glacier fall may
33
collapse at any time, too. During spring and summer, the dynamic seasons for glaciers,
over 1,000 avalanches may happen in a day. In one such collapse, the falling ice can
reach 1 million cubic meters. As electricity is produced during the hit and friction, blue
sparks are sent out together with earth-shaking roaring.
Since the vista is several kilometers from the Grand Glacier Cascade, tourists do not
need
to
worry
about
harms
from
even
the
biggest
avalanche.
http://www.pan-tibettravel.com/destination-ganziarea.html
Sunrise @ Mt. Gongga
Standing 55km south of Kangding County, Mt. Gongga is 7556m above sea level,
the highest peak in Sichuan Province, covering an area of about 20000 km2. Around the
main peak, there stand over 100 icecovered peaks of 5000-6000 m above sea level,
forming a magnificent sight.Mt. Gongga is a sacred mountain to the Tibetan ethnic group,
which possesses glaciers, alpine takes, hot springs, rare animals and plants, and
numerous temples, buildings with ethnic style, forming a large natural scenic area of
10000 km2.
Overview Xinduqiao
A small town located 437km west to chengdu and 83km west of Kangding, at the
separating point of the North and South Sichuan-Tibet highway, with Ganze in the
northwest and Litang in the west.
The town itself is nothing more than a stopover but the area between Zheduoshan and
Xinduqiao features plateau pasture scenery of rolling chain of mountains, river valleys
dotted with poplars, grassland, Tibetan villages.
It's renowned as "the paradise of photographers", offering
seasonal stunning views, especially in the autumn.
Best Season : end of Sept. to early Nov.
Get in & around
Option 1 – take daily buses from Kangding, earliest departing
6:00am, Y115/head. Or, collective taxis are available beside
Kangding Broadcast & TV Tower for Y20/head, which is more comfortable and flexible
for making stops.
Option 2 - charter a mini van nearby Kangding bus station. Local drivers are more
experienced with the road conditions and sights. it costs about Y150 for a whole day tour,
incl. visiting Tagong grassland/monastery.
** The gravel road form kangding to Xinduqiao is extremely harsh, 80km may take
5~6hrs.
•
Accommodations
Hostels available in town for Y15~25/bed,
Y10/meal
Xiankelai Guesthouse (仙客来) - located on
the right side of the main street across the bridge.
34
•
•
•
It's operated by some Public Security Bureau members. Y10/head for Tibet style
beddings, Y15/head for common Chinese style room. Shared shower room with 24hrs'
hot water.
Muya Guesthouse: Y25/bed, Tel - 0836－2866565
Attractions
the enchanting plateau pasture scenery - Xinduqiao itself is a small town, the
"paradise for photographers" usually mean the section from Zheduo Mt. to the town,
where brilliant colors is presentable in autmun.
the ancient temple(居寺) and the mystical Muya celestial burial spot /木崖天葬台,
4km southeast of the town, which is
Yajiang is in Ganzi in Sichuan.
It is under the administration of the Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture
Getting There
Bus connections to Kanding (5 hours) and Litang (4 and half hours) during the day.
Sights
There is a small but very atmospheric temple on the top of the hill above the main town.
You can spot it, earthy mustard and red coloured. It is only about 10 minutes walk from
the centre but finding you way up there in the maze of little allies is a bit hit and miss but
worth it. In the afternoon when you can see the locals at prayer which is mesmerizing
and you will probably be encouraged to see the rest of the building which feels like the
monks personal quarters. They will probably make you welcome with salty butter tea if
you hang out there long enough.
Hotels & Accommodation
A few hostels near the bus station - people will approach you as you get off the bus.
Litang,
35
Litang, also Lithang, (Mandarin Chinese: 理塘, Gaochengxiang), (Tibetan: ལི་ཐང།), is
the county seat of Litang Couty, in western Sichuan Province, south-west China. It is
also part of the ancient and historic Tibetan province of Kham. The town has a
population of about 50,000 and is a major center of Tibetan culture in Kham and at an
elevation of 4000m (13,123 ft) is one of the highest in the world. Several Dalai Lamas
where born here and lived in the local monastery located just outside the town on a
hillside. Litang is a bustling little place with colorful street life thanks to the nomadic
shepherds and Tibetan people coming here to sell and buy their products. The older
parts are situated on the hill slopes to the east, while busy construction work is extending
the place into the surrounding grassy plains. The vast majority of the population is
ethnically Tibetan and bi-lingual but most signage is in Mandarin. The closest thing to big
city ementities is Kangding 8-9 hours to the east over several breathtaking and
dangerous passes.
Public bus
The Bus Station is at the eastern end of town, near the crossroads between Kangdingand Xiangcheng-bound roads. Buses arrive daily from Batang, Kangding (9 hours, ¥81),
Xiangcheng (4 hours, ¥61, difficult to get tickets), and Daocheng (3 hours). Private buses
can be hired in front of the station for ¥100 to Kangding. The bus is more comfortable
and safe than minubus.
A warning that due to the bus to Xiangcheng or Kangding actually being a bus that goes
back and forth from these places and merely STOPS in Litang en route, you can only
buy tickets if there happens to be a seat available. (and due to computers not being
connected, it is impossible to tell if there will be spots available or not ahead of time) As
such you will more than likely (unless on a VERY flexible schedule) be forced to pay
¥400 for a minibus to either of these towns.
Private minibus
Xinlong is accessible by private minibuses that leave from the main street, near the bus
station. Expect to pay around ¥80 per person. Private buses can be hired in front of the
station for ¥100 to Kangding. The minibus ride is extremely bumpy and only for the
adventurous.
Get around
You can easily visit the town on foot. Follow the main street to the market, complete with
little baby yaks eating garbage and wild nomads on motorbikes.
See
Ganden Thubchen Choekhorling Monastery (Lithang Gompa, Litangsi) - The monastery
is just on the northern edge of town and belongs to the Gelukpa sect of Tibetan
Buddhists. In 1956 the monastery came under siege and them bombing from the PLA,
following resistence to the attempt to impose communist reforms in Kham. This was a
critical turning point in the Tibetan uprising, when some Khampa decided as a result to
begin guerilla warfare. Other monasteries in the region may have similar histories- eg at
Xiangcheng there a lot of ex-monastic rubble - but where they did not play such an
important historical role as a specific site, this is harder to uncover. What you see is
therefore substantially reconstructed, as much of the monastery was destroyed. As usual,
you are not allowed to take photographs of holy relics inside. The friendly monks will
guide you through the main buildings, including some breathtaking views from the
36
temple roofs. The monastery was founded in 1580 by the third Dalai Lama Sonam
Gyatso on the site of an older Bön-monastery. There are three main temples in the
compound, of which one is currently under construction. The oldest seems to be the one
on top of the hill, still featuring the wooden construction of the upper rim of the buildings.
Inside, you can view several chambers and a bedroom in which the 7th Dalai Lama is
said to have resided. Many more famous and influential personal figures were born here,
including the 7th Dalai Lama, 10th Dalai Lama, the most influential Zebutsundaba Lama
of Mogonia, the 7th Gyamuyang Lama, the 7th, 8th and 9th Pabalha living Buddha of
Chamdo monastery and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Xianggen living buddha.
Do
Horse racing festival Every year on August 1, a 4 day horse racing festival takes place
in Litang. Accommodation can get scarce during that time but don't let that deter you; it's
always possible to get a local family to take you into their tent on the fairgrounds. Or,
bring your own tent and join the tent city that sprawls over the grasslands to the south of
the town. The party on the fairgrounds continues for several days after the official festival
is over.
Hike to the surrounding hills to get a view of the outstretched valley including a visit to
the sacred "sky burial" grounds.
Visit the Hot Springs about 5 km out of town. Some guesthouses can arrange tours to
go there, or just hail a taxi. There are enclosed baths where you can bathe in privacy and
the cost is 10 yuan for an hour. You can also find some hot water in open streams
however it's not very deep and not really suitable for a good soak.
Buy
Typical Tibetan clothing and jewelery and accessories needed by the herdsmen
frequenting the town are available in small shops downtown.
Supermarkets on main-street sell food and toiletries, you can also buy bottles of beer
and decent Chinese wine to make up your own nightlife.
In the market you can buy sliced-and-dried apples and pears for a healthy snack.
Eat
Plenty of small restaurants are to be found on the main road, some with English menus.
Tian Tian Restaurant, (Across the street from the Crane Guesthouse), ☎ 13541467941.
Now across the street from the Crane Guesthouse (correct as of July 2009, used to be
189 Happy East Road, next to the Crane), Tian Tian is a little restaurant sporting an
English menu. The owner, Mr. Zheng, is very friendly and happy to indulge in some chat
with his basic English, and is always willing to learn more and keeps a handwritten
journal to document new words learned. He can often be seen most mornings returning
from the market with fresh vegetables and meats and if you are a Westerner will likely
find you before you find him and will give you his rather professional business card. He
and his wife are great cooks and know how to specialise to western tastes. Mr Zheng's
potato cake recipe is most delicious. While Mr Zheng and his wife cook mostly Sichuan
and continental Chinese food, although Mr Zheng makes a fine yak butter tea, made a
little sweeter to appeal to western tastes. His Tibetan breakfasts are also tasty and very
filling. Mr Zheng provides very accurate informal travel information; the big hand-drawn
map in his restaurant is most useful. Ask to read (or perhaps write in) his guestbook
before you leave.
37
Drink
There is an excellent dance club on the same side of the street as the Crane
Guesthouse towards the bus station. There is a neon sign lit entrance to a courtyard,
where the club is inside and to the right. There are also a number of karaoke-style bars in
town, or KTV as they are known locally.
Sleep
During autumn and winter, most of the guesthouses or hotels don't have any heating
system or it is limited to electric blankets, rooms will be very cold making the stay
uncomfortable. The incessant barking of dogs at night will make sleep challenging. The
altitude is very high in this town so a signifcant amount of people will experience some
negative side effects as a result. Be forewarned!
Budget
Potala Inn (July 2009) turn left as you come out of the bus station and it is less than 5
minutes walk, on your right. Quite a clean guesthouse with helpful owner(although rather
rubbish laundry service - however, at least they have one!). However, the bedding did
not smell 100% fresh and clean, and there is a sign on the stairway that reads "If you
want your bedding washed, please tell us". Prices are ¥25 per bed for 6 bed dorm, ¥35
for 4 bed dorm (possibly the best value-for-money choice as it comes with private
western bathroom and the rooms are very colourful and cheerful), ¥50 for 3 bed dorm
and a slightly steeper ¥180 for a double room. Free wifi, umbrellas and raincoats. Menu
with local and western food. They also offer many activities like horse trekking with
nomads or motorcycle rental. Make sure the owner Lady Potala is around - she speaks
English and is very helpful. If she is not the staff seems to be taking a brake and both,
cleanliness and helpfulness are gone.
Peace Guesthouse (November 2009) The newly opened Hostel has a helpful
English-speaking owner. It features clean dorm beds for ¥20 and is located 1 minute
from the bus station (take a right turn). Peace Guesthouse has a nice little cafe, hot
showers, and internet services. Motorcycle rental is ¥120.
Crane Guesthouse (July 2009) is further down the road from the Potala inn (same side of
the road). It is a popular hotel with foreign tourists, possibly because it is highlighted in
some travel guides. But the sanitary conditions of the older part of the guesthouse (with
shared facilities) are abysmal, with dirty bathrooms (squatting toilets that look like they
have never been cleaned, old rickety taps did not always have running water, the 'sink'
was just a broken-tiled worktop with a hole in it), old food left for days on stairways, and
swarms of flies abounding. The dorm rooms have smears and all kinds of marks ALL
over the walls, and lots of rubbish under the beds. The rooms in the new part with private
bathrooms (squat toilet) are reasonably clean (priced at ¥100/double). The managers of
the building, two Tibetan sisters, have been known to play loud dance music until 1 AM
from their lobby. The staff is otherwise friendly and quite helpful. Showers are hot, free if
you are staying in a ¥20 dorm, but ¥5 if you are paying for a ¥10 bed, and located next to
the main lobby in the courtyard, which means you must walk outside the building to get
to them. Be careful when taking a shower though, as the wires from the (rather low)
ceiling light are completely exposed, with the plug and socket located directly opposite
the shower head.
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Peace & Happy Hotel Possibly the cheapest option in town. The rooms and toilet are
grotty but the shower room is OK with hot water from 10:00 to 22:00. However the family
are fairly friendly and one girl speaks some English. Double, twin and triple rooms at ¥15
per person in winter. On the main street, No. 345. 21 janury 2008.
Safe and Life Hotel (Gaocheng Luguan) is just opposite the bus station while the Batang
Guesthouse (Ping'An Fandian) is across the street on your right hand side when leaving
the bus station.
Two buildings right from the bus station is another small hotel.
As you follow the main road to the left, there is the Jixiang Binguan hotel on the right
side.
Nomads Guesthouse(may 2010)is 5 minutes walking from the bus station. From there,
walk to the left on the main street, and turn left the first street again. You'll see a blue
sign in chinese, follow it. It's a nice guesthouse, all the rooms are around a courtyard,
with attached bathrooms, hot water, free wifi, and some have tv. The staff doesn't speak
english, but they do the effort to understand you. Rooms are new and clean.
Moderate
Gaocheng Binguan, on the main street; rooms ¥220-1111.
Stay safe
Litang is quite a center of Tibetan secessionist activities. Pictures of Dalai Lama are
technically illegal. There is a strong police and military presence due to the tension but
you will hardly notice it.
August horse festival has had incidents in the past. Such incidents (with no casualties)
happened in 2006 because of a dispute over results and in 2007 over a call for the return
of the Dalai Lama. Check out the current situation on some Tibetan news sites like
www.phayul.com
Overview Litang
Lying in the surroundings of vast grasslands at an elevation of 4100m, 286km west of
Kangding, Litang, an oasis between Chengdu and Tibet, used to be an important stage
on the Tea-Horse Caravans Route, now is a stop on south Sichuan-Tibet highway, a
simple pasturing area with bustling bazaar where the nomads and Tibetans gather to
trade their products
Attractions
Ganden Thubchen Choekhorling Monastery/ 理塘寺
The monastery is just on the slope 1km north of town and belongs to the Gelupa
(yellow-hat-sect) Tibetan Buddhisms. Founded in 1580 by the 3rd Dalai Lama Sonam
Gyatso. Some influential Buddhists were born here since then, including the 7th and 10th
Dalai Lama, the famed Zebutsundaba Lama of Mogonia, the 7th Gyamuyang Lama, the
7th, 8th and 9th Pabalha living Buddha of Chamdo monastery and the 1st, 2nd and 3rd
Xianggen living buddha. Now it is a home to 1400 Gelupa monks. Take a taxi to the top
costs Y6.
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Horse Racing Festival
The festival stages in August every year and lasts for 10 days in Litang, celebrated with
singing, dancing, eating and of course racing. Tibetans come a long way from and set
their tents in the grasslands around, which offers an extraordinary scene in the grassland
a world of tents.
During the time, accommodation in town gets short and pricey. The Tibetans will come
from far away and set tents to wait for the big days very early. After the wonderful
ceremony with traditional Tibetan dancing and songs, the most exciting event is the
horse races. The brave riders will take their pretty decorated horses to participate the
races and showcase their excellent horse riding skills, such as picking up the scarlet on
the back of a fast running horse, shooting at targets while on the gallop, etc. The women
are all in their most beautiful best with magnificent jewelry as they shower their
applauses on their heroes. The festival is also a good time for trade.
Things to Do
Hiking to the surrounding hills to get a view of the outstretched valley. Visit the Hot
Springs just north of town. Some guesthouses can arrange tours to go.
Transportation
Litang Bus Station is at the southern end of town. Daily buses from Kangding in east to
Xiangcheng(201km) & Daocheng pass through Litang at around 2pm, stop for only a
short while before heading further southern. The fee is Y62 & Y47 to the 2 destinations.
But sometimes there is no vacant seat. Bus to Batang towards Tibet also pass through
Litang at around 2-3pm everyday.
Charter a vehicle to Daocheng is around Y400, to Xiangcheng is around Y700.
For getting around, taxis are available for Y5 to anywhere in town.
Lodging
Potala Inn - the best hotel in town, just cross the bus station and walk 10m ahead then
turn to right. 20/head for Tibetan Style bed, shared bath room; Y160/std. room, 24hrs hot
water. Both the owner and the young Tibetan guy in charge speak good English. The
hotel is almost the base camp for foreigners in town. Tel.: 0086-836-5322533, email:
meiduo25@yahoo.com.cn
Crane Guesthouse/仙鹤宾馆 - 200m to the left of the bus station. Y20/bed
Gaocheng Binguan/高城宾馆 - located at the cross of Tuanjie Lu and Xingfu Lu,
Y15~25/bed.
Batang Guesthouse - across the street on your right hand side when leaving the bus
station. Two buildings right from the bus station is another small hotel. As you follow the
main road to the left, there is a big hotel on the right side.
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Dining
Plenty of small restaurants are to be found on the main road. Next door to the Crane
Guesthouse in direction to the bus station there is a little restaurant sporting an English
menu. The owner is very friendly and happy to indulge in some chat with his very basic
English
Overview Daocheng
Though popularly known as stopover on route to Yading, Daocheng itself is still worth a
visit for the sights around. Located in the southwest border of Sichuan at an average
elevation of 3800m, Daochang is full of discovery of primitive Tibetan villages, Buddhism
monasteries and pastoral scenery brought by the rolling landscapes.
When to go?
Oct.~Mid. Nov. is the best, next is Sept., May~Jun.
Getting there
Option 1
Chengdu --> Kangding(via Litang) --> Daocheng; around 800 km, 2 days by bus
Take a direct Chengdu--Daocheng bus at Chengdu Xinanmen bus station[Y217],
overnight stop at Kangding, arrive Daocheng in the evening of the 2nd day. Or,
41
Take a bus heading for Kangding either at Chengdu Tourist Transportation Center (ex.
Xinnanmen bus station) or at North Bus Station in the morning[Y97 - Y109]. Upon
arriving at Kangding in the late afternoon, buy your ticket immediately for the Daocheng
bus. In case tickets of the 2nd day are sold out during the peak season
You can also stay at Kangding for one or two days to visit Mugecuo Lake, Tagong
Glassland and adapt yourself to the altitude.
Kangding to Daocheng - 12 hrs. Most travelers would feel the strong effect of high
altitude if they come to Daocheng from Chengdu in 2 days.
Option 2
Kunming --> Zhongdian (via Lijiang)--> Daocheng:
One of the most fabulous travel routes in China for independent travelers. If you are
adapted to Zhongdian's altitude, you should have no difficulty in Daocheng.
Option 3
Cross the Mt. Gaoersi (4412m) in the morning, cross the Natural Reserve Site of
Ancient Glacier in Mt.Haizi, enjoy the beautiful scenery. Visit the Changqingchunker
Temple, which is the largest Gelug Monastery in the Ganzi Khampa region. It is located
to the north of Litang, which claims to be a county at the highest elevation in the world.
Construction first began in 1581 and now covers a total area of 900 sq m and houses
4,300 monks. (Tips: It is not allowed to visit during its ritual ceremony ).Besides, you will
find the well-deserved reputed Rabbit Ears (a well-known scenic spot) on Rabbit
Mountain, the lakes (formed in the small basins in rocks with ice-melting water) dotted
here and there, the picturesque Sangdui (a little town). Get down the Haizi Mountain,
arrive at the Daocheng abuttals. In the Daocheng County, you can take a bath in the hot
spring. Stay in Daocheng. You can stay in the Daocheng Yading Hostel, and it will cost
you about RMB 80-100 per person per night for the twin occupancy or triple occupancy.
The electric carpet, electric cooker are all available for getting warm.
Option 4
Yajiang - Litang - Daocheng - Riwa (Shangrila) village, overnight in Riwa (Shangrila)
village at an elevation of 3000m. ,
Drive to Daocheng after breakfast, cross the Mt. Jianziwan, Mt. Kaizila and Litang,
Daocheng grassland, see the famous Mt. Haizi. In this route, we see the spectacular
Sichuan-Tibet Highway, snow mountain, plateau glacier and grassland. There is
approximately 6-7 hours drive for the Yajiang to Daocheng
300km road, besides the 40km gravel road of Litang 42
Daocheng, the rest is all tarred. Daocheng - Riwa (Shangrila) village, although 80km
gravel road, however the roadbed is perfect, it drives approximately 1.5 hours. Overnight
in local Tibetan style guesthouse, 2-4 people a room not air-conditioned and
independent water closet equipped.
http://www.haiweitrails.com/place_descriptions.htm
LITANG 理塘
code 624300
(Lithang) in Kham (western Sichuan)
Alt: 4010 m
Population: 9,000 (51,000 county)
nomads)
Weather: Click here
area code 0836
/
zip
People: Kham Tibetan (mostly
Description: The highest town (Gaocheng Town) in Sichuan, the relaxed feel of the town
belies its rather tumultuous recent history. Sitting at the edge of a wide expanse of
grassland, with green rolling hills and the vivid blue of the sky as a backdrop. Clear days
offer dazzling views of majestic snow-capped mountains, the 5064m Maogeshan
covered year-round in snow seemingly within arm's reach. Host to one of the big horse
festivals, where thousands of Khampans come from all over the plateau, from Qinghai,
Sichuan and Tibet, for a week of horsemanship displays, trading and the local version of
fiesta. Local economy based on pastoralism, nomads grazing yaks, goats, sheep and
horses on Lithang ’s high plateau grasslands as they have for generations.
History: One of a number of small eastern Tibetan states, but independent of Lhasa
throughout, Lithang was the centre of an expansive Tibetan princedom. In the 1920s,
Joseph Rock tells of a kingdom ruled by a monarch who had “absolute spiritual and
temporal sway over 22,000 subjects” of Tibetans, Naxi, and others. During the twilight
years of the Qing Dynasty, the princes of Litang were forcibly removed and replaced with
Chinese magistrates, kicking off a period of anarchy as Tibetans seized weapons from
government troops and fought with both each other and the Chinese, so fearsome being
the fighting that no Chinese dared enter, and for a time, all contact with the area outside
ceased. Clear through the 1950's, Litangpans (as Khampans from Litang are called)
remained fiercely resistant and independent. Indeed, they've a reputation - even among
the warrior Khampans - for being exceptional fighters. The head of the last guerrilla
group to stand against the Chinese army was from Litang; the guerilla movement was
spurred by the 1956 siege of the Lithang gompa.
Points of Interest: This area, up until the late 1500s, was a stronghold for the Kagyüpa
school. In 1640 Gushri Khan's Mongol forces squashed all opposition to the Gelukpa
school, and the Lithang gompa then grew to rival the Chamdo and Ganzi monasteries as
the most important Gelukpa establishment in Kham. Founded 1580 at the appointment
DL3, the Lithang gompa is a huge complex overlooking the valley, its recent restoration
taking 10 years. Somewhere between 1000-3000 monks here now. Jiage Shenshan
Monastery is a new monastery 18 km south of town. Genie Scenic area.
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Festivals: Horse Racing Festival (Aug 1)
DAOCHENG 稻城
code 627750
(updated Jul '08)
Alt: 3730 m
(Dapba) in Kham (SW Sichuan)
Population: 7,000 (31,000 county)
area code 0836
/
zip
People: Tibetan (96%)
Description: To the north of town (called Jinzhu Town) is a 4-5000m high plateau (formed
by Gonggashan and Haizishan mountains) where, in ancient times, glaciers once existed.
Now the terrain is dotted with high mountain lakes and lunar-like rock formations.
Daocheng itself is the back of beyond - a wee 2-street Tibetan town surrounded by wild
country, where the hills and mountains all have a religious connection in the eyes of the
local Tibetan residents. Long isolated from the outside world, they are now becoming
used to the streams of tourists passing through Daocheng on their way to Yading
National Park and its 3 sacred mountains.
History: Similar situation to Xiangcheng - this area was technically under the control of
the State of Chagla (centred around today's Kangding to the north) but was always quite
independent. In the early 1900s the Qing government tried to bring this area more under
its control, sparking wide-spread revolt. Local Tibetans took this opportunity to relieve
several Chinese garrisons of their arms, and the entire area south of Kangding reverted
to local-strong-man rule, with the Gonggaling area considered especially bandit-ridden.
Points of Interest: Yangteng gompa (Xiongdeng Monastery), built in the Ming Dynasty as
a Kagyüpa monastery, later converted to Gelukpa in the 17c. The most important
monastery in the county, it houses tens of thousands of Buddhist scriptures, as well as
many Buddha figures, including a sandalwood statue of Shakyamuni. Gonggaling
Monastery (Geluk), in a village on the way to Yading, contains an exquisite bronze statue
of Maitreya (the Future Buddha) presented by DL5. The riverside Benpo gompa (Bön),
built 1144 and recently reconstructed, is home to 100 monks. Rubachaka Hot Spring
village, which was built up around natural hot springs, and now boasts private
bathhouses at which visitors can soak. Mt. Haizi (lit. Mountain of Lakes), paralleling the
Daocheng R. on the way into town, also known as “old ice cap of Daocheng” is a
beautiful high plateau dotted with 1145 mountain lakes and freak geological formations
caused by glacial erosion.
Overview Daocheng
Daocheng is located at the south of Gantse Tibetan Prefecture, at the southwestern
border of Sichuan Province. It is around 800 kilometers away from Chengdu, capital city
of Sichuan province and 430 kilometers away from Kangding, capital of Gantse
Prefecture.
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Daocheng has long enjoyed great fame as the "last shangri-la" among Chinese
travelers due to its breath-taking natural scenery. The area, located at an average
elevation of 3800m, is full of alpine views of floppy blue sky, loquacious rivers and lakes,
broad pastures and snow capped mountains.
Daocheng is home to many endangered species. Long-tailed leaf monkeys, golden
monkeys, white-lipped deer, red deer, water deer, argali, antelope enjoy their life freely in
this vast land, untouched by human beings.
The Yading National Reserve at the south edge of Daocheng County has been
considered as the most sacred place in western Sichuan Province by Tibetan pilgrims.
Mountains and lakes in the reserve are believed holy. The three sacred mountains
Jambeyang (or Yangmaiyong in Mandarin, 5958 meters high), Chanadorje (Xiaruoduoji,
5958 meters high), Shenrezig (Xiannairi 6032 meters high) has saw stream of pious
Tibetan pilgrims circling them, in the hope of a better and happier life. It is said that those
three mountains were blessed in the 8th century, when Buddha Padmasambhava shed
his divine light on the range, and named the three elevations after three bodhisattvas. As
leader of the U.S. National Geographic Society's Yunnan-Sichuan Expedition, Joseph F.
Rock, the renowned American explorer and botanist, visited Yading in 1928. Awed by the
sacred snowy peaks, he wrote and took photographs for an article entitled "Konka
Risumgongba, Holy Mountain of the Outlaws", published in National Geographic in July
of 1931. "The Shenrezig peak resembles a huge white throne, such as Living Buddhas
use when meditating: a worthy seat for a Tibetan deity!" wrote Rock. "In a cloudless sky
before me rose the peerless pyramid of Jambeyang, the finest mountain my eyes ever
beheld."
Gongga Langjiling Temple 貢嘎朗吉岭寺
(Entrance fee excluded)
Leave Daocheng for Riwa, to the key
scenic spot-Yading Nature Reserve by
sightseeing bus, tour Tibetan temples and
villages, explore the landscape of Chitu
River and valley, visit the golden
GongGa LangJiLing Temple 貢嘎朗吉岭
寺, 簡稱'貢岭寺'. along the way; view the
Sacred Mount
RIWA 日瓦
in Kham (SW Sichuan)
Alt: 2400 m
Population: )
area code 0836
People: Tibetan
Weather: Cold
Description: This is where one buys entrance tickets for Yading. Once a small village,
now a township renamed Shangri-la 香格里拉乡, set by the river. More bustling every
45
year, priding itself as it does as the last stop for many a thing before Yading. So lots of
shops and restaurants, even a spiffy hotel.
YADING
0836
亚丁
Alt: 4-5000 m
(Nyinteng) Nature Reserve in Kham (SW Sichuan)
People: 10,000
area code
People: Tibetan
Description: The centrepiece of this park are the 3 sacred peaks - the DL5 named them
after the 3 bodhisattvas whose essences they’re believed to contain. To wit, the 6032m
north peak Chenrezi (Ch. Xiannairi) represents Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of
compassion and the patron-saint of Tibet; the 5958m south peak Jampeyang (Ch.
Yangmaiyong) represents Manjushri, the bodhisattva of wisdom; and the 5958m east
peak Chenadorje (Ch. Xiaruoduoji) represents Vajrapani, the bodhisattva of wrath.
Covered in snow year-round, they tower over the landscape and cover an area of some
800 sq. miles. Open as a national park since just 1999. The Sacred Peaks are one of
Tibetans’ holiest places, and pilgrims believe a turn around these mountains will earn
you the same amount of credit as saying the Mani scripture 100 million times. Indeed, so
huge is the amount of good credit one gets visiting this area, that from the turn of the
century till recently, bandits ran amok here, so sure were they of these earthly crimes
being redeemed. Within the park is unspoilt vegetation and native forests, very isolated
Tibetan villages, a small monastery, and sacred lakes. More than a little litter strewn
outside the park entrance, alas.
Points of Interest: 3 Sacred Peaks, Chonggu Temple. Luorong pasture. Wuse Hai
(Five-Colour Lake) sacred lake. Kasi Valley, deep in the forests, is one of only 8 ‘death
valleys’ through which souls pass on the way to heaven.
Overview Yading
Yading, the "Shangri-La" discovered by Joseph Rock in 1928, is renowned for the 3 holy
peaks, which were blessed in the 8th century by Buddha Padmasambhava of projecting
his divine light onto the range and naming the 3 elevations after 3 bodhisattvas.
The south peak Jambeyang (or Jampelyang, Yangmaiyong) of 5,958m is the avatar
of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of Wisdom. The east peak Chanadorje (or Xianuoduoji) of
the same height represents Vajrapani , the Bodhisattva of Wrath. The north peak,
Chenresig (or Chenrezig, Xiannairi ) of 6,032m, the highest of the trio, symbolizes
Avalokiteshvara, the Bodhisattva of Mercy.
The 3 peaks are the patron saint of the Tibetan. It's said that if a Tibetan pilgrimage to the
shrine 3 times in life, he can be blessed with all he desires. Therefore, pilgrimage to this
holy range is a long-cherished wish of each Tibetan.
46
47
Yading is one of China's most awe-inspiring nature reserves, Tibetan's holy land. Every
stunning vista here is celebrated with a gompa, prayer flags or Mani Stones. On this
adventurous trip you will take in relatively remote areas of Tibetan culture - small towns
reminiscent of the wild west, rolling landscapes characterized by wheat and barley fields
and Tibetan houses.
Yading is a paradise for photographers and
trekkers.
Highlights
Sacred peaks / kora treks
When to go?
April~May, October~November.
How long? 3~5 days
Getting there & away
The journey from Daocheng to Yading has to be made in 2 parts. Daocheng to Riwa
and Riwa to Yading.
First, take a bus or charter a jeep (Y250-300) from Daocheng, about 2hrs to Riwa.
From Riwa to Yading (Chong-Gu Temple), make it by chartering a van, riding on a mule
(Y60/day with a horseman) or trekking on foot.
Return to Daocheng via the same way, moving on to Litang in the north or to Zhongdian
in the south.
Yading nature reserve, home of three sacred Tibetan mountains - Chenresig
(Avalokitesvara, 6032m), Jambeyang (Manjusri, 5958m), and Chanadorje (Vajrapani,
5958m). Tibetan Buddhists believe that making a kora (pilgrimage) around these
mountains brings great merit, and that the three mountains represent compassion,
wisdom and energy - attributes one must cultivate on the path to enlightenment. The
scenery here easily rivals that of national parks of the west such as Yellowstone and
Yosemite in terms of spectacular, pristine mountain scenery.
We will visit beatiful Yading by horseback riding or hiking. From the reserve entrance we
will traverse a beautiful wooded pathway leading to a valley set at the foot of the
spectacular Mt. Chanadorje.
We'll pass piles of mani stones by the side of the pathway and at the base of the
Reserve's most stunning vistas. We'll also visit Tshonggo Gonpa (Chonggu Si in Chinese)
- a small Tibetan temple, which Joseph Rock nicknamed 'Bandit Monastery.' (Joseph
Rock, a botanist and explorer, conducted extensive explorations of northwest China and
48
Tibet for Harvard's Museum of Comparative Zoology and National Geographic in 1924.)
We will continue our hike to the foot of Mt Chenresig, where we'll ascend a small but
steep hill to view a beautiful mountaintop emerald green lake. Local lore has it that this
magical lake can reveal your future if you spend a few moments in quiet contemplation
by its side. We'll return to the meadow at the foot of Mt. Chanadorje.
Appreciate the 3 Sacred Mounts: Xiannaiyi, Yangwanyong, Xianuoduoji and enjoy
the landscape of plateau with 5,000 meters above the sea level
Accommodations
Luorong Pasture Tent-lodge (4180M): cradled in a beautiful valley 12km of the park
entrance, offers fantastic views of three sacred mountains. 200 beds, Y40/person,
horrible WC.
Chonggu Lodge(3880M): Y30~50/bed, 3km from the park entrance, 40minutes walk.
Just below Chonggu Monastery. It accommodates a max. of 150 persons, with average
20 persons/rm. The lodge supplies plenty of dry blankets. A sleeping bag is necessary as
the blankets seem never been washed.
** Chonggu Lodge offers amazing views of Chenresig's north face and Chanadorje's
west face.
Sights
Five-colored Lake (4800M): lies beneath the cliff of Chenresig's stunning south face.
The lake changes color amazingly from green, bright blue to deep ocean blue upon light
conditions.
Milk Lake (4600M): A glacier-fed lake. Glacier running off from Jampelyang gives the
water its striking bright green color. The best view can be gained if you follow the main
trail along the north shore of the lake and climb up to the col in the west.
Both Milk Lake and Five-color Lake are situated at the saddle between Jampelyang and
the south face of Chenresig, with Chanadorje standing at the east range. It is the second
place to admire all of the 3 sacred peaks. Although the view of Jampelyang is less
impressive than that of in Luorong Pasture, both lakes offer breathtaking views of
Chanadorje and Chenresig.
It takes three hours to hike from Luorong Pasture to Milk Lake. Five-color Lake is hidden
behind a steep slope, 150m higher than Milk Lake beneath Chenresig's south face.
Count 30 minutes to reach it from Milk Lake. No clear trails. Follow the direction of
Tibetan praying flags hanging above the slope.
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Pearl Lake (4000M) - nestled in the beautiful upper valley of Chenresig's north face,
accessed by a 45-minute walk from Chonggu Lodge.
Chonggu Si （Temple） [Chonggu Monastery,3880M]
A small monastery built 700 years ago in Yuan Dynasty, provides a spectacular view of
Chenresig's north face.
Introduction
Chonggu Temple located at the foot of Xiannairi Snow Mountain, whose altitude is
3880m. Since the history is so long, the building time cannot be proved. At present, there
is o-nly debris o-n the temple. However, Chonggu Temple is the o-nly pass way to
appreciate the three holy mountain—Xiannairi, Yangmaiyong, Xianuoduoji. And it is also
the starting place of Tibetan Zhuanshan ceremony.
Yading Scenic Spot is influenced by Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, it has the feature of
Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and Continental climate, belonging to continental monsoonal
plateau climate, with long winters and short summers, and an average annual
temperature of 12.3 ℃. It has distinct wet seasons and dry seasons. The best travel
seasons are spring and autumn.
Highlight
Chonggu temple is built o-n the Haizi Mountain. At the back of it is Xianniari sacred
mountain, the summit of which covered with snow all year long, shaped like a huge
Buddha with his body lay towards back and embraced a pyramids shaped small
snow-capped hill. o-n the right front of it is a 5958 meters high mountain called
Xialangduoji sacred mountain. In the middle is a flat gorge with thick grass, flowing small
streams and dense high mountain vegetation o-n both sides. With the two white
snow-capped mountain, yellow grass, colorful stream water and blue sky decorated with
white clouds, the whole Chonggu temple just likes an appealing poetic picture. After the
heavy rain, Chonggu temple was enveloped in thin fog. Being there, you seem being in
the fair land and forget to go back to the real world.
As the legend, an eminent monk Quejiegongjuejiacuo built Chonggu Temple in order to
oblate the holy mountain and advocate Buddha dharma. But, he peeved the Jinni
because of the digging soil, then the leprosy prevailed at the whole town, local people
were influenced badly. So as to relieve the disaster of local people, Quejiegongjuejiacuo
begged the Jinni to drop the disaster to him. Jinni was moved by his mercy and keep all
the people healthy, however, he died of the leprosy at last. Nowadays, monks of the
temple pray to Buddha to memory his merits and virtues everyday.
Traffic
You could go to Chonggu Temple by riding a horse or walking.
Chonggu Temple fee and opening hours
Admission: 5 yuan
Opening hours: no information
Tips
50
1. The altitude of Daocheng-Yading is quite high, its not suitable for people who have the
hypentension and heart disease to tour here.
2. Sun glass and sunscreen cream is necessary because of the strong UV radiation.
Mt. Haizi is called as the biggest ancient glacier relic on Qinghai-Tibet Plateau,
traditionally named as "the God Ice Cap of Daocheng", she is the glaciated terrian with
an average altitude of 4500m over sea level. Mt.Haizi is 93 km long and 47 km wide
covering an area of 3287 square kilometers, about 1145 plateau glacial erosion lakes
scatter here and there. The size, desity and quantity of these lakes are peculiar in China,
so it is called as the miracle of topography in the world.
Luorong Pasture (4180M)
Located in an enchanting valley between the east face of Chenresig and the west face of
Chanadorje. Jampelyang, 'a truncated pyramid' claimed by Joseph Rock, rises almost
2000 meters at the upper end of the valley. It is the first place in the Reserve where the 3
holy peaks can be viewed.
Trekking routes
Entrance -> Chonggu Lodge -> Pearl Lake / Chonggu Lodge -> Luorong Pasture
If you stay overnight in the park either at Chonggu or Luorong, don't pay wranglers in
advance for the next day's journey.
The horseback riding is not necessary if you don't suffer from Yading's high altitude.
Leave unnecessary luggage at a hotel in Daocheng. The walk from the entrance to Pearl
lake or Luorong Pasture is quite easy.
Kora - the circuit of Chenresig: Luorong Pasture -> Milk Lake -> Two cols -> Chonggu
Lodge.
The trail from Luorong Pasture to Milk Lake is quite steep and narrow. Wranglers are not
allowed to rent their horses to tourists due to security reasons. To rent a horse for the
circuit, don't ask people working in the Luorong Tent-Lodge, talk to wranglers directly.
**Yading Reserve entrance ticket: Y150
Tips & Reminders
Temperature drops dramatically at night. At dawn travelers get up to admire the sunrise,
and will find their camera batteries become stagnant due to the cold temperature.
Serthar Buddhist Institute
Serthar, "Seda" in Chinese, also called Sertar, Serta...is a Tibetan pasturing area located
in the northeast part of Ganzi Tibet Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan, featured with
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grassland, lakes, rivers and Tibetan atmosphere in the plateau above 4000m in elevation.
Serthar means "Golden Horse" in Tibetan. Legend has it that horse-head-shaped gold
was ever discovered in the vast beautiful grassland around, or there is a golden horse
imbedded underneath.
Serthar is a place where the Tibetan Buddhism is centralized, very well-known for the
Serthar Buddhist Institution (also "Larung Gar Buddhist Institution" or "Wuming Buddhist
Institution") in Larung Monastery.
Besides, there are some other small monasteries spread around. All belongs to the Red
Hat. Seke, a town 1.5km from Serthar, holds the annual memorial ceremony for the
tallest Buddhist Pagoda in the area in end of July of Tibetan calendar.
In Serthar, the average annual temperature is -1oC, with sufficient sunlight, long winter
and no summer.
Ganzi Area
Travelling in Ganzi leaves you with a deep impression of Kham Tibetan Culture. The
magnificence of the monasteries, impressive statuary, colored drawings frescoes,
tangkas, religious dances and rituals, impassioned folk dancing, and folk festivals will all
impress you. Also, it is a trip into the mysterious Tibet highland. You will experience pure
snow mountains, and transparently cliea, jade colored lakes, simple and delightful
national customs, and lush grasslands. Humans, nature and animals are untied in
peaceful coexistence, just like the mythological Shambala.
Due to its distance from the Central Plain, Yunnan has been less influenced by Han
culture, perhaps, than Sichuan. Situated on a plateau, Yunnan is characterzed by
thousands of small valleys separated from each other by steep mountains, A number of
different ethnic groups inhabit the valleys, which are characterized by diversity of natural
features and endowments. During this journey, we will follow the ancient caravan roads
to enjoy the fantastic natural landscapes and explore its unique culture
Located in western Sichuan Province and adjacent to Tibet, Qinghai, and Yunnan
Provinces, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous prefecture covers an area of 153,002 squire
kilometers. It is situated at the edge of the Qinghai - Tibetan, Plateau, and has many
famous mountain ranges and rivers, such as Mt. Gongga, Jinsha River, Dadu River, and
Yarlong River. All the snowy mountains, plateaus, valleys, and grasslands have created
many natural splendid scenic areas, making the region unique and colourful. As an area
dominated by Tibetan culture for a long period of time, the local customs are clearly
reflected in the more than 500 Lamaist temples in the prefecture.
With its highest peak touching the heaven at 7,556 meters above sea level, Mount
Gongga straddles three counties of Kangding, Luding and Jiulong. The Surrounding area
includes a wide range of topography, such as virgin forests, snow caped mountains,
alpine lakes, hot springs, waterfall and so on.
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At an altitude of 2850 meters above sea level, Hailuogou Gully Glacial Forest Park lies in
a valley carved by glaciers along the eastern slop of Mount Gongga in Luding County.
The Gully has hot springs, virgin forest, glacier carved peaks, and abundant animal and
plant resources. Golden peak and silver peak face to face offer a magnificent view.
The last frontier for humanity can be found at Yading, Daocheng. The primitive and
mysterious surroundings, snow caped peaks, wide valleys, and Tibetan villages are
brilliance and beauty to every image.
Ganzi Tibetan autonomous prefecture sits at south-east edge of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It
is called Kangba Area or Kang Area in custom. It constitutes eighteen counties and
covers more than 15, 3000 km2. Namely, they are Kangding, Danba, Luding, Jiulong,
Daofu, Luhuo, Sheda, Ganzi, Baiyu, Xinlong, Dege, Shiqu, Yajiang, Litang, Daocheng,
Xiangcheng, Derong, and Batang. Its total population is 900,000; a habitation is
composed of Tibetan with multi-nationality people.
Ganzi Area is in the transition stripe of Qinghai-Tibet plateau and Sichuan basin. Climate
spectrum is completed. Specifically, geographic location and complex landform make
unique scenery wrapped with mountain, lake, glacier and biology. Rare low elevation
modern glaciers, grand snow peaks, well-preserved virgin forests, vast grassland with
blossoming flowers, mirror-like lakes, and various canyons make Ganzi Area attractive.
The conjunction part of Ganzi, Diqing, and Nyingchi is the core part of Shangri-la, main
body in Ganzi Area, of which is a mysterious place combining nature and Tibetan culture.
(No Tibet-entry permit is needed for foreigners)
Five-colored Lake (4800M): Niunaihai (by walk) lies beneath the cliff of Chenresig's
stunning south face. The lake changes color amazingly from green, bright blue to deep
ocean blue upon light conditions.
Xinduqiao (Xindu Bridge)
Xinduqiao is also very beautiful. Small Tibetan village with nice farms criss-cross by little
streams. Xinduqiao is always called as the platform of photographer, the photography
lover using the place, could take numerous beautiful pictures of plateau pastureland.
Tourists should not omit this place, generally the organized tours to Ganzi pass the
beautiful place, which organzied by the local (especially in the Sichuan/Chengdu) travel
agecnies, the tours groups include Hailuogou glacier 6 days, Daocheng Yanding 7 days
etc. Just ask us or the local travel agency, these tours depart generally every day in
summer. Xinduqiao is not really a tourist destination, and it's among China's less visited
places. Travelers passing through the area usually stick to more popular destinations.
http://www.chinatravelz.com/china/Sichuan/Daocheng-yading/xinduqiao/index.asp
After spending the night in Xinduqiao, we embarked on our journey the next morning to
experience the beauty of autumn. Much to our surprise, we did not see a dam for the
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entire morning!
Xinduqiao is a picturesque fairyland hailed as a "Light and Shadow World" and a
"photographer's paradise." It is a land of magical light, boundless grasslands, winding
streams, golden cypress, rolling hills dotted with castles, and cattle and sheep that graze
peacefully. This is the ideal location for picture-taking. In Xinduqiao, one can also see the
Gongga Mountain peak, the Millennium Temple and other frequented palaces. What is
more, the mysterious wood cliffs of Tianzangtai are only four kilometers away.
This descriptive passage about Xinduqiao was viewed so many times online, and had
such a high hit rate, that there were few other descriptions about the region that could be
found online other than this one.
In addition to the beauty of the natural scenery in Xinduqiao, the Diaolou can
sporadically be seen when traveling through the area. Previously used as gun armories,
now they have been transformed into people's homes.
Xinduqiao is located at a fork junction on the north-south Sichuan-Tibet line and has
jurisdiction over thirteen administrative villages. It is 133 kilometers east of Daofu county
and 76 kilometers west of the Zheduo River in Kangding Town with an elevation of 4000
meters and annual average temperature of 4- 6ºC. It is situated in the cold, temperate,
mountainous regions and home to semi-agricultural and semi-pastoral areas. Kangding
Town is a prime example. National Highways 317 and 318 lines extend to the Ganzi
Prefecture from the north and south in each direction, making this area an important
intersection in the Kangba Tibetan area.
There are no obvious scenic landscapes in Xinduqiao. The area is known as
"photographer’s corridor" yet looks very boring and unorganized. Along the more than
ten kilometers the area covers, there are meadows, rivers, and wooden bridges. The
area is dotted with Tibetan homes and blue poplars, like in the paintings of Zheng
Banqiao. However, when captured by the camera’s lens, the place is transformed into
something orderly, structured, and highly expressive.
The first mountain encountered on the highland leg of the Sichuan-Tibet highway is
Zheduo Mountain. It is located west of Kangding Town. Near the Gongga Mountain and
Big Snowy Mountain in the Hengduan mountain range, it covers an area of 2,362 square
kilometers and has a maximum altitude of 4,298 meters. It is one of the most important
cultural and geographical boundaries in the northern regions.
The Tibetan villages of Xinduqiao comprise the core area of Muya culture. At the foot of
green hills, surrounded by trees and intertwined by streams, one can see the exquisite
white painted Tibetan houses. The Tibetan villages are in harmony with nature and
compose a beautiful landscape.
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Xinduqiao’s unique architectural style of the Tibetan villages attracts tourists from all over
the country. Almost every house has a large, tiered courtyard surrounded by walls made
of earth and stone, where the families plant flowers. The highest tier normally serves as
an area for worship. The area between the second and third tier is used as a platform for
drying clothes. Each platform has a “weixiangtai,” where cypress incense is burned.
Every morning this fragrance fills the air.
The Juli Temple is one of the Huang Sect monasteries in Kangding County, where it is
located in Xindu Bridge Juli. After a long history, the Juli temple reopened in 1983 after
reconstruction. Cultural relics and a the precious bronze statue of Buddha are
preserved at this temple.
The area is also home to the Muya opera house which was built during the reign of Lama
Gesang Endon. Every year the Juli Temple holds a three-day Tibetan opera performance
beginning on June 28.
We do not have much time to go to this famous Yellow Sect monastery; however, those
who have been there will document their experiences online. They often describe the
beautiful Tibetan opera performances. As early as the 1940s, Muya opera was
performed at the Juli temple. Muya opera originated from traditional Tibetan opera and
uses characteristics of the Muya language. Lama Gesang Endon expanded it to include
the elements of other local folk songs and dances. To this day, the music, singing and
performing have all been significantly transformed due to the efforts of drama teachers,
writers, directors and artists. Indeed, Muya Tibetan opera now includes use of the erhu,
bamboo flute, cello, suona and others. These improvements were especially apparent
when the Muya Tibetan group performed Qiongda and Buqiong.
Furthermore, Muya Tibetan opera has been the basis for more than ten screenplays,
including Zhuowasangmu, Sujinima, Qiongda and Buqiong, and Princess Wen Cheng.
We felt very relaxed when we went for morning walks and when we drove along the
stretch of Xindu Bridge called the “Wonderland.” Here, there were no earthquakes, dams
or dredging—just harmony between man and nature.
One well-known place in Xindu Bridge that we did not go to was the miraculous Lotus
Sea. Although I have not experienced it myself, based on what I have been told, I would
strongly recommend a future traveler in the area to visit Lotus Sea.
Lotus Sea is located in the KuxiRong Valley of Kangding Pusarong town. At an elevation
of 3,000 meters, it is 120 km from Kangding, between Gonggar Chong Mountain and the
Wuxu Sea. In addition to being famous for its lotus plants, it is also known as “HeheHai
Zi.” It is a picturesque high mountain freshwater lake, covering an area of 500 acres and
surrounded by grasslands, forests and a Holy Mountain. The area is also home to hot
springs. Hot springs are reputed to have healing properties like nourishing the stomach
and eyes, driving out evil spirits, and relieving body pain and bruises. These hot springs
are essentially a spa surrounded by dense forests.
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The scenery near Lotus Sea is comprised of snow-capped mountains, stone forests and
green forests. The snows in the mountains are as pure as ivory. This striking white is
contrasted by many other natural colors, such as forest trees, Mongolian gazelle, and
other wild animals. When walking in the forest one can experience the beautiful smells of
natural herbs and snow lotus flowers. Moreover, the magnificent Gesang flowers alone
could easily make tourists linger on with no thoughts of leaving.
The grasses surrounding the lake are as green as jade, and are home to groups of cattle
and sheep, beautiful butterflies and insects. Occasionally, the cranes and otters wade
into the lake to play.
Ultimately, we lost ourselves in the beautiful autumn tints of the Snow Mountains; we
were so excited to be there. When we crossed the Xinan Bridge and walked into Jichou
mountain, it was especially striking because we had not seen snowy mountains in our
travels this year; the mountains in Danba and Mugecuo did not have snow when we
visited them.
Is there any difference between the snow-capped mountains here and the others?
Tomorrow
I
will
show
you
more
pictures
of
snowy
mountains.
http://eng.greensos.cn/ShowArticle.aspx?articleId=415
Changqingchun Keer monastery
Litangs Changqingchun Keer monastery, founded in 1580 at the behest of the Third
Dalai Lama and one of the largest Gelugpa monasteries in China, is today somewhat
dilapidated but still populated by over a thousand monks. From the Gesar statue, walk
uphill to the intersection, turn left, and follow the road. For once, the approach gives a
clear view of the complex, entirely encircled by a wall, the two main halls gleaming
among an adobe township of monks quarters of Changqingchun Keer monastery. At the
entrance is a large stupa and pile of brightly-painted mani stones left by pilgrims for good
luck, whose inscriptions have been carved to resemble yaks. The upper of
Changqingchun Keer monastery (Tsengyi Zhatsang) is the more interesting and older of
the two, its portico flanked by aggressively postured statues of guardians of the four
directions, along with a typical, finely executed mural of a three-eyed demon wearing
tiger skins and skulls, holding the wheel of transmigration. Inside are statues of
Tsongkhapa and the Third Dalai Lama, along with photos of the current Dalai Lama and
tenth Panchen Lama. Side gates in the wall allow you to hike up onto the hills behind the
monastery, sharing the flower-filled pasture with yaks, or join pilgrims circuiting the walls
to the sky burial ground to the right of the main gates.
http://www.pan-tibettravel.com/destination-ganziarea.html
TAGONG
Alt: 3900 m
塔公
(Lhagang) in Kham (western Sichuan)
Population: 8,000
People: Tibetan
area code 0836
Weather: Click here
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Description: Within sight of Mt. Yalha (3809m) and Paojiashan (5400m). Its formerly
more wild west feel has been gentrified, undoubtedly at the cost of some nice old
buildings. The attractive main street is lined with restaurants,guesthouses and lots of
shops. The Tibetan name means Place Liked by Boddhisattvas.
History:
Points of Interest: Lhagang gompa (Sakya), a big and active monastery, housing a
bronze statue of thousand-armed Tara, as well as a number of impressive relics,
originally built 641. Lhagong gompa (Tagong Monastery) is one of the most famous and
oldest Sakya monasteries, set in a grassland with views of Haizishan; legend has it
Chinese Princess Wencheng stopped by this grassland and arranged for construction of
monastery en route to Lhasa to marry King Songtsen Gompo in 641. Another story is in
1265, Sakya Phagpa - ruler of Tibet - presented a Buddha statue whilst en route from
Beijing back to Lhasa. Behind monastery are dozens of chortens, all shapes and sizes.
Shedra monastic college (Nyingma). Model orphanage in town. High altitude Mogetso
Lake, 26 km north of town in Yala valley.
Festivals: Horse Racing Festival (Tib 5.15), Tagong festival (lunar 6.30-7.2)
Tagong Grassland and Tagong Temple
The town of Tagong is the headquarters of a poor township of the same name, within the
relatively prosperous county of Kangding, at an altitude of 3700 meters, about 3 - 4 hour
drive from Kanding. Tagong Grassland is located at northwest of the Kangding in the
Kangba area, close to the southwest of God Mountain Yala, the Tagong Grassland is flat
and wide, and it is very beautiful close to the God Mountain Yala.
The Dege Sutra Print House
The Dege Sutra Print House, located in the Gengqing Monastery in Dege of northern
Sichuan Province, was built by headman Qugu Dainba Cering and his son in 16 years
during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty. Surrounded by vermilion
walls and shaded by green trees, it looks very beautiful and spectacular. The Dege Sutra
Printing House is known for its rich collections with all sects of Buddhism. Qugu Dainba
Cering, though a follower of the Nyingma (Red) Sect, never discriminated against the
classics of other Buddhist sects. This makes his sutra printing house different from
others. The Dege Sutra Printing House stipulated that all the Tripitaka must be printed in
vermilion ink to show respect, while the remaining Buddhist classics are printed in black
ink.
Since Dege was peacefully liberated in 1950, the Dege Sutra Printing House has
received due protection from the Central Government. In 1980, it underwent renovation
and was listed as a cultural relics unit subject to provincial protection. It began to resume
its carved printing in early 1982, and published more than 6,200 volumes of the Tibetan
Tripitaka: Gangyur and Dangyur in 10 years for sale at home and abroad.
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Aden Nature Reserve Park
If the altitude of Daocheng County doesnt leave you speechless, the magnificent
mountains and meadows in the vicinity of this 4,000-meter-high plateau surely will. Holy
snow-capped mountains, lakes and temples, once accessed only by the odd explorers,
now attract a host of visitors seeking “the last Shangri-la”, the Yading Nature Reserve
Park.
Eighty-three kilometers south of the countys central town, the Yading Nature Reserve
Park is anchored by Nianqing Konka Risumgongba as the “three protective sacred
mountains where the snow will never melt.” The three peaks were blessed in the 8th
century, when Buddha Padmasambhava shed his divine light on the range, and named
the three elevations after three bodhisattvas. The 5,958-meter-high southern peak,
Jambeyang (or Yangmaiyong in Mandarin), represents Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of
Wisdom, while the eastern peak Chanadorje (Xiaruoduoji), of the same height, stands for
Vajrapani, the Bodhisattva of Wrath. As the tallest of the soaring trio, the
6,032-meter-high north peak, Shenrezig (Xiannairi), represents Avalokiteshvara, the
Bodhisattva of Compassion and the patron-saint of Tibet. As leader of the U.S. National
Geographic Societys Yunnan-Sichuan Expedition, Joseph F. Rock, the renowned
American explorer and botanist, visited Yading in 1928. Awed by the sacred snowy
peaks, he wrote and took photographs for an article entitled “Konka Risumgongba, Holy
Mountain of the Outlaws,” published in National Geographic in July of 1931. “The
Shenrezig peak resembles a huge white throne, such as Living Buddhas use when
meditating -- a worthy seat for a Tibetan deity!” wrote Rock. “In a cloudless sky before
me rose the peerless pyramid of Jambeyang, the finest mountain my eyes ever beheld.”
Topped by a crown of snow and veiled by wispy clouds, three peaks tower magnificently
over a 1,280-square-kilometer area, but are visible only on clear days.
Tagong Temple (Tagong Si) is at the distance 113 km from Kangding on the Tagong
Grasslands. Tagong Temple, a well known landmark of the Sakya (Flower) Sect, was
built during Qing Dynasty. In 1265, Phagspa, who was granted the title of Grand State
Tutor by Kublai Khan, stopped here on his way back to Tibet from Beijing, and presented
the temple with a statue of the Buddha. Ever since then, the temple has had a special
place in the hearts of local Tibetans.
BAMEI
八美
(Garthar) in Kham (NW Sichuan)
area code 0836
People: Kham Tibetan
Description: Transit town, up until 1998 a lumber yard once ran half the length of the
town and the town’s main source of income came from the proceeds of the lumber traffic.
History: DL11 was born here.
Points of Interest: Garthar gompa (Huiyuan Monastery) (Geluk) dates to 1729 when Qing
court invited DL7 to the area, allocating resources for the construction of a monastery,
thrice reconstructed, a rich interior includes golden tiles, dharma wheels and thangkas.
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Qianyan Stone Forest covers 5 sq. km. - similar to stone forests in Guangxi and Guizhou.
Yala Sacred Mountain and grassland with glaciers, waterfalls, high mountains, lakes, hot
springs.
DANBA 丹巴 (Rongmi Drango) in the Gyarong region (western Sichuan)
code 0836
/ zip code 626300
(updated Jul '08)
Alt: 3340 m
Population: 5,000/58,000 (county)
nationalities), Hui
Weather: Click here
area
People: Tibetan (4 different
Description: A smallish town (Zhanggu Town) with steep crooked roads at the confluence
of 2 rivers, deep in the Gyarong valley and well out of the way of most travellers' paths.
Geographically, the Gyarong region is defined by a river valley gorge which cuts a wide
swath running north to south, starting just below Aba and extending down to Luding.
Tibetans in the Gyarong valley are distinct from those in Kham and Amdo, their language
more similar to Qiang and Pumi. In Danba itself there are no less than 4 different Tibetan
nationalities living here, speaking 4 fairly mutually incomprehensible Tibetan dialects, as
well as following different customs and traditions. Increasingly falling under the influence
of cosmopolitan Chengdu with several cafes and bars opening up.
History: Seat of the 18c Gyarong Kingdom which covered the area east and north-east of
Hor (present-day Ganzi). Up until 1949, the tribes of Gyarong were organised into 18
partly-Tibetanised petty kingdoms, independent of Lhasa.
Points of Interest: An 18c Gelukpa monastery is just north-east of town. It's home to a
living Buddha and a large number of students. Just a bit further on is a small, very lively
and active temple built to honour the nearby 5000m Mt. Yamamurta (Tib. Gyelmo Murdo).
With 56 peaks, it’s a sacred mountain known to all Tibetans as abode of an immensely
powerful mountain deity. As Yamamurta was a figure honoured by all branches of
Tibetan Buddhism, the temple here is non-denominational. Very fit souls looking to
improve their karma are welcome to do the 2-day hike up and down the mountain. The
rest of us sinners can admire from below. At Supo township, downstream on the Dadu
River, one can see the highest concentration of the ancient watchtowers found in this
area, some over 1000 years old. 26 km from town is Valley of Beautiful Women. Old
Tibetan houses in Suopo township, built of stone and wood and coming in many shapes
and sizes.
Festivals: Flower Festival (lunar 6.18), Yamameurta Temple Festival (lunar 7.10),
Gyarong Festival (Beauty Pageant), Lantern Lighting Festival (lunar 8.15),Gyarong New
Year (lunar 11.12)
Danba Blockhouses
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Danba County lies on the southern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. With the upper
reaches of the Dadu River flowing through it, the county enjoys a moderate climate and
fertile fields. According to archaeologists, human activity in Danba dates back more than
5,000 years. The Sanxingdui people are believed to have inhabited in this area 4,800
years ago.
The ancient Danba blockhouses vary in height and shape. The tallest is more than 60
meters high. They are built in the shape of a square, a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon,
or a dodecagon. With its solid angles as sharp as blades, the blockhouse stands upright
and resembles swords pointing up towards the sky.
These ancient houses are divided, according to their functions, into four categories: fort
blockhouses, beacon blockhouses, village blockhouses, and dwelling blockhouses. The
dwelling blockhouse is usually about 10 meters high. Its structure is a combination of
blockhouse and residential house. When entering the dwelling blockhouse, a several
meter high ladder is needed. After entering, the ladder is taken away, so that no enemy,
not even a martial arts master, can enter the house.
Rilong town, Sichuan
As one of the springboards of Siguniang Shan (Four Girls
Mountain) hiking, Rilong Town has been favored by
worldwide travelers these years. A new road to the town is
about to be completed. Since tourism thrives the economy
of the town with considepotentials, local government has
been trying to force the locals to move out, so that they can
fully control the profit-droven small town. We spent two
nights in Rilong. It’s a remote small place which is really
just a stopover for those visiting Mt Siguniang. The town is divided into “upper” and
“lower” (our terminology) Rilong. Upper Rilong is closer to Mt Siguniang and is the end of
town approached from the road from Mt Balang. This appears to be the more affluent
end of town. There are some good places to eat and internet access is available.
Hotel
We stayed at the Xin Long Hotel. Facing away from Mt Siguniang, it is on the left hand
side of the road where there is a blue sign stating 94km to Wolong. It is a large hotel
located between the main road and a rushing stream. The rooms are spacious and the
beds have electric blankets. The shower pressure was poor, however, the water was hot.
At one point, the water was too hot – the hotel had sufficient hot water but no cold water
from the taps!
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Xin Long Hotel
"Eat to the Sky" Restaurant
"Grasslands" Restaurant,
has fine Tibetan Bread
The Chef and his family from
"Eat to the Sky" Restaurant
Just up the road from the hotel was a large pool of water obstructing the road. No
problem for cars but a nuisance for pedestrians. A gated path along the side of the road
avoided the pool, however, it was guarded by a fierce Tibetan woman. Depending on her
mood, she will either bid you pass or banish you to cross the water unassisted.
Restaurants We enjoyed and recommend the food at two restaurants. The first is called
“Eat to the Sky” (approximate translation) and in on the left side of the road about 100
metres down from our hotel. There is an open space between this restaurant and the
nearest dwelling, on which is painted “Supermarket”. The restaurant staff are friendly –
eager for business – and attentive. A meal for two people will set you back about 30-40
RMB. We enjoyed such dishes as Tibetan “French Fries”; a potato pancake; scrambled
eggs and shallots; various green vegetables; and beef with celery, shallots and green
peppers.
About 150-200 metres further down the road away from the hotel and the mountain, on
the right hand side is a long stretch of 12 shopfronts adjacent to a hotel. We ate a
restaurant occupying the second shopfront. It’s name roughly translates as “Grasslands"
Restaurant. This was our supplier of Tibetan bread – sweet and savoury. The breads, at
2 RMB each, are highly recommended just off the hotplate. Beyond here the road curves
to the left and then right before heading into “lower Rilong”.
Internet Access If you need to check you email or write a blog there is an “internet café”
located about halfway between the Xin Long Hotel and the “Eat to the Sky” Restaurant.
It’s easily recognisable as it’s the only shop with a metal staircase leading up to a raised
shopfront. The shop itself sells various snacks. The computers are in a smoke-filled
room at the back of the shop. The connection speed is sufficiently fast and it costs 5
RMB/hour.
A Kodak shop can be found on the right hand side of the road, roughly opposite the "Eat
to the Sky" Restaurant.
Mt. Siguniangshan (Four Maiden's Mountain) Scenic Area
The Mt. Siguniangshan Scenic Area is an unspoiled wilderness park located in western
Sichuan Province, near the town of Rilong in Aba Autonomous Prefecture. It's 220
kilometers (about 136 miles) from Chengdu, and will take you about five or six hours to
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reach by bus. The main attraction of this scenic spot is unspoiled natural beauty. The
unusual shapes of the mountain peaks are rarely seen anywhere else in the world. The
blue sky, clouds and mist, snow peaks, ancient cypress forests, rushing waterfalls, and
alpine meadows make this area a nature lovers dream. The biggest scenic area in Aba
Autonomous Prefecture, Mt. Siguniangshan Scenic Area includes one mountain-- Mt.
Siguniangshan, and three valleys-Two-Bridge (Shuangqiao) Valley, Long-Peace
(Changping) Valley, and Alpine-Lake (Haizi) Valley.
Mt. Siguniangshan consists of four adjacent mountain peaks. It got its unusual name
from a local Tibetan legend that says the four peaks are the embodiments of four pretty
girls. At 6,250 meters (about 20,500 feet), the highest peak of Mt. Siguniangshan, known
as "the little girl" is also called the 'Queen Peak' of Mt. Shu Shan in the Hengduan range.
There is a higher 'King Peak' in Sichuan province but it is not in this area.
Mt. Siguniangshan is famed for its steep and imposing ridges. The high meadows are
gorgeous throughout the four seasons. Hundreds of wildflowers burst forth in spring,
giving way to luxuriant green trees and grass in summer. In the fall, the leaves on the
trees blaze in color heralding the coming snows of winter. Because of the clear, blue sky,
the thick forest at the foot of the mountains, the verdant grassland, and the murmuring
streams, Siguniangshan is sometimes known as the 'Alps of the Orient'. You may, in fact,
think you are in southern Europe.
Two-Bridge (Shuangqiao) Valley
Two-Bridge (Shuangqiao) Valley is the most easily accessible valley with vistas of snowy
peaks, pastures, grassland and forests. It is the most beautiful valley of Mt.
Siguniangshan. With three sections covering an area of 216.6 square kilometers (about
83.6 square miles), the whole valley is accessible by tour bus. It's the easiest and
quickest way to see the valley because of the amount of distance and the ruggedness of
the terrain. People visit this valley primarily for convenient nature sightseeing.
The first section contains some unique sights including Willow (Yangliu) Bridge, Yinyang
Valley, the White Poplar Zone, Sun-Moon Mirror Mountain (altitude15, 747 feet) and Five
Colors (Wuse) Mountain (altitude14, 673 feet). Yinyang Valley extends 2 kilometers
(about 1.2 miles), and occupies the area near the entrance to Willow (Yangliu) Bridge.
Out of the narrow ravine and steep cliffs a brook flows quietly. Entering the valley, the
bright sunshine is suddenly disappears. If you raise your head and look up, you can only
see a sliver of sky. Sun-Moon Mirror (Riyue Baojing) Mountain stands next to Five Colors
(Wuse) Mountain. A huge rectangular boulder split in two on the snow-capped
mountaintop looks like two bright mirrors hanging over the horizon. Five Color (Wuse)
Mountain is the most spectacular sight in Two-Bridge (Shuangqiao) Valley. The mountain
is made from five colors of rock: red, yellow, green, blue and white.
In the middle section is the Driven fish (Nianyuba) plank road built along a cliff and the
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Shaji woods (Lin). Shaji is a small golden fruit, which is called the 'King of vitamin C'. In
the last section are marvelous rock sculptures carved naturally by the wind. You can see
wonderful shapes resembling an ape, a hunter, or a hawk beak. More than ten
snowcapped mountains above 4,000 meters (about13, 122 feet), make the area a
favorite with climbers.
Long-Peace (Changping) Valley
Long-Peace (Changping) Valley is long with gently sloping sides. In this valley, visitors
enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Long-Peace (Changping) Valley is
the favorite valley for tourists, because you can really get involved with nature. The old
cypress path, the Lama Temple, the dry lakes and the waterfalls are peaceful and
secluded. Hikers can easily reach Withered-trees (Kushu) Shoal via a plank road built
into the cliff. But if you are yearning for the true beauty of Long-Peace (Changping) Valley,
you must take a tour on horseback.
The valley floor is well protected by thick forest. Old cypresses, green pines, and firs blot
out the sky and the sun. Beyond the forest, a sun-drenched alpine meadow lying at the
foot of the mountain catches your eye. When you reach the foot of Mt. Siguniangshan,
pitch your tent, and enjoy mutton roasted on an open fire, you will taste the true favor of
nature. How delicious! Exploring Long-Peace (Changping) Valley requires a whole day,
and there are no restaurants, so you must bring your own food and supplies into the
valley with you.
Alpine-Lake (Haizi) Valley
Alpine-Lake (Haizi) Valley is named after the numerous alpine lakes it contains, including
Flower Alpine-lake (Haizi), White Alpine-Lake (Haizi), Blue Alpine-Lake (Haizi) and
Yellow Alpine-Lake (Haizi). One of the lakes, Flower Alpine-Lake (Haizi), was formed by
glacial seepage during the 4th century. Visiting this valley is for people who have
experience in mountaineering and exploration. The beautiful surrounding mountains are
reflected in the lakes where the non-squama Yunguyu (a type of primitive fish), the living
fossil of this land, can still be found. It is interesting that the boulders scattered along the
lakes, look like swan eggs from a distance. Most of the lakes are 4,200 meters (about
13,650 feet) above sea level, so only a few tourists have visited them. But the few who
have say that their beauty is staggering. If you are a true lover of wilderness, Alpine-Lake
(Haizi) Valley is definitely worth a visit.
The Mt. Siguniangshan Scenic Area is a mystical and beautiful land. Ancient, simple,
unspoiled mountains and water, and the special sights of three valleys in different
seasons all attract you here to enjoy nature.
Tips:
a) Bring anti-altitude-reaction medicine
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b) Bring sunglasses, a hat, and sun block
c) Bring warm clothes and medicines for everyday use
d) All the hotels and restaurants are in Rilong, so bring a tent and food with you if you
want to spend the night in the valleys.
e) The best months are June, September and October
Transportation: Coach leaves once a day from the Chengdu West Gate Bus Station
(setting out at 6:30) or Chengdu New South Gate Bus Station (setting out at 7: 30) to
Rilong Town.
Regular bus leaves from the Chengdu Chadianzi Passenger Transport Center four times
a day (leaving at 6:30, 7:00, 7:30, 12:00) or the Dujiangyan Passenger Transport Center
three times a day (leaving at 6:30, 10:00, 12:00) to Rilong Town.
Admission Fee:
Peak Season (from April 1 to
November 30)
Low Season (from December 1 to
March 31)
Long-Peace (Changpin) Valley CNY
70 (Excluding CNY 50-CNY 150 for
horseback tour, CNY 40 for bus
tour)
Long-Peace (Changping) Valley
CNY 50 (Excluding CNY 50-CNY 150
for horseback tour, CNY 20 for bus
tour)
Two-Bridge (Shuangqiao) Valley:
CNY 80 (Excluding CNY 80 for bus
tour)
Two-Bridge (Shuangqiao) Valley:
CNY 50 (Excluding CNY 60 for bus
tour)
Alpine-Lake (Haizi) Valley: CNY 60 Alpine-Lake (Haizi) Valley: CNY 40
(Excluding CNY 50-CNY 150 for
(Excluding CNY 50-CNY 150 for
horseback tour)
horseback tour)
Opening Hour:
8:00-16:00 (time of tickets sales)
Siguniang Shan (Four Maidens Mountain – Aba Mountain.) - Overview
Stradling on the borderline between Xiaojin and Wenchuan of Sichuan Province, 260km
from Chengdu, Siguniang Shan (also "Siguniangshan", "4 Maidens Mountain", "4
Girls/Sisters Mountain) has four outstanding peaks, legend has it that each peak
represents a girl of the 4 sisters, the heights of which are 5355m, 5455m, 5664m and
6250m from the eldest to the youngest in turn.
The highest peak, Yaoguniang (幺姑娘 / the youngest girl), also called the 'Queen of
Sichuan's peaks', snow-capped all year round, still remains unconquered till today,
though mountaineers from some countries made their way there and tried a lot of times.
The base for visiting Siguniang Shan is a small Tibetan town named Rilong 日隆镇.
There are two sections to the town, the main street and a village, about 500m to the west
of the town. The main street has many souvenir shops, hotels catering mainly to tourists
on package as well as eating places. Many of the old houses in the village are being
converted to hotels and hostels.
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The area around Siguniang had been a major tourism destination for at least ten years.
Tourism development is set to pick up further since Siguniang had been designated as a
UNESCO Heritage Site in 2006.
Best Season
Mid.May~Mid.June, Sept~Oct.
How Long?
Usually 3 days, one day in each of the gullies. If you plan a trek through, then minimum 5
days.
Getting there & away
Travelers usually take Chengdu-Xiaojin bus to arrive Rilong and leave from Rilong.
There are 4 regular buses from Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station to Xiaojin every day,
starting from 6:30am till 12:00 noon, Y69.-, 7~9 hrs. You can also take the
Chengdu-Danba bus, which passes by Rilong.
In peak seasons, there are also buses from Xinnnamen Station directly to Siguniang
Shan.
Leaving from Rilong Town 日隆- wave for the Xiaojin-Chengdu bus at Rilong Town, the
earliest one leaves Xiaojin at 6:30am and arrive Rilong between 7:30~8:00am. Another
passing by bus available between 12:00~13:00.
Accommodations
Rilong town: private guesthouses offer clean and cheap rooms costing Y10/bed,
Y30~40/std. dbl with TV and attached bathroom and. During the low season,star hotels
offer up to a 70% discount.
Shuangqiao Gully:lodging is available at villagers'home at Y20/night. Food is also
provided at around Y30 for 2 meals.
Changping Gully: simple guesthouses near the bridge run by local farmers provide
ladging.There are also Tibetan tent available at Y25/dbl, you can cook by yourself.prices
ranging from Y10~Y20, ideal for backpackers. Legions of small restaurant in Rilong town
offers cheap food, but due to the high elevation, rice can hardly be ripe. You can have
breakfast and dinner in the restaurant but need to bring some food for lunch when
trekking in the gullies during the day.
Sights
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There are three gullies accessible from the town. Each of them is different with their own
scenic interests.
Shuangqiao Gully 双桥沟 (34.8km): It is the most visited valley. Entrance fee: Y80.
Tourist bus: Y80 (cheaper at off-season between December and March). Entrance to the
valley is about 8km away from Rilong. One needs to catch local transport to get here. All
transport going to XiaoJin 小金 also passes the entrance for Y5.
Changping Gully 长坪沟 (29km): Entrance fee: Y70. Tourist bus: Y40. Entrance to this
gully is only a short walk from the east end of Rilong town. The tourist bus can only reach
a monastery (actually a ruin) about five kms from the entrance. Tourists have to either
rent a horse or walk the rest of the valley. This gully has a close-up view of Siguniang at
Muluozi 木骡子.
Haizi Gully 海子沟 (19.2km): Entrance fee: Y60. Entrance to the gully is about 400m
from town, on the road towards Chengdu. This gully is still in pristine condition and there
are no villages within it. It is less visited by Chinese tourists. There are five lakes within
this gully. It has the best views of all four peaks of the Siguniang among the three gullies.
Great views at both sunrise and sunset can be had at Guozhuangping 锅庄坪, around
3km uphill from the entrance.
LUDING 泸定 (Chakzamka) in Kham (western Sichuan)
zip code 626101
Alt: 1330 m
Population: 20,000 (82,000 county)
Weather: Click here
area code 0836
/
People: Han (91%), Tibetan (5%)
Description: Here you are just beginning to enter China's wild west. West of here is the
domain of the Kham Tibetans, and the area is distinct both from the rest of China as well
as the TAR. The architecture varies from town to town, buy by and large the houses are
beautiful and spacious, built of wood and stone, the windows trimmed with intricate
Tibetan carving and then painted. And unlike most areas of the TAR, one will not see a
huge Chinese influence or large numbers of Chinese immigrants changing the local feel
of the area. It is owing to the extreme isolation of the area, cut off as it is by 6000 metre
plus peaks, that Kham today has become a repository for a substantial part of Tibet’s
culture that has survived upheaval and destruction of the 20c. Luding itself is a small
town set along the mighty Dadu River, whose most famous bridge is the Luding Iron
Chain Bridge, over 300 years old, from which the county gets its name. The scenery like every other place along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway in these parts - is gorgeous.
History: Luding also provides a chance to become familiar with a very important, pivotal
chapter in the Long March saga. Its 18c suspension bridge at Luding was the last
possible place (east of Tibet) for the Reds to cross the Dadu River. Failure to cross here
would have meant a detour of more than a thousand miles. Quite heroically (see Red
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Star Over China, p. 199) they managed it. One can still cross over the bridge, albeit with
the benefit of the wooden planks that was not available to the Red army soldiers.
Points of Interest: Its famous and heroic crossing put to verse in Mao’s poem Long March:
"Terrifying iron chains swung across the Dadu Bridge."
CHENGDU 成都
(updated Jul '08)
Alt: 500 m
in central Sichuan
Population: 4 million
area code 028
People: Han
/
zip code 610000
Weather: Click here.
Description: The cultural capital of China's western frontier, provincial capital of Sichuan,
and home to the administration offices of most of Kham. Lying along the Jin River in
Sichuan’s basin, hence a rather muggy climate. Greatly modernised, all roads widened
to detriment of its more interesting chaotic side streets. Daily and weekend open-air
markets, department stores, wholesale markets - almost any item can be found here.
The teahouse culture sets Chengdu apart from every other Chinese city. Going back
centuries, teahouses have long been the site of political and social gatherings. Shut
down China-wide by the government after the revolution for their political nature,
teahouses in Chengdu were the first to reopen. Found spilling out onto sidewalks, on
monastery grounds, in parks and along the river, hours easily idled away over a cup of
tea.
History: Founded over 2400 years ago in the Warring States Period, an ancient capital
during the Three Kingdoms period, dating back to the earliest Chinese legends,
Chengdu has been the 'capital' of the Southwest, dominating the region both culturally
and economically. Since the break-up the the Han dynasty, it's been a pivotal source of
dissent and independent though, and indeed, many of the revolutionary elite of the last
century have hailed from Chengdu and its environs (Deng Xiao-Ping being a notable
example).
Points of Interest: Wenshu Monastery, replete with park grounds, tea house and a
vegetarian restaurant, where urbanites seek refuge to watch or participate in boisterous
singing shows, classical musical groups, Tai Qi and dancing groups. River Viewing
Pavilion Park with over 100 varieties of bamboo. The UN award-winning Panda
Research Base (the world's most successful) is home to both the Greater Panda as well
as the smaller, raccoon-like red pandas (which aren't actually pandas at all...), and has a
museum which provides in graphic detail the process for artificially inseminating pandas.
Chinese medicine market. Du Fu Cottage housing also the Du Fu Study Society and Du
Fu Museum, containing the works of this 8c poet considered by most to be China's
greatest. Sichuan Opera neighbourhood performance - it's got a long and distinguished
history, mirroring the history and the legends of the region. The riverside - teahouses, a
bar, a roving masseuse. Living Water Garden on banks of Fu River. Qingyang Gong – a
very nice Daoist temple. Antique markets, selling lots of Mao memorabilia.
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10D9N Daocheng Yading --- Hailuogou --- Siguniangshan (Mount Four Sisters)
Tour
Day 1: (5 June) Shopping Shopping at Jinli Street, Chunxi Road
1. Magical face Changes in Sichuan Operas (Entrance fee excluded)
Day 2: (6 June) Chengdu --- Ya’an --- Hailuogou
1. Mt. Erlang
2. Luding Bridge
3. Moxi Town
Day 3: (7 June) Hailuogou --- Xinduqiao
1. Sunrise at Mt. Gongga
2. Xinduqiao (photography Heaven)
Day 4: (8 June) Xinduqiao --- Yajiang --- Litang --- Daocheng
1. Mt. Gaoersi, Mt. Jianziwan, Mt. Kazila
2. Mt. Haizi
3. Hotspring
Day 5: (9 June) Daocheng --- Riwa --- Yading
1. Sunrise at Daocheng
2. Gongga Langjiling Temple (Entrance fee excluded)
3. Last Shangri-La --- Yading Nature Preserves
4. Xiannaiyi
5. Yading village（place that nearest to the sun）
Day 6: (10 June) Chonggu Temple --- Luorong Pastureland --- Five Color Lake, Niunaihai (by walk)
Day 7: (11 June) Daocheng --- Xinduqiao
1. Changqingchun Keer Temple
Day 8: (12 June) Xinduqiao --- Tagong Temple --- Bamei Village --- Danba --- Rilong
Day 9: (13 June) Siguniangshan (Mt. Four Maidens/Sisters)
1. Long-Peace (Changping) Valley
2. Two-Bridge (Shuangqiao) Valley
Day 10: (14 June) Danba --- Luding Bridge --- Chengdu --- KL
Include 8 Breakfast 7 Lunch
Things to bring: raincoat, touch light, sunglass, medicine,
for a full report visit: http://fairfun.net
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