Kangding River

康定河

A tributary of the Dadu River, also known as the Wasigou River, it gets its name from its passage through Kangding City. Its upper reaches, known as the Yala River, flow southeast through the villages of Zhonggu, Wangmu, and Yala. After reaching the Nazheduo River in Kangding County, its lower reaches turn eastward, flowing through Shenghang, Ridi, and Wasi before merging with the Dadu River at Lengzhu Pass. The river is fed by a combination of precipitation, groundwater, and snowmelt, with a steep gradient and rapid current, resulting in abundant hydropower resources.

Attractions Location: Kangding County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province

Opening hours:
All day (Monday to Sunday, January 1st - December 31st)

Transportation:
Kangding County is within walking distance

Time reference: 1-3 hours


Recommended itinerary for Kangding River tours

1-Day Itinerary: Kangding River Scenic Walk

Experience the tranquil beauty of Kangding River with a relaxing day of riverside walks and local cultural exploration in Kangding City.

  • Morning: Arrive in Kangding city center; walk along the Kangding River promenade.
  • Visit the historic Kangding Old Town nearby (walking distance, about 15 minutes from the river).
  • Lunch at a local restaurant serving Tibetan and Sichuan fusion dishes.
  • Afternoon: Explore the nearby Anjue Temple or Shuangqiao Valley (take a taxi, approx. 10 minutes, 15 RMB).
  • Evening: Return to Kangding city center for dinner and riverside night views.

Accommodation/Food: Stay at Kangding city hotels near the river (e.g., Kangding International Hotel). Try local yak meat hotpot and butter tea.

Souvenirs: Tibetan handicrafts, yak wool scarves, local honey products.


2-Day Itinerary: Kangding River and Surrounding Nature

Combine riverside relaxation with a visit to natural sites around Kangding.

  • Day 1: Follow the 1-day itinerary.
  • Day 2: Take a morning taxi or arranged tour (about 40 minutes, 80 RMB) to the Hailuogou Glacier Park or Gongga Snow Mountain Observation Deck for breathtaking mountain and glacier views.
  • Return to Kangding city in the evening.

Accommodation/Food: Same as Day 1. Sample Tibetan barley wine and local river fish dishes.

Souvenirs: Local herbal teas, Tibetan prayer flags, mountain honey.


3-Day Itinerary: Cultural and Natural Highlights of Kangding Region

Explore a blend of cultural landmarks and natural wonders near Kangding River.

  • Day 1-2: Follow the 2-day itinerary.
  • Day 3: Visit the Tagong Grassland (approx. 2 hours by taxi or tour, 150 RMB), experience nomadic Tibetan culture, yak herding, and scenic grasslands.
  • Return to Kangding city for dinner.

Accommodation/Food: Kangding city guesthouses or boutique hotels. Try Tibetan butter tea and local lamb stew.

Souvenirs: Tibetan wool products, handwoven rugs, local dried meats.


4-Day Itinerary: Extended Kangding and Surroundings Exploration

Visit nearby valleys and Tibetan monasteries while enjoying Kangding River’s charm.

  • Days 1-3: Follow the 3-day itinerary.
  • Day 4: Explore Shuangqiao Valley (about 30 minutes from Kangding, taxi or private car). Hike or enjoy nature photography.
  • Optional visit to Anjue Monastery nearby.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Kangding city or mountain guesthouses in Shuangqiao Valley for authentic experience. Enjoy Tibetan momos and butter tea.

Souvenirs: Tibetan incense, wood carvings, local herbal medicines.


5-Day Itinerary: Comprehensive Kangding River & Regional Adventure

Explore the cultural, natural, and historical highlights of the Kangding region.

  • Days 1-4: Follow the 4-day itinerary.
  • Day 5: Visit Luding Bridge (about 1.5 hours by car/taxi), a famous historic site on the Dadu River.
  • Return to Kangding city for final evening stroll along Kangding River.

Accommodation/Food: Kangding hotels or riverside inns. Enjoy local specialties such as roasted yak and Tibetan butter tea.

Souvenirs: Historic-themed memorabilia, local Tibetan art, handwoven baskets.


6-Day Itinerary: Deep Dive into Kangding’s Culture and Nature

Spend more time absorbing the local Tibetan culture, visiting remote monasteries and natural spots near Kangding River.

  • Days 1-5: Follow the 5-day itinerary.
  • Day 6: Take a day trip to Donggu Monastery or Seda Monastery (about 2-3 hours travel each way, arrange a private car or tour).
  • Return to Kangding city for dinner.

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Kangding city or monastery guesthouses for an immersive experience. Try local barley wine and Tibetan cheeses.

Souvenirs: Monastery prayer wheels, traditional Tibetan jewelry, local handicrafts.


7-Day Itinerary: Complete Kangding Region Experience

Enjoy a full week experiencing Kangding River’s serene beauty, Tibetan culture, mountain landscapes, and historical landmarks.

  • Days 1-6: Follow the 6-day itinerary.
  • Day 7: Leisure day for revisiting favorite spots along Kangding River or shopping in Kangding markets.

Accommodation/Food: Stay at a top riverside hotel or boutique guesthouse in Kangding. Sample fusion Sichuan-Tibetan cuisine and enjoy local hospitality.

Souvenirs: Handcrafted Tibetan garments, local tea blends, embroidered bags and accessories.


User Reviews

By Mammoth |

The night view of Kangding River is quite nice. I recommend going there in the evening, finding a Tibetan restaurant for dinner, then taking a short stroll along the river. Later, I recommend visiting the "Fan Yin She" pub. They originally composed the ending theme song "Mr. Kangding" for the final episode of the documentary "Gongga." It was because of this documentary and the song "Mr. Kangding" that we decided to stay in Kangding City on our last day (originally planning to go to Xinduqiao). The resident singers there are all pretty good. I didn't get enough of them that day, so I later found and followed one of the singers on Weibo. Overall, highly recommended!

By OUT Brother |

It's very cold and beautiful, you must go there once...

By Zhao Yongquan |

Kangding River...good and worth recommending

By Rest assured, little thief |

Kangding City was built along the river, which is narrow and steep, with high mountains on both sides. It is really a small but dangerous city.

By Hal Jun |

The Kangding River is an integral part of Kangding City. Running north-south, the river rises in the south and falls in the north, creating a resounding sound. Walking along the river, you can explore the city center. Although it's March, Kangding still experiences occasional snowfalls, and mist is a common sight. It's truly beautiful!

By Popsicles |

A tributary of the Dadu River, located on the eastern slope of Zheduo Mountain, northeast of Kangding County, and flows through Kangding County.

By Shui Meng'er |

A river from the Tanggula Mountains flows through the middle of the city, dividing it into two parts. However, the river does not flow like a brook.

It is more like the turbulent Nujiang River in Yunnan.

By Four Pillars |

As a tributary of the Dadu River, it's very similar to the Dadu River! It's noisy and turbulent, but the water is much clearer! The Kangding River majestically flows through the bustling old town of Kangding!

By Phantom Tomb |

After crossing Zheduo Mountain, we officially entered the Kham Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, the beginning of the most beautiful section of National Highway 318. Along the way, the blue sky, cloud shadows, houses, cattle and horses, and the scenery on both sides of the road changed beautifully. The shutter kept flashing, and I wished I could freeze every beautiful scene...

By Simple |

Men and women with dark faces walked leisurely on the street, some wearing distinctive Tibetan clothing. Entering Kangding is like stepping into a foreign country.

By Clouds in the sky |

On a quiet night, the beautiful night view of Kangding reminded me of the poem "Kangding Love Song"

By Silu Travel |

Kangding River

Before introducing the Kangding River, we need to first discuss Kangding County, which was vividly portrayed in the nationally popular song "Kangding Love Song." While not large, it's not small either. However, it's a truly fascinating place to explore, brimming with romance. The streets are dotted with small shops, Tibetan restaurants, and specialty goods, all worth exploring. You can even see auspicious carvings of Bodhisattvas on the mountain walls—it's truly worth a visit!

The Kangding River runs through the entire Kangding County. In the right season, you can still see the legendary "turbulent" momentum. At night, the lights of Kangding County are turned on, accompanied by lanterns hanging high, and listening to the sound of the flowing river, it makes people feel comfortable and picturesque!

By Zhang Xixi |

It's freezing in Kangding. It's really freezing. It's really freezing.

By RyanYou |

The Kangding River is quite nice. You don't need to deliberately watch it. Just walk beside it and feel it quietly. There is a small temple not far away. You can go up the steps on the side of the road. It is not a tourist attraction, but I recommend you to visit it when you have time.

By Kuai Luo Xiao Tong |

We headed west, passing Ya'an, Shimian, and Luding, singing the "Kangding Love Song" as we advanced into Kangding City.

Kangding is 2560 meters above sea level, so for those who come from the plains, the feeling of the plateau is not obvious. If it weren't for those bulging snacks, I would have thought I was in a fake plateau.

Kangding, the capital of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, boasts a sizeable city. Lights are set up along the banks of the Kangding River and on nearby mountains. A glass bridge spans the river, and the surging water, carrying the chill of the snow-capped mountains, flows downstream.

That night, we checked into the Kangba Holiday Hotel. The hotel is located at a three-way intersection near the Kangding River, a crucial route for trucks of all sizes. At night, the honking of truck horns kept us awake.

By Ma Chengli |

The Kangding River is the river below the Luding Bridge. Its waves are surging and the sound of the waves is still there.

By Happy Fish |

Kangding River, I feel good; the water flows fast (especially at the confluence), and the scenery is beautiful at night.

By Happy Ranger |

Also known as the Wasigou River, it is a tributary of the Dadu River. It is named after the city of Kangding where it flows. Travelers to Daocheng Yading in western Sichuan will inevitably pass by the Kangding River.

By Free traveler灬 |

It flows through Kangding County, is quite turbulent, but the river is very clear.

By crooked |

From Chengdu to Kangding, the scenery became more and more beautiful. I didn't stay in Kangding for long. There were many viewing platforms along the way. The parking fee was 5 yuan during the National Day. It seemed that the Tibetans were still very simple and did not raise the price. Parking in Luding County cost 20 yuan.

By White bird fluttering |

It really exceeded our expectations. We originally went out for dinner, but it was especially beautiful when we went out at night. This river can give Kangding a full score, and it is really beautiful.

By weather5 |

The Kangding River, also known as the Waste Ditch, divides the city of Kangding into two parts. On both sides of the river are the bustling roads and commercial centers of Kangding. The river rushes through the city with a large flow, rapid flow, and loud noise. There are many bridges on the river to facilitate pedestrians to cross the river.

By GILI |

There's no such thing as a Kangding River in Kangding. Two rivers flow into the city: the Zheduo River and the Wasi River. They merge outside the city and flow into the Wasi Valley. My first visit to Wasi Valley was in the summer, and the river flowed relentlessly throughout the day. For a dozen miles, the valley was devoid of a turquoise water, only white foam. It resembled a white silk thread stretching from the front of the road to the rear. Now, of course, it's no longer visible; the reservoir has been built, and the river has lost its vitality.

By ddfz6252 |

Near Kangding Bus Station, it is very convenient to go and worth a visit

By Dayuanzai and Hengyuanxiang |

The night view is very good. The water flowing down from Zheduo Mountain has penetrated the entire Kangding.

By Fisherman's Song |

It's nice to go out for a stroll at night when you have nothing to do! The scenery is nice at night

By Bizarre |

The Zheduo River runs through the city. The prayer wheel-shaped street lights on both sides are very special, emitting yellow light at night.

By Pinellia |

In winter, the river is not full of water, but it is still turbulent. In summer, in May, the river roars fiercely and rushes through the city.

By Dolphin Cat |

The beautiful Baishitou River, the long-lasting love song of Kangding

By Careless |

We stopped halfway and strolled around Kangding City. The river was fast flowing, half clear and half turbid.

By meet |

It's a beautiful river. The wind is a bit strong at night, so please keep warm.

By yujieming7 |

A tributary of the Dadu River, it's named Kangding River because it runs through the entire Kangding city. Its source is the snow-capped mountains of Zheduo Mountain. The river's water is fed by a mixture of precipitation, groundwater, and meltwater, resulting in an incredibly large flow that can be quite impressive.

By Sanmao story |

The water flowing down from the Gongga Snow Mountain is rushing.

By Tavia |

From sunset to neon lights, Kangding's mother river.

By wood |

The impression Kangding River gave me was: Wow, it's so long, and the water is so fast~~

By treedxcy |

May is the season when cherries are on the market, and people can eat them from Luding to Kangding.

By Blind Traveler |

Just look at the pictures and you will know~~~ There is definitely no such surging river in the southern cities. Only here, in northwest Sichuan, there are willow banks and icy rolling rivers. It is so cool.

By Cen Zi is ripe |

The air is fresh and comfortable, but there are few hotels, most of which are family hotels, so you need to book in advance.

By Enjoy the snow season |

A tributary of the Dadu River. Also known as Wasigou, it's named after the city of Kangding. Located in western Sichuan Province, northeast of Kangding County, on the eastern slope of Zheduo Mountain in the Great Snow Mountain, it originates at an altitude of 4,800 meters north of Yaricuo Lake on the eastern side of Haizi Lake, at the southern foot of Dapao Mountain on the border of Kangding and Danba Counties. Its upper reaches are known as the Yala River, flowing southeast through the villages of Zhonggu, Wangmu, and Yala. After reaching the Zheduo River in Kangding County, its lower reaches become the Kangding River, turning east through Shenghang, Ridi, and Wasi before merging with the Dadu River at Lengzhu Pass. The river is 78 kilometers long and has a drainage area of 1,530 square kilometers. The average annual discharge at its mouth is 45.3 cubic meters per second. The river is fed by a combination of precipitation, groundwater, and snowmelt. Along the Yala River above Kangding, there are hot springs such as Erdaoqiao, Niuwogou, Reshuitang, and Dagai (the water temperature in Niuwogou is around 90°C). On the right bank of the Yala River, northeast of the Zheduo Mountains, lies Muge Co Lake, also known as Changhaizi. Standing at 3,780 meters above sea level and covering an area of 2 square kilometers, the lake flows through Niuwogou Valley to Wangmu Village and flows into the Yala River. The river mouth is 1,384 meters above sea level, with a total drop of 3,416 meters, an average gradient of 43.8‰. With its steep slope and turbulent currents, the lake boasts abundant hydropower resources, with a potential of approximately 582,000 kilowatts. The downstream Kangding section boasts 475,800 kilowatts, and boasts a medium-sized hydropower station.

By hope |

I love Kangding so much that I really want to live there forever.

By Irene |

It’s a beautiful river, and the sound of rushing water makes people’s heart surge!

By snails |

It is a river in Kangding County that runs through the entire city.

By Cuttlefish |

A tributary of the Dadu River. Also known as the Waste Valley because it flows through Kangding City.

By 小木南Snow |

The river is very fast. Kangding's landmark attractions are located by the river. You can hear the sound of the rushing river in the middle of the night.

By Feeling, Thinking, Action and Consciousness |

A love song of Kangding attracts all travel enthusiasts.

However, if you really arrive in Kangding, you will definitely be greatly disappointed.

By AthlanR |

Although for people like us who grew up by the Yangtze River, a river would not attract much attention, but on such an evening, when you hear the rumbling sound of flowing water and look at the people hurrying by around, you will find that a little confusion cannot hinder the way forward. Persistence and not stopping are what are worth pursuing.

By Passenger Boat |

Kangding, the first impression that comes to my mind is Kangding Love Song. It is the first time that I feel that there are Tibetans living in a place. It is really beautiful.

By Vespasian |

The Kangding River rushes through Kangding County. Even in midsummer, you can feel the chill by the river. The Kangding River at night is particularly beautiful under the lights.

By He Tao |

There is a reason why Kangding City is called the slippery Kangding City. As soon as you get off the car, you can feel the coolness all over your body, and the stuffiness in the mainland in June is swept away.

The Kangding River surges with great momentum and grandeur. It has a large drop in elevation within the city, and it is precisely this drop that makes it so special. This is the first time I have seen a river like this. The white water, made of iceberg snow, splashes in the rapids. Going upstream, with willows lining the banks, is truly a feeling.

Also, walking along the Kangding River, you'll often see Kangba men, tall and mighty, with a completely exotic charm. Kangding is a place you'll never forget, and I'll definitely go back.

By Better me |

Kangding River, this river rushes through the entire Kangding City, magnificent

By hqc-Huang Qianchun is me |

The Zheduo River, with its fast-flowing water, the high mountains beside it, the cool air and the smell of the river water, all tell the story of Kangding City.

By The struggling little man |

It's okay. There is a former Dajianlu scenic spot on the river. There are many sculptures and traces of the past.

By Cape of Good Hope |

Kangding River is the mother river of Kangding, and the river water is very large; walking on the streets of Kangding, the sight of Kangding River is refreshing, and the sound of the river at night is like the sound of a spring, so soothing!

By Jiangnan · Light Rain |

How many love songs have come out of Kangding, the city of love songs? There are many Buddha statues and Mani stones on the stone wall on the east side of the river!

By Little Lazy |

Look at this place called Kangding... Strange streets, strange people, the turbulent Zheduo River, two distinct colors.

By Miss Zhai |

The river runs through the entire Kangding County, and the river water is surging.

By Follow me everywhere |

The Kangding River, also known as the Kasi Valley, flows through the city in Kangding County, Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan Province. Its waters surge, and its banks are brightly lit.

By kiwi@freak's laziest |

I passed by on the way, but the water quality is very good! ! ! !

By God in the Rain |

Kangding County in the morning is neither quiet nor noisy, but the air is very fresh, and the airy feeling that comes to your nose is something that only the plateau can provide. After a quick breakfast, we set off. We went to bed at five in the morning and got up at ten to feel refreshed!

Not long after leaving the city, I saw Tibetan-style buildings. Many of them have stone-like decorations on the outside, and they are easy to distinguish. There is a red and white mortise-like structure under the eaves. This is a large villa in Chengdu. However, in Tibetan areas, this kind of house can still be seen everywhere.

By As light as water |

A tributary of the Dadu River, also known as the Wasigou River, it gets its name from its passage through Kangding City. Its upper reaches, known as the Yala River, flow southeast through the villages of Zhonggu, Wangmu, and Yala. After reaching the Nazheduo River in Kangding County, its lower reaches turn eastward, flowing through Shenghang, Ridi, and Wasi before merging with the Dadu River at Lengzhu Pass. The river is fed by a combination of precipitation, groundwater, and snowmelt, with a steep gradient and rapid current, resulting in abundant hydropower resources.

By Dolma Lhamo |

Also known as the Zheduo River, it passes through Kangding City. The water flows rapidly all year round. With the river as the center, the road next to it is a one-way street in the counterclockwise direction. Parking is not allowed along the entire road, even for temporary parking. Several bridges have been added to the river, but the bridges are only for pedestrians, not cars. The section of the Kangding River flowing through Kangding City is also the most prosperous section of Kangding City. There are many shops, hotels, and restaurants on both sides of the river. Many decorative lights have been installed on the river bank, and the night view is nice.

By Yan Feihyde |

The first day's bus stop from Chengdu to Daocheng is at the end of the river. The water is very fast and the night view of the street is quite nice at night.

By Destiny is eternal |

In fact, the name of this river is: Zheduo River. Many uninformed tourists who come here and don’t know the name of the river, just call it Kangding River. But it can be called that, after all, it flows in the middle of Kangding City.

By Murong Qinfeng |

When I stepped into Kangding City, I heard the rumbling sound of water. A huge amount of river water rushed through Kangding City. In my heart, Kangding is so unique. This alone can make it stand out from other cookie-cutter cities in the country.

By liutiaoer |

The Kangding River flows through the city, its gurgling sound becoming the main theme of this bustling town, and you can hear it even from the hotel. The river water is relatively clean compared to inland areas, probably due to its fast flow and considerable volume.

By Xiao Jiang |

The Kangding River is also the Yala River in Kangding City. Although the river does not look deep, the water flows very fast.

The water of Kangding River is very fast and clear. The sound of the water is like a strong wind. I also celebrated a birthday for a friend on the road here. Because there was no cake, I just stuck a match on the steamed bun to celebrate.

By Jeff |

The rushing river can be heard clearly even when I sleep at night, and it feels like it is raining heavily.

By Forces of Nature |

The first impression of Kangding is the roaring Kangding River. The river water rolls down as loud as thunder. The river water is clear and blue-green, which is the unique color of the snow-capped mountains.

By Zhou Juanjuan |

The water is not particularly clear, probably because there is a sand field upstream, but the sound of the flowing water is still quite loud and keeps flowing.

By Iced Coke |

The cherries in Gangu are not as sweet as those in Luding, but I bought a big basket anyway because I was afraid of missing out.

By Julia |

Arriving in Kangding Ancient City, I checked into Kangding Hotel. Standing by the Kangding River, it was drizzling, and I was humming Kangding Love Song under my umbrella. It was quite poetic.

By Over the Rainbow |

The Kangding River looks quite beautiful when the lights are on at night!

By lianglee |

I stayed here for a night on my way to Daocheng, Yading in 2005. The pot cakes and braised pork by the bridge tasted good. There were many people selling cordyceps on the street. I didn't know much about it at the time, but the locals said it was real.

By Wandering around the world |

In any street in Kangding County, you can hear the rolling water of Kangding River. The river runs through the county, nourishing all living things here. In short, you can walk to the river by casually strolling in the county, but you must pay attention to safety. Although the river is not wide, the water is very turbulent.

By Waterside hydrangea |

At night, the neon lights on the bridge decorate the entire Kangding River beautifully, and the river water is also very clear.


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