Zhonglu Tibetan Village

Nestled on the banks of the Dajin River valley lies an oasis: Danba Jiaju Tibetan Village, hailed as the most beautiful village. Facing the river, the village is built on a hillside with a drop of nearly a thousand meters, with houses scattered across the landscape and densely packed together. Cultivated farmland lies in a staggered arrangement, forming the front and back of the houses. In spring, pear and peach blossoms dance across the sky; in autumn, the leaves turn a vibrant red. The scenery is complemented by curling smoke, clear streams, and snow-capped peaks... It truly is a most beautiful village.

The area is primarily inhabited by the Jiarong Tibetan people, with each family living in a village building. These houses are typically stone. The ground floor is usually a cattle pen. The upper floor houses the kitchen and hearth. The second floor is usually the master's bedroom. The third floor is used for food storage and a scripture hall. At the four corners of the roof stand white four-sided deities, resembling protruding horns. In the middle of the building's edge is a censer. During major festivals or family events, the male owner would light cedar branches there, sending wisps of smoke rising to heaven.

Danba boasts three unique wonders: Tibetan villages, watchtowers, and beautiful women. The men of Kangding are as majestic as mountains, and the women of Danba are as beautiful as water. The pictures are proof that the women of Danba are truly beautiful! We stopped at the home of a Danba woman for lunch and learned about and observed the local customs. At 3:00 PM, we left the Danba Tibetan home, bid farewell to the beautiful Danba woman and her family, and headed for the beautiful Tagong Grassland.

There is no entrance fee for Danba Zhonglu Tibetan Village, but the accommodation conditions and mountain roads are more original and the conditions are a bit difficult, so it depends on your choice. If you are just going for sightseeing, Jiaju Tibetan Village is recommended.

As we are a regular passenger vehicle of Xinchuan-Tibet Transport Company, we are often chartered by tourists to go to Gudiao Tibetan Village. The scenery of Dangling Moska and Danba is eclectic. Each has its own merits. We can show you different cultural customs and make tourists from far away linger.

Zhonglu Tibetan Village is a relatively niche tourist attraction. Although it is far less famous than Jiaju Tibetan Village, in my opinion, it is more peaceful and more distinctive.

Every household in Zhonglu Tibetan Village grows pear blossoms, and with Tibetan houses and watchtowers, it's hard to take in the sight.

The road from Danba to the village is 99% asphalt. There is only a short section of gravel road after crossing the bridge under the provincial road. The overall road condition is fine. Since the village is relatively primitive, its reception capacity is relatively weak. You can only eat in a few homestays. There are signs along the way. If you want to experience a pure primitive village and see the oldest watchtowers and castles, Zhonglu Tibetan Village is worth a visit.

Zhonglu Ancient Ruins Tibetan Village Ancient Blockhouse Group

In the Dadanba area, the most famous one is Jiaju Tibetan Village. However, many people do not know about another Jiarong Tibetan Village, "Zhonglu Tibetan Village". There are obvious architectural differences between Zhonglu and Jiaju. Jiaju Tibetan Village is generally three-story, while Zhonglu Tibetan Village is generally four or five-story. Moreover, you can also see pear blossoms in Zhonglu Tibetan Village that are not available in Jiaju Tibetan Village.

Here, you can also see the sacred Mount Meldo not far away, which is very majestic and shocking!

Compared to the famous Jiaju Tibetan Village, Zhonglu is more peaceful and makes people feel like they are walking in a paradise.

Zhonglu Tibetan Village is quiet and beautiful, with pear blossoms all over the mountain. It's worth it. Jiaju's business model lacks innovation.

White Tibetan houses and golden-domed temples loomed against the clear blue sky, a vibrant display of color yet seamless. If you visit in spring, you'll likely see pear blossoms blanketing the mountain, their blossoms interspersed between the houses. The pear trees here are truly enormous, and I'm already imagining the beauty of spring. Zhonglu Tibetan Village has been designated a "Chinese Scenic Village," and from here, you can see the sacred Mount Meldo in the distance. As we ascended the mountain road, we suddenly discovered a wealth of unique homestays.

No entrance fee, local villagers guide fee 100 (if you can't find the way yourself)

You can see the Moerduo Sacred Mountain and the watchtowers at the same time. It is not worse than Jiaju Tibetan Village, but there are fewer people.

The best time to take photos is at sunset, so be sure to arrive at the observation deck before 4:30.

At present, the best one is Jiaju Tibetan Village, but Jiaju Tibetan Village has too strong commercial atmosphere and has lost its simplicity. The original scenery has also been almost destroyed. Personally, I still prefer Zhonglu Tibetan Village.

Zhonglu Tibetan Village is a free attraction, and its most distinctive features are the towering forts dotting the village, standing tall at various fortifications. But what captivated us most was its tranquility. Due to its relative relative infamy, it's not often visited, with only a few inns offering tourists. Along the way, the only other animals we saw were livestock—well, if we counted as donkeys, then the only animals on the entire road. The houses here are similar to those in Jiaju Tibetan Village, but with fewer people, it feels more like a vacation getaway. The inns are decorated with vibrant flowers, and in the courtyard, beneath the trees, coffee tables and chairs are set up. Sit down, let the scattered light filtering through the leaves fall on your face, gaze up at the luminous blue sky, watch the cotton-soft clouds drift by, and the gentle breeze blow. It's intoxicating.

It is relatively inferior to Jiaju Tibetan Village, but the style is similar, so you can go and have a look.

I went there once in October 2006 and October 2016 respectively. The scenery is still beautiful. The only drawback is that the road into the village is still narrow. The improvement is that it has been changed into a "village road" and 4 parking lots have been set up.

Zhonglu Tibetan Village: The road leading into the village is just wide enough for an off-road vehicle, so it requires some skill! While the path is challenging, the scenery is truly breathtaking! I highly recommend this Tibetan village where I stayed! Holy Land Image Inn!

Diaolou, pear blossoms; scenery, culture, a photography paradise! The locals are simple and down-to-earth; local B&Bs are great, 200 per night with meals included. If you're thick-skinned enough, you can even beg for food (don't ask me how I know; I tried it!).

Note:

1. The minivan drivers in the village are very dishonest. They'll try to trick you by saying the road is bad and your car can't get through, etc. They'll then charge you between 100 and 200 to take you to the observation deck. I went up there in my SUV... It took half an hour to walk from the village to the observation deck, except for the highest one!

2. The road to Zhonglu Village is very steep, narrow, and has many turns. The altitude rises in a straight line, so drive slowly! The good news is that the road surface is all asphalt.

Uncle Zhang's family is very friendly. I like the rural scenery very much. The key point is that there is no ticket now. I will go again if I have the chance.

Although Zhonglu Tibetan Village is smaller than Jiaju Tibetan Village, its environment is purer. The sunrise and sunset are both very spectacular.

When going up to the Tibetan village, you have to drive through a winding mountain road. Some of the turns are really steep. To see the panoramic view of the Tibetan village, you have to go to the top viewing platform. It costs 5 yuan per person. You can walk up or take a local van. On the way to the viewing platform, you will pass by a hotel called Tianyuan Hotel. You can stay there. You can also see the Tibetan village from the upstairs of their house, but the view is not as comprehensive as the viewing platform. However, the food there is very delicious.

There are 4 natural villages on the top of the mountain in Zhonglu Zangzhai, which are larger and more primitive than Jiaju.

Hike all the way to the viewing platform, a good place to relax

Zhonglu Tibetan Village is actually a small village surrounded by high mountains. The whole village is full of pear trees laden with fruit, making you want to reach out and pick them. It is a place suitable for leisure and living, where you can experience a leisurely life. If you just want to enjoy the scenery, half a day is enough.

Zhonglu Tibetan Village is less crowded than Jiaju Tibetan Village, quieter, and located at a very high place, with good scenery, and you can watch the stars at night.

Zhonglu Tibetan Village is more difficult to reach than Jiaju Tibetan Village, requiring a winding mountain road to penetrate deep into the village. This makes the environment even more pristine and tranquil. We stayed in a local home, which was quintessentially Tibetan. The courtyard was spacious, and every Tibetan family here has their own plot of land, where they chop wood and farm. The owner said their main house is over 100 years old, and you could occasionally hear the owner humming a melodious Tibetan tune. If you have time, I recommend staying with a family in Zhonglu. If there's fog in the morning, you can charter a car to enjoy the scenic mountain scenery. The entire Tibetan village, shrouded in mist, creates a picturesque scene.

There is no entrance fee at present, but it is said that it will soon be charged like Jiaju Tibetan Village.

Great! If you want to go to Switzerland, go to Danba. Beautiful people and beautiful scenery!

The famous farming, watchtowers, spring flowers and autumn scenery here have become Danba’s tourist business card.

How should I put it, it feels like a paradise.

Along the way, the grass was lush and green, the fallen petals were colorful, and there were neat houses, fertile fields, lush orchards, and fruits. The paths intersected, and cattle and sheep roamed side by side. Many children, young and old, were walking about, enjoying themselves. The clothing of both men and women was distinct from that of outsiders.

When I see a tourist, I ask him where he comes from and he gives me a complete answer. (Haha, adapted from Peach Blossom Spring, sorry for the joke)

Because so few tourists specifically come here, the village retains a remarkably simple and honest character. This isn't often seen on the heavily traveled Sichuan-Tibet Highway. When the older sister who prepared breakfast for us at the inn heard we wanted to see the sunrise, she enthusiastically offered directions and even led us a short distance, fearing we might miss a turn on the side road. She'd married into the village from another province, and her children were all working away from home. Although she'd barely attended school and had never been to the city, her conversation revealed a wealth of knowledge and refinement. (The inn is run by three siblings.)



When we met some locals on the road, they would always greet us warmly with a blessing: "Zhaxi Delek". Then they would curiously ask us where we were from, and we would chat casually along the way until we parted ways.

After falling behind, Sister Ayu asked where she could watch the sunrise. The older sister enthusiastically invited her to take photos upstairs at her house, saying that many people took photos upstairs at her house.

However, like all remote rural areas, most of the people left in the village are elderly and children, while the young people go out to work and earn money.

It was a worthwhile trip! We drove from Danba County for 8 minutes. Just looking at the tower from the opposite side wasn't enough, so we drove across the bridge to see it for ourselves. The road was incredibly difficult to find, and we accidentally drove uphill. When we realized we were on the wrong road, we couldn't turn around. We drove all the way to the top, which was incredibly frightening for me, especially since I'm afraid of heights and sitting in the passenger seat. Fortunately, a monk from Shanshui Temple showed us the way, and we turned around and made it down the mountain without a hitch to the bottom of the ancient watchtower complex. It's beautiful and spectacular. The owner of the towers led us around, and his name, Wengdu (a Chinese translator), was great at taking photos for us; he's a tourism student. I recommend calling him at 13568678339.

A very nice place. Feels like my childhood hometown

Although the Tibetan village in Zhonglu is not as densely populated and large-scale as the Tibetan village in Jiaju, it also has its own unique characteristics. The ancient watchtowers make people feel that this is a miracle.

In Danba County, Zhonglu Township, high in the clouds, untouched by development, there are pristine Tibetan villages, pristine Tibetan watchtowers, and pristine beauty...

Sunrise is highly recommended: As the dawn breaks, a ray of sunlight slowly filters in from the other side of the canyon. The soft light, accompanied by curls of smoke, suddenly brings everything to life. Unable to take my eyes off the camera, I exclaim in amazement as the camera follows closely, meticulously capturing the beauty of the countryside.

We chartered a car directly from Danba Bus Station to the Zhonglu Scenic Area. The scenery was stunning, with unique Tibetan villages along the way, and a view of the sacred Mount Merduo. Our driver was very attentive and took me on a tour of the most beautiful sights. Even in winter, the scenery was still breathtaking. Summer and spring are sure to be even more captivating.

Zhonglu Tibetan Village is a bit less convenient than its more famous counterparts (the road is under construction until Oct 15th, and the winding mountain road from the main road to Zhonglu Township is quite difficult to navigate, taking 3 to 40 minutes for a 3-kilometer walk), but it offers a touch of tranquility. Don't miss the early morning viewing platform No. 1, which offers a panoramic view of the entire Zhonglu area.

The scenery is unique, the Tibetans are relatively simple, the road conditions are poor, it is not easy to get in, and the reception capacity seems to be unable to keep up.

Utopia, Utopia, Utopia, say it three times

If you want to see the watchtowers, go to Zhonglu Tibetan Village. It is undeveloped and has free admission. If you don’t have time and can only visit one Tibetan village, go to Zhonglu Tibetan Village.

Zhonglu Tibetan Village has been designated a "Chinese Scenic Village." This ancient place boasts Neolithic remains, a lama temple, the Salako Monastery, and the home of Teacher Sangdan, all worth a visit. Zhonglu Township is also a beautiful village, boasting dwellings even more quaint than those in Jiaju, as well as a variety of stone towers. From here, you can also see the sacred Mount Meldo in the distance.

It's just average here, nothing much to see.

If you want to see Shenshan Mountain and Dadu River, the best place is Zhonglu Pass.

The watchtower is in its restored state. There was a family living at the door who asked us for ten yuan as we entered. So we went in and took a look around before leaving. There were a lot of traces of human intervention. Just take a look.

This place is more like a buffer zone, with both Tibetan buildings and a few watchtowers. This scene is quite beautiful.

The scenery of Zhonglu Township is somewhat similar to that of Jiaju Tibetan Village, but I feel more comfortable there than in Jiaju. I think Zhonglu is more suitable for human habitation than Jiaju. Next time I have a chance to come here, I must stay in Zhonglu and never in the county town.

Zhonglu Township, also part of Danba County, has distinct characteristics and is renowned for its watchtowers. While Jiaju also boasts watchtowers, they possess a more vibrant atmosphere. Zhonglu's watchtowers far surpass those of Jiaju in height, number, and topographical distribution. This suggests that Zhonglu's social and strategic importance during the previous dynasty was higher and more significant, given the function of its watchtowers.

The next day, I didn’t have to get up very early to take pictures of the sunrise at Zhonglu Tibetan Village. A few days later, the magnificent pear blossoms were almost over.

However, the weather was good. In the valley, the green trees, green grass, fields, pear blossoms, watchtowers, and Jiarong Tibetan houses formed a dynamic picture of the village under the sunlight, which was peaceful and comfortable.

To reach Zhonglu Tibetan Village, you have to drive all the way up (ticket price: 25 yuan) until you reach a primary school (the TV show "Metamorphosis" was filmed here. The children here are very simple and honest, and they would give the Young Pioneer salute when they saw our car passing by). You can park your car by the school playground and then hike to the top of the mountain. It takes 2-3 hours. From the top of the mountain, you can see the distant scenery and it is very beautiful. In the village near the school, there is an ancient sarcophagus. The wall is not high enough to stand on and look at it. You can really see the white skull. Just look at it and don't touch the contents.

Zhonglu Tibetan Village is more pristine than Jiaju Tibetan Village. It's quieter, less touristy, and less commercial. It's more rustic and peaceful! The scenery is even more pristine and beautiful! We stayed at the Dongpo Zang Family, and the owners, the Dongpo brothers, are very kind and wonderful!

Zhonglu Tibetan Village is also deep in the mountains, but it is more hidden than Jiaju. So far, buses cannot pass through it.

Located in Danba County, this Tibetan village boasts a rich history. It's a relatively unknown attraction, though it's relatively off-the-beaten-path. The village has a free viewing platform, but tour operators rarely choose to visit it due to the winding, potholed roads. As a result, the village retains a more rustic atmosphere than Jiaju Tibetan Village.

After visiting Jiaju, I hadn't had high hopes for Zhonglu, but once I arrived, I was captivated. There are pear blossoms, rare in Jiaju, and the trees are quite old. The clusters of blossoms are breathtakingly beautiful! There are also watchtowers, which Jiaju doesn't have. The Tibetan houses in Zhonglu are also different from those in Jiaju. Jiaju houses are generally three stories high, while Zhonglu houses are four or five stories high. They look grander, and the scenery is even more picturesque than in Jiaju!

Climbing up the watchtower, you can have a panoramic view of the entire Zhonglu Tibetan village. The watchtower, which was used for defense and observation, has been well preserved. It is so strong without any steel or concrete. The wisdom of the ancients is admirable!

I went there twice and found that the road had been repaired, but unfortunately it was still too narrow. However, the locals were still very simple and honest.

The Zhonglu Ancient Site Tibetan Village and Ancient Watchtowers are located in Kegeyi Village, Zhonglu Township, Danba County, Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan Province. Surrounded by mountains, the village's watchtowers are a distinctive feature and have been designated a "Chinese Scenic Village."

Although the pear blossoms are not in full bloom yet, this quiet village has deeply impressed me with its most natural and simple side. This is the paradise I have been looking for for a long time.

It is a very natural and primitive place. There is no entrance fee. You can take a van in Danba County. Please be careful if you go up with a car. The roads are all mountainous and a bit steep, and it is easy to get the chassis stuck.

The mountain was high and the roads were narrow, so our 9-meter bus couldn't make it. We had to switch to a 6-seater minivan to climb the mountain. We stayed in a farmhouse that night, but the conditions were not as good as Jiaju.

This is the Zhonglu Tibetan Village Farmhouse where we stayed. It is small in size, but the accommodation conditions are satisfactory. The scenery here is nice. The distant mountains and nearby flowers are all in sight.

The overall feeling here is similar to Jiaju, but there are some ancient watchtowers scattered in the village. Because it is not as famous as Jiaju, it is relatively quiet, and the food and accommodation are slightly cheaper.

Our half-day trip to Zhonglu was made truly remarkable by a chance encounter. While strolling through the village taking photos, we suddenly heard there was singing and dancing going on at our lunch spot. After hurriedly returning, we learned that the county cultural center was recording a program dedicated to preserving ethnic cultural heritage, and today, Zhonglu would be filming a Tibetan Guozhuang dance! This news truly thrilled me! I prepared my camera and water, eagerly waiting under the scorching highland sun. Along the way, I also photographed two young women in gorgeous ethnic costumes, two elderly singers lip-syncing to folk songs amidst the beautiful scenery, and two simple, elderly women, their faces etched with the vigour of time.

Compared with Jiaju Tibetan Village, Zhonglu is a completely undeveloped and pristine Tibetan village. It is a small village.

Each of these tall, grey-black stone structures has withstood a century of wind and rain, standing tall and majestic with distinct angles. Standing beneath the towers, one feels as if one has lost oneself in a tunnel of history.

Zhonglu Dongpo Tibetan Village is a relatively primitive Jiarong Tibetan village. The original flavor is well preserved. There are few tourists in it. It is not suitable for tourism or sightseeing. It is suitable for a short stay of half a month to experience the tranquility. The Tibetans are very friendly and polite.

The light here is more suitable for the afternoon, and the light is most beautiful when the sun sets. Unfortunately, our photos were taken at noon, and the clouds and fog had already dissipated, and the sun was shining brightly. This place is more simple and natural than Jiaju Tibetan Village.

The scenery of Zhonglu is better than that of Jiaju. The colors of the woods are richer, and the Tibetan dwellings are more scattered against the backdrop of the watchtowers. The ecology of Zhonglu is also more primitive than that of Jiaju. If you can stay here for a few more days, bask in the sun, and be in a daze, it is also a good choice.

Because the road is too bad and no one repairs it, there is no entrance fee. When the car goes up the mountain, there are many bends and narrow roads, making it very difficult for vehicles to intersect. There are very few tourists going to the Zhonglu Tibetan Village, mainly Tibetan residents.

A traditional Chinese painting of a mountain scene appeared before my eyes, shrouded in mist and cloud, its colors looming. The green and yellow barley fields, the Tibetan houses nestled against the mountainside, were shrouded in floating clouds. A hawk momentarily passed through the mountains, as if awakening the immortals in this fairyland. I climbed onto the rooftop of my house, hoping to see as far as possible, to see more. The early morning temperature was still low, and my hands and face were icy cold, but I didn't care. I kept pressing the shutter, eager to record everything around me.

Zhonglu Tibetan Village has primitive watchtowers and houses. It is hidden in the pink peaches and white pears in spring, and has even richer colors in autumn. It is a paradise for photographers.

Highly recommended. The scenery is so beautiful that it makes you cry. It's a beautiful day to bask in the sun and daydream in the quiet little villages.

The Zhonglu ancient watchtowers cannot be called a group. Although there are not many of them, they are well preserved. Especially when you stand on the roof of the Zhonglu Tibetan village and look at them, they are really beautiful when they are scattered among the Tibetan villages.

In fact, I felt that Zhonglu was not as good as Jiaju, but it might be because we were in a hurry and did not have a good time to stroll around. We just went to a Tibetan family’s house, climbed the watchtower and left.

The two villages are not far from each other and the buildings are similar, but they still have their own characteristics. Thanks to the driver, Master Chen, for taking us to the Tibetan home and experiencing the life of the locals.

In Danba, we went to the Tibetan village and Jiaju. I like this place very much. I remember that time when we went there, the landslide blocked the good road, so we had to take another muddy road. We really had to push the cart all the way. The driver was great because many drivers gave up going up the mountain after seeing that road. Later, when I got in the car, I felt so regretful. As a result, when we arrived at the destination and entered the gate, I really felt that I had found a new way out. I felt like I had dreamed of entering a paradise. ... Well, the boss of the place where I stayed at night was very nice, the aunt was very nice, and I was honored to see a rainbow after the rain. I got up at 6 o'clock the next day to see the beautiful scenery, took photos and walked down the mountain, and then took a tractor and a motorcycle with a fellow villager to go up the mountain to eat. Well, it was very good.

The air is very good, and the houses are very unique. I like the middle road. There are a lot of fruits, apples, plums, and peaches. When I went there, I ate all the way while walking. My uncle looked down on me. When I walked to the middle road, I really felt like I was in a paradise.