China's largest pear blossom sea is about to bloom in Danba, Sichuan! Here's your guide to flower viewing!
Preface
A few days ago, You Xiaoxia took everyone to see the peach blossoms in Nyingchi under the snow-capped mountains, the rape flowers in Yunnan among the peaks, and the cherry blossoms in Pingba that stretch for hundreds of miles... I wonder if you all enjoyed it?
In this colorful melee of "flowers that are so numerous that they dazzle the eyes", You Xiaoxia accidentally discovered a cluster of more niche, "fresh and unworldly" pure white and elegant flowers, which are the Danba pear flowers.
I thought I'd miss this flower feast due to the Chengdu epidemic, but fortunately, before the pear blossoms even bloomed, Sichuan was finally cleared of all cases!
"The epidemic has subsided, but it's not too late to enjoy the flowers"
Come and see with You Xiaoxia how attractive the pear blossoms in Danba, Sichuan are.
The spring flowers on the snowy plateau are more than just peach blossoms
In the western part of Sichuan Province and the eastern part of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, there is a place famous as the "Land of a Thousand Blockhouses".
There are many rivers here, and the natural landscape is magnificent and dangerous. It was once called "the last pure land on earth" by China National Geographic magazine. This is Danba.
"Suddenly, a spring breeze arrives overnight, and thousands of pear trees blossom."
If spring on the plains begins with the green of seeds breaking through the soil, then spring on the western Sichuan plateau begins with the white of snow in Danba.
Picture @Photo.net
Every year in mid-to-late March, when the weather is turning from warm to cold, more than 100,000 pear trees wake up, and white pear blossoms quietly climb up the branches.
From afar, it looks like a vast expanse of spring snow, but when you look closer, you can see flowers blooming for miles.
We chose Zhonglu Tibetan Village as the main venue for our flower viewing in Danba. Zhonglu means "a place longed for by both humans and gods" in Tibetan. Compared to the bustling Jiaju Tibetan Village, Zhonglu, with its free entrance fee, is more tranquil and secluded.
Facing the sacred mountain of Jiarong, "Meerduo Sacred Mountain", 81 ancient watchtowers are hidden among the snow-white sea of flowers. The fresh green of the fields is matched with the blooming pink and white peaches and pears, and the air is filled with the breath of early spring.
This March, go to the Tibetan village to enjoy the pear blossoms, what a delight!
When you come to Zhonglu Tibetan Village, please put aside your prejudice that "it's cold at high altitudes" in Tibet. Compared with the altitudes of three or four thousand meters, Zhonglu Tibetan Village, which is only two thousand meters above sea level, seems particularly "approachable".
We can freely roam in the sea of white flowers and forget about the troubles of altitude sickness. It turns out that the reputation of "Jiangnan of Tibet" is not limited to Linzhi.
Sandwiched between the branches of the Great Snow Mountain and the Qiongshan Mountain, the magnificent Big and Small Jinchuan rivers roar and rush. The majestic mountains and wild rivers together shape the Jinchuan River Valley.
Unlike the extreme cold of the plateau, this region benefits from abundant sunshine, a warm climate, and fertile soil, making it a historically densely populated area. Tibetan, Han, and Hui cultures blend together, and the region is also a hub for the exchange of goods and commodities between the north and south.
Spring is a symbol of hope and beauty, and flowers bloom most luxuriantly.
Picture @Photo.net
From mid-to-late March to mid-April each year, pear and apricot blossoms bloom in the Jinchuan River basin, bathing the riverbanks in golden light. Snow pear blossoms bloom, and Jiarong Tibetan villages dot the landscape. Combined with the unique Tibetan villages and snow-capped mountains of the plateau, the scene fully captures the grandeur and beauty of the "Snowy Jiangnan."
Strolling along the path among the flowers, you may encounter an unexpected "spring snow" and let the spring snow fall all over your body, making you feel very comfortable.
The pear blossoms are so beautiful, when will they bloom?
From the rushing Jinchuan River to the Tibetan village in the clouds, the difference in altitude also makes the flowering period different in different places.
Generally speaking, the flowering period in Jinchuan is slightly earlier than that in Danba. Based on past experience, You Xiaoxia has compiled a pear blossom schedule for everyone, which makes it easy to see when to go.
There are so many flower-viewing routes, how do you find the one that suits you?
From a comfortable and leisurely tour to a photography tour that leaves early and returns late, from a Sichuan-Tibet line tour that often takes more than ten days to a short-term tour focusing on pear blossoms, I believe that after reading the following introduction, you will definitely have the answer in your heart.
Encountering two major flower events on the snowy plateau, how to choose the Sichuan-Tibet route?
01 Sichuan-Tibet Flowers Blooming·In-depth
✔ Cost-effective choice
✔ Well-balanced travel
✔ See peach and pear blossoms all at once
"The fragrance of powder is pure and clear, and it does not allow peaches and plums to stand in the years."
In March, we set out from Chengdu to Lhasa, heading west along G318 Avenue, and walked into the backbone of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. From elegant white to tender pink red, from the sky full of flying pear blossoms to the ten-mile peach forest, the flowering periods of the two major flowers, pear and peach blossoms, are perfectly matched.
In addition to the beautiful pear blossoms already introduced, we will also go deep into Bomi Peach Blossom Valley, which is the largest and longest peach blossom valley in China. The peach blossoms in the valley stretch for 30 kilometers. In the distance, you can see the misty glaciers and snow-capped mountains, and up close, you can see the thousand-year-old peach blossoms in full bloom.
Spend the night by the Basongcuo Lake, wake up in the morning to admire the misty clouds floating over the island in the middle of the lake, and encounter the starry sky unique to the plateau at night.
We have carefully selected high-quality local accommodations throughout the journey, and the altitude will gradually increase. We will also be equipped with oxygen tanks on board, so there is no need to worry about altitude sickness. This is a deep choice for all ages.
02 Sichuan-Tibet Flowers Bloom Photography
✔ A must-see route for photographers
✔ Multiple sunrises and sunsets
✔ Professional photography team leader
The pinnacle of beauty in Tibet is not only "Kangding's men are as strong as mountains, Danba's beauties are as beautiful as water". Danba's beauties are not only charming like peach blossoms and beautiful like pear blossoms, but also all inherit the legacy of the Xixia royal family.
In early spring, in March, the pear blossoms of Zhonglu Tibetan Village scatter in all directions, creating a picturesque scene. For photographers, the phrase "portrait paradise" perfectly describes this scene. However, focusing your camera on strangers amidst a sea of blossoms can be somewhat awkward, so China-TravelNote invited local Jiarong girls to serve as models, capturing their captivating and graceful figures amidst the snow-like sea of pear blossoms.
While the people are beautiful, the scenery can't be missed. This year, we've upgraded our itinerary and will stay two nights in Suosong Village, a popular photogenic village!
Surrounded by "China's most beautiful mountain" Namjagbarwa and kissed by "the deepest canyon on earth" Yarlung Zangbo, this small village, covered by peach blossoms in spring, is quietly hidden in the folds of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. It is peaceful and comfortable, living in seclusion, waiting for the morning light to light up the mountains and the sea of flowers.
Suosong Village is a perfect place for stargazing. Worried about not knowing how to capture the stars? Our photography team leader will guide you step by step throughout the entire process, making capturing stunning photos a reality.
Running out of vacation time? Don't want to drive too long?
Don’t worry, we have also prepared multiple short-term lines of 3-7 days, which are extremely friendly to you who don’t have holidays!
03 Spring Flower Event: Photography of Kawanishi Pear Blossoms
✔ Danba Middle Road Tibetan Village
✔ Stay in Dejikangwa for two days
✔ Arrange Jiarong Tibetan clothing models
✔ Enjoy taking photos of Jinchuan Pear Blossom Valley
04 Danba Pear Blossoms: Enjoy Early Spring
✔ Diverse beauty of Tibet
✔ Super short driving distance
✔ Very low altitude
Come to Dejikangwa and spend a leisurely life like a fairy.
When walking in the village, you can always see two pure white watchtowers when you look up, standing on the top of the mountain like a castle. This is the China-TravelNote Dejikangwa B&B, where we will stay.
Across the Xiaojin River, the B&B faces the sacred Mount Meldo. White Tibetan houses and golden-domed temples are faintly visible against the clear blue sky. This unique location allows you to overlook the entire Jiarong Gorge and the pear blossoms that blanket the mountains from the comfort of your own home.
When strolling through the villages and occasionally encountering Jiarong girls in the fields, you may be confused: are these beauties in bright clothes really Tibetans?
Because the Somo River and the Dadu River are located in the river valley area with a low altitude, the Jiarong Tibetans who have lived here for generations mostly make a living by farming, and the clothing of Danba girls is also famous for its bright and exquisite appearance.
Their headscarves are the most dazzling, with exquisite embroidery, colorful thread edges, and colorful tassel wig braids to fix them on their heads. This is the classic style that makes Danba beauties famous all over the world.
China-TravelNote has also specially prepared a variety of Jiarong Tibetan costumes for all you beauty-conscious travelers. Donning exquisite Jiarong Tibetan clothing, set against the backdrop of ancient tunes, the plateau's blue skies, and snow-like pear blossoms, let our photo-savvy tour guides capture some stunning photos that will go viral on your social media!
Photo @ China-TravelNote Dejikangwa Homestay
05 Danba Pear Blossom Early Spring Photography
✔ Sunrise, sunset, and sea of clouds
✔ Super short driving distance
✔ Very low altitude
Spend the night at Niubei Mountain and you will experience the most exciting 24 hours of your life.
I'm sure every photographer has heard of Niubei Mountain. In western Sichuan, there's never been a single viewing platform offering a panoramic view of most of Sichuan's famous mountains. Until Niubei Mountain appeared on our destination list, we could see Mount Gongga, Mount Siguniang, Mount Emei...all of these famous peaks in one breathtaking view. We'll also spend the night at the China-TravelNotex Niubei Mountain Star Camp.
Watch the sea of clouds▼
Watch the starry sky▼
Watch the sunrise▼
A journey to record the most beautiful 24 hours in Gongga
Conclusion
Although the epidemic has begun to recur, we should still be full of yearning for a better future. Let’s pick a day to set off while Sichuan has been cleared of all cases and the pear blossoms are still in full bloom!
