The Underrated Gem of Western Sichuan: A Detailed Travel Guide to Danba, Sichuan

There's a place hidden in western Sichuan that's both understated and stunning - Danba. Certified by National Geographic of China as the most beautiful village in China, it's even more pristine than Switzerland. With its thousand-year-old watchtowers and mysterious Jiarong Tibetan culture, it offers picturesque views all year round: enchanting pear blossoms in spring, lush green valleys in summer, colorful forests in fall, and snow-capped mountains in winter. With few tourists, beautiful scenery, and preserved natural ecology, plus minimal commercialization, it's absolutely a perfect travel destination! 📍Location: Danba is located in eastern Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan. 🚗Transportation: It's about a 5-hour drive from Chengdu. If you don't want to drive, you can take a bus to Danba from either Xinnanmen or Chadianzi Bus Station in Chengdu. However, bus services are relatively limited, so plan your schedule ahead. For more flexibility, you can also arrange carpooling with friends, allowing you to stop anywhere along the way to enjoy and photograph the scenery. 👍Must-visit attractions: 1. Jiaju Tibetan Village: Known as the "Fairy Tale Town of Tibet," it features over 200 red and white Tibetan houses scattered across the mountains, creating a stunning picture. You can stay in a Tibetan homestay to experience local culture, start your day with a warm bowl of butter tea to ward off the cold. In the early morning, you can capture the dreamlike morning mist and smoke, where every shot looks magnificent. 2. Zhonglu Tibetan Village: Compared to Jiaju, Zhonglu Tibetan Village is more primitive and rustic. When the first rays of sunlight fall, the view of watchtowers framed with Mount Moerduo is truly mesmerizing. The viewing platform offers an excellent hidden spot for aerial shots. In autumn, when the pear trees turn golden, the photos are breathtakingly beautiful. 3. Suopo Ancient Watchtowers: Known as the "Oriental Pyramids," 84 ancient watchtowers still stand today. Here's an interesting fact: the towers are categorized into different types including beacon towers, family towers, and boundary towers. Each carries profound historical significance. Standing beneath these towers, you can almost hear the echoes of history. 4. Dangling Huluhai: Reaching this hidden gem requires about 3 hours of hiking, but it's worth every step. It's comparable to Milk Lake, with snow-capped mountains reflected in the water - absolutely stunning. October is the most beautiful time here. After hiking, you can soak your feet in the mountain hot springs to relieve fatigue. 🎟️Tickets: Jiaju Tibetan Village entrance fee is usually around 50 yuan, with occasional promotional discounts available online. Zhonglu Tibetan Village is currently free to enter, though parking may incur a fee. Suopo Ancient Watchtowers has no entrance fee, but there might be small charges for entering some towers. Dangling Huluhai currently has no entrance fee, but please remember to protect the environment. 💗Additional tips: 1. Clothing: Danba has significant temperature differences between morning and evening. Even in summer, bring a thick jacket. For autumn and winter visits, warm down jackets, scarves, and gloves are essential. 2. Altitude sickness: Though Danba's altitude isn't particularly high and most people won't experience significant altitude sickness, it's still wise to bring altitude sickness medication just in case. Avoid strenuous activity upon arrival to let your body adjust. 3. Food: Must-try items include stone-grilled momo (freshly baked highland barley bread that's crispy and fragrant), Jiarong-style sour vegetable noodles (tangy and appetizing), Tibetan pork jerky (smoked with pine branches, rich but not greasy), and Danba apples (sweet and juicy). 4. Photography: Beautiful scenes are everywhere, so bring fully charged cameras or phones. For stargazing photos, a tripod is recommended. When photographing in Tibetan villages, respect local customs and ask for permission first. Danba is truly a place you'll fall in love with once you visit. Its beautiful scenery, delicious food, and folk culture will leave a lasting impression. Pack your bags and embark on a spontaneous journey to Danba to discover these hidden treasures!