Muka Qiang Village - A Hidden Gem for Photography Enthusiasts

The charm of Muka Qiang Village lies in its uncommercialized authenticity of Qiang culture and the breathtaking harmony between mountain and river landscapes. For those seeking solitude, visit the ruins of the old village at dawn; if you prefer lively atmospheres, the new village's orchards and stone-grill feasts offer warmth. A side trip to Jiuzitun will reveal what a "lost village in the clouds" truly means. I. Highlights & Experiences 1. Exploring the Old Village - Architectural Features: Built into the mountainside, the old village features terraced Qiang houses constructed with slate and yellow clay, boasting traditional elements like watchtowers, cantilevered balconies, and overstreet buildings, earning it the title "Qiang Village on the Rocks." Stroll through narrow stone alleys to feel the centuries-old history of this Qiang settlement. - Must-See Spots: Mountain King Temple, ancient embroidery tower, and red heritage sites. Climb the watchtower viewing platform for panoramic views of the Zagunao River Valley and National Highway 317. - Current State: Mostly uninhabited, preserving a raw ruin atmosphere. Occasionally, elderly residents tend to livestock, creating a serene ambiance. 2. New Village Life & Culture - Experience daily Qiang life in this residential area. During Spring Festival, witness traditions like hanging red flags, Guozhuang dancing, drinking Zajiu (fermented wine), and ancestral worship. - Agricultural Activities: Pick cherries in May, followed by walnuts and apples from June to October—buy directly from villagers at affordable prices. 3. Nearby Hidden Gems - Jiuzitun (Cloud Qiang Village): - A 2,600m-high alpine meadow ruin dubbed "Machu Picchu of Western Sichuan," blanketed with wildflowers (May-August), ideal for hiking and mushroom foraging. - Transport: Hire a local car from Muka Village to the mountainside, then hike 4km (caution advised for steep paths). - Xuecheng Ancient Town: A key Tea-Horse Road hub, showcasing Qing Dynasty garrison culture. II. Itinerary Suggestions - Day Trip: Old village hike (2-3 hours) → Stone-grill lunch in new village → Fruit picking/Qiang embroidery demo → Return. - 2-3 Day In-Depth Tour: D1: Chengdu → Muka Qiang Village (stone-grill lunch) → Sunset photography at old village → Stay in new village homestay. D2: Jiuzitun hike → Return via Xuecheng or Bipenggou. ✅ Group Tour Option: Chengdu-based "Songpinggou + Muka Qiang Village" 2-day tour including transport & lodging (from ¥500). III. Transportation - Self-Drive: Navigate to "Lixian Muka Qiang Village," ~2 hours from Chengdu (143km) via Dujiangyan-Wenchuan Expressway and Highway 317. Free parking at village entrance. - Public Transport: Take a bus from Chengdu Chadianzi Station to Lixian (~3 hours), then hire local transport to Muka (30 minutes). IV. Dining & Lodging - Qiang Cuisine: - Must-try: Stone-grill BBQ (pork belly + wild herbs), smoked ribs, sour cabbage chicken, potato cakes; pair with Zajiu for authenticity. - Recommended: New village farmhouse restaurants or collective-run stone-grill stalls. - Accommodation: - Cultural Homestays: New village guesthouses (~¥70/twin room) with hearthside chats and Qiang costume photos. - Comfort Hotels: Qiangju Hotel (¥188-298) or Lixian town hotels. V. Tips - Admission: Free entry, no commercial tickets. - Best Seasons: - May: Cherry blossom season and fruit picking; - July-October: Summer retreat + harvest, Jiuzitun meadows at their finest. - Notes: - Wear anti-slip shoes for old village plank roads; hire guides for Jiuzitun's rugged trails. - Respect Qiang customs: Avoid photographing elders without permission, keep quiet at altars. - High-altitude prep (1,600-2,600m): Sunscreen and windproof jackets recommended.