Western Sichuan! So stunning it's beyond words—a must-visit to experience the beauty of nature!

Western Sichuan refers to the western part of Sichuan Province, including the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. This region boasts diverse natural and cultural landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, grasslands, forests, lakes, and Tibetan villages, making it a paradise for tourism and photography. 🚌 Transportation Guide - **By Air**: There are Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, Ganzi Kangding Airport, Aba Hongyuan Airport, Ganzi Gesar Airport, and Daocheng Airport. Choose the appropriate airport based on your destination. - **Long-Distance Bus**: Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station mainly serves the northern route of Western Sichuan, with destinations like Siguniang Mountain and Seda. Xinnanmen Bus Station operates the southern route, reaching places like Daocheng Yading, Kangding, and Xinduqiao. - **Self-Driving**: Suitable for travelers with ample time who prefer independent trips. However, road conditions in some parts of Western Sichuan are complex, with winding mountain roads. An SUV or off-road vehicle is recommended. 🏡 Accommodation - **Xinduqiao**: Options like Zanba·Mingjing Hotel, featuring Tibetan-style decor with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows and private hot springs, or budget-friendly B&Bs like Dengfenglai Garden Homestay. - **Danba Tibetan Village**: Stay in traditional Tibetan watchtowers, such as Deji Kangwa Queen’s Castle, to experience authentic Tibetan life. - **Daocheng Shangri-La Town**: At a relatively lower altitude, it offers numerous hotels and B&Bs, making it an ideal rest stop before exploring Daocheng Yading. 🍜 Cuisine - **Local Delicacies**: Butter tea, barley pancakes, yak meat hotpot, Tibetan yogurt, tsampa (roasted barley flour), and chicken stew with matsutake mushrooms. - **Recommended Restaurants**: "Yak Meat Hotpot" in Xinduqiao is a great spot to try yak meat dishes. In Daocheng and Shangri-La Town, restaurants serve delicious chicken stew with matsutake mushrooms. 🛣 Must-Visit Attractions - **Daocheng Yading**: Known as "the last pure land on the blue planet," featuring Milk Lake, Five-Color Lake, and the Three Sacred Mountains (Chenrezig, Jambeyang, and Chanadorje). - **Siguniang Mountain**: Comprising Shuangqiao Valley and Changping Valley—Shuangqiao Valley is well-developed with scenic views, while Changping Valley is a hiker’s paradise. - **Seda Larung Gar Buddhist Academy**: The sea of red houses covering the mountains is awe-inspiring. Visitors may also witness sky burials but must respect local customs. - **Moshi Park**: Unique stone forest landscapes that resemble an alien planet. - **Tagong Grassland**: Offers sweeping grassland views and distant vistas of Yala Snow Mountain. 🎠 Leisure & Entertainment Experience Tibetan culture through activities like bonfire parties or learning to make Tibetan food. You can also go horseback riding on the grasslands while enjoying the natural scenery. 🌴 Surrounding Environment Nearby hidden gems include Lianbao Yeze, Cuopu Valley, and Dangling Hulu Lake—stunning, pristine destinations with breathtaking landscapes. 🏰 Local Customs - **Religious Beliefs**: Most locals practice Tibetan Buddhism. Show respect to temples, Buddha statues, and prayer flags—do not touch or climb them. Maintain quietness in temples and avoid revealing or untidy clothing. - **Etiquette & Taboos**: Avoid touching a Tibetan person’s head or discussing unlucky topics. When giving gifts, use both hands as a sign of respect. - **Lifestyle**: Tibetans have unique dietary and living habits, such as drinking butter tea and eating tsampa. Respect these traditions and adapt to local customs when interacting with them.