Ruoergai, a jewel on the western Sichuan Plateau, offers nature lovers the chance to explore the vast grasslands and gallop to the horizon. Those seeking spiritual refuge can circumambulate the pagoda at the sacred Langmusi Temple and pray for the deepest blessings. The area even boasts the remains of the Brazil Conference and the Battle of Baozuo, perfect for history-lovers to relive the Red Army's path.
The scenic spots in Ruoergai County are scattered and far apart. If you want to have a thorough and enjoyable experience, chartering a car or driving yourself is the best choice.
The Reer Grassland is China's second largest grassland, second only to the Hulunbuir Grassland. July and August are the best times to visit. At this time of year, you'll see wildflowers spreading from hill to hill, dotted with lakes and dotted with cattle and sheep. Along the way, you'll encounter Tibetan homestays run by herders offering meals and horseback riding. Because the grasslands are vast, you don't have to worry about crowds even during peak season.
The famous natural wetland, Huahu Lake, is located on the Reer Grassland. The flowers are at their peak in mid-July. Walking along the plank path along the lake, you'll reach the center of the wetland. If you're lucky, you might even spot the endangered black-necked crane. Shortly after entering the Huahu scenic area, herders with horses will be available to invite visitors to ride around the lake. If you're interested in trying horseback riding, this is the perfect time to pick a horse and set off.
This is the first of the Yellow River's ninety-nine bends. The Yellow River, once a mighty force in the Central Plains, here becomes a gentle, tranquil river. The clear, slow flow weaves through a vast sea of grass, while cattle and sheep leisurely stroll along the riverbank, making it hard to imagine this is the once turbulent and murky Yellow River. In the evening, climb to the top of the hill behind Suoge Zang Monastery to find the First Bend Observation Deck, accessible by steps, offering the best vantage point for appreciating the sunset glow over the First Bend.
The Namo Grand Canyon is located within the Sichuan Temple (Geldi Monastery) of Langmusi. Upon entering the canyon, the cliffs tower on either side, and the path is narrow. Then, it feels like stepping into a paradise, and after a few dozen steps, a sudden opening opens up. The most famous attraction in the canyon is the Fairy Cave, named after a natural stone statue resembling a woman. Not far from the Fairy Cave is the L-shaped Bardo Cave. Legend has it that if you enter this cave and emerge from the other end, you can see your past and present lives. These legends about the caves within the canyon further enhance the canyon's mystical atmosphere. For those interested, you can hike along the Bailong River to its source. This hike takes one or two hours and offers beautiful scenery, though the path is challenging, not dangerous.
The reserve is relatively undeveloped, boasting pristine scenery. However, there are no dining or lodging options, requiring you to return to Ruoergai or Diebu County for meals and lodging. Here, you'll encounter adorable and nimble wild sika deer, known for their timidity. They will disappear into the jungle at the slightest sign of human presence. Even if you don't see any deer, don't worry: the reserve is dotted with numerous lakes of varying sizes, each boasting clear water and breathtaking natural scenery. Autumn is the perfect season for this scenic beauty, with golden leaves falling in the wind and rivers shrouded in grass, creating a breathtaking autumn scene.
Ruoergai County is located in the Tibetan area and has many Tibetan Buddhist temples. Those who are interested in Buddhism or Tibetan culture have more choices.
Langmusi is a renowned Gelugpa Tibetan Buddhist monastery, renowned for its debates. During tourist season, it attracts a diverse group of visitors from around the world, and interacting with so many people from all corners of the globe in the remote Ruoergai grasslands is a truly remarkable experience. Bisected by a stream, Langmusi straddles Sichuan and Gansu. The Ruoergai portion of the monastery, also known as the Gelug Monastery, houses the mortal remains of the Fifth Gelug Living Buddha, whose presence has withstood the test of time and remains uncorrupted. His benevolent countenance inspires awe, not fear.
The magnificent Dazha Monastery, a fusion of Han and Tibetan architectural styles, boasts a library and exhibition hall housing a rich collection of ancient Buddhist scriptures. Near the pagoda outside the main hall, you can see nearby Tibetans devoutly circumambulating the stupa and praying, while others kowtow to the Buddha.
Known as the "Sog Zang Jixiang Mahayana Monastery," this magnificent Gelugpa monastery nestles against a mountainside. Enshrined within the monastery is a massive golden statue of Lama Tsongkhapa, along with 16 of his skull relics. It is a sacred site for the Gelugpa sect. The scattered scripture halls and monks' quarters give the monastery a village-like feel, housing approximately one to two hundred monks. This area is typically unpopular, but visitors tired of the commercial atmosphere of other monasteries will appreciate the authentic charm of this place.
One of the earliest temples in Aba Prefecture, with a history spanning over a thousand years, it serves as the epicenter of Bon, the indigenous Tibetan religion, in Ruoergai County. It houses ancient and mysterious texts in the Zhangzhung script, hosts an annual divine dance, and boasts unique religious rituals and texts distinct from those of several major Tibetan Buddhist sects.
Hidden in the forests of the grasslands lies the ruins of a former quadrangle-style temple. Today, only a few broken walls remain, and a new temple has been built nearby. In 1935, when the Red Army crossed the grasslands, the Party Central Committee held five important meetings here. If you're interested in history and wish to make a pilgrimage along the Red Army's path, this is a must-see.
Wachi Pagoda Forest is a place to commemorate the 10th Panchen Lama and to chant sutras and pray for blessings. The people of Hongyuan County built the pagoda forest and 108 white pagodas around it on the throne where the 10th Panchen Lama gave lectures. The surrounding area is decorated with continuous prayer flags hung by devout Tibetans, which is a spectacular sight.
Nianbao Yuze is a national geological park located in Qinghai Province. It includes a variety of landscapes such as snow-capped mountains, meadows, lakes, glaciers, etc. The high-quality scenery in the scenic area makes it one of the classic hiking routes in China.
Jiuzhaigou's fairytale-like scenery has long been famous. No matter which season you visit, spring, summer, autumn or winter, it will give you surprises. The crystal clear lakes and the gorgeous autumn mountain scenery make you walk in a fairyland on earth.
The most famous and almost only attraction in Seda is Larung Gar Buddhist Academy. Even with just one attraction, Seda remains one of the most worthwhile destinations in western Sichuan. The majesty of Larung Gar Buddhist Academy cannot be fully appreciated without first-hand experience. Its awe-inspiring presence is like a torrent of water pouring down from head to toe. Tens of thousands of lamas and nuns cultivate their faith here, living in simple dwellings and studying the most complex scriptures. Day after day, for decades, they dedicate their hearts to the Buddha, truly living in hell, their hearts in heaven.