Suopo Tibetan Village Ancient Watchtower Group

Suddenly I realized that this was the village I stumbled into by mistake ten years ago... My mother's enthusiasm brought strangers back home from the streets of Danba, my father's enthusiasm, the whole village came together to dance the Guozhuang, Tashi and Ram's innocence, the most beautiful smiles and innocent eyes... After ten years of looking at each other, I want to go back this year to see my mom and dad, and see Tashi and Ram's children.

The Suopo Ancient Watchtowers are approximately 4 kilometers from Danba County. Step inside Suopo and ascend the ancient watchtowers for a close-up experience of the millennia-old towers, forged with the wisdom and dedication of Tibetan ancestors. These ingenious military installations, constructed with unique craftsmanship over a thousand years ago, have created countless treasures for future generations and left a valuable legacy for the world.

The ancient watchtower is well preserved and remains as solid as ever after thousands of years.

As far as watchtowers are concerned, Danba is known as the "Country of a Thousand Watchtowers", with watchtowers distributed throughout the county; while Suopo is known as the "Hometown of a Thousand Watchtowers", with 84 watchtowers, which is the place with the highest concentration of ancient watchtowers in Danba and even in the world.

These ancient watchtowers are located in groups of three or five, or stand alone on the hilltops, each responding to the other and forming a majestic formation against the backdrop of the blue sky and white clouds. Standing across the river valley and admiring the watchtowers from across the river, the dozens of towers undulating one after another form a spectacular cluster of towers.

The Suopo Ancient Watchtowers, dating back thousands of years, are constructed of mud and stone, boasting beautiful appearances and sturdy walls. Most are attached to residential buildings, while others stand alone on flat ground or in valleys. Over the centuries, they have withstood the erosion of war, wind and rain, and earthquakes, yet remain majestically erected. Some are tilted but remain standing, while others are curved like bows, creating a unique and picturesque scene.

Ancient watchtowers are generally tall square pillars, with some having four, five, or eight corners, and a few reaching thirteen corners. They are generally no less than 10 meters high, with most reaching around 30 meters, and some reaching 50 to 60 meters. Their uses ranged from defensive watchtowers in wartime, fire watchtowers for transmitting intelligence, fengshui watchtowers for praying for blessings and safety, and demon-suppressing watchtowers for warding off evil spirits.

The most spectacular is the military defense bunker, which is built in a dangerous position. It is tall and large. It can not only accommodate the guards and a large number of stones, arrowheads and other weapons, but also food, firewood, grass, water and other materials. The elderly, women, children and livestock in the village can also be hidden inside. When war comes, this bunker alone can provide long-term resistance.

In Moluo Village, Suopo Township, you can see the world's only pentagonal watchtower. Its shape is extremely unique, unlike the usual star-shaped pentagons. Its south, west, and north sides are formed by two right angles, making it look like an ordinary square watchtower. However, its east side has three comb-like corners, all pointing east. Legend has it that the east was the ancient capital of the local queen, Queen Jiadu.

Today, tourists hired my bus to go to the Suopo Ancient Fortress. After thousands of years, the Suopo Ancient Fortress remains majestic and magnificent. One can only imagine the power of the Dongnu Kingdom back then. The stonemasons' craftsmanship was superb...

You can just look at them from the roadside. There are several of them on the mountain, but if you look at them up close they don't really mean much unless you are particularly interested.

Ancient watchtowers are masterpieces of Jiarong Tibetan architecture, dating back thousands of years. Built between the Tang and Qing dynasties, these structures are grand in scale, diverse in style, and constructed with exceptional architectural skill. They possess immense aesthetic, sociological, historical, and ethnocultural value. They are primarily concentrated along the river valleys, with the most dense and spectacular clusters in Suopo and Zhonglu townships. These ancient watchtowers are well-preserved and coexist harmoniously with the village dwellings. Their aesthetically pleasing forms and sturdy foundations are typically tall, square pillars with four, six, or even thirteen corners, constructed of mud and stone. Over the centuries, these ancient watchtowers have withstood the ravages of war, wind and rain, and earthquakes, yet remain remarkably erect. Some are tilted but remain standing, while others are curved like bows, creating a truly picturesque scene.

The content is relatively limited, so you can just look at it from a distance when visiting the Tibetan village.

The "Ancient Kingdom of Thousands of Watchtowers" boasts the largest number of ancient watchtowers in China. "Suopo" means "Mongolian" in Tibetan, and it is said that a large number of Mongolians grazed here in ancient times. There are 84 ancient watchtowers in Suopo, including the only pentagonal watchtower in the world. Our housekeeper took us to see it when we stayed at Joy Secret Realm in Danba. It was very spectacular when we looked across the river.

The area is sparsely populated and underdeveloped, retaining the character of an ancient Tibetan village. Walnuts, peppercorns, and corn line the roadside, along with traditional earthen and wood dwellings, remarkably primitive. Diaolou (watchtowers) dot the hillside, and as you approach, the sounds of history linger. Bullet holes still pierce the towering mud walls, and sunlight filtering through fluttering prayer flags is equally dazzling.

Dozens of watchtowers are scattered in an orderly manner on the hillside, like long swords pointing to the sky guarding the village.

Free admission

Parking fee is 20 yuan

Climbing the tower costs 10 yuan per person (you can see three towers)

Nice view

Climbing is tiring

The ground in the village is covered with animal feces

People and livestock live in harmony

Ancient watchtowers are scattered throughout Danba, Jinchuan, Ma'erkang, and the Dajinchuan River, but the Suopo group is the most complete and richest. The mother watchtower, four-corner watchtower, eight-corner watchtower, and five-corner watchtower are a family portrait of the watchtower group. More importantly, you can enter one of the watchtowers to experience their ingenious layout and sturdy construction. The scenery is picturesque, still reminiscent of a pastoral countryside, with numerous ancient trees, making it feel like stepping back in time.

Suopo Ancient Fortress Group

This place is not as popular as Danba Jiaju Tibetan Village and Zhonglu Tibetan Village. However, it still has its own characteristics. After all, it is the place with the highest concentration of ancient blockhouses in Danba and even in the world.

There is another highlight here, the only pentagonal blockhouse in the world is located here.

Danba is known as the "Ancient Kingdom of Thousands of Watchtowers" and boasts the largest number of ancient watchtowers in China. Suopo is the most densely populated area. "Suopo" means "Mongolian" in Tibetan, and it is said that a large number of Mongolians grazed here in ancient times. There are 84 ancient watchtowers in Suopo, including the world's only five-cornered watchtower.

The best viewing point for Suopo Diaolou is the viewing platform on the roadside opposite the village and on the other side of the Dadu River.

Looking at the watchtowers from across the river, against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds, the ancient buildings composed of towers that have withstood hundreds or even thousands of years of wind and rain, wars and earthquakes stand proudly among the green trees on the other side of the valley. They are spread out due to the mountain terrain and are spectacular.

The viewing platform is right on the roadside, with convenient parking and a lot of tourists coming and going. While we were stopping to take pictures, four or five groups of tourists arrived by tour buses.

The local ancient fortresses are not well protected and are maintained by the local Tibetans. It is unknown how long they can survive.

The best place to take photos is the viewing platform on the other side of the river, where you can see dozens of watchtowers and villages hidden in the shade of trees.

The watchtowers are beautiful in appearance and have solid foundations. They are usually square, hexagonal or even thirteen-cornered. They are very spectacular.

On the way to Danba County, you will pass through Suopo Township. There is a viewing platform on the riverside, from which you can see the Suopo Diaolou from afar. The Diaolou are scattered on the hillside, and it is hard to imagine the splendor of the past.

Located next to the S211 Provincial Road, about 7 kilometers away from Danba County, it has a parking lot but no public toilets.

There are many watchtowers in various shapes and with a long history.

After passing through Danba County and walking along the Dadu River, you will see watchtowers on the other side of the river. There is an observation deck and a parking fee of five yuan is charged. I counted 17 of them (according to the administrator of the observation deck, there are hundreds of watchtowers in seven villages). The taller and bigger the watchtower, the higher the wealth and status of its owner.

Danba is known as the "Land of a Thousand Towers". The number and variety of ancient towers in the county, as well as their unique architecture, are the largest in the country and rare in the world.



The ancient watchtowers of Suopo, Danba, date back a thousand years. Concentrated along the banks of the river valley, they are particularly dense and spectacular in Suopo and Zhonglu townships. These ancient watchtowers are well-preserved and intertwined with the village dwellings and village towers. Over the centuries, they have withstood the erosion of war, wind and rain, and earthquakes, yet remain majestically erected, some leaning but not collapsing.



Diaolou have many functions. Legend has it that they were originally used to subdue demons, but later they were mostly related to wars.

I didn't get close to see it, but from a distance I could see the tall towers standing tall in the mountains.

Ignore those who block the road to collect entrance fees, but your mood will be ruined.

It's a very beautiful place. If you point to the left, you'll see the watchtowers, and if you point to the right, you'll see the Dadu River. The Tibetans are very hospitable. The village chief, Changming, led us to visit the watchtowers. His daughter-in-law is kind and compassionate.

The colorful forests in late autumn are very beautiful, and the ancient watchtowers and Tibetan villages are unique.

From the other side of the river you can see the whole picture.

One of the three major Tibetan villages in Danba, it is close to the city and built on the mountain.

Looking at it from a distance, it may be more attractive to humanities scholars. I think it is just a bunker-like defensive building, nothing special.

Before reaching Danba County, you'll pass by the Suopo Tibetan village and ancient watchtower complex. You can park your car on the side of the road and take photos. The Tibetan villages here are quite scattered, so it's not easy to photograph them.

The Suopo Ancient Towers, viewed from the viewing platform, are quite spectacular from a distance.

The scenery of Suomo Canyon is very beautiful. Along the way, along the clear and turbulent Dadu River, the Qiang village watchtowers that suddenly flashed by on the roadside are very distinctive.

Standing in the distance, I quietly watched the Suopo Ancient Fortresses and marveled at the peculiarity of these buildings.

Danba is known as the Land of a Thousand Watchtowers. These towers are primarily concentrated in Suopo and Zhonglu Townships. Suopo Township, located approximately 7 kilometers from Danba County, boasts 175 towers, the highest in Danba. These towers include four-cornered, five-cornered, eight-cornered, and thirteen-cornered towers, with the five-cornered tower being the only one of its kind in the world. Danba boasts the highest concentration of ancient watchtowers in the world and is a nationally protected cultural relic.

I was just passing by, looking across the river at the towering towers on the hillside on the other side. They weren't very impressive, as many of these buildings, which were over a century old, were already leaning.

If you have the chance, go deeper and take a look, you may gain new insights.

Suopo is probably the place with the most Danba watchtowers. Some of the watchtowers can be climbed up. The more distinctive ones are the log ladders, which are carved out of the side of a whole log. Some children will lead you there, but they will charge you for it.

This is a well-known ancient watchtower complex, quite impressive, and a must-see for any visit to Danba. It's as famous as Zhonglu and shares the same style as Zhonglu and Jiaju. The watchtowers are nestled on the mountainside, with each house relatively far from the others. The village is quite peaceful with the sounds of roosters crowing and dogs barking. I recommend staying here for a night, though you can also stay in Zhonglu or Jiaju. I recommend visiting, but transportation to Danba is quite long, so be prepared.

After leaving Jiaju Tibetan Village and turning back to Luding, I came across the Suopo ancient watchtowers and looked at them from afar.

I just took a look as I passed by, and didn't really go there.

The most charming ancient watchtower, you can see the panoramic view from the highway viewing platform opposite the village

The Suopo carved buildings are in Suopo Township, not far from Jiaju Tibetan Village. Early in the morning, our car left Jiaju Tibetan Village and headed for Suopo. The road on the mountainside was bumpy. Suopo Township was on the other side of the river beside the road. We asked the locals and they said that cars could not drive in. The road in the village was very small. We gave up going into the village and just looked at it from the side of the road. The carved buildings were built up along the hillside. There are more than fifty of them, of varying heights. They can be seen very clearly from the side of the road, and the angle for taking pictures is also good. If you have time, go in and take a look. If you just want to take pictures, you don’t need to go in. The side of the road is fine, but it is backlit in the morning, and it will be better in the afternoon.

The most distinctive feature of Danba is the watchtower, so you must go and take a good look at it.

The Suopo ancient watchtowers that we saw from afar on the road are a group of very unique and beautiful buildings standing on the hillside at different heights.

These are all Zang family's own residences. Now that tourism is developed, tourists usually stay at Zang family's residences, which is quite friendly.

Just look at it from a distance, it's not worth going in.

The Suopo Ancient Diaolou Group is the largest gathering place of Diaolou, with dozens of Diaolou scattered in an orderly manner.

I got on the bus from Kangding to Danba and got off directly at the ancient fortresses. Luckily, I saw a rainbow. Although the person next to me said that I was five minutes late, otherwise I would have seen a double rainbow, there was still a rainbow right in the mountains of the ancient fortresses. It was so beautiful.

The scenery along the way is nice, and I appreciate the scenery I have never seen before.

There are only a few scattered here and there, not as many as in the middle of the road.

It is best to enter an ancient castle to visit, which is not the same as watching it from outside. You can also see the scenery far and near by climbing up and looking far away. The owner will charge a fee to enter the castle.

There is an observation deck across the river, where you can see the ancient fortress across the river.

The Suopo Ancient Blockhouses are right next to the Jiaju Tibetan Village. It is said that the age of these ancient blockhouses is no longer determinable and they are not accessible. The height of the entrance alone is about three meters. In ancient times, before entering, one must have had auxiliary tools such as ladders to get a glimpse inside.

Very distinctive.

I especially like the tour guide, and the scenery is also very beautiful. If you walk all the way back to the county town, you can also blow the wind by the Dadu River.

A place that hasn't been fully developed, it's incredibly beautiful, with simple folk customs and a dilapidated cluster of ancient watchtowers with a unique history. I originally didn't want to write this travelogue, hoping to preserve the inner peace this land brings me. But before long, it too will be transformed into a brand new, rebuilt, beautiful village like Jiaju, so I decided to leave some notes.

Hotels: There are not many hotels in the area, with an average price of 100 yuan per night for a standard room.

Restaurant: Locals 30 yuan/person

Transportation: Self-driving or chartering a car, the mountain roads are not so easy to drive

Attractions: Suopo Ancient Fortress Group, ticket + guide fee: 30 yuan/person

No one explained it to me, so I didn't understand it very well at the time. It was only after searching on Baidu that I learned about its history and characteristics.

We hiked there from the county town, thinking it wouldn't be far, but it was a winding mountain road. We walked for three hours. A motorcycle followed us all the way and asked if we wanted to take a car. When we arrived, the driver said his family had a hexagonal watchtower. It was free to look at it from the outside, but you had to pay to climb inside the watchtower because every family's house had a small iron gate that you had to go through. We girls thought it was dangerous and afraid of being locked in, so we said we wouldn't go in. Later, we thought it would be a pity not to go in after walking for so long, so we found an old lady's house and went through it. However, it took a lot of effort to communicate. The grandmother was almost 90 years old, and we couldn't understand each other's words. In the end, we went in and took pictures. Later, we were attracted by apples, so we found a farmer's house to buy apples. They were relatively cheap, and we could eat them as we picked them. They were not sprayed with pesticides, and they were crisp and sweet. We didn't want to take the same route down the mountain, so we took a shortcut and picked a pomegranate. We soon reached the main road where we could take a car, which saved us a lot of time. Overall, the scenery is good, but it's a pity that it is not developed enough, not standardized, and the transportation is not very convenient.

Danba County, Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan Province, is known as the "Land of a Thousand Fortresses." The ancient fortresses in Suopo Township, located on the east bank of the Dadu River, are one of the many places to admire them. As the sun sets, golden rays of light filter through the clouds onto Suopo Mountain, bathing these thousand-year-old fortresses in a mysterious golden glow.

The Suopo Diaolou complex is located on the hillside on the opposite bank of the Jinchuan River. Looking from across the river, the white Tibetan village opposite stands majestically against the backdrop of the high mountain slopes. The ancient buildings that have withstood hundreds or even thousands of years of wind and rain, wars and earthquakes still stand proudly between the cliffs on both sides of the river valley.

Looking at these watchtowers, I always feel a little melancholy. Imagine the ups and downs and wars these buildings have experienced. It is a miracle that they have been preserved.

The columnar structure, built of rock, stands on a steep hillside. It serves as a watchtower for the indigenous people, a prayer platform for them, a sniper fort for those who protect their homes, and a refuge for wandering migrants. The primitive, ancient, and timeless scene it creates seems to freeze time and preserve history.

It's worth a visit, very unique! There is a viewing platform on the provincial road. If you don't want to visit here, you can go in and watch it.

The best place to view the Suopo Diaolou is not inside it, but on the opposite mountain.

The Suopo Diaolou complex is the most numerous and spectacular in Danba. Here, one truly understands the meaning of "view from afar, not to touch."

Although it is worth a visit, the road is collapsed. If you don't have good driving skills, don't drive there. It's super scary.

I think the watchtowers around Danba are all similar, majestic, steep and tall.

It's also possible that I didn't explore the area in depth and only observed it from across the river, so I felt it was quite ordinary. The watchtowers are quite unique, but there are many places in the Shangri-La area, and after seeing them so many times, I don't think they are anything special.

Danba, a country of thousands of fortresses, is one of the most densely distributed areas of ancient fortresses.

The road is not easy to walk, but the ancient village feels relatively primitive, and the octagonal watchtower is also very special.

It took over five hours to get there from Xinduqiao, but it was a must. My only regret was that due to road construction, I could only admire the ancient watchtowers on the opposite hillside from the other side of the river. The blue sky, white clouds, and green mountains, combined with the scorching sun, were truly breathtaking. Time constraints meant I only had a quick glimpse. At the end of last year, the western Sichuan earthquake had me worried for a while, fearing it would ruin this beautiful scenery. Fortunately, God, with his high aesthetic sense, spared us.

Suopo Diaolou is very famous. The photos I saw online showed that it was very beautiful, but when I really got close to it, it was actually very ordinary.

Due to time constraints, I only took a few photos at the observation deck in the parking lot and did not go in to see it. I should go in and take a look when I have time.

The Suopo Ancient Fortresses are located in Suopo Township, Danba County. Suopo is home to the highest concentration of ancient fortresses in Danba and even the world, including the world's only five-cornered fortress.

To be honest, I didn’t see anything special. There were just a few scattered watchtowers among the houses.

Along the valleys of the Suomo River, Dajin River and Dadu River, and on the mountain ridges, watchtowers stand tall against the sky, guarding this land.

We arrived at the Suopo Diaolou complex at 8:30 in the morning. The early spring rain didn't dampen our spirits. The towers on the other side of the river dotted the crisp mountain forest like stars, contrasting beautifully with the terraced fields on the mountainside, creating a picture-perfect rural ink painting.

It's really nice, there are a lot of apples, the scenery is also very good! There are also many bunkers from the past, which are very historical!