Live Your Best Lives
The Angla Thousand Households' Residence is located in Jianbaang Village, Angla Township, Jianzha County, Qinghai Province. Built in 1949, it originally served as the residence of the Angla Thousand Households who lived in Jianzha. According to historical records, the Angla Thousand Households were descendants of Trirebajian of the Tubo Dynasty. To guard the border and collect taxes, Gongye Xidajie, a minister of Trirebajian (a tax collector) of the Tubo Dynasty, settled in the area in 492 AD and became the chieftain on both sides of Jianzha.
Jianzha County has a plateau continental climate, a special type of climate found on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Its average annual temperature is 7.8°C, with 4,432 hours of sunshine, 350-400 mm of precipitation, and a frost-free period of 186 days. The highest extreme temperature reached 34.1°C on June 28, 1988, and the lowest was -19.8°C on January 17, 1961.
The house has a unique style. It is built beside the mountain and by the water, taking advantage of the terrain. It is mainly a two-story wooden structure with carved beams and painted rafters, facing west and east.
The first courtyard is surrounded by two-story wooden structures with a flat roof, seven rooms wide and two rooms deep on all four sides. The front of the second courtyard is a single-story main house with a brick and wood structure on the top of the mountain, five rooms wide and three rooms deep. There are flat-roofed wooden structure side rooms on all four sides. There is a small corner courtyard on each side of the front, which serves as a Buddhist hall.
The main gate is made of brick and wood with a gatehouse. In front of it is a brick-carved screen wall. There are more than 230 houses in total. The overall design is exquisite and the workmanship is meticulous.
Aungla Thousand Households is an ancient Tibetan settlement known for its rich cultural heritage and unique architecture. It holds historical significance as a hub for Tibetan Buddhism, and the village is home to a number of traditional Tibetan households that have preserved their way of life over centuries.
Aungla Thousand Households is located in the Huangnan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Qinghai. The most convenient way to reach it is by taxi or private car from Xining, which is approximately a 2 to 3-hour drive. Public transport options are limited, so hiring a vehicle is the most practical choice for visitors.
The village is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and summer months when the weather is pleasant and the landscape is lush. Early morning or late afternoon visits provide the best lighting for photography.
There is no formal entrance fee for visiting the Aungla Thousand Households. Visitors may be asked to contribute a small donation to support local initiatives, but there is no set price. There are no online ticketing options as it is a rural area.
No booking is necessary for this village as it is a free and open cultural site. Visitors can arrive at any time during daylight hours.
It takes around 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the village, including a leisurely walk through the village, interacting with locals, and taking in the scenic views.
Guided tours may be available from local villagers or small tour operators. However, these are typically informal and may not be available in multiple languages. English-speaking guides may be rare, so knowledge of basic Mandarin or Tibetan could be helpful.
Start by walking through the village center, then explore the outer areas where you can get closer to the nature trails. Be sure to visit the village temples and meet the local residents to learn more about their way of life.
Night visits are not typically available, and there are no light shows or special tours. The village is best visited during the daytime, and activities are centered around cultural exchange and exploration of the natural surroundings.
The village is not very crowded, even during peak seasons. For a quieter experience, visiting during the weekdays or outside of major holidays is recommended.
There are no large-scale facilities or shops in the village. Basic toilets may be available, and visitors should bring their own water and snacks. There are local eateries where you can sample Tibetan food.
The village is situated in a rural area with uneven terrain, so accessibility might be limited for elderly or disabled visitors. However, children can easily explore the area with the assistance of a parent or guide.
Cash is the preferred payment method in Aungla Thousand Households, as mobile payments and card options are not commonly accepted in this rural setting.
There are no major restaurants or cafes within the village itself, but visitors can find small local Tibetan eateries offering traditional food in the nearby areas.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available in the form of Tibetan-style dishes such as tsampa, vegetable stews, and barley bread. Halal food may be limited, as the area is primarily Tibetan Buddhist.
There are limited accommodations in the nearby areas, with most visitors choosing to stay in Xining or other larger towns in the Huangnan region. Homestays in local Tibetan houses may also be available for a more immersive experience.
There are no formal souvenir shops in the village, but visitors can purchase handmade Tibetan crafts, prayer beads, and locally made textiles from the villagers.
Private car or taxi is the most convenient option for continuing the trip to nearby attractions. Public transport options are limited in the rural area, so planning ahead is advised.
