Live Your Best Lives
Visit the traditional Tibetan houses and experience local life. Explore the stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of Ganbao Tibetan Village. Participate in local cultural activities, including Tibetan dance and music.
Ganbao Tibetan Village is located in the center of the 100-mile Tibetan-Qiang Cultural Corridor from Li County to Ma'erkang, next to National Highway 317 , 192 kilometers away from Chengdu and 8 kilometers away from Li County . It is a typical large village inhabited by Jiarong Tibetans.
Built on a hillside by a river, it earned its name, Ganbao, which means " village on a slope " in Tibetan . Throughout the Tibetan region, Ganbao has long been known as Ganbao Jiaqiong, meaning " a large village of a hundred households." The village is filled with towering stone buildings resembling watchtowers.
The 5.12 earthquake in 2008 completely destroyed Ganbao Tibetan Village. After more than two years of reconstruction, the thousand-year-old village has now been largely restored to its original appearance. Ganbao Tibetan Village has begun to take shape. Built along the cliff face, with each house connected and each household interconnected, it showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of the Jiarong people. The unique Guozhuang, folk songs, costumes, customs, as well as the military, religious, agricultural, and stone culture, attract tourists with their unique charm, sightseeing, leisure, and vacation.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 1-2 hours
free
All day
Ganbao Tibetan Village is a traditional Tibetan settlement in the Aba Qiang and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, where visitors can experience authentic Tibetan culture, customs, and architecture. It is significant as a well-preserved example of Tibetan rural life in Sichuan.
Ganbao Tibetan Village is located in the Aba Qiang and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan. The best way to reach it is by car from Chengdu (around 6 hours). Local transportation includes buses or taxis, and the village is easily explored by walking once there.
Ganbao Tibetan Village is open year-round, with the best times to visit being from April to October when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. Visiting in the morning is ideal to avoid the crowds.
The entrance fee is typically around 20-40 RMB. Tickets can be bought on-site, but it is recommended to confirm details with local authorities or tour operators ahead of your visit, as online booking is not always available.
Booking tickets in advance is not required, but for group visits or peak season travel, it’s advisable to book 1-2 days in advance to avoid issues with ticket availability.
It takes around 2-3 hours to fully explore Ganbao Tibetan Village, including walking around the village, interacting with locals, and taking in the scenery. If you wish to visit nearby areas or participate in longer cultural activities, it may take a whole day.
The main highlights are the traditional Tibetan houses, local monasteries, and the picturesque mountain views surrounding the village. Don’t miss the opportunity to see traditional Tibetan crafts and the village's unique architecture.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and sometimes English. Audio guides may not be offered, but local guides are knowledgeable and can provide in-depth cultural insights.
The best viewpoints are from the high points of the village, which offer sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The Tibetan houses and traditional structures also make for great photography subjects.
Start with a walk through the village to admire the architecture, then visit the monastery and interact with the locals. Make sure to hike to the surrounding hills for the best views of the village and the surrounding nature.
Night visits and light shows are not available in Ganbao Tibetan Village. The village is best visited during daylight hours for a full experience of local life and scenery.
Ganbao Tibetan Village is generally not very crowded, except during major holidays. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays, especially during the early morning hours or in the off-season months (March, November).
Basic facilities, including toilets and rest areas, are available in the village. Local food stalls offer simple Tibetan snacks and drinks. There are no large shops, but small souvenir items may be sold by local vendors.
The terrain around the village is natural and can be rugged, which may pose challenges for elderly visitors or those with mobility issues. Children can enjoy the village, but the hiking trails may not be suitable for strollers.
Cash is recommended, especially for small purchases in the village. However, mobile payment methods like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely accepted, and credit cards are not commonly used in remote areas.
There are a few small local Tibetan restaurants near the village serving traditional dishes such as yak meat, barley bread, and Tibetan butter tea. For more options, consider heading to Aba Town.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at some local restaurants, including vegetable-based Tibetan dishes. Halal food may also be found, especially in larger towns like Aba.
There are small guesthouses and inns in and around Ganbao Tibetan Village offering basic accommodations. For more comfortable options, you can stay in Aba Town and travel to the village for a day trip.
Nearby attractions include the scenic Haizi Mountain and the traditional Tibetan villages in the region. Both can be visited easily on a day trip from Ganbao Tibetan Village.
Small souvenir shops in the village sell Tibetan crafts, jewelry, and traditional textiles such as scarves and shawls. Local handmade items, including prayer beads and yak wool products, are also popular purchases.
The best transportation options to continue your journey after visiting Ganbao Tibetan Village include private cars or taxis. For longer trips to Chengdu or Aba Town, buses or car hire services are available.
