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During the Tusi period, the area known as Xisuo Residence was known as Zhuokeji Ganqiangba (meaning Zhuokeji Street). At that time, the residents were mostly keba (messengers) of the Zhuokeji Tusi, merchants, and folk craftsmen. After liberation, the area was designated as Xisuo Village Group 1. The residents living in the residences today are mostly descendants of the Tusi's messengers, merchants, folk craftsmen, and folk craftsmen. While the exact date of the residences remains to be verified, it is understood that the longest-standing residents have lived here for dozens of generations.
Xisuo has 63 dwellings, approximately 35 of which are designed for reception, allowing the village to accommodate approximately 195 tourists. The Xisuo dwellings offer accommodation, dining, bonfire parties, and roasted whole lamb. Most dwellings have bathing facilities, and the rooms feature Jiarong-style sitting beds and Han-style beds.
Guozhuang Square: Located in the center of Xisuo's residential area, this approximately 1,000-square-meter square serves as a hub for local leisure activities. During Tibetan festivals, locals gather here to eat cakes, savor zajiu (a type of rice wine), spread longda (a type of rice grain), place prayer flags, smoke incense, and perform the Guozhuang dance.
Dandarun Temple: Dandarun Temple is located in Group 1, Xisuo Village, Zhuokeji Town. It is a Nyingma Buddhist temple with a history of more than 600 years.
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The Xisuo Folk Houses are traditional homes of the Tibetan people in Sichuan, preserving ancient architectural styles and cultural practices. The village provides insight into the local Tibetan way of life and its historical significance in maintaining cultural heritage in the region.
Xisuo Folk Houses are located in the Aba Qiang and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan, China. The best way to reach the site is by taking a bus or taxi from the nearby town of Aba. Public transportation options are limited, so private transport or guided tours are recommended.
The village is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from April to October when the weather is milder. Opening hours are from 8 AM to 6 PM. Early morning or late afternoon visits are recommended to avoid crowds.
The entrance fee is relatively low, and tickets can be purchased onsite. Online ticket booking is not commonly available for this location.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary. However, it’s recommended to arrive early, especially during peak tourist seasons (summer and national holidays), to avoid waiting in line.
Visiting the Xisuo Folk Houses typically takes around 2-3 hours. This includes time to explore the village, visit the traditional homes, and take in the surrounding natural scenery.
The must-see highlights include the traditional Tibetan homes, which are made with local materials such as wood and stone. The scenic hiking trails around the village also offer great photo opportunities.
Guided tours are available, though English-speaking guides might be limited. Most tours are conducted in Mandarin or Tibetan. Audio guides are not typically available.
Great photography spots include the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, the traditional houses with the scenic backdrop, and the nearby valleys. Sunset and sunrise are particularly good times for photography.
Start by walking through the village to explore the traditional folk houses, then hike along the surrounding mountain trails for some breathtaking views. End the visit by having a traditional meal at one of the local restaurants.
Night visits and light shows are not available. However, the village becomes peaceful in the evening, and you can experience local life at night, which can be quite special.
The village can get crowded during holidays and weekends. To avoid crowds, visit on weekdays, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Basic facilities are available, including toilets and rest areas. There are small food stalls offering traditional Tibetan food, and souvenir shops where visitors can purchase handicrafts.
While the village is walkable for children and elderly visitors, some areas, particularly the hiking trails, may be challenging for disabled visitors due to uneven terrain.
Cash is generally preferred. Mobile payment methods like Alipay and WeChat Pay are accepted, but credit cards are not commonly used in the village.
There are several small local Tibetan restaurants in and around the village serving traditional food like yak meat, butter tea, and tsampa. These offer an authentic dining experience.
Vegetarian options are available, especially dishes made from local vegetables and grains. However, vegan and halal options may be limited. It's recommended to ask for special requests at the local eateries.
There are a few guesthouses and small hotels near Aba Town, which is about an hour's drive away. For a more immersive experience, some visitors choose to stay in local Tibetan guesthouses within the village.
Nearby attractions include the Aba Tibetan Monastery, other Tibetan villages, and scenic spots like the Tibetan grasslands. These can be easily included in a day trip.
Yes, there are several souvenir shops selling traditional Tibetan crafts such as woolen scarves, prayer beads, and handmade pottery. Tibetan jewelry and handwoven textiles are also popular items to buy.
After visiting, you can return to Aba by taxi or bus. If you're planning to explore nearby attractions, hiring a private car or joining a guided tour is recommended for flexibility and ease of travel.
