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Zhuokeji Tusi Qiang Village is located in Xisuo Village, Zhuokeji Town, 7 kilometers away from Ma'erkang County. It is the only Tusi official village in the country with the best preserved architectural entity, architectural art and Tusi culture.
Zhuokeji Tusi Official Village integrates Jiarong Tibetan folk culture, red culture, Tusi culture, architectural art and religious culture.
Chairman Mao Zedong commented on Guanzhai: There was Meiwu in ancient times, and there is Guanzhai today; Salisbury, deputy editor-in-chief of the New York Times, praised Guanzhai: a pearl in the history of oriental architecture; the Mao Dun Literature Prize-winning novel "Dust Settles" was based on the rise and fall of the Zhuokeji Tusi, and the TV series "Dust Settles" was also filmed in Tusi Guanzhai.
There is no significant difference in temperature between the four seasons, with long and cold winters and cool, cold and humid summers.
Recommended play time: 1-3 hours
Peak season (April 1 to November 30): 60 yuan/person
Off-season ( December 1 to March 31 of the following year) 30 yuan/person
9:00-17:00
Zhuokeji Tusi Qiang Village holds historical significance as a well-preserved example of the Qiang culture, a Tibetan minority group in Sichuan. The village’s unique structures, like its ancient fortresses and watchtowers, reflect its strategic importance during the Tusi era, a system of local rule under the imperial administration in ancient China.
Zhuokeji Tusi Qiang Village is located in the Aba Qiang and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan, China. To reach the village, you can take a bus or taxi from Aba, the nearest town, and then travel by car or walk to the village. Public transport is limited, so private transport or guided tours are recommended.
The village is open throughout the year. The best time to visit is from April to October when the weather is more pleasant. Opening hours are from 8 AM to 6 PM, with fewer visitors early in the morning or later in the afternoon.
The entrance fee is generally low, and tickets can be purchased on-site. Online booking options are not available. It's advisable to arrive early, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Tickets do not need to be booked in advance. However, during peak seasons, it's a good idea to arrive early to avoid crowds.
Exploring the Zhuokeji Tusi Qiang Village typically takes 2-3 hours, allowing time to walk around, visit the Qiang cultural exhibits, and explore the surrounding natural landscapes.
The key highlights include the ancient Qiang fortifications, watchtowers, traditional homes, and local handicraft workshops. The stunning mountain views surrounding the village also provide excellent photo opportunities.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and occasionally in Tibetan. English-speaking guides may be limited, so it's advisable to check for availability in advance. Audio guides are generally not available.
For great photos, head to the top of the Qiang watchtowers for panoramic views of the village and surrounding landscape. Sunset and sunrise offer the best lighting for photography.
Start by exploring the entrance and the Qiang cultural exhibits. Then, take a walk through the village to see the traditional homes and visit the watchtowers. Finish by enjoying the views from the mountain trails.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Zhuokeji Tusi Qiang Village. However, the village is peaceful in the evenings, providing an authentic experience of local life.
The village can become crowded during holidays and weekends. To avoid large crowds, visit on weekdays, particularly in the morning or late afternoon.
Basic facilities are available, including toilets, rest areas, and small shops selling local handicrafts. There are also food stalls offering traditional Tibetan dishes.
The village has uneven terrain, especially around the hiking trails, which may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors. However, children and elderly people can still explore the village’s main areas at their own pace.
Cash is generally preferred. Mobile payment methods like WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted, but credit cards are not commonly used.
There are a few small Tibetan restaurants near the village that offer local dishes such as yak meat, butter tea, and tsampa. For more options, visitors can head to Aba Town.
Vegetarian options are available, particularly in the form of local vegetables and grains. Vegan and halal options may be more limited, but special requests can be made at some local eateries.
Nearby accommodations are mostly guesthouses and small hotels in Aba Town, which is about an hour’s drive away from the village. Staying in Aba offers more amenities and a wider range of options.
Nearby attractions include the Aba Tibetan Monastery, other Qiang villages, and scenic natural spots such as grasslands and mountains, which are all great for hiking and day trips.
Yes, there are souvenir shops selling traditional Tibetan handicrafts such as woolen scarves, embroidery, and jewelry. Local pottery and wooden items are also popular souvenirs.
After visiting, you can take a bus or taxi back to Aba Town. For further travel, renting a private car or joining a guided tour is recommended for ease and flexibility.
