
Dawa Gengzha boasts a 360-degree viewing platform comparable to Niubei Mountain and Jiaoding Mountain, boasting seas of clouds, golden mountains illuminated by the sun, and the Youngest Peak of Siguniang Mountain, the Queen of Sichuan Mountains. Dawa Gengzha is located in Gari Village, Xieqi Tibetan Township, Baoxing County, Sichuan Province. Dawa Gengzha (meaning "beautiful sacred mountain" in Jiarong Tibetan) sits at an altitude of approximately 3,900 meters and covers an area of nearly 200 square kilometers. It is located in the Qionglai Mountain Range, with its terrain rising in the north and lowering in the south. It lies at the junction of Ya'an City, Ganzi Prefecture, and Aba Prefecture in Sichuan Province. In October of this year, a 24-kilometer "Sky Road" built in Gari Village, Baoxing County, to help local Tibetans develop their animal husbandry, was completed and opened to traffic. The terrain at the end of the road is steep and dangerous, with a wide view. You can look out over famous mountains such as the Siguniang Mountain in the north, the Pagla Sacred Mountain in the south, and the Gongga Peaks in the west, as well as enjoy various landscapes such as cloud waterfalls, meadows, forests, lakes, canyons, and Tibetan villages.
Subtropical monsoon climate, best for travel in spring and autumn
2 days
Dawagengza is a remote area in Sichuan with unique cultural and natural significance. It is known for its Tibetan heritage, with traditional monasteries and villages nestled amidst stunning mountainous landscapes.
Dawagengza is located in the western part of Sichuan. It can be accessed by bus or taxi from nearby towns like Kangding or Xinduqiao. The region is not well connected by metro, so private transport or local buses are the best options.
Attractions are typically open from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months (April to October), when the weather is mild and the landscapes are at their most scenic.
The entrance fees to various attractions range from ¥40 to ¥100. Tickets can generally be purchased at the entrance or online via local travel websites.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak seasons (summer and holidays). Booking 1-2 days ahead should suffice, but it is safer to book a week in advance if visiting during busy times.
Plan for at least 2-3 days to fully explore the natural attractions, hike trails, and visit nearby Tibetan villages. A longer stay would allow for more in-depth exploration.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin and Tibetan, and some tours may have English-speaking guides. Audio guides are not commonly available, but a local guide can be arranged for a more immersive experience.
Start with a visit to the local villages, followed by a scenic hike up the mountains for the best views. Then, explore the nearby lakes and end your day by visiting monasteries or local cultural sites.
There are no light shows or night visits in Dawagengza. Most activities are daytime-focused, including cultural tours and hiking.
The area is generally less crowded than popular tourist spots in China. Weekdays during the spring and autumn months are ideal for avoiding large crowds.
The region's rugged terrain may pose difficulties for elderly and disabled visitors, especially on hiking trails. However, the villages and some areas near the base of the mountains are accessible for children and elderly visitors.
Cash is widely accepted, but mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are increasingly common. It’s a good idea to carry cash, especially in more remote areas.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available, particularly in the form of vegetables, grains, and Tibetan bread. Halal food may be available in certain areas catering to Muslim visitors.
Souvenir shops in the area sell Tibetan crafts such as prayer flags, jewelry, yak wool products, and handwoven textiles.