Live Your Best Lives
Danba Tibetan Village refers to the Tibetan village formed by the residents living in Danba County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in western Sichuan. The mountain village of Danba was formerly known as Diaolou and Zhaifang.
The entire village is situated on a flat, open area midway up a hillside on the east bank of the Xiaojin River. Sheltered at the foot of the renowned Merduo Mountain in the Jiarong Tibetan area, the tranquil countryside and the beautiful Tibetan watchtowers complement each other, earning it the reputation of "the most beautiful ancient Tibetan village."
Every year from March to April, Danba's pear blossoms attract tourists from all over. The trees are tall and old, and the dense blossoms are scattered around the distinctive Jiarong Tibetan dwellings and watchtowers, creating a picturesque rural landscape. On the way to Danba, you'll pass Siguniang Mountain, known for its slender youngest sister, known as the "Queen of the Shu Mountains" and the "Eastern Alps."
Danba enjoys a Qinghai-Tibet Plateau monsoon climate, with an average annual temperature of 14.2°C. April and May are prime seasons for sightseeing, when the mountains are green and flowers are in bloom, and the colors of nature and the Tibetan villages blend seamlessly into one. September and October are also the best times to visit Danba, when the watchtowers are covered in golden corn, creating a bountiful harvest.
In addition, from December to March of the following year, the mountain roads will be icy, so it is best not to go there at this time.
50 yuan/person
All day
Danba Tibetan Village is known for its unique Tibetan culture and ancient stone watchtowers, reflecting the architectural style and social organization of Tibetan communities. It is an important cultural heritage site in Sichuan.
Located in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan. Reachable by car or tour bus from Chengdu (approx. 6–7 hours). Local taxis and walking are used within the villages.
The villages are open all day. Best time to visit is from May to October for pleasant weather and clear views of terraced fields.
Entrance fees vary by village, generally around 30–50 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site; online booking is limited.
Booking in advance is not required for most villages. Guided tours or homestays are recommended to book 1–3 days ahead.
1–2 full days to explore the main villages, take photographs, and enjoy hiking.
Guided tours are available in Chinese and occasionally in English. Audio guides are limited.
Start at the main entrance of Jiaju Village, explore watchtowers, walk through the streets, visit nearby Zhonglu Village, then hike to viewpoints for panoramic photography.
Night visits are generally limited. Special tours may be available during local festivals or cultural events.
Peak crowds are during Chinese national holidays (May Day, National Day). Weekdays outside holidays are least crowded.
Basic facilities include small restaurants, tea houses, rest areas, and local souvenir shops. Toilets may be limited and basic.
Uneven terrain and stone steps make some areas difficult for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can explore with supervision.
Cash is preferred; mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) are increasingly accepted, but credit cards are rarely used.
Local Tibetan restaurants serving yak meat, tsampa, butter tea, and simple cafes in the villages.
Vegetarian options are limited; vegan and halal options are rare. Some restaurants can accommodate vegetarian requests.
Yes, including Tibetan handicrafts, jewelry, prayer flags, and local woven textiles.
Private car or tour bus to nearby Tibetan villages, Danba town, or Chengdu. Local taxis or rental cars are common for short distances.
