Introducing Buwa Village
Buwa Village, located on the border of Wenchuan and Maoxian, is one of my country's oldest and largest Qiang villages. Buwa means "people living on the clouds" in the Qiang language. It also boasts the "Buwa Loess Watchtowers," a nationally protected cultural relic. While most Tibetan and Qiang watchtowers are built of stone, those in Buwa Village are a unique blend of rammed earth and stone.
The mountain behind it overlooks the peaks of Longmen Mountain to the east, Daxuetang to the south, and Xiaoxuelongbao to the west. This area can be used as a viewing platform and is known as the "Niubei Mountain" of Wenchuan County. If you are lucky, you can see the spectacular sunrise and sea of clouds.
Climate and best time to travel
Warm temperate monsoon climate;
The best time to travel is September to October
Tickets
free
Attraction opening hours
All day
Most Popular FAQs for Buwa Village
What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?
Buwa Village is a traditional settlement in Sichuan’s Aba Qiang and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, representing the cultural heritage of both the Qiang and Tibetan people. The village preserves ancient architecture, local crafts, and customs, offering insight into the ethnic diversity and history of the region.
Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?
- Located in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province.
- Accessible by car or taxi from nearby towns such as Wenchuan or Maoxian.
- Some tour operators offer guided bus trips from Chengdu or regional hubs.
- Walking is ideal for exploring the village itself and surrounding trails.
What are the opening hours and best times to visit?
- Open year-round, generally from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Best visiting months: May to October for pleasant weather and lush scenery.
- Avoid the rainy season (July–August) for safer hiking and clearer views.
What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?
Entrance is generally free, though some cultural exhibition areas may charge a small fee. Tickets, if required, are available at the site.
Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?
Booking is usually not necessary for regular visits, but advance arrangements are recommended for group tours or festival periods.
How much time is needed to fully explore it?
- 2–3 hours for exploring the main village area.
- Half a day if including surrounding trails, cultural exhibits, and photography stops.
What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?
- Traditional Qiang-style and Tibetan-style houses with colorful decorations.
- Village temples and prayer flag areas.
- Local artisan workshops showcasing crafts and weaving.
- Scenic hilltops with panoramic views of the village and valleys.
Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?
Guided tours are available, typically in Chinese. English-speaking guides may be arranged through travel agencies. Audio guides are limited.
What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?
- Village entrance for panoramic views.
- Hilltops surrounding the village for wide-angle landscape shots.
- Colorful streets and alleys with traditional architecture and prayer flags.
- Local festivals or gatherings for cultural photography.
What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?
- Start at the village entrance and walk through main streets.
- Visit temples, cultural areas, and artisan workshops.
- Hike surrounding hills or riversides for scenic viewpoints.
- Return via alleys to explore hidden corners and photograph local life.
Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?
Night visits are generally not offered. Special tours may be arranged for cultural or photography groups.
Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?
- Generally not crowded due to its remote location.
- Weekdays are quieter than weekends or festival periods.
- Visiting outside national holidays ensures a more peaceful experience.
What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?
- Basic toilets and drinking water near the entrance.
- Small local eateries and tea houses within the village.
- Rest areas and benches scattered throughout scenic spots.
- Handicraft shops and small souvenir stalls.
Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?
- Main village areas are mostly walkable for elderly and children.
- Steep hills may be challenging for visitors with mobility issues.
- Wheelchair access is limited in some traditional alleys.
Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?
- Cash is widely accepted for local purchases.
- Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are increasingly available.
What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?
- Local eateries serving Tibetan and Qiang cuisine.
- Small cafes and tea houses for refreshments.
- Larger restaurants are available in nearby towns such as Maoxian or Wenchuan.
Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?
Vegetarian and halal options may be available in local Tibetan eateries; limited inside the village itself.
What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?
- Guesthouses and lodges within or near the village.
- Hotels in nearby towns such as Maoxian provide more options for longer stays.
What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?
- Nearby Tibetan monasteries and temples.
- Maoxian scenic areas, including rivers and mountains.
- Local ethnic cultural villages in Aba Prefecture.
Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?
- Souvenir shops in the village selling traditional handicrafts, textiles, prayer flags, and local artworks.
- Handmade jewelry and woven products are common.
What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?
- Taxi or private car back to Maoxian, Wenchuan, or Chengdu.
- Local buses may be available to nearby towns but require planning.
- Arranging a tour vehicle is convenient for continuing exploration of Aba Prefecture.
