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Heye Village offers a unique cultural experience, surrounded by natural beauty. Visitors can explore traditional Tibetan and Qiang architecture, participate in local festivals, and enjoy scenic hikes in the surrounding mountains. Don’t miss out on experiencing the local cuisine and handcrafted goods in the village markets.
Heye Village is one of the scenic spots in Jiuzhaigou. As its name suggests, the village looks like a giant lotus leaf when viewed from above.
Jiuzhaigou's scenery has its own unique characteristics in each season, but most people prefer to visit in late autumn. The colorful forests and the blue-green lakes create a vibrant world.
From November 16th to March 31st of the following year is the best time for winter tours in Jiuzhaigou. Snowflakes are flying and a winter fairy tale covered in silver is staged in Jiuzhaigou, which also officially ushers in Jiuzhaigou’s most grand winter festival - the Ice Waterfall Festival.
The Jiuzhaigou Folk Customs Month is held for one month in March and April to showcase the long-standing ethnic culture and charming folk customs of Jiuzhaigou. Tourists and friends are welcome to participate on their own and experience the most enthusiastic charm of the Tibetan compatriots.
Starting from the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, the senior monks in the temple chant sutras every day, which lasts until the fourteenth day of the fourth lunar month. On the fifteenth day of the fourth lunar month, rituals such as sacrifices and prayers for the Machi Festival are held for the public.
The Tibetan New Year in Jiuzhaigou not only has a grand festive atmosphere, but also allows every tourist who comes here to feel the unique charm of this land and experience the unique folk customs.
Changhai
The largest lake in Jiuzhaigou - Changhai.
Changhai Lake, at an altitude of 3,060 meters, covers an area of 300,000 square meters, with a peak of 4,450 meters. It is approximately 7.5 kilometers long, with a depth of 44.57 meters and a maximum depth of 80 meters. Born from an ancient glacier, Changhai Lake has no outlet and is formed by glacial moraine. Its water source is the snow on the glacial peaks to its south, earning it the nickname "the treasure gourd that can never be filled or drained."
In summer and autumn, the waters of Changhai are azure, allowing pollution-free LPG vessels to cruise the vast sea. In winter, ice up to 60 centimeters thick forms on the surface, transforming the sea into a frozen ocean. A "One-Armed Old Man Cypress" stands year-round on the shore. Legend has it that monsters sometimes roam the sea, and the old cypress protects the water, adding a touch of mystery to the area. The "One-Armed Old Man Cypress" is actually a single tree, but due to years of weathering, it has a unique horizontal growth, with no branches on the left and many twisted branches on the right. This aesthetically pleasing tree is known as a "flag tree." Walking back from the Changhai platform, visitors can see "ice drifts," evidence of the Changhai's formation. A 10-minute walk along the plank road will take them to the Five-Colored Pond.
Jiuzhaigou peak season: April 1st - November 15th Peak season ticket price: 110 yuan
Jiuzhaigou Peak Season: November 16th - March 31st of the following year Off-season Ticket Price: 40 yuan
Heye Village is historically significant as a traditional settlement of the Qiang and Tibetan ethnic groups. The village is a living example of the region’s rich cultural heritage, with ancient customs, architectural styles, and festivals preserved over centuries. It offers a glimpse into the rural life and spiritual practices of these communities.
Heye Village is located in the Aba Qiang and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan, China. The village can be reached by car from Chengdu, approximately a 5-hour drive. Public buses or taxis can also be used to reach the area. There is no metro access, but the scenic drive to the village offers beautiful views of the mountains.
Heye Village is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and summer months (May to September) when the weather is pleasant, and local festivals are held. Winter can be quite cold and snowy, making travel more challenging.
The entrance fee for Heye Village is generally low, and tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance. There are no known online booking options, so visitors should plan to buy tickets upon arrival.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for Heye Village. It is a relatively low-traffic destination, and tickets can be purchased upon arrival without any issues.
To fully explore Heye Village, you will need around 2 to 4 hours. This time allows for a leisurely walk through the village, visits to local homes, markets, and possibly participation in community activities or festivals.
Key highlights include the traditional Tibetan and Qiang-style architecture, the local temples, and the nearby hiking trails offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Be sure to explore the village market for local crafts and delicacies.
Guided tours are available, typically in Mandarin. However, for foreign visitors, it’s best to arrange a tour with a local guide who speaks English or another language in advance. Audio guides are generally not available.
The best viewpoints for photography are from the surrounding hills, offering panoramic views of the village and the mountain landscape. Also, the temples and traditional homes provide beautiful subjects for cultural photography.
Start your visit by exploring the village center, then head to the local temples. Afterward, walk through the markets and continue to one of the nearby hiking trails to experience the natural beauty of the area. Finish your visit with a meal at one of the local eateries.
Heye Village is not known for night visits or light shows. The village primarily attracts visitors during the daytime. However, local festivals may offer evening activities and cultural events.
Heye Village is generally not crowded, especially outside of peak tourist seasons (such as summer holidays). The least crowded times are during weekdays in the spring and autumn months.
Basic facilities are available, including toilets, food stalls, and small local shops selling souvenirs and snacks. It is advisable to bring bottled water and snacks, especially if you plan to explore the surrounding nature.
Heye Village has some accessibility challenges due to its rural and mountainous setting. While the village is relatively small, the terrain may be difficult for elderly or disabled visitors. Children will enjoy the village's cultural aspects and outdoor activities, but supervision is recommended in the more rugged areas.
Cash is the preferred method of payment in Heye Village. Mobile payments such as Alipay or WeChat Pay are increasingly accepted in more developed areas of Sichuan, but it’s best to carry cash when visiting the village.
There are several local eateries in and around Heye Village, offering traditional Tibetan and Qiang cuisine. Popular dishes include yak meat, barley-based foods, and butter tea. For a more substantial meal, you may need to visit nearby towns or cities.
Vegetarian and vegan options are limited but can be found in local eateries, particularly those offering Tibetan food. Halal options may be available in certain restaurants catering to the Muslim population in the area.
Accommodation options near Heye Village are limited, with guesthouses and small hotels available in nearby towns like Aba or Songpan. For a more comfortable stay, you may consider booking a hotel in Chengdu and taking a day trip to the village.
Nearby attractions include the picturesque Songpan Ancient Town and the scenic Mount Minya Konka. Both are easily accessible from Heye Village and can be visited in a day trip.
Yes, there are several souvenir shops in Heye Village selling traditional crafts, including handwoven textiles, wood carvings, jewelry, and local food products. Tibetan-style items are particularly popular.
After visiting Heye Village, the best options are to return to Chengdu by car or bus. If you plan to continue to other regions in Sichuan, it’s easy to arrange transportation via local buses or taxis. Private car rentals are also available for more flexible travel.
