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Jinma Grassland is located in the upper reaches of the Dadu River, Yalong River and Jinsha River, the main river systems of the Yangtze River. Together with the Shiqu Zhaxika Grassland in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, it constitutes the most famous natural pasture in the country.
Heading north along the Sequ River, hundreds of gullies lined with lush pasture and vibrant wildflowers line its banks, while rolling mountain ridges stretch east and west. In between, black yaks and white sheep flow like musical notes, and pastoral songs drift by, sometimes soft and cloud-like, carried by the wind.
Legend has it that people once discovered gold in the shape of a "horse head" on this rich and beautiful grassland. Later generations named it "Seda" (meaning golden horse) for blessings. It is also said that it was the war horse left by Gesar, hence the name "Golden Horse". A unique gold culture thus emerged, with golden mountains, golden waters, golden dams, golden valleys..., and it is said that "Sejima, Setang, and Selagou have eighteen layers of gold, with golden beams and jade pillars among them."
May to October is the most beautiful season for the Jinma Grassland. The lush green grass under the blue sky and white clouds makes people feel excited.
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Seda Golden Horse Grassland is a picturesque area in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, known for its vast, golden grasslands that stretch across the landscape. The region is of great importance to the local Tibetan nomadic communities, who rely on the land for grazing and their pastoral way of life. The area also holds spiritual significance, with monasteries scattered throughout the region.
Seda Golden Horse Grassland is located in the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The closest major city is Chengdu, from where you can take a bus or hire a private vehicle to reach the grassland (approximately 10-12 hours). Public transportation options are limited, so renting a car or joining a tour group is the most convenient way to reach the site.
The grassland is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is more temperate, and the grass is lush and golden. The winter months can be very cold and challenging for outdoor activities.
There is no formal entrance fee to visit Seda Golden Horse Grassland. However, some activities like horseback riding or visiting monasteries may have associated fees. Tickets for these activities can be purchased on-site or through local tour operators.
Tickets for visiting the grassland do not require advance booking. However, if you plan to participate in specific activities like guided tours or horseback riding, it is advisable to book at least a few days in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
To fully explore the Seda Golden Horse Grassland and enjoy its activities, including horseback riding, photography, and visiting nearby monasteries, you will need at least half a day. If you plan to camp or take part in more extensive exploration, a full day or overnight visit is recommended.
Guided tours are available in both Chinese and English, depending on local tour operators. Audio guides are generally not available, but local guides can provide insight into the cultural and natural significance of the grasslands and nearby monasteries.
Start by walking through the main grassy plains, exploring the local wildlife and taking photos of the panoramic views. Then, visit the nearby Tibetan monasteries, where you can interact with locals and learn about the region’s spiritual heritage. Horseback riding is a great way to explore the vast expanse of the grassland further.
Night visits and light shows are not available at Seda Golden Horse Grassland. However, the region offers excellent stargazing opportunities due to its high altitude and clear skies, especially on cloudless nights.
The grassland is not typically crowded, except during Tibetan festivals and peak tourist season (July to August). To avoid the crowds, visit during the shoulder seasons (late spring or early autumn), or on weekdays when local tourists are less frequent.
There are basic facilities available, such as toilets and rest areas. Food and water are available at small local shops, but it’s recommended to bring your own supplies, especially if you plan to explore remote areas. Limited souvenir shops can be found around the grassland.
The grassland’s terrain is generally flat, but some areas may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors due to uneven ground. However, children should be able to enjoy the area with supervision, especially in the flatter regions. Horseback riding is also available, though it might not be suitable for all elderly or disabled visitors.
Cash is commonly used, but mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are also accepted in most places. Carrying some cash is advisable, especially when traveling to more remote areas where mobile payments may not be available.
There are several small Tibetan eateries around the grassland offering traditional food such as yak meat, barley, and butter tea. For more dining options, you may need to head to Ganzi town, which has a broader selection of restaurants.
Vegetarian options are available, especially dishes based on barley, potatoes, and vegetables. Vegan options may be limited, but it's generally possible to find vegetarian meals. Halal food is not commonly found in this region.
Local souvenir shops offer Tibetan crafts such as prayer beads, yak wool products, and traditional Tibetan jewelry. You can also find handcrafted items like thangkas (religious paintings) and Tibetan knives.
