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Qiangren Valley is known for its natural beauty and scenic landscapes. Visitors can enjoy hiking, photography, and wildlife spotting. It is also an excellent place for experiencing traditional Qiang culture, exploring ancient villages, and visiting historical sites related to the Qiang people.
Qiangren Valley is located 26 kilometers east of Qu County, Dazhou City, Sichuan Province. It is situated in the middle and northern section of the Huaying Mountains. It is famous for its unique mountains, beautiful waters, secluded caves, beautiful gorges, waterfalls, lakes, springs, strange rocks, ancient planks and lush forests. It is known as the "Little Jiuzhaigou" of eastern Sichuan.
The Qiang people were a powerful, martial, and influential minority in eastern Sichuan in ancient times. They are also the oldest indigenous people in Qu County. They created Qiang culture, leaving behind precious cultural heritage such as the ruins of the Qiang capital, the Hanque, and the Zajiu wine. To commemorate their martial spirit, the Qiang Valley was named after them.
Qiang Valley has the only Qiang cave dwelling tribe site and Qiang culture exhibition hall in the country. It has ancient Qiang culture and beautiful natural scenery, and is known as "wonderful mountains, strange waters, strange stone scenery, ancient Qiang, ancient caves and ancient tribes".
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Best time to visit in summer and autumn
Frog Stone
Frog Rock, also known as Divine Dog Howling to the Sky, is located on a platform below Guanyin Cliff. Over 3 meters tall, it resembles a giant frog, about to leap but unable to, its spirited expression vivid and lifelike. From the right, it resembles a celestial dog, seated at the cliff face, gazing westward at the movements below, its expression vivid and lifelike. This masterpiece of nature, a work of art exceeding human skill, is truly rare among Sichuan Province's natural wonders, both in its size, unique shape, and vivid expression.
Laolong Cave
Laolong Cave, located in Laolong Village, is the largest and most unique of the karst caves. The cave is 20 meters high, approximately 30 meters wide, and over 1,000 meters long. Within the cave are underground rivers and lakes, perfect for boating. Stalactites of various shapes hang from the ceiling, seemingly poised to fall. Within the cave lies a "Sky-High Cave" over 500 meters high, with winding steps leading to the summit. The hard rock of Laolong Cave, eroded, eroded, and worn by water, has formed a variety of wonders, including stone flowers, pillars, and stalactites, earning it the nickname "Water Gallery."
cave dwelling tribe
The cave dwellings of the Qiang people, who fled war during the pre-Qin period, built houses in the cliffs and constructed planks along the cliffs, forming a cave-dwelling community. The entire cliff dwelling complex was interconnected, with stone stairways, corridors, and plank roads linking each room. The cliff dwellings had gates to protect against wild beasts and foreign invasions. Inside, the caves were furnished with shrines, stone stoves, and stone beds carved into the rock. It is the largest and highest-quality ancient cave dwelling site discovered in eastern Sichuan.
It is recommended to visit for about 1 day
55 yuan
08:30--17:30
Qiangren Valley is historically significant for its deep cultural connection to the Qiang ethnic group, one of China's ancient minority groups. The valley offers insights into their way of life, traditions, and history, especially their unique architecture and folklore. It also serves as a natural sanctuary, preserving many species of flora and fauna.
Qiangren Valley is located in Dazhou, Sichuan, in a remote area. It can be reached by taxi or private car from the city of Dazhou. For more adventurous travelers, hiking or trekking from nearby villages can be an exciting option. Public transport options may be limited, so planning ahead is recommended.
Qiangren Valley is open year-round, with the best times to visit being spring and autumn when the weather is mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer can be crowded, while winter is less favorable due to cold temperatures and possible snow.
Entrance fees to Qiangren Valley are affordable, and tickets can usually be purchased on-site. It’s advisable to check online or at local tourist offices for any seasonal price changes or to buy tickets in advance during peak travel times.
Booking in advance is not typically necessary, but it’s recommended during busy seasons or holidays, especially if you’re planning to visit guided tours or specific cultural events. A few days to a week in advance should suffice.
To fully explore Qiangren Valley, including hiking and visiting cultural sites, plan for a day trip. If you wish to explore in more detail, such as visiting remote villages or participating in cultural activities, you may need two days.
The must-see highlights include the valley's stunning landscapes, the ancient Qiang villages, the local temples, and the preserved Qiang architecture. The views from the mountain passes offer some of the best photo opportunities in the region.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin, and some tours may offer limited services in English. It’s advisable to check with local tour operators for availability of English-speaking guides.
Top photography spots include the high mountain viewpoints overlooking the valley, the ancient stone houses of the Qiang people, and the vibrant local markets. Early mornings or late afternoons provide the best lighting for photos.
Start by visiting the Qiang villages, followed by a hike through the valley to explore the natural beauty. End the day with a visit to the highest viewpoint for panoramic views of the entire area. Consider stopping at local markets to experience the culture and pick up souvenirs.
Qiangren Valley is primarily a daytime destination. There are no regular night visits or light shows, but visiting in the evening to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere or photograph the sunset is highly recommended.
Qiangren Valley can get crowded during weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times are weekdays during the off-peak months (late autumn and winter), when the weather is cooler.
Basic facilities are available, including toilets and small rest areas. There are also local shops selling snacks and souvenirs, but for a full meal, it’s best to visit nearby towns or Dazhou for more variety.
The terrain in Qiangren Valley can be challenging, with uneven paths and steep areas, so it may not be fully accessible for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can enjoy the valley, but parents should supervise during hikes.
Cash is commonly used in the area, but mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are also accepted in most places. Carrying some cash is still advisable, especially in remote areas where mobile payments might not be available.
There are a few local eateries around Qiangren Valley offering traditional Sichuan dishes. For a wider range of options, visitors should head to Dazhou city, where a variety of restaurants are available.
Vegetarian food is available at some local eateries, though options may be limited in more remote areas. Halal food may be harder to find in this region, but larger towns and Dazhou offer more diverse food choices.
Accommodations near Qiangren Valley include basic guesthouses and small hotels. For more luxury options, visitors can stay in Dazhou city, where a wider range of hotels and services are available.
Nearby attractions include the ancient towns of Dazhou, Sichuan’s historic temples, and scenic nature parks. These can be combined with a visit to Qiangren Valley for a comprehensive tour of the area.
Souvenir shops around Qiangren Valley offer local handicrafts, including woven baskets, pottery, and traditional Qiang-style textiles. Local tea and dried herbs are also popular souvenirs.
After visiting Qiangren Valley, taxis or private cars are the most convenient option for continuing your trip to other parts of Dazhou or nearby attractions. Public buses are available but may be less frequent.