Li County

Introducing Li County

Li County is located on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and in the southeastern part of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, at 30°54′-31°12′ north latitude and 102°32′-103°30′ east longitude. It borders Maoxian and Heishui in the northeast, Xiaojin in the southwest, Wenchuan in the southeast, and Ma'erkang and Hongyuan in the northwest. It is 202 kilometers away from the provincial capital Chengdu and 193 kilometers away from Ma'erkang, the prefecture capital. The county seat is 1,888 meters above sea level. Li County's geological structure belongs to the middle section of the Longmenshan Fault Zone. The area is mountainous with an average altitude of 2,700 meters. The climate is a mountainous three-dimensional climate with heavy precipitation in spring and summer and a short frost-free period in winter. The annual rainfall is between 650 and 1,000 mm, and the average annual temperature in the river valley is 6.9℃-11℃.

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Most Popular FAQs for Li County

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Li County has a rich history and cultural significance as a part of the Aba Qiang and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. It is home to the Qiang and Tibetan people and is famous for its distinctive Tibetan Buddhist heritage. The county is also known for its natural beauty, including mountains, rivers, and traditional Tibetan villages.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Li County is located in the Aba Qiang and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, in the western part of Sichuan Province. To get there, you can fly into Chengdu and then take a long-distance bus or private car to Li County, which is about 5-6 hours by road from Chengdu. There is no metro service in this region, and taxis may be limited due to the remote nature of the area.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Li County is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months (April to October) when the weather is mild and the landscapes are at their most beautiful. The county is less crowded in the off-season (winter and early spring), which makes for a more peaceful experience.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

There is no general entrance fee to visit Li County itself. However, some specific attractions, such as monasteries or cultural events, may charge small entrance fees. Tickets for such activities are typically purchased on-site or through local travel agencies.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

Booking tickets in advance is generally not required for most attractions in Li County. However, it is recommended to book tickets for popular cultural events or festivals a few days in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak travel seasons.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To fully explore Li County and its main attractions, a visit of 2 to 3 days is recommended. This will allow time for scenic exploration, visits to monasteries, and immersion in the local culture.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The Tibetan monasteries, which offer insight into Buddhist practices and Tibetan art.
• The surrounding mountains and rivers, which provide excellent opportunities for hiking and photography.
• The local villages, where you can interact with the Tibetan and Qiang communities and learn about their way of life.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available in Li County, especially for those interested in exploring the Tibetan Buddhist sites and local villages. Most guides speak Mandarin, but some may offer services in English for foreign tourists. Audio guides are not commonly provided in this region.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The mountain passes and peaks surrounding Li County offer breathtaking panoramic views, especially during sunrise and sunset.
• The monasteries, with their traditional Tibetan architecture and serene surroundings, provide excellent photo opportunities.
• The local villages and landscapes, with traditional Tibetan houses and picturesque rural scenes, are also great for photography.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

A recommended itinerary would start with a visit to the monasteries, followed by a scenic hike in the surrounding mountains. Afterward, explore the nearby villages to experience the local culture and traditions. If you have more time, consider visiting nearby Tibetan cultural sites or taking part in local events.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits and light shows are not typically available in Li County. However, you may have the opportunity to experience Tibetan cultural performances or festivals during the day or in the evening. Special tours, such as trekking or cultural immersions, are available depending on the time of year.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Li County is generally not very crowded, especially compared to other major tourist destinations in China. The least crowded times to visit are during the winter months (December to February) and weekdays outside of peak tourist seasons, such as Chinese New Year or summer holidays.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Basic facilities are available in Li County, including public toilets and small shops selling snacks and water. However, there are limited restaurants or cafes, so it’s advisable to carry your own food and water if you’re heading into more remote areas. Rest areas are available near major attractions.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Due to the mountainous terrain and rural nature of Li County, some areas may be difficult for elderly, children, or disabled visitors to access. The main cultural sites and villages may be walkable, but some hiking trails or mountainous regions may not be accessible to everyone. It is recommended to consult with local authorities for accessibility details before visiting.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash is often needed for small purchases and donations in Li County. While mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are becoming more common in urban areas, it’s advisable to carry cash when visiting more remote areas or smaller villages in the region.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are limited dining options in Li County, with small Tibetan-style eateries offering traditional dishes such as yak meat, barley, and butter tea. For more variety, you may need to travel to larger towns like Aba, where more restaurants and cafes are available.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available in Tibetan cuisine, particularly dishes made with barley, vegetables, and rice. Halal food options are limited in the area, but you may find them in larger towns or urban centers nearby.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are basic guesthouses and Tibetan-style inns available in Li County. For more comfortable accommodations, consider staying in Aba, where you’ll find larger hotels with more amenities.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• The nearby Songpan Ancient Town, known for its historical Tibetan architecture and beautiful mountain scenery.
• The various Tibetan monasteries and sacred sites scattered throughout the Aba Prefecture.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

There are small souvenir stalls in Li County selling Tibetan handicrafts, such as prayer beads, prayer wheels, yak wool products, and religious items like Buddha statues and thangkas. These items make for excellent souvenirs to remember your trip.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

After visiting Li County, you can continue your journey by bus or private car to nearby towns like Aba or Chengdu. Long-distance buses and private transport are the best options for traveling to other parts of Sichuan or Tibet.