Early Spring Guide to Jinchuan Pear Blossoms in Western Sichuan, Distribution of the Pear Blossom Belt in Western Sichuan, and Recommended Best Photography Spots
Preface
Spring arrives slowly on the plateau. While people on the plains begin to shed their heavy winter clothing, venture out to experience the gentle warmth of spring, much of the western Sichuan plateau is still blanketed in snow. However, there is one exception.
In March, thousands of pear trees in pear orchards and villages along the banks of the Jinchuan River valleys are covered in pure white blossoms, resembling snow, clouds, and mist. Many people drive hundreds of kilometers to see the pear blossoms in the Jinchuan River valleys.
In summer, all the valleys are covered in emerald green, and the Jinchuan River, deep in the mountains, is forgotten. Until the long-awaited arrival of spring next year, people will once again remember the pear blossoms that fill the valleys and rivers deep in the mountains of western Sichuan.
Three Wonders of Pear Blossoms in Western Sichuan
Jinchuan and Xiaojinchuan are located in western Sichuan Province, nestled between the Daxueshan and Qionglai mountain ranges of the Hengduan Mountains. For generations, the Jiarong Tibetan people, known for their beauty, have lived here.
It is also home to the largest pear blossom spectacle on the snowy plateau, making it a nationally renowned snow pear producing area. People categorize the pear blossom scenery along the banks of the Jinchuan River into three unique sights:
A unique scene, snowflakes and pear blossoms compete for beauty
The top of the mountain is a world of snow, and the setting sun burns the clouds in the sky a fiery red; at the foot of the mountain, pear blossoms cover the sky, quiet and pure, and the two complement each other, and the beautiful scenery is reflected in the slowly flowing river.
Second quatrain: Mountain flowers flying in disorder, pear blossoms in full bloom
While the snowy plateau is still sleeping soundly in the arms of winter, the pear blossoms, peach blossoms and rape blossoms on both sides of the Jinchuan River are blooming simultaneously, magnificent and becoming the most beautiful scenery in the plateau valley.
Three unique things: seeing flowers in the fog
There is a thin mist floating in the valley, village and pear orchard. The mist is dense and the flowers are hazy. Being in the midst of it, smelling the fragrance of the flowers, your thoughts drift with the wind.
Distribution of Pear Blossom Belt in Western Sichuan
Pear blossoms in western Sichuan are concentrated in villages, mountains, and valleys along the Dajinchuan and Xiaojinchuan River valleys, located between 2,000 and 2,500 meters above sea level. Abundant sunshine and a dramatic temperature swing between day and night have made the Dajinchuan and Xiaojinchuan River valleys the global origins of the white pear (Pyrus-Bretschneideri). This has given rise to numerous high-quality pear varieties, including the Jinchuan Snow Pear, the Golden Flower Pear, and the Danba Fragrant Ma Pear.
Danba and Jinchuan are the areas with the most concentrated distribution of pear blossoms in western Sichuan. See the figure below:
Danba pear blossoms
Danba is located in the eastern part of Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. It is the confluence of the Dajin River and the Xiaojin River. The Danba River is called the Dadu River below Danba. Most of Danba's waters are distributed in Zhonglu and Jiaju.
Zhonglu Tibetan Village is located in Zhonglu Township, Danba County, Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan Province, at an altitude of 2,100 meters. "Zhonglu" is a Tibetan word meaning "a place longed for by both humans and gods." The village is situated on a flat, open area midway up a hillside on the eastern bank of the Xiaojin River. Sheltered at the foot of the renowned Moldo Mountain in the Jiarong Tibetan area, the tranquil countryside and the beautiful Tibetan watchtowers complement each other, earning it the reputation of "the most beautiful ancient Tibetan village."
Jiaju Tibetan Village is located on a hillside beside the Dajin River in Danba County, Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan Province. Its altitude is similar to Zhonglu, between 1,900 and 2,200 meters. Jiaju, meaning "hundred households" in Tibetan, rises from the Dajin River Valley to the foot of the Kapama Peaks. The village follows the undulating terrain, stretching high up on cliffs or amidst the greenery of the riverbank, where Tibetan-style buildings are scattered among pear trees.
Danba's pear trees, tall and old, are densely packed with blossoms, scattered around the distinctive Jiarong Tibetan dwellings and watchtowers, creating what is arguably the most beautiful Tibetan village idyllic scenery in the world. The "National Geographic Beauty China Special" selected the Danba Tibetan villages, centered around Jiaju and Zhonglu, as "China's Most Beautiful Villages."
Countless pear blossoms spread from the Tibetan villages, along the river valleys, and across the mountains. The air is filled with the delicate fragrance of pear blossoms. The petals dance in the breeze, dazzling the eyes. Tibetan villages and watchtowers, with their distinct Jiarong Tibetan architectural style, are nestled among the blossoms. Colorful prayer flags flutter from the exquisite houses. In the distance, the blue sky stretches across the plateau, and the snow-capped mountains stretch out in unison. It's Danba's most picturesque season.
Transportation to Danba Tibetan Village
The county seat of Danba County is located in Zhanggu Town on the banks of the Dadu River, at an altitude of 1,800 meters. It is 137 kilometers away from Kangding and 368 kilometers away from Chengdu. There are three roads to reach Danba from Chengdu.
1. Depart from Chengdu, take the Duwen Expressway past Dujiangyan, exit the expressway at Yingxiu Town, take Provincial Highway 303 past Rilong Town at the foot of Mount Siguniang, continue west along the Xiaojin River, pass Xiaojin County, and continue along Provincial Highway 303 to reach Danba County.
2. Starting from Chengdu, take the Chengya Expressway through Ya'an, turn onto the Yakang Expressway, get off at Luding, head towards Kangding, turn right at Wasigou, and enter Provincial Highway 211. Continue driving for about 114 kilometers to reach Danba, passing through the two larger towns of Guza and Kongyu. However, this road is prone to landslides during heavy summer rains, so it is not recommended to take this route during the rainy season.
3. There are buses departing from Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station to Danba County at 8:00 and 9:30 every day. The journey takes about 6-7 hours. After arriving at Danba County, you can take a local minivan (you can stop the car at any time and the price can be negotiated with the driver). It takes about half an hour to reach Zhonglu Tibetan Village or Jiaju Tibetan Village.
Tips:
From Danba County, go up the Dadu River, cross the bridge at the Danba County Passenger Transport Center on the west side of the county, and head north. Follow the road and signs for about 10 kilometers to reach Jiaju Tibetan Village. You can drive directly into the village.
From Danba County, drive about 4 kilometers toward Xiaojin County on Provincial Highway 303. Turn right and cross the bridge. A rural road leads directly to Zhonglu. Zhonglu is located on a plateau overlooked by the sacred Merduo Mountain. The road leading to it is narrow, so drive carefully. There is no entrance fee to Zhonglu Tibetan Village.
Kanegawa Pear Blossoms
Jinchuan is located in the southwest of Aba Prefecture, on the banks of the Dajinchuan River, the upper reaches of the Dadu River. Home to 14 ethnic groups, including Tibetans, Qiangs, Huis, and Han, it is known as the "Old Capital of Eastern Women and the Holy Land of Guanyin."
Jinchuan's pear blossoms are scattered along the banks of the Greater Jinchuan River Valley, a relatively flat area with varied topography, forming gentle terraces along the farmland. Shaded by the pear blossoms, from a high vantage point, the village structures are clearly defined and the scenery is unobstructed. The pear blossoms blend with the unique valley villages, creating a breathtaking canvas for the entire Jinchuan River Valley.
Along the banks of the Dadu River (Dajinchuan River), Jinchuan pear blossoms are most abundant in the townships of Jimu, Dangba, Ke'er, Sha'er, Jinchuan Town, Lewu, Wanlin, Hexi, Hedong, Dusong, Qingning, Anning, Kasa, Zengda, Malbang, and Manai. Among them, Sha'er and Ke'er townships boast the densest pear trees and the most beautiful scenery.
Kaer Township and Shaer Township are across from each other across the Dajin River. Kaer Township is suitable for visiting in the evening, while Shaer Township is suitable for visiting in the morning.
Jinchuan Transportation
Jinchuan County is located on the banks of the Dajinchuan River, upstream of the Dadu River, at an altitude of 1,500 meters.
1. Depart from Chengdu, passing Siguniang Mountain, Xiaojin County, and Danba County, take the S211 toward Seda to reach Jinchuan County. Continue north to Shaer Township and Keer Township. After your visit, return to Jinchuan County for overnight stays. Alternatively, continue north to Ma'erkang and return to Chengdu, or continue on to Seda.
2. Depart from Chengdu, take G317 through Li County and Ma'erkang, then turn south onto S211 to reach Sha'er Township and Ke'er Township. After the tour, you can stay in Jinchuan County or continue south to Danba.
3. There are buses to Jinchuan every day from Chengdu Chaidianzi Bus Station, and the journey takes about 8 hours. After arriving in Jinchuan County, you can take a local minivan (you can stop the car at any time and the price can be negotiated with the driver) to visit Shaer Township and Keer Township respectively. There are many houses and youth hostels in these two places that receive tourists, but the conditions are not as good as those in Jinchuan County.
Tips:
Depending on the climate, the flowering period of Danba pear flowers is generally between March 15th and April 15th, with the peak flowering period lasting about 10 days and no longer than 15 days.
Tips:
The Jinchuan Pear Blossom Festival is typically held between March 20th and April 10th (with slight adjustments each year depending on the blooming season). The festival combines the beauty of the pear blossoms with a variety of folk cultural performances, including the National Intangible Cultural Heritage Manai Guozhuang performance, as well as local folk dances such as the Jimu Tibetan Opera and the Wanlin Lengqiongge Guozhuang. The Jinchuan pear blossoms are in full bloom for 7-10 days.
Due to the slight difference in altitude between Jinchuan and Danba, under normal circumstances, the pear blossoms in Jinchuan bloom slightly earlier than those in Danba.
The Danba-Jinchuan area has a relatively low altitude, with an average altitude of about 1800-2500 meters, which is within the normal range of human activities and there is no need to worry about altitude sickness.
Recommended best shooting locations
Middle
Zhonglu Tibetan Village is situated on a plateau mid-mountain, offering an open landscape. North of the village lies the sacred Mount Melduo, the most sacred mountain of the Jiarong Tibetans. Jiarong is the abbreviation of the Tibetan word "Jiamo Chawarong," meaning "a farming tribe beneath the sacred Mount Melduo." Zhonglu offers two exceptional camera positions, located to the southeast and west of the village.
The southeast side is the sunset viewing platform, perfect for photographing the village and the rural scenery shaded by pear blossoms as the sun sets. The west side is the sunrise viewing platform, where most of the cover photos of Danba in travel magazines and forums are taken.
Every morning, the sun first illuminates the summit of Mount Merduo. Then, it illuminates the house closest to the cliff in Zhonglu Village, instantly brightening the once gloomy village. Slowly, the sun sweeps across the farmland, illuminating the houses and towers. The treetops and pear blossoms gradually light up, and the dragons on the roofs sway in the morning breeze, vibrant colors. The village, silent all night, suddenly comes alive. Then, the villagers begin to light fires and cook. Smoke gradually rises from the rooftops, accompanied by the morning mist that permeates the Xiaojin River valley, giving Zhonglu a fairyland-like appearance.
No wonder people call this place "Middle Road", it is indeed a place "loved by both humans and gods"!
Jiaju
Compared to Zhonglu Tibetan Village, Jiaju doesn’t have a single spot suitable for panoramic photography. However, the layered village layout of Jiaju provides ample creative space for capturing small and medium-sized scenes.
A beautiful house with pear blossoms in full bloom; a part of the countryside with pear blossoms as the background; a close-up of pear blossoms; a scene of labor in the countryside surrounded by blooming pear blossoms are all excellent creative materials.
The eyes are filled with endless pear blossoms, lush peach branches, and swaying young willows. Living in Jiaju, you can stroll freely in the village and stop in the courtyard. The mountain breeze blows by, and the petals of whole trees of pear blossoms fly all over the sky. Soon, the fields and the yard are covered with snow-white. This is a real "petal rain".
Kaer Township
At dusk, the vast expanse of pear trees in Kaer Township forms a sacred avenue, with both sides of the road leading upwards covered in pure white. A gentle breeze blows, and the pear trees that line the roadside drop petals in a hazy haze, a scene even more beautiful than snow in northern China. This is why Kaer Township is the main venue for the annual Jinchuan Pear Blossom Festival.
In Kar Township, a riverside landscape vividly demonstrates the ethnic integration on the "Tibetan-Yi Corridor".
At dusk, a small Tibetan Buddhist temple, beside a mosque on the other side of the river, was holding a religious ceremony. Curls of smoke rose from the mulberry trees, and the sound of horns echoed through the river valley. The setting sun shone across the golden roofs and green domes of the mosque, while the snow on the mountaintops shimmered with a silvery glow. Everything was in perfect harmony. Yellow, green, and white were the colors of the tender green leaves along the Jinchuan River, the golden rapeseed flowers, and the snow on the mountaintops. Faith, seasons, and mountains all merged in an instant in this narrow river valley and mountain range on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Shaer Township
In normal seasons, Shenxianbao is a rather unremarkable mountaintop, seemingly a sometimes tree-covered, sometimes bare hilltop, nestled in the valley beside the Dajin River. But in spring, when pear blossoms cover the mountain and valley, it becomes a popular viewing platform for photographers.
Standing on a high place, the side sunlight penetrates the white petals of the pear blossoms, outlining a soft outline, one flower, one branch, one piece, until the entire river valley, mixed with curling smoke from cooking and mulberry trees, looks hazy. The Dajin River is like a green jade belt, running through the entire valley. The sunlight penetrates the clouds, casting mottled light and shadows on the mountains.
Photography Tips
Use of light
The best time to shoot is early morning and evening, when you can combine the soft light before and after sunrise and sunset to capture the panoramic view of the pear blossoms in the Tibetan village.
Metering
Pear blossoms are white in color. When photographing large areas of white flowers, it is recommended to refer to snow scenes and increase exposure compensation as appropriate, otherwise the white flowers will appear grayish. Considering the large area of highlights caused by pear blossoms, it is recommended to use evaluative metering;
Composition
The unique watchtowers and Tibetan houses in the Tibetan village can be used as background elements for photographing pear blossoms to enrich the composition; if a close-up is required, the emphasis should be on showing the texture, layers and grain of the flowers.
Conclusion
As April's flowers fade, the pear blossoms in the mountain temple begin to bloom. Spring arrives later in western Sichuan than in the plains, but thanks to the pear blossoms that cover the mountains and valleys, it is even more brilliant than spring in the plains.
In March, western Sichuan is bathed in the golden glow of spring, with thousands of pear blossoms blooming, coating the banks of the Jinchuan River, which stretches for more than a hundred kilometers, with pink, showing the grandeur and beauty of the snowy Jiangnan region.
The pear blossoms of western Sichuan are no longer the delicate, "pear blossoms in the rain" image often associated with mainlanders. Instead, they appear elegant and graceful. Locals say, "The pear blossoms of western Sichuan are like the people of Jiarong: majestic, sunny, and simple."
From afar, the pear blossoms blanket the mountains, adorning the landscape like rolling snow-capped hills. A spring breeze carries wafts of fragrance. Closer inspection reveals the pure, delicate beauty of the snow-white blossoms, their tender yellow stamens and tender green, pale yellow buds gently swaying in the spring breeze. It's as if the beautiful and gentle Jiarong maidens, singing time-honored Jiarong drinking songs, greet every guest at this pear blossom feast with their passionate and unrestrained Guozhuang performance.
How many years has that tower stood?
How many years has this fine wine been brewing?
Brew the river of my hometown
Brewed the mountains of my hometown
How many years has that ballad been sung?
Sweet blessings have been flowing for many years
The song made the man's face red
Singing makes women's eyes wet
—Rong Zhongerjia, “Ala Jiangse” (meaning “Drink this glass of wine”)
The above pictures are from China-TravelNote Photography Network and China-TravelNote Community. The authors are tourists and tour leaders from all over the world. Reproduction without permission is strictly prohibited!!!
