Aba Prefecture 每 A beautiful land, a pristine culture
If you have ever wanted to visit a place only found in fairytales, a well kept secret that's natural beauty is only matched by the warmth of its people, then take a trip to Aba prefecture, Sichuan Province, China.Nestled at the Southern end of the Ming Shan mountain range at the foot of the Tibetan Plateau sits the unique place.
Largely untouched for thousands of years, the people of this region live in harmony with their natural surroundings. The ancient culture of the Qiang and Tibetan inhabitants will fascinate. Enjoy an insight experienced by few.
Aba prefecture is also the traditional home to the Giant Panda and if you look hard enough you might just see this cute and cuddly creature amongst the foliage.There are a number of attractions that bring Western visitors from far and wide:
Jiuzhaigou (Nine Village valley)
Literally named after the Nine Tibetan villages that populate the valley, Jiuzhaigou is a pristine natural park located 350 Km (or a short 30 minute flight) from Chengdu, the regional capital of Sichuan province.
Jiuzhaigou literally translates as Nine Village Valley because of the Nine Tibetan Villages are scattered throughout the valley. It is a stunning, beautiful place, known for its natural wonders of lakes, springs, waterfalls, streams, rivers and shoals.
The giant Panda, Golden Monkey and white-lip Deer inhabit the wilds of Jiuzhaigou. The local people are Tibetan or Qiang descendants and they are happy to share their beautiful culture which is truly memorable.
Jiuzhaigou enjoys four distinct seasons, from the lush Spring and Summer, the changing colours of Autumn and the tranquillity of Winter as time seems to freeze like the lakes and waterfalls.
Huanglong:
Also known as the Yellow Dragon Valley, the Huanglong region to the south/southeast of Jiuzhaigou was acknowledged as a National Park in 1983. The area is located in Songpan county, Aba Tibetan and Qiang ethnic minority autonomous prefecture, Sichuan province. It was originally thought that the limestone mineral patterns within colourful ponds and the yellow waters resembled a dragon's tail and a temple was built to honour the yellow dragon 每 hence the valley name. Road entry to the area is the only way through the mountain pass where the picturesque snow-capped mountain landscape is one that just has to be photographed.
Mount Siguniang (Four Ladies Mountain)
Sat at between 5200m and 6500m above sea level, Four Ladies Mountain (also referred to as Four Sisters Mountain) sits emphatically on the Aba skyline. With the four peaks perennially covered in snow, the foot of the mountain offers lush forest cover, wild life and alpine meadows.
Shrouded in cloud and mist, these mountains are magical and cover an area of almost 450 km's. The mountains took their name from the four daughters of the mountain God.
Mount Siguniang (Four Ladies Mountain) is included in many China Holidays itineraries 每 please contact us for further details
Dagu Glacier:
A new attraction but an ancient icon, Dagu Glacier shines like a huge pearl embedded in the mountain side. Glacial lakes reflect the purity of the water. Dagu Glacier is a rare contemporary glacier and a new resort makes a visit so much more accessible. Modern cable cars takes the hard work out of visiting a spectacular piece of nature.
Dagu Glacier is included in many China Holidays itineraries 每 please contact us for further details
Wolong Panda Reserve:
Home to the largest Panda sanctuary in the world, the Wolong Nature reserve allows for the Panda to enjoy a natural environment whilst allowing visitors the opportunity to experience and learn about these incredibly reclusive creatures.
View the Panda or take the opportunity to work as a volunteer at Wolong 每 a truly unique experience.
If it has always been a life long dream for you to visit the Panda 每 then Wolong is for you!
Wolong Panda Reserve is included in many China Holidays itineraries 每 please contact us for further details
Songpan Town:
If you travel to Jiuzhaigou or Huanglong by road, be sure to include Songpan Town on your itinerary. Songpan is an ancient stone walled town that has been used as a military out post in times gone by due to its strategic location, enabling it to view invaders from afar. This region of Sichuan Province is rich in ethnic culture including the minority groups of Tibetan, Qiang, Hui and Han.
Songpan Town is included in many China Holidays itineraries 每 please contact us for further details
Ethnic Tibetan and Qiang Culture:
The cultures that make up Aba are colourful, ancient and beautiful. The Qiang people have inhabited this region for thousands of years and are referred to as "Mountain Dwellers", famed for their ability to construct roads and bridges in the harshest of terrain. The Qiang people are a colourful and practical people.
Tibetan Culture is as ancient as it's landscape. Enjoy an insight into this deeply religious and spiritual culture which has evolved over thousands of years. Tibetan architecture is evident throughout Aba, with temples and monasteries sat on high peaks facing to the South. These buildings are typically white on the outside yet rich in colour on the inside.
A visit to Aba offers an insight into cultures as beautiful as their landscapes.
Ethnic Tibetan and Qiang Culture is included in many China Holidays itineraries 每 such as the Grand Tour
Welcome to Aba, Sichuan!