Summer in Jiagen Dam has reached the next level of beauty...

Jiagen Dam, located in Kangding City, Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan Province, is a hidden gem on the Western Sichuan Plateau, known as a "photographer's paradise." Here, snow-capped mountains, grasslands, Tibetan villages, and streams intertwine, beautiful in all seasons, especially colorful in autumn. Below is a practical guide covering scenic spots, food, and accommodation recommendations with good value for money: --- ### **📸 Must-See Attractions** 1. **Ritou Village and Lize Village** - **Why visit**: The core scenic areas of Jiagen Dam, featuring highland barley fields, Erse flowers (blooming in May-June), Tibetan wooden houses with Yala Snow Mountain in the background, creating a fairyland-like scene when morning mist surrounds the area. - **How to explore**: Free hiking or cycling along village roads, chatting with local herdsmen, and encountering yak herds. 2. **Gongga Mountain Viewing Platform (Yaha Pass)** - **Why visit**: An excellent spot facing Gongga Snow Mountain directly, with stunning winter snow scenes and summer stargazing opportunities. - **Tips**: Requires self-driving or chartered vehicle (rough road conditions), altitude around 4,500m, be cautious of altitude sickness. 3. **Calcification Beach and Streams** - **Location**: Near Ritou Village, forming amazing blue ice in winter, with flowing water in summer, ideal for camping and picnics. 4. **Pengbu West Ancient Watchtower** - **Features**: Thousand-year-old Tibetan watchtower, free to visit, experience the history and culture of the Jiarong Tibetan people. --- ### **🍜 Authentic Food Recommendations** 1. **Tibetan Yak Meat Hot Pot** - **Recommended restaurant**: "Tibetan Family Feast" in Jiagen Dam town (60-80 yuan per person), with rich broth and wild mushroom and seasonal vegetable sides. 2. **Butter Tea + Highland Barley Cake** - **Where to try**: Available at any Tibetan home, more authentic when paired with yogurt (about 20 yuan per person). 3. **Sichuan Cuisine** - **Recommendation**: "Western Sichuan Family" restaurant, offering home-style dishes like twice-cooked pork and mapo tofu (30-50 yuan per person). --- ### **🏠 Value-for-Money Accommodation** 1. **Tibetan Homestays** - **Recommendation**: "Ritou Village Tibetan Homestay" (about 150-200 yuan per night), clean rooms, warm hospitality, experience Tibetan hearth culture. 2. **Youth Hostels** - **Recommendation**: "Jiagen Dam International Youth Hostel" (50-80 yuan per bed), suitable for backpackers, with communal kitchen and carpooling information. 3. **Budget Hotels** - **Recommendation**: "Kangding Jiagen Dam Snow Region Hotel" (standard room around 200 yuan), simple facilities but good heating. --- ### **🚗 Transportation Tips** - **Self-driving**: From Chengdu via Kangding and Xinduqiao, about 6 hours (navigate to "Jiagen Dam Township"). - **Public transport**: Take a bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Station to Kangding, then share a ride (about 80 yuan per person). - **Local transportation**: Recommended to rent electric bikes (about 100 yuan per day) or explore villages on foot. --- ### **⚠️ Important Notes** - **Altitude**: Jiagen Dam is about 3,200m high, avoid strenuous activities, prepare rhodiola or oxygen bottles. - **Weather**: Large temperature differences between day and night, bring a windbreaker even in summer. - **Respect customs**: Don't photograph Tibetan people or prayer halls without permission, walk clockwise around mani stone piles. --- The beauty of Jiagen Dam lies in its pristine tranquility, perfect for slow travel. If time permits, stay for 2-3 days to watch the sunrise illuminate the mountains in the morning and relax among the highland barley fields in the evening, experiencing the true pastoral poetry of Western Sichuan. If you have specific needs (such as hiking routes or festival activities), feel free to ask for more details!