[2025 Barkam Attraction] Travel Guide for Xisuo Village (Updated Apr)

...it's just too beautiful!!! When the boundless red comes into view, your heart will be deeply touched. This is Seda, a place full of mystery and the power of faith. Before you pack your bags and embark on this spiritual journey, take a look at this carefully compiled guide to help you have a perfect trip to Seda. Seda Larung Gar Buddhist Academy, the largest Tibetan Buddhist academy in the world Seda Larung Gar Buddhist Academy, a pure land of Buddha, is located in Luoruo Town, Seda County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. Countless crimson-red monk houses densely cover the hillside, creating a magnificent and spectacular scene. Reservation method Make sure to book 48 hours in advance on the "Larunggou Jingou" mini program. There are only two booking slots per day, at 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Make sure to book on time to avoid missing out. The origin of the red houses Initially, newly arrived practitioners, in order to solve the accommodation problem, used local materials and built simple wooden sheds on the hillside. To give these dwellings sacred meaning, they painted them all red. Over time, red became the main color of this land, and the red houses became a unique symbol of Seda. Photography tips Corridor shots: The corridors on both sides of the academy are excellent photo spots. Standing in the corridor, you can take photos of yourself with the red houses, and also capture the scattered red monk houses in the distance, creating a photo with a rich sense of layering. Back mountain view: If you want to overlook the entire Seda, you need to challenge yourself with a hike up the back mountain, which has an altitude of 4,300 meters. Although the process is somewhat difficult, when you reach the top of the mountain, the red houses all over the mountain against the blue sky and white clouds look like a beautiful painting unfolding before your eyes. Every shot is a masterpiece. When night falls, the starry river is bright, and the dotted lights in the red houses make it feel like you've entered the dreamy cartoon world of Hayao Miyazaki. It's extremely stunning. Itinerary planning D1: Chengdu - Zhuokeji Tusi Guanzhai - Xisuo Folk Houses - Guanyinqiao Town/Barkam - Morning: Depart from Chengdu and enjoy the magnificent scenery of western Sichuan along the way to Zhuokeji Tusi Guanzhai. This official residence has a unique architectural style, blending the essence of Tibetan and Han architecture. Stepping inside, it's like traveling through time, experiencing the glory and mystery of the former Tusi family, and learning about the history and culture of the Gyalrong Tibetans. - Noon: Enjoy local specialties at a restaurant near Zhuokeji, such as Tibetan butter tea, hand-pulled meat, and buckwheat cakes, to experience the flavors of Tibetan cuisine. - Afternoon: Head to Xisuo Folk Houses, a well-preserved Gyalrong Tibetan village. The simple houses are scattered, and stone roads wind through them. Here you can experience authentic Tibetan life and admire exquisite traditional Tibetan handicrafts, such as Thangka and Tibetan carpets. In the evening, arrive at Guanyinqiao Town or Barkam, check into the hotel, and relax after a day's journey. D2: Guanyinqiao Town/Barkam - Wengda - Seda Larung Gar Buddhist Academy - Seda County - Morning: After breakfast, depart and pass through Wengda, enjoying the natural scenery of western Sichuan, such as grasslands and mountains, along the way. After arriving in Seda, go to Larung Gar Buddhist Academy and enter according to the appointment time. First, visit the academy, experience the strong religious atmosphere, and listen to the chanting of the lamas. - Noon: Have lunch at the vegetarian restaurant in the academy, experience the light vegetarian food, and feel the simplicity of monastic life. - Afternoon: Continue to explore the academy. You can choose to follow a local guide to learn more about the history, culture, and monastic traditions of the academy, or you can stroll among the red houses, communicate with practitioners, and take photos. In the evening, go to Seda County, and enjoy local delicacies such as yak beef hot pot and Tibetan hot pot to warm up your body and mind. D3: Seda - Donggar Monastery - Chengdu - Morning: Visit Donggar Monastery, an ancient temple with a long history. The temple houses many precious Buddhist relics and Thangkas. Feel the peaceful atmosphere in the temple and admire the exquisite architecture and murals. - Noon: After lunch nearby, embark on the return journey and end this meaningful trip to Seda. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of western Sichuan again on the way and reminisce about the unforgettable experiences of these days. Food recommendations Yak beef hot pot: In Seda, you must try the steaming yak beef hot pot. The fresh yak beef is stewed until tender and flavorful, and the soup is delicious. Served with various vegetables, it can not only replenish energy but also resist the cold of the plateau. Tibetan yogurt: It has a rich and mellow taste, with a slightly sour taste and a hint of milky fragrance. The surface is sprinkled with a layer of white sugar or honey to neutralize the sourness. It is sweet and sour, appetizing, and refreshing. Tsampa: Made from roasted barley flour, it has a crispy texture and a strong aroma of wheat. It can be eaten with butter tea. It is one of the traditional staple foods of the Tibetan people and is full of rich Tibetan flavor. Things to note Altitude sickness: Seda is located in a high-altitude area. Take precautions against altitude sickness in advance, such as taking anti-altitude sickness medicine in advance, avoiding strenuous exercise after arrival, and getting enough rest. If you experience altitude sickness symptoms, you can use oxygen to relieve them. Respect local customs: In Buddhist academies and temples, respect local religious beliefs and customs. Do not take photos at will, do not make loud noises, and abide by local regulations. Keep warm: The temperature in the plateau area is low, and even in summer, the temperature difference between day and night is large. Be sure to bring enough warm clothes, such as down jackets, thick sweaters, and thermal pants.

| A Dreamy Spring Date. As spring approaches, Jinchuan is covered in a blanket of white pear blossoms, as if covered in snow. The pear blossoms bloom in full, as if telling the romance and beauty of spring. Every year from mid-March to mid-April, the pear blossoms in Jinchuan attract countless tourists to come and enjoy this dreamy spring date. 📍 Flower Viewing Spots 🎈 Sha'er Township Sha'er Township is known as the ocean of pear blossoms. Walking under the pear trees, you feel like you are in a fairyland. The pear blossoms here are as white as snow, swaying gently in the spring breeze, exuding a faint fragrance. Visitors can enjoy the gifts of nature, feel the warm sunshine of spring, and capture beautiful moments to create unforgettable memories. 🎈 Ge'er Township Ge'er Township is also a beautiful place to see pear blossoms, with stunning scenery like a natural painting. The pear trees here bloom in clusters, forming a dreamy sea of flowers. Whether you are walking among them or taking photos in the sea of flowers, you will feel the vitality and energy of spring. 👒 Special Activities ✨ Picnic under the pear trees On a warm spring day, bring delicious food and have a picnic with family and friends under the pear trees, enjoying the leisurely time. The fresh air is filled with the fragrance of pear blossoms, making every bite of food taste even more delicious, adding a touch of spring. ✨ Wear beautiful Hanfu During the pear blossom season, wearing beautiful Hanfu and taking photos among the pear blossoms is a unique experience. The combination of Hanfu and pear blossoms makes you feel like you have traveled back in time, experiencing elegance and tranquility. Whether you are taking beautiful photos or quietly admiring the pear trees, you will feel relaxed and happy. 🏨 Scenic Accommodations 🔖 Siguniang Mountain Stargazing Hotel Located at the foot of Siguniang Mountain, the Siguniang Mountain Stargazing Hotel offers excellent views. The hotel's design combines wabi-sabi and Tibetan styles, with large glass windows offering a full view of the snow-capped mountains. At night, stargazing gives you a sense of tranquility and beauty. 🔖 Gurgou Ramada Hot Spring Resort Located in the core area of Gurgou, the Gurgou Ramada Hot Spring Resort offers rooms with stunning views of the snow-capped mountains. Here, you can enjoy the comfort of hot springs while admiring the beauty of the snow-capped mountains, providing a relaxing experience for both body and mind. 🚗 Itinerary D1: Gather in Chengdu from all over the country Tourists from all over the country gather in Chengdu to start their journey to western Sichuan. As the capital of Sichuan, Chengdu has a rich culture and delicious food. Tourists can stop here to taste authentic Sichuan cuisine and experience the unique charm of the city. D2: Chengdu - Taoping Qiang Village - Xisuo Residence - Ka'er Township Pear Blossom Avenue - Jinchuan Departing from Chengdu, first visit Taoping Qiang Village to experience the rich Qiang culture. Then head to Xisuo Residence to admire the unique Tibetan architecture. Finally, arrive in Jinchuan and visit Pear Blossom Avenue to experience the Tibetan and Qiang culture and enjoy the beauty of pear blossoms. D3: Jinchuan Shenxianbao Pear Blossoms - Play with Marmots/Tibetan Macaques - Seda In Jinchuan's Shenxianbao, tourists can enjoy even more spectacular pear blossom scenery. Then, head to play with marmots and Tibetan macaques, encountering the cute animals of the plateau and experiencing the wonders and mysteries of nature. Finally, head to Seda to explore the red Buddhist kingdom and experience the rich religious culture. D4: Seda Free Tour - Daofu Residence - Daofu In Seda, tourists can choose attractions to visit based on their interests and gain a deeper understanding of Tibetan culture. Then head to Daofu to admire the unique residences and experience the lifestyle of the Tibetan people. D5: Daofu - Yala Snow Mountain Viewing Platform - Zhonglu Tibetan Village · Pear Blossoms Departing from Daofu, head to the Yala Snow Mountain Viewing Platform to admire the stunning scenery of snow-capped mountains and pear blossoms. Then head to Zhonglu Tibetan Village to experience traditional Tibetan culture and customs and experience a different way of life. D6: Zhonglu Tibetan Village - Siguniang Mountain Shuangqiaogou - Maobiliang Viewing Platform - Chengdu On the final day of the trip, tourists will head to Siguniang Mountain Shuangqiaogou to admire the magnificent natural scenery. Then head to Maobiliang Viewing Platform to overlook the beautiful valley. Finally, return to Chengdu to end this unforgettable journey to western Sichuan. 🥘 Local Cuisine In Jinchuan, tourists can not only admire the beautiful pear blossoms but also taste local cuisine. Snow pear syrup and Jinchuan yak meat are must-try delicacies. Snow pear syrup is sweet and refreshing, soothing the throat and quenching thirst. Jinchuan yak meat is tender and juicy, with a chewy texture that leaves a lasting impression. Come to Jinchuan for a romantic date with pear blossoms! Experience the beauty and vitality of nature and the rich culture and customs this spring. Don't miss this opportunity, or you'll have to wait another year! 💕

In the mountains of western Sichuan, there is a place like a paradise on earth - Xisuo Tibetan Houses. When you step into this land, the first thing that catches your eye is the unique architectural complex. The stone and wood houses are built with stone and yellow mud, and the traces of time are visible on the walls, as if quietly telling stories of the past. The houses look like devout believers sitting cross-legged, with the four corners of the roof flying like birds spreading their wings, and every line flows with the Jiarong Tibetan people's unique understanding of beauty and their fervent prayers for life. Walking along the winding alleys, the stone road under your feet is polished smooth and flat by time. The doors and windows of the houses are exquisitely carved with intricate and gorgeous patterns, including the auspicious eight treasures pattern, and the lively birds, animals, flowers, and plants, which are the Tibetan craftsmen's hands giving the wood a soul, engraving culture and faith on it. Xisuo Tibetan Houses are not just a group of buildings, but a living museum of Jiarong Tibetan history and culture, a solidified history book, waiting for every traveler to read and savor, making people intoxicated and lost.

Xisuo Residence Located in Barkam City, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province Free admission There is a parking lot at the entrance, and local residents will charge CNY 10 Opposite Xisuo Residence is the very famous Zhuokeji Tusi Official Manor, which is currently under repair and not open to the public, so you can visit Xisuo Residence. Xisuo Residence is a typical Jiarong Tibetan village with a "stone house" architectural style, especially the window frames are very exquisite, with carved and painted decorations, which are quite colorful and have a strong ethnic flavor

Xisuo Folk Houses are located in Zhuokeji Town, Maerkang City, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It is a village with typical Jiarong Tibetan characteristics, which was built in the Qing Dynasty. It is backed by mountains and faces the water. It is the most typical and best-preserved settlement village of the Jiarong Tibetans. Xisuo people have maintained the traditional architectural style of "stacking stones as rooms" of the Jiarong ancestors. The village is well-arranged and well-organized. Walking on the bluestone path, the footsteps echo in the towering stone walls and extend in the narrow path, giving people a sense of seclusion. Zhuokeji Chieftain Manor, which is separated by a river from Xisuo Village, is built on the mountain, facing south to the north. It was built in 1718 during the Qianlong period of the Qing Dynasty and is a four-story turret. In July 1935, Comrade Mao Zedong and the central government stayed in the official residence for a week during the Long March and held the famous "Zhuokeji Conference" during the Long March. In 1988, Zhuokeji Chieftain Manor was listed as the third batch of national key cultural relics protection units by the State Council. Later, Zhuokeji Chieftain Manor was officially included in the national red tourism classic scenic spot.

Learn about the history of the Jiarong Tibetans, appreciate Jiarong Tibetan culture, and experience the charm of the Jiarong Tibetans. Zhuokeji Township Xisuo Village, a peaceful and peaceful Jiarong Tibetan village, is located 7 kilometers east of Maerkang. The entire village is built on the mountain, with a clear and clear Suomo River rushing past the village. There is a conspicuous Tusi official village opposite the village. The story prototype of A Lai's novel "Dust Settles" is based on this Tusi family and Zhuokeji Village. The Tusi official village is all built of wood. Although it has collapsed nearly half, it can still see its scale and momentum. The ruins of the broken walls and ruins have a different sense of decadence and incompleteness in the setting sun. American writer Sauls Berry praised it as "a pearl in the history of Eastern architecture" (currently under maintenance and not open). Xisuo Village was mostly the servants, merchants, and folk craftsmen of Zhuokeji Tusi during the Tusi period. After the liberation, this place was designated as the first group of Xisuo Village. The villagers who now live in the village are mostly the descendants of the original Tusi servants, merchants and craftsmen. The longest resident in the village has reproduced dozens of generations. There are many homestays, farmhouses, restaurants, bars and coffee shops in the village, which is a living history museum. Ticket information: free Other expenses: self-driving 10 yuan parking fee

On the evening of July 8, 2024, at a quarter past 8, we crossed the prayer wheel bridge over Nazugou and entered Xisuo Residences, also known as Zhuokeji Ancient Street. Xisuo Residences are uniquely characterized by the Jiarong Tibetan style, maintaining the traditional architectural style of the Jiarong ancestors who built their houses with stones. The village is densely packed and well-arranged, looking like a fortified ancient castle from a distance. Walking on the bluestone paths, the sound of footsteps echoes between the towering stone walls, extending through the narrow paths, giving a sense of secluded tranquility. These distinct, angular stone buildings blend seamlessly with the surrounding rugged mountains and steep cliffs. The bright totem houses, red tiles, and fluttering prayer flags add a touch of mystery to the place. The Tibetan village consists entirely of three-story stone buildings. The ground floor is for livestock, the second floor serves as the kitchen and living quarters, and the third floor is the prayer hall and guest rooms. The residential buildings are shaped like watchtowers, also known as diaolou. The walls around the houses are built with stone slabs bonded with yellow mud. The walls are up to 1 meter thick, constructed with an inward tapering method. The craftsmen, relying solely on experience, build stone walls as neatly as if they were cutting tofu, with sharp edges, narrow at the top and wide at the bottom. The entire wall is in a compressive state, becoming the main load-bearing structure of the building. Additionally, the internal wooden beams support and pull each other, making the entire building smaller at the top and larger at the bottom, with the center of gravity inward, providing strong stability. At the highest point, the corners of the watchtower form sharp edges, creating a sense of momentum. The edges of the stone walls at the highest point are thickened to avoid flat surfaces, enhancing the three-dimensional effect. The roof is divided into two parts: the front half is flat with low walls on three sides, and the rear half forms a sloped shape covered with stone slabs or tiles. The windows on each floor are small on the outside and large on the inside, with elaborate window frames featuring carving, painting, and coloring techniques, rich in ethnic characteristics. These watchtowers are not only warm in winter and cool in summer but also have unique architectural artistry and high aesthetic value, like precious works of art.

The houses here are built along the river and against the mountain, standing in an orderly manner on the hillside. When you walk on the bluestone path along the clear Suomo River, you will see the very beautiful Xisuo residential buildings next to you. They are all made of stacked stones. There are brightly colored patterns on the buildings. The roofs of the houses are covered with red tiles. The windows cleverly combine carving, painting, and coloring techniques, which are particularly beautiful! The houses here are like precious works of art.