The long-awaited Sichuan Eden Jiagenba Homestay Guide
Everyone, I won’t allow anyone to still be unaware of Jiagenba, this hidden gem in Western Sichuan! Here you’ll find snow-capped mountains, meadows, streams, and Tibetan villages all in one place, like a real-life version of the Wizard of Oz🌄
🌟Homestay Recommendations:
【Zai·In the Painting】
📍Location: Duorang Village, Jiagenba Town, Kangding City
💰Price: 500 - 1500 RMB (varies by season)
This homestay is literally a dream come true! Open the window to barley fields, yaks, and lambs, plus picket fences—every shot looks like a masterpiece painting🖼️ There’s also a snow mountain wooden cabin café, camping on the lawn, and bonfires under the starry sky—super romantic~ The homestay even has a private zoo where you can pet animals, and Tibetan costume photoshoots with great atmosphere. From July to September, you can enjoy mushroom picking!
【Senyu·Wooden Cabin Homestay】
📍Location: Jiagenba
💰Price: 400 - 1200 RMB
The standalone wooden cabins look like they came straight out of a fairy tale, with floor-to-ceiling windows and terraces offering panoramic views of forests, meadows, and streams🌳 The rooms have floor heating, electric blankets, and humidifiers for a cozy sleep. The large scenic terrace and panoramic windows let you gaze at the starry sky at night. There’s also a projector in the room for a super comfy movie night~ The hotel has a campsite for overnight camping, and public areas for BBQs and picnics. The owner is very enthusiastic and will help plan routes and guide you to off-the-beaten-path viewpoints.
🚗Transportation:
1. Self-driving: Depart from Chengdu, pass through Kangding and Xinduqiao, then take Provincial Road S215 to Jiagenba. The whole trip takes about 7-8 hours. The scenery along the way is stunning, and you can stop anytime for photos.
2. Public transport: Take a bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station to Kangding, then charter a car or carpool to Jiagenba, about a 3-hour drive.
📸Must-visit Spots:
1. Zesangla Aerial Garden: Offers 360° views of the snow mountain range, with the sunrise over Gongga Mountain being breathtaking. Cars park at the foot of the mountain and switch to sightseeing vehicles (30 RMB/person), or you can self-drive an off-road vehicle (25 RMB/car). For the lazy, horse riding is available (80 RMB/hour).
2. Riche Village: Barley fields, streams, and distant snow mountains complement each other, with fresh green in May and golden hues in October, full of a Studio Ghibli comic vibe. The prayer flag clusters at the village entrance are perfect for photos. The popular homestay "Songdun Niji" is here, where you can have afternoon tea and stay overnight, with swings and tents adding to the atmosphere.
3. Popo Cafe Wooden Cabin: A white wooden cabin by the stream. Order a "Snow Mountain Latte," sit under the umbrella, and enjoy the mountain view—super healing.
🍱Food Recommendations:
1. Tibetan Cuisine: Be sure to try butter tea, tsampa, and yak meat hotpot. Recommended: "Jiagenba Tibetan Family Restaurant."
2. Sichuan Cuisine: If you’re not used to Tibetan food, there are Sichuan restaurants in Xinduqiao Town.
3. Wild Mushrooms: If you come in summer, fresh matsutake mushrooms can be stewed or grilled—so delicious it’ll blow your mind!
❗Notes:
1. Jiagenba is at an altitude of 3200 - 3600 meters. Prepare glucose oral solution in advance to prevent altitude sickness, and avoid washing your hair or bathing on the first day.
2. The village roads are narrow and winding. New drivers should be cautious or consider hiring a car (starting at 600 RMB/day).
3. May to June is the blooming season for Rhododendrons. If you want to see them, pay attention to the timing.
4. Respect local customs. Don’t touch prayer flags randomly, and follow rules when visiting temples.
Everyone, quickly save this guide and go meet the real-life fairy tale in Jiagenba🧚♀️