Andrew and Grace in Danba

Venturing from Sydney to China, RealTravelers Andrew and Grace spent a day in Danba, taking in the lush green landscape, seeing historic memorials, visiting traditional Tibetan homes, and snapping photos of the 1,200 year-old Shuopo Watchtowers. On the tour of Danba, they also learned about the march of the Red Army, met some friendly Tibetan children, enjoyed delicious noodles in the Xiao Jin Township, and strolled through a quiet village in the rain.

Of their visit to the Shuangqiao Valley, which they note translates to “Two-Bridges Valley,” they write:

“It was drizzling and cool. Mountains towered over us and the Tibetan influence on the landscape was evident - Buddhist stupas, prayer wheels and the architecture of the homes. Following this we returned to the tour bus and journeyed along the Wuzi River, the sides of which comprised high rocky walls studded with Tibetan homes.” (more…)

After enjoying lunch in a charming township and visiting the Red Army Monument, Andrew and Grace headed into a Tibetan village dotted with traditional homes:

“This archetypal Tibetan village is located 7km from Danba by a narrow but sealed mountain road. The name ‘jiaju’ means ‘one hundred families’ in Tibetan. The tiered village extends to the base of the sacred Yaxiao Mountain. An information board at the entrance to the village informed us that the ‘elegant white Tibetan houses embellish in forest on the hill which scattered all over like stars in the sky.’ It continued, ‘the green trees and Tibetan houses and terraced fields form a beautiful picture feeling like heaven on earth’. The houses indeed were dotted on the hillside scattered amongst corn fields. At this altitude and distance from the large cities, we had escaped the pollution to reveal a sky that is as pristine and blue as we’re accustomed to in Australia.” (more…)

Learn more about Andrew and Grace’s experiences in China by visiting their travel blog, Random Tales from the Middle Kingdom. Also, if you’d like to visit the beautiful area of Sichuan, check out blogs from travelers Marcfest 2006, Tole and Jessica, and Kyle & Dan.

More Useful Links:
Sichuan Travel Guide
China Travel Guide
Top Spots in China