Hongyuan Grand Grasslands
Dedicated as a wetland reserve by UNESCO, the Hongyuan (meaning the “red grassland”) Grand Grasslands are situated in Hongyuan county, Aba Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture, Sichuan province. The county was named by the State Council to commemorate the history of the Red Army that passed by there during the Long March (1934-36), and which made great contributions to its development.
Lying at the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Hongyuan Grand Grasslands boast a landscape composed of beautiful, vast, marshy meadows and snowy forests, and neighbor the renowned scenic spots of Jiuzhai Valley, Huanglong, Siguniang Mountain, and Miyaluo. During spring, the grasslands are covered with beautiful galsang flowers and are a paradise for lovely creatures, including deer, sheep, horses, swans, and cranes. Each summer, the Horse Racing Festival and the Buddha Bathing Festival attract people from far and wide to enjoy the local folk customs. Highlighting the area’s distinct ethnic features, the local Maiwa Guozhuang Dance features rhythmical movements, diverse tunes and colorful costumes.
The Maiwa and Dageze lama temples are the two most famous Tibetan Buddhist monasteries on the Hongyuan Grasslands.
Best times to visit: July to September
Major attractions: Moon Valley Grassland Ecotourism Scenic Spot, Maiwa Lama Temple, Xuemagele Glacial Relics Natural Scenic Spot