Zhonglu Tibetan Villages in Danba County, Garze

Zhonglu is one of the most beautiful Gyalrong Tibetan villages in Danba. It is an underrated place, home to the authentic local Gyarong Tibetan people and their traditional lifestyle. The village features amazing watchtowers and colorful houses scattered on the mountainside, making it a wonderful place to visit.

Basic Information of Zhonglu

  • History: Since 500 BC
  • Location: 320 km west of Chengdu and 15 km east of Danba
  • Administration Unit: Zhonglu Xiang, Danba County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province
  • Population: Total 2,900 (the villages of Salako/Han’e’i/Kege’i have about 600)
  • People: Jiarong Tibetan (a sub-group of Tibetan people)
  • Architecture: A cross style of both highland Tibetan and farming Qiangic (88 watchtowers, over 600 houses)

The people of Zhonglu are often categorized as Jiarong Tibetans, though their language connects them to ancient Tibetan tribes near Lhasa and Ngari. Excavations reveal human activity dating back to 500 BC, with a history of mixing with various tribes, including Tibetan, Qiangic, and Chinese. The Khampa Tibetan people to the west often view the Jiarong as “outsiders.”

Lifestyle and Culture

Zhonglu’s historical isolation has preserved its traditional way of life. The villagers primarily rely on farming, producing fruits, corn, potatoes, Tibetan barley, wheat, and peppercorns. They also raise animals for food and self-sufficiency. The recent tourism boom has created new job opportunities, and many young villagers pursue education and careers in larger cities.

Family Structure

Family is the smallest unit of the village, often with multiple generations living together. Building a new house for newlyweds is common if resources allow. Villagers help each other in times of need, fostering a strong community bond. Traditions include the Guozhuang Dance, performed during New Year celebrations, and matriarchal marriages, where the man moves in with the woman’s family.

Watchtowers

Zhonglu is dotted with watchtowers, with about eight located in Salako, though they are now abandoned. These towers were historically used for defense and vary in style, including watch towers, beacon towers, and family towers. Most are over 10 meters tall, with the highest exceeding 20 meters and having 6 to 10 levels.

Villages within Zhonglu

Zhonglu is not just one village but a cluster of several villages, each with its own identity. Some notable ones include:

  • Kege’i: “Village of Happiness”
  • Gika’i: “Village of Stone Watchtowers”
  • Gari’i: “Village of Joy”
  • Posilong: “Valley of Golden Grass”
  • Zelong: “Valley of Monkeys”
  • Biangu: “Beautiful Holy Mountain”
  • Erdo: “Green Mountain Top”
  • Han’e’i: “Village by the Cave Shrine”

“Zhonglu” translates to “The Promised Land.”

Religion and Belief: Holy Mountain Mordo

“Mordo” refers to the holy mountain north of Zhonglu. Known as “Mythical Meteor,” it is considered one of Tibet’s four great holy mountains, standing at 5,105 meters. Local legends describe Mordo as a Buddha riding a lion and a sacred blue vase generating rain and nurturing the people.

According to legend, Mordo won a divine competition to lead a meeting of gods aimed at restoring order to the world. His golden, shining head marked him as the chosen protector of the local people.

Visiting Zhonglu Tibetan Village

  • Ticket Info: Free of charge
  • Recommended Length of Visit: 3-4 hours
  • Opening Hours: All day
  • Best Time to Visit: March to November