Danba is a lofty west Sichuan town about 300kms west of the capital, Chengdu. It is a good base for visiting the surrounding Tibetan villages and watchtowers but is quite tedious to access.
The town of Danba is situated in a valley around 100kms north of Kangding and features low grasslands contrasting with snow-capped mountains. It is often coined the ‘Kingdom of Watchtowers’ and ‘Beauty Valley’ and is mainly made up of an ethnic Tibetan populace.
There are many villages within 10kms of Danba that are accessible by minivan and have basic accommodation options. The main sight to see in and around these villages is the high brick watchtowers scattered throughout the valley. Be sure to see Jiaju and Suopo villages, which have the best preserved watchtowers.
Getting There & Away
The journey is a tough one to Danba. Chengdu is the Sichuan capital and main gateway and buses take 9 or 10 hours from Chadianzi Bus Station along the Northern Route of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Chengdu Suhangliu International Airport is the entry point, 300kms from Danba. Flight time from Shanghai is 3 hours.
Things to Do
Danba Attractions
- Tibetan villages
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There are numerous ancient villages around danba and this is the main reason for a visit, unless you are into cycling and hiking.
- Watchtowers
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These chimneystack-like towers sit atop fortress-like houses and are seen throughout the danba region. some are several hundred years old.
Side trips from Danba
- Dangling
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A land of high mountains, deep lakes, and hot springs 70kms to the northwest of danba.
Events
- Danba Beauty Contest Festival
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An annual may event which shows off danba’s beautiful women.