Ganzi is a forgettable town in west Sichuan Province. It is the Ganzi county capital and although unremarkable by design and tough to get to, it has stunning surroundings and is gateway to the Gongga Shan Mountains.

There is an older and a newer part of Ganzi, with the rejuvenated part featuring the standard fortress-like buildings the government likes to erect. Chuanzang Road is the main street and is easily seen on foot. The town sits at a heady 3,400m above sea level and acclimatizing is a must before hiking.

Ganzi’s setting near the Gongga Shan (Gongga Mountain) range is its main plus point and is wholly worthy of the 22-hour bus ride here from Chengdu for adventure types. Gongga Mountain has the highest summit in Sichuan Province.

Getting There & Away

Unless you have a car, the only way in is by bus from Kangding, a 12- to 14-hour trip along the Sichuan-Tibet Highway. Buses first come in from Chengdu to Kangding in 8 hours. Both sections’ buses run in the morning. Suhangliu International Airport in Chengdu is the main gateway, about 500kms by road to the east.

Things to Do

Ganzi Attractions

Gongga Shan range

This is the main attraction in this region of sichuan, a huge range of lofty mountains akin to something out of the himalayas and home to exquisite hiking.

Side trips from Ganzi

Moxi Valley

Between kangding and ganzi, this valley is in stark contrast to gongga shan, with tibetan villages, bridges, and streams.

Events

Autumn Festival

This july event welcomes in the early fall with much fanfare and praying for a good harvest.