In the Sichuan Tibetan highlands, an expansive grassy plain provides a platform for temples and pagodas, as watchful mountains loom behind. The area is an ideal setting for festivities and celebrations; the annual Horse Racing Festival attracts thousands of local Tibetan herdsmen and is a lively event.
The Tagong Monastery, located in the center of the plateau, was built during the Qing Dynasty (1644 to 1911). The impressive structure features four towers, painted green, red, yellow and white, which symbolize Tibetan Buddhism. Miraculously the building escaped damage during the Cultural Revolution, and remains in good condition. Behind the monastery 100 chortens stand, each constructed in memory of a deceased monk.
Past the Tagong Si Monastery, a 20 meter tall, two-tier, golden pagoda screams for attention. Muya Pagoda was built in 1997 using more than 100kg of gold, to commemorate the Living Buddha 10th Panchan.
Yala Mountain soars behind the pagoda, its peaks capped with snow all year round. Tagong Village itself embodies the Sichuan Tibetan culture and has a quirky Wild West atmosphere that is well worth experiencing.
Getting There & Away
Flights from Beijing to Chengdu take 2 hours, 25 minutes and from here there is a bus service to Kangding, taking around 7 hours. Regular buses run between Kangding and Tagong, with a journey time of approximately 3 hours.