Small but perfectly formed(2)

2. Danba, Sichuan province

The Tibetan villages in Danba county, Sichuan province, feature ancient watchtowers, ridges and peaks, and unique Tibetan culture.

Located in the east of Garze Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Danba is perched on a 2,500-meter-high mountainside, surrounded by steep green hills and dotted with villages in a valley along the Dadu River.

There are about 200 traditional stone houses nestled on mountains in Jiaju, 7 km northwest of Danba, surrounded by endless forests, fields coated with blooming flowers and winding rivers.

It's just like a fairyland and women here have fair features and pale complexions, which is why Danba is called "Valley of Beauties".

The best season to visit is spring and autumn when the leaves change color.

If you go

Fly to Chengdu first and then take buses from Chengdu West Station to Danba county, about 10 hours' drive away. Renting a car or taxi to nearby villages costs about 200 yuan ($32) per day. Or you can take a minibus to villages 20 km from Danba. Hotels range in price from 150 to 300 yuan. Families in the villages offer home-stays for 60 yuan, which includes dinner and breakfast.