Nested among the mountains in northwestern Sichuan lies a land kissed by sunlight – Hongyuan Grassland. Free from the hustle and bustle of cities, it boasts an endless green carpet stretching to the horizon, with cattle and sheep scattered like pearls. The wind, carrying the fragrance of grass blades and the blessings of prayer flags, gently caresses every visitor’s cheek. As an important ecological barrier in the upper reaches of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, Hongyuan Grassland is not only a must-pass on the Sichuan-Tibet Line but also a pure land where the soul can fully relax. Whether you are a photographer pursuing extreme scenery or a traveler eager to escape the chaos, this plateau meadow will leave you with the deepest memories with its most simple appearance.
First Encounter with Hongyuan Grassland: Stories from Morning Light to Its Name
Plateau Sunrise: The First Surprise of Hongyuan
On your first morning in Hongyuan Grassland, you must witness a plateau sunrise. When the eastern skyline is dyed warm orange-red, the sun slowly rises from the distant mountain peaks, and golden rays instantly spread across the grassland. The dewdrops on the emerald green grass blades suddenly sparkle like diamonds. At this moment, Hongyuan Grassland is like a spilled oil painting, with interwoven colors of dark green, light green, golden yellow and orange-red, making it hard to tell whether the sky tints the grass green or the grass reflects the sky blue.
Best Sunrise Viewing Spot: The high platform of Moon Bay Scenic Area, where you can capture the triple scenery of sunlight, winding river and grassland simultaneously.
“Hongyuan” Name: Red Memories and Natural Gifts
Hongyuan Grassland is located in Hongyuan County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, with an average altitude of over 3,500 meters, belonging to plateau wetland meadow. The name “Hongyuan” carries dual meanings:
- Red Imprint: Derived from the heroic epic of the Red Army’s Long March crossing the grasslands in 1935, the grassland witnessed the hardships of revolutionary predecessors.
- Natural Beauty: Every summer, red wildflowers bloom on the grassland, dotting the green carpet like flames and becoming a unique symbol.
Standing on the high ground of the grassland and looking far away, among the rolling grass slopes, white yurts stand quietly, herdsmen gallop on horseback with whips, and the crisp sound of horse bells drifts far with the wind, full of the vastness and vitality of the plateau.
First Arrival on the Plateau: Tips for Quick Adaptation
Mild dizziness and shortness of breath are normal reactions when first arriving at an altitude above 3,500 meters. Master these tips for quick adaptation:
| Relieve Discomfort
Rest in the county town for half a day first, avoid strenuous activities; drink local butter tea to dispel cold and replenish energy, relieving altitude sickness. |
Butter Tea Basics
A daily necessity for Tibetans, it combines the fragrance of tea with the richness of butter. It tastes slightly salty and greasy at first, but it is the “energy drink” of the plateau. |
Hongyuan Grassland Through Four Seasons: A Flowing Picture of Colors
The charm of Hongyuan Grassland lies in its ever-changing scenery with the seasons. Whether it’s the tenderness of spring, the splendor of summer, the steadiness of autumn or the purity of winter, it’s worth a special visit. The following breaks down the highlights and travel suggestions for each season:
Awakening of Spring (March-April): Dialogue Between Tender Green and Remaining Snow
Core Scenery: Budding grass, primrose seas, remaining snow reflecting green.
In late March, the severe cold gradually fades away, and grass shoots break through the frozen soil to reveal tender leaves, looking like green velvet spread on the ground from a distance. The remaining snow and tender grass form a striking contrast. In mid-April, pink and lavender primroses spread out, and swarms of butterflies dance, making it the best time to capture the vitality of early spring.
Spring Photography Focus: Shoot the layers of grass shoots and remaining snow from a low angle, with distant yurts as the foreground.
Glorious Summer (June-August): Coolness in the Depths of Flower Seas
Core Scenery: Waist-high green grass, colorful flower seas, grassland starry sky.
From June to August, the grassland reaches its prime. Endless green grass undulates like waves in the wind, and golden lotus flowers, irises, and gesang flowers converge into a colorful brocade. Although the midday sun is intense, the grassland breeze is cool. Lying on the grass, you can look up at the blue sky and white clouds, and listen to the bleating of cattle and sheep, as if time has stood still.
Summer Exclusive Experiences: In July, the Yake Music Festival brings collisions between grassland rock and Tibetan folk music; camp in designated areas at night, and look up to see the Milky Way spanning the night sky.
Frugal Autumn (September-October): The Steadiness of Golden Grassland
Core Scenery: Golden meadows, azure sky, herdsmen harvesting grass.
In late September, the grass blades fade from emerald green to warm golden yellow, the distant mountains turn dark brown, and the sky becomes even clearer and bluer. Herdsmen busily harvest and dry grass, and piles of golden haystacks form small hills, creating a unique rural scenery. The climate is cool with little rain at this time, and the light is soft, making it the golden season for shooting the vastness of the grassland and humanistic customs.
Pure Winter (December-February): The Tranquility of Snow-Covered Grassland
Core Scenery: Snow-covered landscape, yaks in the snow, herdsmen galloping on horseback.
Snowfall begins in late November, covering the grassland with a thick layer of snow. Together with the distant mountains and yurts, it becomes a white world. The minimum temperature can drop to minus 20°C, but it possesses a unique tranquil beauty. There are few tourists at this time, only yaks foraging in the snow, and herdsmen galloping on horseback leaving deep hoof prints, making it an ultimate choice to experience the scenery of the snow-covered plateau.
Winter Travel Tips: Bring frost-proof down jackets and snow boots; vehicles must be equipped with snow chains.
Hongyuan Grassland
Exploring Hongyuan Grassland in Depth: Experiencing Tibetan Customs and Human Warmth
Hongyuan Grassland not only boasts magnificent natural scenery but also rich Tibetan customs and profound cultural heritage. Here, you can step into the yurts of Tibetan compatriots, experience authentic Tibetan life, and feel their enthusiasm and boldness.
Entering a yurt, the host will warmly offer you butter tea and tsampa. Tsampa is the staple food of Tibetans, made from roasted and ground highland barley. When eating, mix it with butter and tea, and knead it into balls with your hands. You may not get used to tsampa at first, but when you chew it slowly, you can taste the unique aroma of highland barley. If you happen to encounter a herdsman’s festival, you can also taste special foods such as hand-grasped meat and yogurt. Hand-grasped meat is made from local yak meat, boiled until tender, and eaten with salt. It has fresh and tender meat and a rich flavor, being the most representative delicacy on the grassland.
The most grand festivals on Hongyuan Grassland are the “Yake Music Festival” and the “Hongyuan Grassland International Marathon”. Every summer, the Yake Music Festival attracts music lovers from all over the country. A huge stage is set up on the grassland, where Tibetan folk music, pop music, rock music and other styles collide and blend. People dance and sing around the campfire, releasing their enthusiasm to the fullest. The Hongyuan Grassland International Marathon is a sports event on the plateau. Runners race on the beautiful grassland, experiencing the plateau scenery while challenging themselves. The unique track scenery makes this marathon full of charm.
In addition to experiencing Tibetan customs, Hongyuan Grassland also has a profound red cultural heritage. In 1935, the Red Army passed through here during the Long March, leaving many heroic stories on the grassland. Today, the Red Army Long March Monument Park is built on Hongyuan Grassland. The monument is 41.3 meters high, shaped like a burning torch, symbolizing the eternal revolutionary spirit of the Red Army. Stepping into the monument park, through precious photos and cultural relics, you can seem to see the figures of the Red Army soldiers trekking hard on the grassland and feel their firm ideals and beliefs. Here, you can not only enjoy the beauty of the grassland but also receive a profound red education.
Herders
Traveling Freely in Hongyuan Grassland: Practical Guides and Featured Experiences
To make your trip to Hongyuan Grassland fulfilling and smooth, in addition to planning the route, you must also grasp the local featured experiences. The following combines practical information with unmissable activities to help you create a perfect itinerary.
| Guide Category | Core Information | Tips |
| Transportation | Plane + Bus: Transfer to a coach from Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station after arriving at Chengdu Airport (6-7 hours, 180 yuan); Self-driving: Chengdu → Rongchang Expressway → Chengming Expressway (400 km, 6 hours) | Plateau roads have many bends and steep slopes, and are prone to slipping after rain. It is recommended to equip with snow chains |
| Accommodation | County Hotels (200-500 yuan/night, well-equipped); Grassland Yurts (experience Tibetan style, 150-300 yuan/night) | The temperature difference at night in yurts is large; you can borrow thick Tibetan robes from the host to keep warm |
| Best Time | June-August (blooming flower seas); September-October (golden grasslands); December-February (snow scenery) | It is necessary to book accommodation half a month in advance during the Yake Music Festival in July |
Three Featured Experiences in Hongyuan Grassland
| 1. Horseback Riding in the Deep Grassland
Different from the short experience at the scenic spot entrance, ask local herdsmen to lead you into the deep grassland. Ride a horse through the flower seas, pass by winding streams, and finally overlook the whole grassland at sunset from the high ground. The cost is about 200 yuan for 2 hours, with professional horse gear and guides provided. |
2. Participate in Herdsmen’s Life
July-August is the grass harvesting season on the grassland. You can experience the fun of cutting grass with traditional sickles and bundling haystacks; in the evening, milk cows and make butter with herdsmen, personally experiencing the creation process of Tibetan food and capturing unique parent-child or commemorative photos. |
3. Starry Sky Camping Experience
Set up a tent at designated camping spots (available for rent in scenic areas, 100 yuan/set). At night, sit around the campfire and listen to herdsmen sing Tibetan ballads. Looking up, you will see a sky full of stars with the Milky Way clearly visible. Remember to bring a camera to shoot the beautiful scene of the grassland starry sky and yurts together. |
In addition to the above experiences, altitude sickness and custom taboos are important concerns during the trip, which require careful planning in advance.
Altitude Sickness Response Guide
- Advance Preparation: Take Hongjingtian (a traditional Chinese medicine for altitude sickness prevention) 3 days before departure, and bring glucose oral liquid and oxygen cans (available in county pharmacies, 20 yuan/can)
- Notes After Arrival: Avoid bathing and strenuous exercise in the first 2 days; drink plenty of warm water and have a light diet, avoiding greasiness
- Emergency Treatment: If you experience persistent headache and vomiting, go to Hongyuan County People’s Hospital in time (Address: Xiaqiongzhong Street, Hongyuan County, 24-hour emergency service)
Respecting local customs is not only a matter of courtesy but also the key to in-depth experience of Tibetan culture. Don’t overlook these details:
When entering a Tibetan home, men enter from the left and women from the right; when accepting butter tea, take it with both hands, and do not drink it all at once – leaving a little indicates “I want more”; when encountering prayer flags and mani piles, walk around them clockwise and do not touch or step on them casually.
In addition, the ecology of Hongyuan Grassland is extremely fragile, and every plant and grass on the grassland is protected by the local people. When traveling, please bring your own garbage bags to take waste out of the grassland, and do not pick wild flowers casually, jointly protecting this “green gem of northern Sichuan”.
If you are a photography enthusiast, these shooting skills will help you freeze the beauty of Hongyuan Grassland:
- Sunrise Shooting: Recommended at Moon Bay Scenic Area. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the reflection of light on the winding river, with distant herdsmen as the foreground
- Flower Sea Shooting: Choose light-colored clothes to contrast with the colorful flower seas. Shoot from a low angle, with the sky and flower seas each accounting for half of the frame
- Starry Sky Shooting: Light pollution is minimal after 10 pm. Fix the camera on a tripod with a 30-second shutter speed and ISO 3200 to capture the dreamy scene of the Milky Way and yurts
Before the end of your trip, you might as well bring some local specialties as souvenirs. Hongyuan’s yak meat jerky is made from fresh yak meat, with firm and chewy texture, being an excellent gift for relatives and friends; Tibetan incense is made from grinding various natural spices, with a mellow fragrance. You can buy it in local handmade Tibetan shops at affordable prices and authentic quality.
Farewell to Hongyuan Grassland: Moving Forward with Memories and Blessings
On the day I left Hongyuan Grassland, the car drove along the winding mountain road. I kept looking back, watching the endless grassland gradually shrink until it became a touch of green between the distant mountains. During my stay in Hongyuan Grassland, I not only enjoyed the magnificent natural scenery but also felt the enthusiasm and boldness of the Tibetan compatriots and experienced a different lifestyle. Every flower, every grass and every gust of wind here is full of vitality, making it unforgettable.
Hongyuan Grassland is like a silent wise man, comforting every restless soul with its vastness and depth; it is also like a warm host, entertaining every visitor with its delicious food and beautiful scenery. No matter where you come from or where you are going, as long as you step into this grassland, you can feel its charm. Perhaps on a leisurely afternoon, when you think of the sunlight, grassland and horse bells of Hongyuan Grassland, your heart will still be full of warmth and longing.
If you are planning a spiritual journey, if you are eager to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, then you might as well come to Hongyuan Grassland. Here, there is the poetry and distance you desire, the scenery and warmth you expect. I believe this plateau meadow will leave you with the most precious memories, allowing you to move forward with full energy and blessings.
