Donghekou Earthquake Site Park (Qingchuan Earthquake Museum)

Donghekou Earthquake Site Park (Qingchuan Earthquake Museum)

Donghekou Earthquake Site Park (Qingchuan Earthquake Museum) is a national AAAA-level tourist attraction, a Sichuan Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Unit, a science education base, and a patriotism education base.

Mountains split and earth collapsed, rivaling Jiuzhaigou’s prime.

At 14:28 on May 12, 2008, an 8.0-magnitude earthquake struck Wenchuan, Sichuan. The epicenter originated from Yingxiu in Wenchuan and ended at Donghekou in Qingchuan, with an intensity of 10. The disaster resulted in 4,697 deaths, 124 missing, and 15,489 injuries. Over 1.35 million houses collapsed, leaving 250,000 people homeless, with direct economic losses reaching 50.08 billion yuan.

The Donghekou Earthquake Site is the most geologically diverse, densely concentrated with quake-formed barrier lakes, and deadliest cluster of seismic sites caused by extreme tectonic stress during the disaster. The site zone stretches through Guanzhuang Town along the Qingzhu River to Donghekou and Shiban Gully in Hongguang Township, then to Heijia in Qianjin Township; and via theHongshi River from Donghekou to Dongjia in Shibei Township and Wogou in Magong Township, forming a “Y”-shaped layout covering nearly 50 square kilometers. Four major tectonic collapse areas—Donghekou Village in Hongguang Township, Qinglong Village in Shibei Township, Wogou Village in Magong Township, and Sanfeng Village in Suh River Township—display various geological damages such as landslides, fissures, upheavals, faults, and folds.

Landslides and mudflows triggered by mountain movements, over months, deposited mineral-rich resources into 36 uniquely shaped, stunning barrier lakes in areas like Shiban Gully, Donghekou, and Hongshi River. The waters present vibrant hues of deep green, sky blue, and golden yellow, creating a breathtaking and rare spectacle with high ornamental value. Geological experts have noted that the quake site resembles “nature’s breathtaking post-collapse landscapes, bearing an astonishing similarity to the pre-developed beauty of today’s Jiuzhaigou.”

A tribute to nature and solace for the lost, at Donghekou on the Longmenshan Fault Line, the world's focus lies here. Experience the deepest spiritual impact, explore the planet’s most powerful energy release points, witness how survivors overcame disaster, and discover why this may become your most unforgettable journey of science, discovery, compassion, and prayer.

Protected area: North to the tailwaters of the Shiban Gully barrier lake's northwest side, west to the tailwaters of the Wogou barrier lake, east to 20 meters from the Donghekou Park gate, south to the ruins of Yang Linsheng’s residence, covering approximately 23.1 hectares.

Construction control zone: Extending 200 meters beyond the protected area.

Address: Donghekou Village, Hongguang Township, Guanzhuang Town, Qingchuan County, Guangyuan City

Type: Museum / Memorial Hall

Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours

Phone: 0839-7705009

Opening hours:

9:00-17:30

Ticket information:

Gate price: 50.0 RMB

Public museum exhibition halls are free. Guided tour fees: 50 RMB per group for 10+ people, 30 RMB per group for fewer than 10; entry to three experience halls requires separate tickets—a total of 50 RMB for the pass.

Information source: CPC Qingchuan County Committee and Qingchuan County People’s Government

Further reading:

· Eighth Batch of Sichuan Provincial Cultural Relics Protection Units