Lianghekou Scenic Area

Lianghekou Scenic Area

Lianghekou Scenic Area is located in Lianghe Township, Xiaojin County, Aba, Sichuan, China, at an altitude of 2,750 to 5,200 meters. Highway S210 (Zhuoxiao Road) runs through the scenic area, which is 70 kilometers from Xiaojin County and 70 kilometers from Barkam. The area combines red tourism and eco-tourism, featuring major attractions such as “Three Valleys, One Site, and One Tomb,” namely Majiagou, Hongqiaogou, Bawanggou, the Site of the Lianghekou Meeting, and the Martyrs’ Cemetery of the Long March. Covering a total area of over 480 square kilometers, Majiagou, Hongqiaogou, and Bawanggou have been included in the “Xiaojin County Tourism Development Master Plan.”

The scenic area features deep valleys and serene gorges, with stunning and colorful landscapes. Snow-capped mountains, forests, meadows, lakes (known as haizi), and waterfalls blend harmoniously, creating a breathtaking and spiritually uplifting scene. The area is dotted with flowers, insects, birds, and animals, offering a naturally balanced and delightful environment. Various attractions are interconnected with exquisite layouts, each offering unique charm and high aesthetic value, making it a sacred destination for travelers and a paradise for photographers. In addition, the simple yet distinctive culture of the local Jiarong Tibetan people adds to the visual delight and leaves visitors lingering with fond memories.

Hongqiaogou is located in the central area of Lianghe Township, within the jurisdiction of Hongguang Village and Lianghe Village. It borders Barkam County and Li County to the north, and connects to the end of Youfanggou, with the valley entrance being 3 kilometers from Lianghe Township.

I. Geology, Landforms, and Climate: The mountainous plateau areas of the scenic zone feature a cold alpine and frozen climate, while the valley areas have a subtropical climate, resulting in sharp contrasts. The region enjoys abundant rainfall and snow, high air humidity, and distinct seasons, with the highest temperature reaching 32°C and the lowest dropping to -18°C. The annual average rainfall is 897 mm, and the frost-free period lasts 86 days. Due to the influence of the terrain, the area exhibits complex and diverse climates, soils, and vegetation, along with a typical and complete vertical zonation, leading to a rich variety of landscapes. The scenery encompasses canyons, high mountains, extremely high mountains, plateaus, gullies, towering peaks, waterfalls, lakes, and glaciers, showcasing grand, spectacular, steep, majestic, and serene features. Recommendation: As the weather in the scenic area is highly changeable and often cold, it is advisable to bring warm clothing. Extra care should be taken to stay warm during winter travel.

II. Transportation and Communication: Transportation within the scenic area follows a “one vertical and three horizontal” layout. The vertical route is Highway S210 (Zhuoxiao Road), which serves as the main artery of the area. The three horizontal routes lead to the three major scenic zones (Majiagou, Hongqiaogou, and Bawanggou). Currently, roads to these three valleys, except for Majiagou, are not suitable for car access. Recommendation: As the scenic area is still under development and infrastructure remains limited, it is advised that self-driving tourists contact the township government upon arrival. Contact number: 0837—2799921.

III. Food and Accommodation: Thanks to the moist climate and fertile land, the main crops include lettuce, Chinese cabbage, green peas, highland barley, and rapeseed. Local agricultural and pastoral products mainly consist of yak meat, goat meat, pork, butter, and milk. In addition, the area is rich in precious traditional Chinese medicinal herbs such as cordyceps, as well as dozens of varieties of wild edible fungi like matsutake, morel, boletus, and oak bracket fungus, along with numerous wild vegetables. Common daily foods for local residents include tsampa, butter, butter tea, beef, milk, mutton, pork, curds, highland barley wine, oil wine, peas, broad beans, fiddlehead ferns, and willow mushrooms. Featured dishes in local restaurants include: Cold dishes: yak head, beef jerky, cured meat strips, wild mushrooms, fiddlehead ferns, and walnut blossoms; Stir-fries: wood ear mushroom with sliced meat, hand-grabbed lamb, and wild mushroom stir-fry; Stews: stewed cured pig trotters, stewed shige vegetables, assorted beef offal, and mixed wild mushroom stew.

For accommodation, visitors can choose between local farmsteads and guesthouses. There are currently two guesthouse options: the Township Government Guesthouse and the Majiagou Scenic Area Tourist Reception Station, offering a total of 80 beds and 10 standard double rooms.