Moxi Ancient Town

Moxi Ancient Town

Moxi Ancient Town

Located in the southern part of Luding County, Ganzi Prefecture, on the eastern slope of the Gongga Mountain Scenic Area and at the entrance to the Hailuogou Glacier Forest Park, it is within the peripheral protection zone of the Hailuogou Scenic Area. It serves as the tourism reception base and entry point to the Hailuogou Scenic Area. Moxi Town is about 304 kilometers from Chengdu, 52 kilometers from Luding, and around 70 kilometers from Kangding. A road has been built between Moxi and Kangding, allowing travelers to visit the plateau city of Kangding directly after exploring Hailuogou.

Historically known as Moxi Mian, the town was originally a settlement of the Mosuo people, descendants of the Di ethnic group. The ancient Moganling Road, dating back to the Han Dynasty, established Moxi as a bustling hub along the Sichuan-Tibet trade route. Today, Moxi Ancient Town retains a well-preserved old town district featuring late Qing and early Republican-era traditional architecture. Walking along the flagstone-paved streets feels like stepping back in time. During the Long March, Mao Zedong also stayed in Moxi. Historical sites such as Mao Zedong’s former residence and a Catholic church remain intact.

Though time has left its mark, visitors can still glimpse the town’s long history through its many Ming and Qing dynasty buildings. Traditional Chinese structures retain their solemn charm, while a Gothic church built by French missionaries has echoed with prayer bells for over a century. The blend of Chinese and Western cultures adds a unique allure to this ancient town.