Zhaxiqa Grassland

Zhaxiqa Grassland

Zhaxiqa is the largest grassland in Sichuan. "Zhaxiqa" is the Tibetan alias for Shiqu, meaning "by the Yalong River." In Zhaxiqa Grassland, you will be deeply moved by its majestic and unspoiled natural beauty. Its primitiveness, purity, vastness, and timelessness carry a profound charm that needs no words. In August, the grassland is lush with water and grass, dotted with wildflowers, tents, and herds of cattle and sheep. Even the wind on the grassland carries an intoxicating scent.

Every year from June to September is the most beautiful season on the grassland. Visiting Zhaxiqa during this time means you’ll arrive just in time for the local "Shuaba Zi" (outing on the grassland) festivities. During this period, the meadows are dotted with many white tents shaped like mushrooms. People put on bright ethnic costumes, ride tall horses, and bring yak meat, buttered tsampa, barley wine to the grassland to enjoy the sunshine and life. The people of Zhaxiqa have a heart as broad as the grassland and emotions as warm as the sun. No matter which tent you enter, you will be welcomed with warmth and friendliness. The hospitable hosts, while offering you hada (ceremonial scarves), butter tea, and fine wine, will also bless you with a hearty "Tashi Delek" (meaning "good luck"), sing a heartfelt mountain song, or invite you to join them in dancing the Xianzi or Guozhuang.