Malu Town

　　Introduction 　　Located in the southwestern part of Zhouqu County, the 82-kilometer-long Cheba River flows from south to north into the Tao River. On the alluvial plain where the Cheba and Tao Rivers meet lies the beautiful Malu Town. “Malu” means “downstream tribe” in Tibetan. The town boasts picturesque scenery and a pleasant climate, making it another major settlement in Zhouqu after the county seat, Liulin Town. It also retains its pristine natural environment more effectively.

　　The flat, fertile farmlands spread along both rivers, and at the confluence of the two lies Baixiang Mountain, covered with ancient cypress trees that are thousands of years old. Below the mountain, the town features Tibetan wooden houses interspersed with red-tiled roofs, while the L-shaped main street bustles with visitors. The town hosts various government and public institutions such as the Zhagulu Township Government, Cheba Forest Farm, Zhouqu County Tibetan Hospital, and Malu Post Office. Among the pedestrians on the street, you’ll see traditional Tibetan attire like chubas and boots alongside fashionable outfits mirroring those in China’s big cities, earning the town the nickname “Little Shanghai.”

　　Traveling upstream along the Cheba River and through the Cheba Valley forest area reveals a pristine and untouched natural landscape. Along the way, the villages feature traditional Tibetan wooden houses exuding the rich aroma of butter tea. Cattle and sheep graze in the valleys, prayer flags flutter atop the treetops, and the air is filled with the scents of cypress branches and roasted barley flour, showcasing the classic charm of Tibetan villages. Nestled within the greenery is the ancient Gongba Monastery, with its gilded halls and chanting bells harmonizing with birdsong from the forest.

　　Continuing southward, you’ll find the Tibetan villages of Niba, Shibah, and Jiangben, with houses built against the mountains, highlighting an even more traditional and rustic appearance. The crystal-clear Cheba River originates from dozens of mineral springs at the northern foot of the Die Mountains. The river water is of high quality and is home to the rare Stoneflower Fish. Due to Tibetan taboos against eating fish, this area serves as a natural reserve for the species. As you go further south, the terrain gets higher and the forests denser. At the northern foot of the Huagergan Mountain, you’ll be greeted by towering, rugged peaks, snow-covered summits, and cliffside icefalls—creating a spectacularly magnificent landscape.

　　 Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu Province