From the county seat in Jianchuan, Xiangtu is only accessible via a high mountain pass, making it a poor and undeveloped area. Nowadays, Xiangtu is actually better accessible from Yunlong county via a concrete road that follows the river.
The seat of government is seemingly just a modern town, set on the northern slope of the mountains high above the narrow valley, but just beyond the modern buildings the old Bai village 核桃村 begins, where an old stage is still being used during the Spring Festival.
The only other significant place in the valley is Gunipen, which has recently developed into a small market center.
Higher up in the mountains are a number of very traditional Bai villages, with a number of wooden block houses remaining.
The area is also known for its beautiful Sea of Clouds, clouds that linger in the valley long after the sun has risen.
Travel Notes
Only one bus or so from Jianchuan, passing through on the way to Yunlong. The supermarket has a place to stay, but it is even difficult to find something to eat here.
Intangible Cultural Heritage
Next Markets
| Gunipen 沽泥盆 | 10 May |
