Yajiang Buzhu Residences: The Fortress Homes of the Muya People on the Tea Horse Road

The "Fortress" of the Muya People

1.Located in Yajiang: County, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, the Buzhu Tibetan Residences represent the rugged and majestic architectural style of the Muya Tibetan people. Situated along the Yalong River valley and the renowned National Highway 318 (G318), these structures are widely celebrated as one of the "Three Great Khampa Folk Houses," alongside the Danba Jiaju Tibetan Zhai and the Daofu Folk Houses. Unlike the delicate beauty of Danba or the luxurious interiors of Daofu, Buzhu residences are known for their primitive, fortress-like grandeur. They stand as silent sentinels on the precipitous slopes of the canyon, embodying the resilience of the Khampa people against the harsh highland environment.

A Masterpiece of Stone and Wood

2.The architectural style of: Buzhu is a testament to the "Muya" aesthetic, combining defensive utility with visual harmony. A typical residence stands three to four stories high, constructed with thick stone walls often reaching half a meter in width. The walls retain the natural iron-blue or charcoal-grey color of the rock, creating a striking contrast with the brown and white wooden structures of the upper floors.

• 3.Functional Layout: The ground floor is traditionally used for livestock and storage; the second floor serves as the main living area with a kitchen and fireplace; the third floor often houses the scripture hall and guest rooms; and the roof provides a platform for drying crops.
• 4.Distinctive Features: The windows are trapezoidal with black borders, often adorned with colorful wool curtains. The eaves feature layers of "Basu" rain sheds, protecting the wood from the elements while adding a rhythmic visual texture to the façade,.

The Legend of the Tea Horse Road

Historically, this region was a vital choke point on the ancient Tea Horse Road. Yajiang, known as the "First Ferry of the Tea Horse Road," saw caravans traversing the dangerous mountains to trade tea for horses. The fortress-like design of the Buzhu residences was born from this era, serving not only as homes but as defensive structures against bandits and the elements. Today, this spirit of the "驿站" (post station) continues. Many local families have converted their historic homes into guesthouses for modern travelers on the Sichuan-Tibet line. The most famous among them is the Buzhu Three Sisters Youth Hostel, where visitors can sit by a warm fireplace, drink butter tea, and listen to stories of the ancient road,.

Living Muya Culture

5.Buzhu is the heartland of the Muya: Tibetans, a subgroup believed by some to be descendants of the ancient Tangut people (Western Xia). The culture here is vibrant and unique. Visitors can witness the "Duotizhuo" (Mandarin Duck Guozhuang), a National Intangible Cultural Heritage dance where couples dance in pairs, displaying a romantic yet vigorous charm distinct from other Tibetan circle dances. The interiors of the homes are often painted with auspicious symbols like the "Eight Treasures" and motifs of blue sky and green earth, reflecting the locals' reverence for nature and harmony.