The Golden Gateway to the Plateau: Chuanzhusi Town and the Red Army's Spiritual Landmark

The "Cultural Living Room" of Northwest Sichuan

1.Located in the northern part of Songpan: County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Chuanzhusi Town (Chuanzhu Temple) serves as the vital "Golden Gateway" to the world-famous destinations of Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong. Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,980 meters, this town is not merely a transit hub but a destination rich in history and culture, often hailed as the "Cultural Living Room of Northwest Sichuan" and the "Purest Tibetan Town in the East." Unlike the bustling tourist crowds found at the main scenic gates, Chuanzhusi offers a quieter, more authentic glimpse into the Amdo Tibetan lifestyle. The town's architecture features distinct Tibetan characteristics with orderly streets lined with buildings boasting golden roofs and red walls. It sits on a prime location that connects multiple routes, making it an ideal acclimatization stop for travelers heading deeper into the plateau. With a mild climate and relatively moderate altitude compared to the surrounding peaks, it provides a comfortable base to explore the "Great Nine-Yellow" tourism loop,.

2.A Hub of History: From Princess Wencheng to the Red Army

Chuanzhusi is steeped in a legacy that spans over a millennium. Historically, it was known as "Zhanglaying" and served as a crucial station on the ancient Tea Horse Road and the Tang-Tubo route. Legends say that Princess Wencheng passed through here during her journey to Tibet in the Tang Dynasty. The town's name is derived from the "Chuanzhu Temple" built during the Qing Dynasty (Qianlong era) to worship Erlang Shen (the son of Li Bing), symbolizing the cultural fusion of the Han and Tibetan people,. More significantly, Chuanzhusi holds a sacred place in modern Chinese history. From 1935 to 1936, the Red Army passed through this area during the Long March. The Red First Front Army established a command center here, holding critical meetings and fostering deep bonds with the local Tibetan and Qiang people. To commemorate this arduous journey across the snowy mountains and grasslands, the Red Army Long March Monument Park was built in the town. The park features imposing sculptures and monuments that tell the stories of resilience and unity, making it a key site for "Red Tourism" and historical reflection,.

Spiritual Sanctuaries and Natural Beauty

Beyond its historical monuments, Chuanzhusi is a center of religious devotion. The Langyi Monastery (Langyi Si), a Gelug (Yellow Hat) sect temple, stands as a spiritual beacon in the town. With its magnificent golden roof and intricate murals, the monastery offers a serene atmosphere where the morning chanting of monks blends with the sound of spinning prayer wheels. Visitors can walk the prayer corridors and experience the profound sanctity of Tibetan Buddhism. Nature also graces the town's surroundings. Just 10 kilometers away lies Xiannü Lake (Nen'en Sangcuo), a pristine highland lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains and lush meadows. Legend has it that a fairy descended here to bathe, enchanted by the beauty, turning into the lake to guard the land forever. The lake remains emerald green year-round, offering a tranquil escape for hiking or horseback riding.

A Vibrant Tapestry of Folk Customs

Chuanzhusi is alive with the vibrant traditions of the Amdo Tibetans. The streets are lined with shops selling Thangkas, silver jewelry, Tibetan incense, and yak jerky. Visitors can easily step into a local "Zangjiale" (Tibetan family guesthouse) to drink butter tea, eat hand-grabbed meat, and experience the warmth of local hospitality. During festivals, such as the Lunar June Horse Racing Festival or the Mountain Circumambulation Festival, the town erupts in celebration. Locals dress in exquisite traditional attire to perform the Guozhuang dance, race horses, and burn juniper branches (Wei Sang) to pray for favorable weather and prosperity. This blend of solemn faith and joyous celebration makes Chuanzhusi a captivating destination in its own right,.