Waze Township: The Purest Khampa Pastoral Poem and Light-Shadow Paradise in Xinduqiao

1.The Hidden: Garden of the "Photographer's Paradise"

Located to the south of Xinduqiao Town in Kangding City, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Waze Township (Waze Xiang) is often described as the "hidden back garden" of the famous Xinduqiao Photography Paradise. Stretching along the S215 provincial highway and the Yala River valley, this area sits at an altitude of approximately 3,500 to 3,800 meters. Unlike the bustling main town of Xinduqiao along the G318, Waze retains a primitive, quiet, and purely pastoral atmosphere. When the autumn breeze brushes over the plateau, the winding country roads are flanked by rows of golden poplar trees that burn like flames against the blue sky, while traditional Tibetan blockhouses scatter across the river valley. It is widely regarded by deep travelers and photographers as the most original and photogenic ecological Tibetan settlement in the region, scoring exceptionally high for its authentic "Highland Aesthetics",.

2.Architectural Marvels: The Muya Tibetan Blockhouses

3.Waze Township is the heart of the Muya: Tibetan culture, and its most striking feature is the clusters of traditional stone Diaofang (Blockhouses). These grand structures, typically three to four stories high, are built from natural stone sheets, retaining a rugged iron-grey or black hue. They resemble fortresses standing guard over the valley. The architecture features distinctive brown and white wooden window lattices, colorful wool curtains fluttering in the wind, and broad eaves designed to protect against rain and snow. Inside, the beams and pillars are intricately painted with auspicious patterns. These houses are not merely museum exhibits; they are living homes where you can see smoke rising from chimneys, yaks wandering in the courtyards, and prayer flags dancing in the wind, offering a genuine glimpse into the "Muya" lifestyle that combines defense with aesthetic beauty,.

A Symphony of Light and Shadow

For photographers, Waze Township offers a dynamic visual feast that changes with the light. The valley is renowned for its "Ten-Mile Poplar Corridor" along the river. In autumn (September to October), the leaves turn a brilliant golden yellow, creating a stunning contrast with the clear meandering streams and the distant snow-capped peaks. The interplay of light and shadow here is mesmerizing; morning mists often shroud the village in a dreamlike veil, while the slant of the evening sun elongates shadows, adding depth and texture to the landscape. From various vantage points in the township, one can look eastward to see the majestic Yala Snow Mountain (Zhara Lhatse). On clear days, the phenomenon of "Golden Sunshine on the Mountain" (Rizhao Jinshan) bathes the snowy peaks in a divine glow, providing a perfect backdrop for the rustic stone houses below,.

Echoes of the Tea Horse Road

Historically, Waze Township was a vital stop on the ancient Tea Horse Road. Caravans traveling from Kangding to Litang would rest in this fertile river valley after crossing the formidable Zheduo Mountain. The bells of the horse caravans once echoed through these fields, leaving behind legends of trade and romance. Today, the township preserves the legacy of the Muya people, who are said to be descendants of the ancient Western Xia kingdom or the "Yak People." The local culture is vibrant, featuring the Guozhuang dance (specifically the "Duotizhuo," a national intangible cultural heritage), where men and women dance in circles to the sound of string instruments, celebrating their heritage with passion and romance,.