The Habitat of Immortals: Yangrong Hade Village and the Colorful Forests of Heishui

The "Place Where Immortals Live"

1.Nestled in the heart of the Naizigou: Eighty-Mile Colorful Forest in Heishui County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, lies a village so picturesque it is often called the "Most Beautiful Tibetan Village in China." Yangrong Hade (Yangrong Village) gets its name from the Tibetan language, meaning "a place where immortals live." Locals also affectionately refer to it as "Dongbaga," which translates to "a place to start towards happiness." Situated at an altitude of approximately 2,600 to 2,680 meters, the village enjoys a mild climate that is "warm in winter and cool in summer," making it a perfect ecological resort. Unlike the rugged, high-altitude settlements often found in Western Sichuan, Yangrong Hade is a lush, oxygen-rich haven surrounded on three sides by mountains and facing the water, creating a "Fairyland on Earth" atmosphere that invites visitors to slow down and breathe in the purity of the plateau,.

A Masterpiece of Jiarong Architecture

2.The architecture of Yangrong: Hade is a stunning example of Jiarong Tibetan craftsmanship blended with modern comfort. Following a complete relocation and reconstruction project that began in 2012 to move villagers from hazardous high-mountain areas, the new village was built with a unified vision of "Village in the Forest, Forest in the Village." It features over 40 distinct Tibetan-style villas built from stone and wood. These three-story structures retain the ancient, fortress-like appearance of traditional blockhouses (Diaolou) with their tapered stone walls and wooden windows adorned with colorful curtains, yet they function as high-end homestays equipped with modern amenities. The houses are scattered artistically across the slopes, connected by winding cobblestone paths lined with prayer wheels and flowers. The main entrance features a majestic gate and a prayer wheel corridor, guiding visitors into a world where ancient aesthetics meet contemporary living,.

The Heart of the Colorful Forest

Yangrong Hade is geographically the core hinterland of the famous Naizigou (Naizi Valley) colorful forest region. The village is backed by the largest Japanese Larch forest in Aba Prefecture. Every autumn (September to November), this forest transforms into a breathtaking oil painting of golden yellows and fiery reds, contrasting vividly with the grey stone houses and the deep blue sky. This "Golden Fairy Tale" season attracts photographers from all over the world. Even outside of autumn, the village offers spectacular views: oceans of flowers in spring, lush greenery in summer, and a pristine "Snow Town" experience in winter when the village is blanketed in silver. The crystal-clear Naizigou River flows past the village, and wooden boardwalks lead deep into the primitive forests, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a high-negative-ion "natural oxygen bar",.

A Living Heritage of Culture and History

Culturally, Yangrong Hade is a treasure trove of Jiarong traditions and Red Army history. The village is a guardian of the Kasidawen, a "Armor Dance" that is a recognized national intangible cultural heritage, traditionally performed to pray for safety before expeditions. During festivals like the Tibetan New Year or the Village Opening Festival, the square comes alive with the rhythmic beats of Guozhuang dances, where men and women circle together in song. Visitors can experience authentic local life by visiting households to drink butter tea, taste Zhajiu (fermented barley wine), and eat hand-grabbed yak meat. Furthermore, the village holds deep "Red" memories; during the Long March (1935-1936), the Red Army passed through this area. The local Tibetans provided guides, food, and yaks to the troops, forging a bond of unity that is still celebrated today. This rich history adds a layer of spiritual depth to the village's stunning physical beauty,.