Wenchuan Special Tourism Zone
On May 12th in 2008, an 8.0-magnitude earthquake destroyed Wenchuan County of Aba in Sichuan. This is known as the 5.12 Wenchuan Earthquake. Afterwards, a Wenchuan Special Tourism Zone was built to commemorate the victims of the earthquake, thus creating more jobs for the survivors and spreading the culture of the Qiang and Tibetan ethnic minorities. Here, you can not only enjoy the beautiful scenery but also learn about the rich historical culture. Wenchuan Special Tourism Zone consists of three scenic areas: Epicenter Yingxiu, Shuimo Town and Sanjiang Ecological Tourist Area.
Yingxiu Town, situated at the southeast of Wenchuan County, was the area worst hit by the Wenchuan Earthquake. The Niumian Valley, at the epicenter, was covered by landslides caused by the big earthquake. Xuankou Middle School in Yingxiu was turned into ruins as most buildings collapsed. Only three floors of a five-floor building remained. The original first and second floors were totally destroyed. There is an Epicenter Earthquake Relic Museum in Yingxiu for you to visit at no cost. It displays, through numerous pictures and videos, scenes of the earthquake relief work and the reconstruction work after the disaster.
Shuimo Town lies to the south of Wenchuan, 12 miles (19 kilometers) from Yingxiu, 20 miles (32 kilometers) from Dujiangyan City and 47 miles (76 kilometers) from Chengdu. Here, the culture of the Qiang and Tibetan minorities contrast finely with Han, which is China's main nationality. After the earthquake, Shuimo Town was reconstructed with three districts, Chanshou Old Street, Shouxi Lake and Qiang City.
Chanshou Old Street is 0.8 miles (1,300 meters) long. The constructions on both sides blend the architectural styles of Qiang, Tibetan and Han. They have sharp edges and corners and neat layouts. Shouxi Lake is formed by five mountain springs whose water can make you healthier because it has flowed over many beneficial herbs. Barbicans, landmarks of Qiang City, are about 33 feet (10 meters) high. The Qiang nationality used barbicans to defend themselves from enemies in ancient times; nowadays, they are good places for sightseeing.
It is located at Sanjiang Village to the south of Wenchuan. Here, pandas live and Chinese dove trees grow. The Chinese dove tree is called the biggest “living plant fossil” in the world and can only be found in a few parts of China. Waterfalls, valleys, springs, forests, flowers, lanes and bridges form a beautiful landscape painting. The main attraction in Sanjiang Ecological Tourist Area is the Tibetan Water Village which is 6 miles (10 kilometers) from Shuimo Town. There are a Tibetan Garden, Panda Park and waterwheels. There are many farmhouses scattered around where you can stay. It is a good place to go sightseeing and spend your summer.
To Yingxiu Town:
You can take the bus from Chengdu Chadianzi Passenger Station to Yingxiu. The bus departs at 07:00 and 15:00. It will cost about CNY 15 and take you about 70 minutes.
Alternatively, you can take the bus from Dujiangyan Passenger Transport Center to Yingxiu. The bus departs every 20 to 60 minutesbetween06:10 and15:50. The fare is CNY 15 and the trip duration is about 50 minutes.
To Shuimo Town:
You can take the direct bus from Chengdu Chadianzi Passenger Station to Shuimo Town. A single trip costs 30 or so and takes about 1.5 hours.
Alternatively, you can take the direct bus from Dujiangyan Passenger Transport Center to Shuimo Town, which costs CNY 10 and takes you 30 minutes.
To Sanjiang Ecological Tourist Area:
You can take the direct bus from Dujiangyan Passenger Transport Center. The bus departs at 09:50, 10:50, 14:20 and 15:00, and costs CNY 15. The travel time is about 80 minutes.
Note: The above schedule and ticket price are for reference only. Time of the bus departure and ticket price at coach stations shall prevail.
Epicenter Yingxiu
Shuimo Town
Chanshou Old Street is 0.8 miles (1,300 meters) long. The constructions on both sides blend the architectural styles of Qiang, Tibetan and Han. They have sharp edges and corners and neat layouts. Shouxi Lake is formed by five mountain springs whose water can make you healthier because it has flowed over many beneficial herbs. Barbicans, landmarks of Qiang City, are about 33 feet (10 meters) high. The Qiang nationality used barbicans to defend themselves from enemies in ancient times; nowadays, they are good places for sightseeing.
Sanjiang Ecological Tourist Area
How to get to Wenchuan Special Tourism Zone
To Yingxiu Town: You can take the bus from Chengdu Chadianzi Passenger Station to Yingxiu. The bus departs at 07:00 and 15:00. It will cost about CNY 15 and take you about 70 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the bus from Dujiangyan Passenger Transport Center to Yingxiu. The bus departs every 20 to 60 minutesbetween06:10 and15:50. The fare is CNY 15 and the trip duration is about 50 minutes. To Shuimo Town: You can take the direct bus from Chengdu Chadianzi Passenger Station to Shuimo Town. A single trip costs 30 or so and takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can take the direct bus from Dujiangyan Passenger Transport Center to Shuimo Town, which costs CNY 10 and takes you 30 minutes. To Sanjiang Ecological Tourist Area:You can take the direct bus from Dujiangyan Passenger Transport Center. The bus departs at 09:50, 10:50, 14:20 and 15:00, and costs CNY 15. The travel time is about 80 minutes.
Note: The above schedule and ticket price are for reference only. Time of the bus departure and ticket price at coach stations shall prevail.
| Admission Fee | Yingxiu and Shuimo Town: None Sanjiang Ecological Tourist Area: CNY 50 Children less than 3.9 feet (1.2 meters): Free of charge |
| Opening Hours | Sanjiang Ecological Tourist Area: 08:00-17:30 Others: All day |
- Last updated on Apr. 22, 2019 -