Not crowded in sacred mountain cities in August? See if there’s a city you like
Aba County (120 words)
Aba County is located at the junction of Sichuan, Gansu, and Qinghai provinces, home to the sacred Lianbaoyeze mountain. In August, the highland flower sea blooms, and the cool temperatures are perfect for escaping the heat. Jagged stone peaks rise sharply, and the sacred lake Zagarcuo is clear and blue, reflecting the solemn snow-capped mountains. Manzetang wetland is lush with water plants, with cattle and sheep roaming freely, and the Tibetan villages are simple and peaceful. With few tourists and no over-commercialization, self-driving here lets you fully enjoy the sacred mountains and lakes and experience the vast, pristine natural scenery of the Ando Tibetan region.
Litang (120 words)
Litang borders the sacred Genie mountain. In August, the grasslands are lush and green, wildflowers cover the hills, and snow-capped mountains complement the meadows like a painting. The Eye of Genie is quiet and clear, and the ancient Laoleng temple is hidden in the valley, full of Tibetan charm. The county town is at a high altitude, with a brilliant starry sky at night. The southern Genie route offers pristine scenery with few tour groups, ideal for in-depth self-driving exploration. The plateau climate is cool, allowing you to admire towering snow peaks and experience the unique vastness and tranquility of the western Sichuan plateau.
Biru County (120 words)
Biru County is home to the sacred Sap mountain. In August, wildflowers bloom on the lakeside meadows, and the pyramid-shaped snow peaks are magnificent. The outer lake’s surface is like a mirror, perfect for capturing snow mountain reflections, while the inner lake has glaciers extending into the water with scattered ice floes. Located in northern Tibet, it sees few visitors and retains its original natural landscape. Nearby Tibetan villages have simple customs, and the Milky Way shines brightly at night. The plateau weather is changeable, and the stunning sunrise on the golden mountain in the early morning is breathtaking. It’s ideal for travelers who love off-the-beaten-path destinations and long for snow mountains and glaciers.
Xinlong (120 words)
Xinlong County is home to the sacred Kawaluori mountain. In August, the Lari Ma grasslands are covered with flowers, and the Yalong River Grand Canyon is majestic. The turquoise Cuoka Lake has prayer flags fluttering on its shores, with Tibetan wooden houses scattered around. The Kawaluori snow peaks are snow-covered year-round, and the viewing platform offers a direct view of the mountain range. This area is lightly commercialized with few tourists, where mountains, grasslands, lakes, and snow peaks converge. The summer climate is comfortable, and self-driving tours let you experience the pure, original wilderness of the Kham and Bawa regions.
Gongshan (120 words)
Gongshan faces the sacred Gaoligong mountain and is located in the Nujiang Grand Canyon. In August, the forests are lush and green, and the canyon is shrouded in mist. The Dulong River winds through with emerald waters, surrounded by dense primeval forests. The Dulong ethnic villages preserve ancient customs. Towering mountains and waterfalls are everywhere. This remote location sees very few tour groups and has a strong border secret realm atmosphere. The mountain climate is cool, perfect for self-driving exploration to experience the grandeur of the Hengduan Mountains and the unique ethnic minority culture.
Maqin (120 words)
Maqin is the county town at the foot of the sacred Animageng mountain and an important area at the source of the Yellow River. In August, wildflowers cover the grasslands, and the climate is cool and pleasant. The Animageng snow peaks stretch continuously with magnificent glaciers. The Dema Expressway viewing platform offers distant views of the complete mountain range. Vast meadows have grazing cattle and sheep, with prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Few tourists visit here, and the local customs are simple and honest. You can closely observe the plateau glaciers, experience Tibetan religious culture, and feel the vast, majestic beauty of snow mountains and grasslands in the wilderness.
Longzi (120 words)
Longzi is located on the southern Tibetan border and is home to the sacred Zari mountain. In August, the mountain forests are lush, and the meadows are full of wildflowers, making it a season for pilgrimage and hiking. The Zari Valley is covered with primeval forest, and the highland sacred lakes are clear. The ancient Jigang temple stands quietly. This border secret realm sees few visitors and retains a strong Tibetan religious atmosphere. Surrounded by mountains with babbling streams, the local customs are simple and honest. A border permit is required. It’s suitable for travelers who enjoy off-the-beaten-path hiking and want to explore sacred mountains and lakes in depth.
Ebao Town (120 words)
Ebao Town lies against the sacred Lenglongling mountain and is situated on the Qilian grasslands. In August, the grasslands are lush and green, covered with wildflowers, with cattle and sheep scattered around. Snow peaks stretch in the distance, and the grasslands extend as far as the eye can see. The national highway viewing platform offers panoramic views of the snow mountains and grasslands. The town is quiet and simple, with no crowds, and the summer climate is cool and comfortable. You can ride horses across the grasslands, wait for the sunset, and gaze at the star-filled sky at night. It offers great value and is ideal for self-driving travelers passing through who want to immerse themselves in the vast scenery of the northwest plateau.