Explore the Qiang Culture and Stay at Minyu Yashe Hotel

I. China Ancient Qiang City Highlights at a Glance 📍Address: China Ancient Qiang City Scenic Area, Fengyi Town, Maoxian County, Aba Prefecture ⏰Opening Hours: 8:30–17:30 (Extended to 18:30 during peak season) 🎫Tickets: CNY 65/person (including sightseeing bus), performances are charged separately (Salang dance approx. CNY 50/person) 🌟Recommended because: The world's largest living Qiang culture museum, completely preserving Qiang architecture, folk customs, and intangible cultural heritage skills, suitable for cultural exploration and photography. ________________________________________ II. Must-Experience Activities 1⃣ Opening Ceremony (Daily 10:30/16:30) •Qiang soldiers in traditional armor welcome tourists with sheepskin drums and Qiang flutes, creating a grand atmosphere. •Tips: Arrive early to secure a spot in Qiangdi Square for the best panoramic view. 2⃣ Salang Dance Performance (Daily 11:00/17:00) •Intangible cultural heritage inheritors lead the Qiang "Salang Dance," where you can participate and experience the "sound of nature." •Hidden perk: Take a photo with the performers after the show and receive a handmade Qiang embroidery gift. 3⃣ Intangible Cultural Heritage Workshop Experience •Qiang Embroidery Class (approx. CNY 98/person): Learn stitching techniques such as the four-corner flower and cloud pattern to make a coaster or sachet. •Pole pushing competition: Experience traditional Qiang sports, a fun combination of strength and skill. 4⃣ Architectural Exploration •Climb the "Qiang King Palace" for a panoramic view, explore the millennium-old blockhouse and underground water system, and experience the wisdom of the ancient Qiang people. ________________________________________ III. Accommodation Recommendation: Minyu Yashe Hotel, Maoxian County 🏨Location advantage: Only a 5-minute drive from China Ancient Qiang City, within walking distance of the Qiang Embroidery Workshop. Geographical location and environmental advantages: The hotel is located on the bank of the Minjiang River, surrounded by parks, snack streets, the Ancient Qiang City and other attractions, all within walking distance, making it ideal for strolling and leisure. Some rooms offer views of the snow-capped mountains and the river, providing a quiet environment suitable for summer retreats and vacations. •Ethnic characteristics: The hotel architecture features a courtyard style, incorporating Qiang cultural elements, with exquisite decorations and a rich atmosphere, which is very popular among guests. •Facilities and hygiene: The rooms are fully equipped, including floor heating, air conditioning, smart toilets, etc. The hygiene is clean and tidy, the bedding is soft and comfortable, and the sound insulation is good. Guests generally rate the sleep quality as high. The terrace on the third floor offers a tea house and card room, perfect for relaxation and leisure. •Service quality: The service is warm and thoughtful, with attention to detail. This includes complimentary snacks, goodnight hot drinks, and complimentary tickets to the Ancient Qiang City. The staff are friendly and proactive in helping to solve problems, and the home-away-from-home service experience has been consistently praised. •Dining: The breakfast is rich and varied, with both Chinese and Western options, as well as Sichuan specialties, which are delicious and reasonably priced. Some guests have particularly mentioned the beef rice noodles and copper hot pot as being impressive. ________________________________________ IV. Itinerary Recommendations 🏞One-Day Classic Route •Morning: Hotel breakfast → China Ancient Qiang City (watch the opening ceremony + 2-hour tour) •Noon: Dine at "Qiang Family Courtyard" in the scenic area (recommended corn paste + sauerkraut potato cake) •Afternoon: Walk to Pingtou Qiang Village (20-minute drive) to experience the original Qiang village life and take photos in Qiang costumes. 🌄Two-Day In-Depth Tour •Day 1: China Ancient Qiang City → Minyu Yashe Hotel → Pingtou Qiang Village night view •Day 2: Hotel → Diexi Lake (1-hour drive, colorful forests in autumn + ice lake in winter) → Return trip ________________________________________ V. Food Map •Must-Eat List: 1. Corn Paste (Pingtou Qiang Village Farmhouse, served with sauerkraut soup to relieve greasiness) 2. Yak Beef Hot Pot (hotel restaurant or Songpan Ancient City, choose tender beef + wild mushroom broth) 3. Sauerkraut Noodles (noodle restaurant near the scenic area, spicy level optional, heartwarming) ________________________________________ VI. Practical Tips 1⃣ Transportation: •Self-driving: About 3 hours from Chengdu, via Chengguan Expressway → Duwen Expressway, stopping along the way at Taoping Qiang Village (millennium-old blockhouse complex). •High-speed train: Chengdu East Railway Station → Maoxian Station (1.5 hours), taxi to the hotel is about 15 minutes. 2⃣ Plateau Tips: •Altitude is about 1,600m. Avoid strenuous exercise on the first day and prepare glucose oral solution to relieve fatigue. •Sun protection essentials: SPF50+ sunscreen + sunglasses (strong UV rays). 3⃣ Cultural Taboos: •Do not step on the threshold when entering a house, and be sure to obtain consent before taking pictures (especially of the elderly and children). ________________________________________ VII. Exclusive for Photography Enthusiasts •Best spots: Qiangdi Square (capture the opening ceremony), Qiang King Palace viewing platform (overlook the entire village). •Best times: Early morning mist (7:00–8:30) or dusk backlight (17:00–18:00). ________________________________________ China Ancient Qiang City is an immersive classroom for Qiang culture. Combined with the local experience of Minyu Yashe Hotel, Maoxian County, you can feel the weight of thousands of years of civilization and enjoy the comfort of modern living. Pear blossoms in spring, colorful forests in autumn, it is worth visiting in all seasons! Minyu Yashe Hotel, Maoxian County