Danba Watchtower

Danba watching Tower are mostly found in Supo village, Zhonglu village and Jiaju village. Although similar watching Towers can be found almost everywhere in the valleys of Danba county. But the greatest concentration of watching tower is in this three villages, and all of those are with a history of more than 1,000 years.

Brief

Actually, ruins of Danba watchtower can also be found in Western Hills in Beijing. During the reign of Qing Dynasty of Emperor Qian-Long, the Qing troops in Danba were astonished to find watchtowers with incredible defensive properties. When they returned to Beijing, they built replicas.

The watchtowers were built with mud and stone. Most are connected with civilian houses, but some were erected independently. They normally have four to eight sides, and even up to 13 sides.

Watch tower detail

Generally, they are higher than 10 meters, with some rising to 30-60 meters. In wartime, those had a defensive nature, and a beacon-fire can be lit atop to call for reinforcements. Some were also built to dispel evil. To build a watchtower, a suitable lucky starting day would be chosen by divination.

Of the mountain villages in Danba, Nyigyia, Geshizha and Badi townships are outstanding. Tucked away deep in the mountains, shaded by emerald trees, they are skirted by rippling streams. Those are all with stunning scenery, and watching towers can be found in those villages

How to get to there

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To Zhong Lu village 

The turning point for getting to this village is about 7 kilometers in the northeast of Danba county, which actually connect to Xiaojin county, Mt Siguniang and Chengdu. This village is also regarded as the spot for the best view of Mt Murdo which is the Holy mountain of Bon religion.

There two sites in Danba county that you can take local vehicle to get there
–One is the Danba Bus Terminal, it usually cost RMB 10-15 per person one way ride;
–Another one is the new Danba bridge, it usually cost RMB 10.00 per person one way ride

To Jia Ju village 

It is located some 8 kilometers in the north of Danba County. The whole village covers about 5 square kilometers, and there are 149 Tibetan family live in this village. There is minibus rental at Danba Bus Terminal, it usually cost RMB 15-20 per person one way ride

To Suo Po village 

It is located in the valley that heading south via Wa-Si valley to Luding County and Kangding City. It is about 6 kilometers from Danba county. From Danba Bus Terminal, it usually cost RMB 10.00 per person for one way trip