Jiuzhaigou: Tibetan Villages -

One that important to realize about Tibet is the distinction between cultural and political Tibet. Politically, “Tibet” is the Tibetan Autonomous Region including Lhasa, Everest, a bunch of other cities, and China’s border with Nepal. Culturally, however, Tibet is much bigger. Tibet once controlled much of Western China, and still today there are Tibetan people in at least four other provinces in China outside of the Autonomous Region itself.

Northern Sichuan Province, where I’ve been for about two weeks now, is one of those areas. “Jiuzhaigou” actually means “Nine Village Valley,” referring to the nine Tibetan villages located within the valley.

This place was shopping madness. — Nestled into the mountains, several of the Jiuzhaigou villages appear first as fronts to sell trinkets and secondly as places where people actually live.

And flowers... — The do still contain the requisite stupas and prayer flags one thinks of in a Tibetan town, though.

Requisite photo of me. — I especially like the prayer flags.

Yep, couldn't think of a better caption. — All of it surrounded by beautiful scenery.

Woman didn't like me. — But with lots of people in traditional clothing, some inviting travelers to spend the night in the village.

Those same little twisted plastic bracelets kids in the States make. — And some just going about their business.

Weaver was very friendly. Friend less so. — Or going about daily chores.

Too many macro shots lately? — But no matter what the individuals do, life goes on around them.

Of course. — And of course, above it all, the Chinese flag.

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Though no overnight stays are officially allowed in the National Park itself, there is a great Tibetan Homestay not far away. If price is your main concers, though, check out some of the cheap hostel beds in Zhangzia town just outside the park. Also, be sure to check out GetYourGuide to see travel ideas for the rest of China’s Sichuan province.