An ideal destination for backpackers as it has not been listed on the itinerary of any Chinese travel agency: a quiet, picturesque Tibetan village at an elevation of 3300 m, beautiful landscape, well preserved Tibetan cultures, unknown to most tourists. Daily life is regulated by Tibetan religious rituals. Curious travelers are even allowed to witness a sky-burial ceremony.
Langmusi has two monasteries located on the border of western provinces of Gansu and Sichuan. Sezhi Monastery (色止寺) is in Sichuan Province and Geerdeng Monastery (格爾登寺) in Gansu Province. Locals simply call them Sichuan Monastery and Gansu Monastery . Majestic temples with red wall and golden roof built on the slopes overlook hundreds of monks' houses painted in white with plank roof in the lower valley. Tibetan farms are dispersed outside the village. Prayers go around the monastery every day, from prayer wheels to sacred pagodas, kissing significant walls. Life goes on at a slow pace as hundreds of years ago.
Hereunder are some photos taken on August, 2007 by Zhaoyahui, a reporter from People's Daily during his three-month tour in northwest China.
A wonderful trek in Namo Gorge
For backpackers, Langmusi offers great possibilities for hiking. Sauntering up foothills by any of the trails and roads used by prayers and farmers, you can always enjoy a pleasant view over the monasteries, grassland and mountains. The most attractive trek is no doubt in the Namo Gorge lying to the east of the village. (more...)
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Langmusi,where for backpackers (I)
Langmusi,where for backpackers (II)
Langmusi,where for backpackers (III)
Langmusi,where for backpackers (IV)
Langmusi,where for backpackers (V)
Related travelogue: The Pilgrims of Langmusi
(China.org.cn October 12, 2007)
