Taoping Qiang Village
桃坪羌寨
The best-preserved thousand-year-old Qiang village in Li County, often called the 'Oriental Castle' for its watchtowers, underground water channels and maze-like alleys.
Taoping Qiang Village sits on the banks of the Zagunao River in Taoping Town, Li County, Aba Prefecture, about 40 km from Mao County. Founded during the Western Han dynasty, it is one of the best-preserved Qiang watchtower settlements still inhabited by Qiang families. It is part of the national key cultural relic protection unit 'Qiang Watchtower Clusters' and is a national 4A-rated scenic area. Stone houses are built in rows, with rooftops connected to one another. Underground water channels supply water and serve as defenses, the alleys form a labyrinth, and nine-story watchtowers rise high above the village. Visitors can climb onto the rooftops for panoramic views and sample Qiang home-cured bacon and chaju, a Qiang fermented drink sipped through bamboo straws. Check the scenic area's posted ticket prices. The Taoping exit on the Wenma Expressway leads straight here, and you can combine a visit with Maoxian Ancient Qiang City for a one-day tour of Qiang culture.
Opening hours
About 08:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- Mutuo Qiang Village
- Mengtun Valley
- Jiuding Mountain & Taiziling
- Heihu Qiang Village
- Ancient Qiang City
- Pingtou Qiang Village
- Yingpanshan Neolithic Site
- Diexi Lake