Dawagengzha
达瓦更扎
A viewpoint at about 3,900 meters above sea level in Baoxing County, popular for sea of clouds, starry skies, and the golden sunrise glow on Gongga and Siguniang mountains.
Dawagengzha is located in Qiaodi Tibetan Ethnic Township, Baoxing County. Its Tibetan name means "the place where the moon rises." Sightseeing shuttles run to the summit viewing platform at about 3,866 meters. On clear days you can see snowy peaks including Gongga Shan, Siguniang Shan and Jiajin Mountain. The site is known for sea of clouds, starry skies, and the golden glow on the snow peaks at sunrise. In recent years it has become a popular weekend road-trip destination for people from Chengdu and Ya'an. A common plan is to stay in Qiaodi or at the foot of the mountain and take the shuttle up before dawn to watch the sunrise. Admission is about CNY 60 (the shuttle costs extra; check the scenic area's current prices). The summit is high, cold, low in oxygen and windy, so bring a thick down jacket and watch for altitude sickness. In winter the roads may ice over and close. It is about 130 km from Ya'an city and can be combined with Qiaodi Tibetan Village, Shenmulei and Jiajin Mountain.
Opening hours
Check scenic area announcements (sunrise sightseeing buses depart before dawn)
Nearby sights
- Shenmulei Scenic Area
- Qiaoqi Tibetan Village and Qiaoqi Lake
- Jiajin Mountain
- Dengchigou (Giant Panda Discovery Site)
- Dongla Mountain Grand Canyon
- Labahe Nature Reserve
- Shangli Ancient Town
- Bifengxia Panda Base & Gorge