Meigu County

Meigu County is located in the northeastern part of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, deep in the Daliang Mountains. It covers an area of approximately 2,573 square kilometers and has a permanent population of about 300,000, of which over 98% are Yi, making it one of the counties with the highest proportion of Yi population in China. Meigu has a long history and is an important birthplace of Yi Bimo culture, known as the "Hometown of Yi Bimo Culture" and "Hometown of Beauties." The county name originates from the Yi word "Mogu," meaning "central place," historically a core area where the two major Yi tribes, Guhou and Qunie, converged and integrated. Meigu preserves a large number of original Yi folk cultures, including ancient Bimo sacrificial rituals, Yi New Year, and Torch Festival. Its intangible cultural heritage, such as costumes, lacquerware, silver ornaments, and folk songs, is renowned both at home and abroad. The county boasts pristine and magnificent natural scenery, including Dafengding National Nature Reserve, Huangmaogang, and Nalong Scenic Area, making it a hidden gem in western Sichuan that remains largely undeveloped.

Meigu County's tourism resources are centered on pristine natural scenery and profound Yi culture, suitable for in-depth cultural experiences and nature exploration.

I. Core Attractions 1. Dafengding National Nature Reserve: Located in the southeast of the county, about 60 km from the county seat, covering an area of approximately 46,000 hectares, with an altitude of 3,070-4,042 meters. The reserve features primitive fir forests, alpine rhododendrons, giant pandas, red pandas, and other rare flora and fauna. Best seasons: May-June (rhododendron bloom) and September-October (autumn colors). Free admission, but prior notification to the reserve management bureau is required. It is recommended to charter a car; the mountain roads are rugged and require a high-clearance vehicle. 2. Huangmaogang: Located in the northern part of the county, about 30 km from the county seat, with an altitude of about 3,500 meters. It is a sacred mountain in Liangshan Yi legend. During the Torch Festival (around the sixth lunar month), local Yi people hold grand sacrificial and horse racing events here. Self-driving or chartering a car is possible; road conditions are average, and an off-road vehicle is recommended. 3. Nalong Scenic Area: Located in the southwest of the county, about 15 km from the county seat, known for alpine lakes, meadows, and primitive forests. The lake is mirror-like, surrounded by rhododendrons, and camping is possible in summer. Free admission; visitors need to bring their own equipment. 4. Bimo Culture Park: Located in the county seat, displaying Yi Bimo (priest) scriptures, ritual implements, and ceremonies, offering a window into the Yi spiritual world. Admission: about 30 yuan; opening hours: 8:00-18:00. 5. Yi Folk Village: For example, the Yi new village in Jingyetexi Township, where visitors can experience traditional Yi architecture, cuisine, and song and dance. It is recommended to participate in local home visit activities, costing about 100 yuan per person (including meals).

II. Food Recommendations Meigu cuisine is dominated by original Yi flavors, with specialties including: - Tuotuo Meat: Made from highland black pigs, boiled in plain water and eaten with chili salt; the meat is tender. The most authentic is at "Ama Yi Home Cooking" restaurant (No. 17 Meizhong Road). - Sour Chicken: Stewed with local pickled vegetables and free-range chicken, sour and appetizing. Recommended at "Yixiangqing Restaurant" (No. 3 Wenhua Road). - Buckwheat Cake: Made from bitter buckwheat, slightly bitter with a sweet aftertaste, a traditional staple. Available at street stalls for 2 yuan each. - Lianzha Vegetable: Soybean milk boiled with vegetables, light and healthy, available at almost every restaurant.

III. Transportation Guide 1. External Transportation: Currently no railway or airport. You can fly to Xichang Qingshan Airport (about 170 km from Meigu) or Leshan Airport (about 200 km) and then transfer by car. There are multiple daily buses from Xichang Bus Terminal to Meigu county seat, taking about 4 hours, with a fare of about 60 yuan. Self-driving via S307 provincial road is all asphalt, but the mountain roads have many curves and require caution. 2. Internal Transportation: Within the county seat, you can walk or take a motorcycle taxi (starting at 5 yuan). Chartering a car is needed for major attractions; chartering from the county seat to Dafengding costs about 300 yuan per day, and to Huangmaogang about 200 yuan per day. It is recommended to contact local drivers in advance, such as Driver Aniu (phone: 138XXXXXX).

IV. Notes - Meigu has high altitude (county seat about 2,000 meters, attractions up to 4,000 meters); be aware of altitude sickness and consider bringing oxygen bottles. - Yi areas have unique customs; respect local habits (e.g., do not step on the fire pit, do not take photos of Bimo ceremonies without permission). - The best travel season is May to October; in winter, heavy snow blocks the mountains, and some attractions are inaccessible.