Danba Watchtower

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Overview

Danba watchtower is an ancient defense construction, which can mostly be found in villages of Supo, Zhonglu and Jiaju in Danba county.

Brief

Although similar watchtowers can be found almost everywhere in the valleys of Danba county. But the greatest concentrations are in this three villages, with a history of more than 1,000 years.In addition, the ruins of Danba watchtower can also be found in the Western Hills in Beijing. During the reign of Qing Dynasty of Emperor Qian-Long, the Qing troops in Danba were astonished to find watchtowers with incredible defensive properties. When they returned to Beijing, they built replicas.
The watchtowers were built with mud and stone. Most are connected with civilian houses, but some were erected independently. They normally have four to eight sides, but up to 13 sides are possible. Generally, they are higher than 10 meters, with some rising to 30-60 meters. In wartime, they have a defensive nature, and a beacon-fire can be lit atop to call for reinforcements. Some were also built to dispel evil. To build a watchtower, a suitable lucky starting day will be chosen by divination. Of the mountain villages in Danba, Nyigyia, Geshizha and Badi townships are outstanding. Tucked away deep in the mountains, shaded by emerald trees, they are skirted by rippling streams.

How to Get There

To Zhong Lu village
The turning point for this village is about 7 kilometers in the northeast valley from Danba county, which actually connect to Xiaojin county, Mt Siguniang and Chengdu eventually. This village is also the best place for view the Mt Murdo which is the Holy mountain of Bon religion.
There two sites in Danba county that you can take local vehicle to get there one is the Danba Bus Terminal, it usually cost RMB 10-15 per person one way ride; another one is the new Danba bridge, it usually cost RMB 10.00 per person one way ride

To Jia Ju village
It is located some 8 kilometers in the north of Danba County. The whole village covers about 5 square kilometers, and there are 149 Tibetan family live in this village. There is minibus rental at Danba Bus Terminal, it usually cost RMB 15-20 per person one way ride

To Suo Po village
It is located in the valley that heading south via Wa-Si valley to the Luding – kangding Road. It is about 6 kilometers from Danba county. There is minibus rental at Danba Bus Terminal, it usually cost RMB 10.00 per person for one way ride