Barkam (Ma'erkang) Sichuan Guide 2026: Tibetan Watchtower Castles, Danba Valleys & Plateau Life
Explore Barkam (Ma'erkang), the capital of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in western Sichuan, where ancient Tibetan watchtower castles soar above river valleys, traditional stone villages cling to dramatic hillsides, and the plateau culture offers an accessible gateway to Tibetan life. This 2026 guide covers the magnificent Danba watchtowers, Zhuokeji Tibetan chieftain's castle, local monasteries, the stunning Jiaju Tibetan village, plateau trekking, and practical advice for navigating this culturally rich region at the crossroads of Sichuan and Tibet.
