Bowa Mountain in Daocheng County, Garze
Bowa Mountain (波瓦山), located about 23 kilometers south of Daocheng County (稻城县) in Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (甘孜藏族自治州), Sichuan Province (四川省), is a must-see destination for those traveling to Yading Scenic Area (亚丁景区). The mountain is traversed by the S216 provincial road (S216省道), which travelers must follow to reach Yading. The main peak of Bowa Mountain rises to an elevation of 4,485 meters (14,713 feet), offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, including Sela Grassland (色拉草原) and the Three Sacred Mountains of Yading (亚丁三神山).
The mountain is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, which features changing seasonal landscapes: rhododendrons (杜鹃花) that blanket the northern slopes in spring, and maple leaves (枫叶) that color the mountainside in autumn. The winter season brings a snow-covered landscape, while the road is lined with prayer flags (经幡) symbolizing various natural elements like the sky, clouds, water, land, and fire. A local legend claims that Lover’s Lake (情人湖), a picturesque blue lake nestled at the foot of the mountain, was formed by the tears of a Tibetan woman, Sangji Zhima (桑吉志玛), who longed for her lost lover.
Cultural Significance and Name
The Tibetan name for Bowa Mountain, “Bowa” (波瓦), means “heroic and brave,” a tribute to the local people who, historically, used the mountain as a fortress to defend against external invasions in the 13th century. The Rewu Monastery (热乌古寺), located in the nearby valley, adds to the cultural richness of the area with its unique combination of Tibetan Buddhist practices, prayer chanting, and the fluttering of prayer flags. The area is a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
Geographical Features
Bowa Mountain is situated in the eastern part of the Tibetan Plateau (青藏高原), forming part of the Transverse Range (横断山脉) that stretches across the region. The northwestern foothills are home to the Chitu River (赤土河), which originates here and flows into the Jinsha River (金沙江) system. The area serves as a geographical boundary for Daocheng, linking the north with Haizi Mountain (海子山), an ancient glacier relic, and extending south toward the Yading Three Sacred Mountains (亚丁三神山).
The S216 provincial road (S216省道) winds up the mountain, passing through 23 kilometers of paved road and offering easy access for travelers. The road connects Daocheng (稻城) and Yading (亚丁), providing a direct route for visitors to enjoy the stunning scenery and spiritual atmosphere of Bowa Mountain.
Natural Attractions
Rhododendron Blooms: From March to May, the northern slopes of Bowa Mountain are covered in blooming rhododendrons, creating a vast sea of flowers that stretches for miles.
Autumn Maple Leaves: During October and November, the mountain transforms into a vibrant display of red maple leaves, creating a striking contrast against the blue sky and white clouds.
Winter Snow: After snowfall, Bowa Mountain is covered in a blanket of snow, presenting a holy and serene landscape typical of the high plateau.
Lover’s Lake: Along the road, there is a high-altitude lake known as Lover’s Lake, formed by the tears of Sangji Zhima, a local woman. It is said that she wept for her lost lover, and her tears created the beautiful lake, now regarded as a symbol of love.
Cultural and Religious Aspects
The mountain’s top is adorned with a large collection of colorful prayer flags (五彩经幡), which are placed in accordance with Tibetan Buddhist rituals. These flags represent various natural elements: blue for the sky, white for the clouds, yellow for the earth, green for water, and red for fire. Every year, during Tibetan festivals, the local people gather to replace the flags, continuing the spiritual practices passed down through generations.
In addition to the prayer flags, Rewu Monastery (热乌古寺), located in the nearby valley, is another cultural landmark. The monastery is a focal point for religious gatherings, where chants and the sound of prayer flags in the wind merge to create a unique cultural soundscape.
Tourist Information
Best Time to Visit: The best seasons to visit Bowa Mountain are spring (March to May) and autumn (October to November), when the rhododendrons are in bloom, or the maple trees turn vibrant colors. During the winter, the snow-covered landscape is ideal for photography and enjoying the quiet beauty of the plateau.
Access and Travel: From Daocheng County (稻城县), travel east on S216 provincial road, and in approximately 32 minutes, you will reach the viewpoint at the pass (垭口), which is situated at an altitude of 4,485 meters. This viewpoint offers a magnificent view of the Sela Grassland (色拉草原) and the distant Yading Three Sacred Mountains (亚丁三神山).
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Self-Driving: The road is paved and well-maintained, making it easy to drive to the top. It is advisable to bring a windproof jacket and oxygen canister for the high-altitude climate.
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Warning: During the rainy season (July to August), there is a risk of rockfalls on the mountain roads.
Nearby Attractions:
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Ruchacha Hot Springs (茹布查卡温泉) – 4 kilometers from Daocheng County (Daocheng).
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Haizi Mountain Geological Park (海子山地质公园) – 60 kilometers from Daocheng County (Daocheng).
Visitor Duration:
A visit to the viewpoint and surrounding areas can take 1-2 hours, but exploring the entire mountain and nearby attractions may require a full day.
