Hongyuan

Across the vast grasslands, under a sky that seems to stretch forever, lies Hongyuan. Did you know this town, nestled in the heart of the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, holds a name gifted by Premier Zhou Enlai himself? Hongyuan, meaning “the grassland where the Red Army passed through,” echoes with the history of the Long March. Here, in this unique landscape, where yaks graze freely against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, the Red Army carved their path during the tumultuous years of 1934-1935. Hongyuan, established in 1960, stands as a testament to their perseverance. This “Mewa County,” as it’s known in Tibetan, is a land of stark beauty. Imagine a plateau, its altitude a breathtaking 3,507 meters above sea level. The air is thin, carrying the whispers of history and the scent of wildflowers. Hongyuan isn’t just a town; it’s a gateway to natural wonders. Just a short distance away, the serene curve of Moon Bay reflects the sky, earning its name from its crescent shape. The vibrant E-Mu-Tang Flower Sea explodes with color during July and August. The Wa-Qie Pagodas, 108 white structures, stand as a tribute to the 10th Panchen Lama, their surfaces adorned with fluttering prayer flags. Hongyuan sits on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, marking a transition zone between mountains and hilly plateau. A significant landmark, Cha Zhen Liang Zi, rises to 4,345 meters, acting as a natural divider between the Yangtze and Yellow River basins. The climate here is harsh, with long winters and a brief, cool summer. The land, rich in swamps and dotted with the distinctive dark brown, undrinkable water, adds to the unique character of this region. Hongyuan is home to a vibrant mix of people, predominantly Tibetan, with a smaller Han population and a scattering of other ethnic groups. The spirit of Hongyuan is woven from the threads of its geography, history, and the resilient people who call it home.