
Located in northern Sichuan Province, Hongyuan Grassland is one of the most beautiful highland grasslands on the eastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau.
The name “Hongyuan” means “Red Plain” and is closely connected with the history of the Red Army’s Long March. During the famous Long March in the 1930s, the Red Army crossed this vast and challenging grassland area. To commemorate this historic journey, Premier Zhou Enlai named the county Hongyuan, meaning “Red Plain.”
Today, this once remote wilderness has become a peaceful grassland destination where visitors can experience magnificent plateau landscapes, Tibetan culture, and traditional nomadic life.
A Historic Grassland of the Long March
In the past, Hongyuan Grassland was a harsh and uninhabited wilderness. During the Long March, the Red Army faced extremely difficult conditions while crossing the vast wetlands and grasslands.
The journey through this region became one of the most challenging chapters of the Long March. The name Hongyuan preserves the memory of this important historical event and gives the area a unique cultural significance.
Stunning Highland Scenery of Hongyuan
Today, Hongyuan Grassland is covered with endless green pastures, where thousands of yaks, cattle, and sheep graze freely across the plateau.
During spring and summer, the grassland becomes especially beautiful. Colorful wildflowers bloom across the plains, creating a spectacular contrast with:
* Endless green meadows
* Clear blue skies
* Snow-covered mountain horizons
* Wild alpine flowers
* Herds of yaks and sheep wandering across the grasslands
The peaceful scenery makes Hongyuan an ideal destination for travelers seeking open landscapes and a closer connection with nature.
Tibetan Culture and Grassland Experiences
The grassland around Hongyuan is also an excellent place to experience Tibetan traditions.
On the plains near Hongyuan, visitors can find rows of white chortens (Buddhist stupas), whose pure white structures stand beautifully against the green grassland and deep blue sky. These sacred monuments reflect the strong Buddhist traditions of Tibetan communities.
Travelers can also rent horses from local Tibetan nomads and ride across the vast grasslands, following traditional routes once used by local herders.
Horse riding through Hongyuan offers a unique way to experience:
* Tibetan nomadic culture
* Highland landscapes
* Traditional pastoral life
* The peaceful atmosphere of the Tibetan Plateau
Why Visit Hongyuan Grassland?
Hongyuan Grassland is a perfect destination for travelers exploring western Sichuan and the Tibetan Plateau.
Highlights include:
* Magnificent highland scenery
* Rich Tibetan cultural traditions
* Historic Long March heritage
* Vast open grasslands
* Authentic nomadic experiences
Together with nearby destinations in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Hongyuan provides an unforgettable journey into the natural and cultural beauty of northern Sichuan.
Travel Tips for Hongyuan Grassland
* Best time to visit: June to September, when the grassland is green and flowers are in bloom.
* Altitude: Around 3,500 meters above sea level; visitors should prepare for high-altitude conditions.
* Recommended stay: 1–2 days to enjoy the scenery and local experiences.
* What to bring: Warm clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes.