When you think of “Journey to the West,” you might recall the beautiful, isolated Country of Women.
Ancient Chinese records in the “Old Book of Tang” mention the Eastern Country of Women, a branch of the Western Qiang people. Due to the existence of another women’s country in the western sea, this one was called the Eastern Country of Women.
Today, descendants of this Eastern Country of Women still exist within China’s borders, in the Danba Tibetan Village located in the western region.
Danba Tibetan Village is hailed as “China’s Most Beautiful Village” and is a nationally protected natural area.
From an aerial view, it resembles a flower with five mountain ranges extending outward.
Those who have visited Danba describe the scenery as a real-life paradise. When spring arrives, nature awakens, and under the sunlight, it feels like entering a fairyland.
Springs bubble, flowers bloom in abundance, winters are mild, and summers are cool.
The “natural bonsai” of Haoniugou looks like an oil painting from an artist’s brush.
The rivers flow swiftly, and the water is incredibly clear.
Snow-capped peaks add to Danba’s mystique.
The famous “Moxi Scenic Area” is truly a rare sight in this world.
Mount Moerduo is Danba’s water source, a true gift from nature.
At the foot of Mount Moerduo, the sacred Moerduo Temple shines brightly.
The temple’s structure is exquisite and unique, showcasing Tibetan style and is revered by thousands of Danba residents.
A notable feature of the temple is the vase deity, which reportedly attracts a constant stream of worshippers each year.
Nurtured by such beautiful surroundings, the people of Danba are grateful to nature and devout in their Buddhist faith, with the religion’s heritage seamlessly integrated into their lives.
Danba is famous for three things: watchtowers, Tibetan villages, and the Valley of Beauties.
Watchtowers
Danba is known as the “Country of a Thousand Towers,” with thousands of watchtowers still preserved today.
These towers not only served as defense against invasions but also add a unique charm to the lush green landscape.
Due to limited manpower, the watchtowers never exceed nine stories in height.
Tibetan Villages
The Jiaju Tibetan Village, meaning “a hundred households’ dwelling place,” is situated on a sunny slope. The Danba Tibetan villages are nestled among the mountains, arranged in an aesthetically pleasing multi-level pattern.
The villages are primarily decorated in red and white, with vibrant colors. The highest point often features a watchtower design serving as an observation deck.
The people of Danba have been skilled craftsmen since ancient times, adorning each village with intricately carved archways. Even the window patterns carry special meanings.
Valley of Beauties
Danba’s most famous attribute is undoubtedly its title as the “Valley of Beauties.” The area is renowned for its abundance of beautiful women, each as stunning as a celestial being. It’s said that even the ancient Emperor Qianlong was reluctant to return to Beijing after visiting this place.
Legend has it that a phoenix once flew to Danba, emitting a golden light as it rested in a spring. Women who drank from this spring became astonishingly beautiful without the need for makeup.
The women of Danba are typically over 168 cm tall, with delicate features, bright eyes, and white teeth.
They wear colorful, pleated silk skirts, and their every gesture is captivating. These women embody both the gentleness of southern Chinese women and the lovely, carefree nature of northern women.
Their every movement exudes a unique grace and charm, truly living up to the reputation of the Valley of Beauties.
Even after exposure to wind and sun, their skin remains smooth, fair, and delicate, inspiring envy in many.
Standing beneath pear blossoms, they appear as if they’ve stepped out of a dream – the epitome of grace that any gentleman would admire.
Many tourists travel great distances just to catch a glimpse of these beauties. In return, the women of Danba welcome visitors with warm enthusiasm and smiles, offering them precious hada scarves.
The women of Danba drink mountain spring water and bathe in mountain hot springs, which may explain why even the children are so beautiful.
During the annual harvest season, Danba holds a beauty pageant, attracting many tourists who come to witness the charm of Danba women.
On the morning of the contest, the beauties of Danba rise before dawn, don their finest attire, and help each other apply makeup meticulously.
The villagers build a stage where the women take turns showcasing their beauty and talents.
Skilled in both singing and dancing, these multi-talented beauties are truly a sight to behold.
Interestingly, Danba practices a “walking marriage” system. After successfully expressing his love, a man must climb the tall watchtower – a daunting task.
Moreover, during nightly rendezvous, the man must leave before dawn the next day. This system allows women to have either one husband per night or multiple husbands.
Danba women choose their husbands based purely on appearance. If you look strong and handsome, you’re likely to qualify. Sometimes, even tourists might become their one-night husbands.
After reading this, don’t you find Danba both magical and intriguing?
