This is an ancient Chinese architecturs and landscape village. One of the signs refers to it as “Jiarong Chongkang Street Guide of Zhuokeji Tribe Village Cultural Scenic Area.” There are areas designated for selling souvenirs; a recreational/relaxation area where you can drink tea, sit, relax, play chess, shop at the supermarket, and more; a food area for snacks and having Tibetan meals; and ancient buildings throughout the area. It is the home of a former chieftain. The property comprises a very large quadrangle courtyard with four blockhouses, of which three are four-story, and one is six-story. It is a 5,400 square metre, 63-room, stone building, with a Han-style courtyard. In 1984, the then Chief Editor of New York Times referred to the chieftain’s house as a “Pearl in Oriental Architectural History.” We stopped for a tour en route from Chengdu, Sichuan to Lhasa, Tibet. It is located in the Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province.

Located a few kilometres south of Ma'erkang (the chinese name of the city 马尔康 ). Building is now fully restored. All the rooms are open for inspection. Expect to take an hour to see it. Fee is 60RMB. Across the street and stream, is the functioning Tibetan village, with contains a few guesthouses if you want to stay there on the cheap. The local temple was going under restoration at this time. There is a new small commercial complex at the main road entrance to the village, that has a few basic restaurants. City bus #2 goes to the village and is much cheaper (1 or 2RMB) then taking a taxi but it takes more time. (Taxi drivers will gouge you around 20RMB to get you there.)