Garze Prefecture, Sichuan Province · 稻城

Suopo Ancient Watchtowers

梭坡古碉楼Architecture · Photography · Nature

Suopo has 84 ancient watchtowers, the most concentrated cluster of such towers in all of Danba and indeed the world, including the world's only pentagonal watchtower. Built from earth and stone,…

Suopo Ancient Watchtowers, Garze Prefecture

Key facts

Admission
Free, but the owners of the watchtowers charge a fee when you climb up to visit.
Opening hours
Open all day (all year 2026)
Time needed
3-4 hours
Getting there
Take a vehicle from the Danba county seat to Suopo Township (梭坡乡), then walk uphill for about half an hour.
Guidebook rating
4 / 5

From China Self Guided Travel 2025, page 397. Open in Google Maps

About Suopo Ancient Watchtowers

Suopo has 84 ancient watchtowers, the most concentrated cluster of such towers in all of Danba and indeed the world, including the world's only pentagonal watchtower. Built from earth and stone, the towers stand upright and straight, with sharp, knife-edge corners, and their walls of stacked stone are thick and sturdy. Most are attached to residential watchtower-houses, while others stand alone on flat ground or in valleys. Despite centuries of wind and weather, they still rise defiantly, displaying a majestic grandeur.

Tips from the guidebook

  • 1. The best viewpoint is across the Dadu River from the village, where the watchtowers look spectacular from a distance.
  • 2. The best time to photograph them is at dusk, when all the watchtowers are bathed in evening glow and turn golden.
  • 3. Climbing the watchtowers requires a single-pole ladder, which carries some risk. Please take care and stay safe.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Suopo Ancient Watchtowers cost?

Admission to Suopo Ancient Watchtowers is Free, but the owners of the watchtowers charge a fee when you climb up to visit., as listed in the 2025 guidebook. Prices can change; check the official channel before you go.

What are the opening hours of Suopo Ancient Watchtowers?

Suopo Ancient Watchtowers is open Open all day (all year 2026).

How do I get to Suopo Ancient Watchtowers?

Take a vehicle from the Danba county seat to Suopo Township (梭坡乡), then walk uphill for about half an hour.

How long should I spend at Suopo Ancient Watchtowers?

Plan on 3-4 hours for Suopo Ancient Watchtowers.

Where is Suopo Ancient Watchtowers?

Suopo Ancient Watchtowers is in Garze Prefecture, Sichuan Province, in the Southwest of China. Inside the Suopo Ancient Watchtower dwellings, Moluo Village, Suopo Township, Danba County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture

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