Moxi Town, Sichuan: Maps, Best Things to Do and Travel Tips

We set out from Ya’an early, aiming to reach Moxi Old Town (磨西古镇) by noon—about a 210 km drive. Nestled in Luding County, this charming little town is more than just a stopover. Moxi Town serves as the main base for travelers heading into Hailuogou Glacier Park, famous for its hot springs, alpine forests, and stunning glacial landscapes.

Map of the Driving Route Between Ya'an and Moxi Town — **Map of the Driving Route Between Ya’an and Moxi Town**

Located in the Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan, Moxi lies 64 km south of Luding and 133 km southeast of Kangding, making it the perfect launch point for adventures in western Sichuan.

Scenic Drive from Ya’an to Moxi Old Town: Beauty and Grit on the Road

We left Ya’an early in the morning, heading toward Moxi Town under a heavy sky. There were no bright clouds, no blue above us—just shades of gray. However, that moody weather painted the mountains like an old Chinese ink scroll. In a way, it felt like driving through art.

The Dadu River ran beside us along Yaxi Expressway — The **Dadu River** ran beside us along Yaxi Expressway

The first stretch of road was smooth. We cruised along the Yaxi Expressway for over 140 km, often called China’s most beautiful “Sky Road.”

Passing through the bridge and the tunnel on Yaxi Expressway

Elevated highways soared over deep valleys, and tunnels sliced through rugged peaks. It was thrilling and peaceful all at once. The Dadu River ran beside us, curving through the mountains like a silver ribbon.

**The Provincial Highway S211 twisted along cliffs**

Next, we exited at Shimian and turned north onto Provincial Highway S211—that’s when things got real. The remaining 70 km to Moxi Old Town felt like an adventure in itself. The road twisted along cliffs, hugged steep hillsides, and occasionally reminded us of nature’s unpredictability with signs warning of falling rocks.

the drive was never boring on Provincial Highway S211 to Moxi Old Town — The drive was never boring

Despite the challenge, the drive was never boring. Towering peaks, roaring rivers, and the hum of our engine kept us alert.

By the time we arrived, we were both exhausted and exhilarated. This drive was easily one of the toughest on our West Sichuan road trip—but also one of the most unforgettable.

First Impressions of Moxi Town

After hours on the road, we finally rolled into Moxi Town—a small yet lively settlement nestled at the foot of the mountains. Though often called Moxi Old Town, it’s actually a mix of old charm and new development.

Located just 64 km south of Luding County, and about 133 km from Kangding, Moxi serves as the main base for travelers heading into Hailuogou Glacier Park. That explains the growing number of hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants popping up along the main road.

Simple layout in Moxi Town: One clean, wide street—around 400 meters long

The layout is simple. One clean, wide street—around 400 meters long—runs from the higher northern end down to the southern gate. On both sides, we saw rows of 2–3 storey buildings. Some had that classic Tibetan architectural style, with bold colors and heavy wood frames.

Meanwhile, the town felt calm. But every now and then, we spotted a local or fellow traveler walking past.

Built on a slope and surrounded by peaks on three sides, Moxi Old Town still holds that “frontier village” feel. Fittingly, in the old Qiang language, “Moxi” means a promising land—and it truly felt that way.

Moxi Old Town: History, Legends, and Hidden Stories

Today, most people know Moxi Old Town because of Hailuogou Glacier Park, which opened in 1987. However, the town’s roots run much deeper—into the heart of trade, travel, and legend.

Long before modern roads, Moxi Town was a vital stop on the ancient Sichuan-Tibet Tea and Horse Road, also known as Chamadao (茶马古道). This trade route first took shape during the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). It once connected Sichuan’s tea-growing lowlands with Tibet’s high-altitude plateau. Back then, Kangding was the main trading hub in the Kham region—and Moxi was right along the way.

Moxi Aicient Town — **Moxi Ancient Town**

First, caravans of mules, horses, and even porters would haul blocks of tea—often from Ya’an—into the mountains. Meanwhile, Tibetans would bring horses and goods to trade. Since tea couldn’t grow at high altitudes, it became a prized item in Tibetan culture. Even today, Tibetan butter tea remains a daily staple.

The Tibetan Buidings along the main street in Moxi Town — The Tibetan Buidings along the main street in Moxi Ancient Town

Now, that rugged 10-day journey from Moxi Town to Kangding takes only a few hours by car. But walking through the town, we still sensed echoes of the past.

In addition, Moxi Ancient Town holds two more pieces of living history. First is the beautifully preserved Catholic Church, a rare sight in Tibetan regions. Second is Chairman Mao’s former residence, where he once stayed during the Long March.

Locals are proud of this heritage. And we could feel why—Moxi Old Town may be small, but its stories are anything but.

Evening Stroll Through Moxi Old Town: Tea, Stone Streets, and Red History

After returning from Camp No. 4 in Hailuogou Glacier Park, we checked into a hotel just beside the Hailuogou Service Center. Thanks to the off-season, we got a great deal. A hot shower, a short rest, and we were ready to explore Moxi Old Town before dinner.

Tibetan style buildings on the main road in Moxi Town

First, we walked on the north-south main road and saw a few Tibetan style buidlings. Then we left the main road and turned onto a narrow east-west alley. Just a few steps in, the pavement changed. Suddenly, we were walking on old stone slabs—weathered, uneven, and full of stories.

Wooden two-story buildings flanked both sides in Moxi Old Town

This section of Moxi Old Town dates back to the final years of the Qing Dynasty and early Republic of China. Wooden two-story buildings flanked both sides, their balconies leaning slightly over the street. We felt like we’d stepped into a quiet version of Lijiang Old Town, minus the crowds.

Although no one seems to live here now, shopkeepers keep the place alive. Many sell local snacks, souvenirs, and handmade crafts. Others offer tea or yak jerky and also bars. It’s a lovely spot for a quiet night out—simple, authentic, and peaceful.

Eventually, we reached the end of the street. There it was—the Catholic Church of Moxi, built in 1918 with both Chinese and European elements. Its brick walls stood out against the surrounding wood.

Mao's former residence - a priest's house in the church in Moxi Town — Mao’s former residence – a priest’s house in the church (Photo from online)

Next to the church lies a small compound where Chairman Mao stayed in May 1935. It was too late and we missed the visit to the Mao’s former residence – a priest’s house. Here, he and Zhu De held the historic “Moxi Meeting” during the Long March. That strategy session would shape the next steps for the Red Army—and, eventually, for all of China.

In Moxi Old Town, even a quiet walk can lead you deep into history.

Dinner Time: Smoky Chicken and Mountain Night Vibes

After a long day of travel and glacier trekking, we were more than ready for dinner. In Moxi Town, that means one thing—wood-fired roasted chicken, a true local specialty.

Our hotel owner pointed us to a place called “Log Cabin BBQ” (木屋烧烤). Reviews online were mixed, but that didn’t bother us. Food is personal—sometimes, you just have to taste it yourself.

More like “fire-baked” than grilled in Moxi Old Town — More like “fire-baked” than grilled!

We watched the whole cooking process. They stacked firewood, lit a roaring flame, and roasted a whole chicken directly over it. More like “fire-baked” than grilled!

Next, we grabbed a table near the entrance. Warm lights, smoky air, and hungry laughter filled the space. The chicken came out golden, crispy, and dripping with juices. Marinated in local spices, it was smoky, tender, and unforgettable.

That bite? Pure happiness.