Seda (Sertar) Travel Guide
Seda (Sertar) County lies in the northeast plateau area of Sichuan Province. In Tibetan language, Seda means "Jinma" or "Golden Horse". Legend says that there is a horse-shaped gold being ever discovered in the vast beautiful grassland nearby, so calling this area "Jinma".
Seda has abundant natural and cultural resources. It features with grassland, lakes, rivers and Tibetan atmosphere and is well-known for Wuming Buddhist Academy, Tianzang Funeral and other red sect temples. We sum up here some guide information: Attractions in Seda, Top Things to Do & See, Best Time to Visit Seda, Recommended Local Food & Restaurant, Comfortable and Budget Hotels, and Seda Transportation.
Seda is a holy land of Tibetan Buddhism. It is one of the most popular destinations for both domestic a international visitors who want to explore Tibetan area without entering into Tibet. Buddhism atmosphere of Seda is as equally strong as that in Tibet.
In the area of Wuming Buddhist Academy, the popular attractions are the magnificent academy, thousands of red dormitories, Tancheng and Tianzang Site. In Seda, there are 30 temples here and all of them are the temples of Red Sect. The most popular temples are Dongga Temple and Laze Temple in which many cultural relics are preserved well.
We recommend top 4 things to do & see in Seda when you spend your time there. The first one is to study Buddhism with Lama and Juemu in the Buddhist Academy, often at the time from 8 to 10 o'clock each. You are free to study as long as you don't disturb their classes. The second is to experience Tianzang Funeral personally, and witness the whole process that the Master dissects the corpse into loaf and the Lama releases souls of the death.
The third is to enjoy night scene of the Buddhist Academy from the highest viewing deck or Larong Hotel. You are certain to be shocked by the starry sky in the highland and lights from the red dormitory. The forth is to visit the red dormitories of Buddhist followers. The houses are scattered the whole Valley.
Larong Wuming Buddhist Academy is the world's largest active Tibetan Buddhist Academy, standing in the remote and steep alpine valley in Seda County, Ganzi Tibetan Prefecture, Sichuan Province, and about 780km away from Chengdu. It was built by the "living buddha" - Jin Mei Pengcuo in 1980.
Nowadays, there are ten thousands of Lamas and Juemus living in thousands of red houses throughout the year in this spiritual valley. They study Buddhism each day in the Academy.
Lying far away from Chengdu and due to the limits of geographic and environmental factors, the road to Seda is not good and it is not very convenient from Chengdu to Seda. Each day, there is only one direct long-distance bus from Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station to Seda Bus Station. Therefore, tourists would like to rent a private car with a local travel agency like 3rdpoletour.
Seda's location is the northwestern highland region of Sichuan Province, with an average elevation of over 4000m. The climate belongs the continental plateau monsoon climate, with no hot summer but a long cold winter. The average annual temperature of -1 degree.
The best time to visit Seda is during the months of April, May, June and October. No matter which month to go there, you can enjoy the breathtaking natural landscapes, but have to pay attention to protect yourself from ultraviolet and keep warm by taking cold-proof clothes, down jacket, etc.
As the tourism develops gradually, more and more hotels and hostels spring up in Seda County and the living condition is getting better and better.
At present, there are two places which can offer relatively good hotels: in the Seda county and in Wuming Academy area. We just recommend the comfortable and budget hotel which can also accept foreign visitors.
In Tibetan area, the major food and drink are Zanba, flour, beef and mutton, butter and yak milk. When you are arranged to visit a local Tibetan home, you will have chance to be treated by offering milky tea and Qingke barley powder.
We list three featured Tibetan restaurants which just offer Tibetan dishes. If Tibetan cuisine don't suit your taste, you can choose some Sichuan and Chongqing featured restaurants in Seda county or in Wuming Academy area.
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