Barkam, County-level city in Sichuan Province, China
Barkam is a county-level city in northwestern Sichuan Province, China, located on the southern edge of a high plateau and surrounded by forests and rivers. The town has simple, practical buildings and an open central square used for local gatherings and celebrations.
The region was governed for centuries under the Tusi system, where local Tibetan and Qiang leaders managed their lands for the central government. In the 20th century, Barkam was integrated into China's new administrative structure, becoming part of the current Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture.
Barkam means 'place of strong fire' in Tibetan and suggests prosperity. The local Tibetan and Qiang residents speak Gyalrong and keep traditions alive through music, dances, and handicrafts that you can see in markets and during local celebrations.
The area is still quite remote, accessed by rough roads with basic facilities available. Visitors should prepare for changing weather conditions, as temperatures vary greatly between day and night and conditions can shift quickly.
Zhuokeji Tusi Village nearby preserves old mansions from the Tusi system era, with one rebuilt after being destroyed by fire in the 1930s. These structures reveal how local leaders once expressed power and demonstrated their authority in the region.
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