SHANYAN, "perilous terrain" in Tibetan, is believed to be site of the largest primitive forest in the upper reaches of the Jinsha River. Located south of Baiyu County in Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, Shanyan is characterized by its harsh torrents, hazardous reefs and daunting mountain ridges. These topographic barriers have isolated the township and preserved the tribal traditions of the ethnic minorities that live here.