Maoxian

Maoxian (茂县 Mào Xiàn, Mao County) is in Ngawa (prefecture) of China.

Understand
This is an interesting city to stay in for a night and possibly do some day trips to some less touristed areas in the neighborhood. Other than the city, which is quite nice to walk around, local Qiang culture and Beichuan are two things that can be explored and are in the area.

Do
Beichuan is the main center of the 2008 earthquake and is a day trip away. However, the road has some issues as of September 2017 so the driving time estimates may not be accurate.

Sleep
Stay on or near the walking street if possible. It's a bustling place in the morning.

Go next
This is on the road towards Songpan/Jiuzhaigou and can be stopped at on the way to or from Chengdu.