Songpinggou is known as the "Mini Jiuzhaigou of Western Sichuan"

Songpinggou Travel Notes 🌲 Songpinggou is known as the "Mini Jiuzhaigou of Western Sichuan" 🏞️. The combination of its lakes (haizi) and colorful forests is truly unique, making it perfect for both hiking enthusiasts and families. This guide will help you explore it with ease~ Key Information 📌 - Address: Songpinggou Township, Maoxian County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province - Tickets & Transportation: Admission ticket 70 RMB/person 🎫; From November 12-16, primary and secondary school students and teachers can enter for free with valid identification ✅. Sightseeing bus round trip 70 RMB/person, one-way 50 RMB/person, available for purchase on-site only. - Opening Hours: 8:00-17:30, recommended entry before 16:00 ⏰ - Highlights: Colorful forests reach their peak from late October to mid-November 🍁, with lakes reflecting vibrant reds, oranges, yellows, and greens, and waters as blue-green as gems 💎; Altitude 2500-3000 meters, less prone to altitude sickness; Streams, waterfalls, and ancient villages dot the landscape, blending nature and culture. Must-do Experiences ✨ 1. Lake Check-ins: Mo Hai (Deepest lake, dark blue and tranquil 🌌), Chang Hai (Largest lake, surrounded by colorful forests), Zhenzhutan (Pearl Shoal, streams splashing like pearls 💧). For photos, light-colored clothing is recommended for better shots~ 2. Hiking & Scenery: Classic route "Chang Hai → Mo Hai → Zhenzhutan → Baishi Hai", approximately 6km round trip 🚶‍♀️, moderate difficulty, with beautiful scenery at every step. 3. Seasonal Activities: Capture colorful forests and lakes in autumn 📸, see snowscapes and ice waterfalls in winter ❄️, and enjoy summer for cooling off and playing in the water (streams are cool and refreshing 🌊). 4. Cultural Experience: Explore local Qiang ancient villages, experience folk customs like Qiang flute music and Guozhuang dance, and try the special Zazhi wine 🍶. Transportation Guide 🚌 - Public Transportation: Take a long-distance bus from Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station to Maoxian County (approx. 3h, 50 RMB/person), then transfer to a local minivan to Songpinggou (approx. 1.5h, 30-40 RMB/person). - Self-driving: Chengdu → Duwen Expressway → Maoxian County → Songpinggou, approximately 4h total 🚗. There are many mountain roads along the way, so pay attention to speed limits. Accommodation & Food 🍜 - Accommodation: Qiang ethnic guesthouses are available within the scenic area (wake up to lake views 🌊), as well as campsites (suitable for stargazers 🌠); Hotels in Maoxian County outside the scenic area offer better value and more choices. - Food Recommendations: Qiang cured meat, potato sticky rice cakes, sour cabbage noodles, roasted whole lamb 🐑. Ingredients are fresh, and flavors are unique. Tips ⚠️ 1. The plateau region has strong UV radiation, so be sure to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat 🧴; The temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so pack a light down jacket or a windbreaker. 2. Wear non-slip sports shoes for hiking 👟. Food prices within the scenic area are higher, so you can bring a small amount of snacks and drinking water. 3. Respect local Qiang customs; learn about taboos before entering villages 🙏. 4. The colorful forest season is peak season, so it's recommended to book accommodation and plan your itinerary in advance to avoid weekend crowds.