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Sleet19° / 0°Sleet19° / 0°Sleet18° / -1°Looking for things to do in Aba Prefecture? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.
Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Aba Prefecture dishes and foodie spots.
Jiuzhaigou is beautiful! The blue of Jiuzhaigou is absolutely stunning 🌸 Huanglong's Five-Colored Pool is truly beautiful ☘️ #On May 18th, I flew to Chengdu, then transferred to the high-speed train to Huanglong Station. I stayed one night. The next day, I hired a car to visit Huanglong's Five-Colored Pool and Jiuzhaigou.
The moment you roll down the window, the pine-scented wind rushes in. On one side, golden larches burn down to the foot of the mountain. On the other, snow-capped peaks loom coldly overhead. As the road turns, Red Stone Beach and Leishen Waterfall suddenly come into view. I drove slowly by myself, not rushing to tourist spots or pushing myself at the mountain pass. I stopped at Da'erpu Meadow to watch yaks grazing on the frost-covered grass. No tickets to buy, no crowded sightseeing buses. The entire road is a hidden oil painting of Western Sichuan—from Lixian to Xiaojin, 95 km, driving autumn into the embrace of winter. Early November is the final window. Any later, and the snow will cover up the colors. 📍 Aba, Putou, Lixian → Jiesi, Xiaojin (Lixiao Road/Red Stone Beach/Da'erpu/Liangtai Valley) 🚗 Drive from Chengdu to Lixian in about 3 hours. Fill up your tank before entering the mountains (no gas stations inside) 📅 Late Oct–early Nov is the peak for colorful forests. Go on a sunny day, don't wait 🧥 Altitude 2,000–3,600m. Bring a light down jacket + windbreaker. Don't stay at the mountain pass for too long
In-depth guide to a one-day trip to Dujiangyan, Chengdu: Unlocking the past and present of the millennium-old water conservancy project As a World Cultural Heritage site, Dujiangyan is located on the Min River in the western Chengdu Plain. With a history of over 2,000 years, it still plays a role in flood control and irrigation today. It is a must-visit attraction in Chengdu that combines culture and nature. This guide covers transportation, sightseeing routes, highlights, and tips, so you can easily plan your trip after reading. Transportation options Traveling from downtown Chengdu to Dujiangyan is very convenient. Three common ways to travel are recommended: Public transport: You can take an intercity train from Chengdu Station, Chengdu East Station, or Xipu Station directly to Dujiangyan Station or Mount Qingcheng Station. After getting off, transfer to a local bus or the scenic area shuttle to reach the entrance. The whole trip takes about 1–1.5 hours, and there are frequent departures, so no need to rush. Scenic shuttle: Many popular business districts and attractions in downtown Chengdu have direct shuttles to Dujiangyan. The benefit is no transfers, and some trips include guided commentary. You can choose a suitable boarding/alighting point based on your accommodation. Self-driving: Navigate directly to "Dujiangyan Scenic Area Parking Lot." It takes about 1 hour from the city center. There are plenty of parking spaces around the scenic area, but it is recommended to leave early during holidays to avoid traffic jams. Recommended classic sightseeing route It is recommended to reserve 4–5 hours for the visit. Taking a clockwise route means you won't have to backtrack and can cover the core attractions: Scenic Area Entrance (Lidui Park) → Fulong Temple → Baopingkou After entering from Lidui Park, you will first see lush garden landscapes. A 10-min walk leads to Fulong Temple, where it is said Li Bing and his son subdued an evil dragon while controlling the floods. You can see the stone statue of Li Bing inside. Climbing to the viewing platform of Fulong Temple is the best spot to overlook Baopingkou. Baopingkou is the first core part of the Dujiangyan water conservancy project. It is a man-made gap in the mountain that strictly controls the water flow entering the Chengdu Plain. Standing on the bank, you can see the turbulent Min River rushing through the narrow bottle neck, which is very impressive. Feishayan → Yuzui Diversion Dike Walking upstream from Baopingkou along the path, you will pass Feishayan and Yuzui in turn. Feishayan is the spillway in the middle section. Using the principle of curved flow dynamics, it can discharge most of the silt carried by floods into the outer river, ensuring the safety of the inner river irrigation area even during major floods. During the high-water season, you can see the scene of water flowing over Feishayan, churning up a large amount of silt. About 1 km further is the Yuzui Diversion Dike, the core landmark of Dujiangyan. Built in the middle of the Min River, it divides the river into the inner and outer rivers. The outer river is the main flow of the Min River, mainly used for flood discharge, while the inner river is an artificial diversion channel used to irrigate the Chengdu Plain. Standing on the viewing platform at Yuzui, you can clearly see the full view of the two rivers diverging. It is hard to imagine how the ancients, without modern machinery over 2,000 years ago, completed such a massive project. Anlan Suspension Bridge → Qinyan Pavilion → Erwang Temple → Songmao Ancient Road After visiting Yuzui, you can cross the river via the Anlan Suspension Bridge. This is an ancient suspension bridge spanning the Min River. It sways slightly as you walk on it, with the rushing river beneath your feet, offering a strong experience. Elderly people and children should hold the railings tightly and not run or shake on the bridge. After crossing the river, first climb to Qinyan Pavilion, the highest point of the entire scenic area. Standing there, you can overlook the panoramic view of the entire Dujiangyan water conservancy project with a very wide field of vision. Going down the mountain, you will reach Erwang Temple, a shrine built by later generations to commemorate Li Bing and his son. Inside, there are many stone inscriptions left by various dynasties, as well as records of flood control mantras like "Deeply dredge the beach, keep the weir low." Those interested in history can take their time exploring. If you still have energy, you can walk a section of the Songmao Ancient Road. This was a merchant route from ancient Chengdu to Songpan and Mao County. The vegetation along the way is lush, and you can see many ancient city wall ruins. It is not too tiring to walk. Must-experience projects nearby Guanxian Ancient City: If you have time after visiting the scenic area, you can take a walk in the nearby Guanxian Ancient City. This is the site of the old Guanxian city, which retains many Ming and Qing-style buildings. There are many local snack shops and cultural creative stores in the ancient city. In the evening, when the lights come on, it is very lively and full of local atmosphere. Nanqiao night view: If you plan to return on the same day, you can wait until the evening to see Nanqiao before leaving. Nanqiao is a covered bridge at the entrance of the Dujiangyan Scenic Area. When the lights turn on at night, the paintings and carvings on the bridge are illuminated. Beneath the bridge is the blue-glowing Min River, which is very photogenic. There are also many small shops selling local specialties nearby, which you can browse on the way. Practical tips There are many tour guide services around the scenic area. If you want to understand the flood control principles and history of Dujiangyan in detail, you can hire a professional guide or download an electronic guide on your phone in advance to listen while you walk, which will provide a much better experience. The paths in the scenic area are mostly flat, but some sections have stairs. It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes, bring a sun hat and drinking water, and take sun protection measures if visiting in summer. During the flood season, some riverside paths may be temporarily closed. You can follow the official notices of the scenic area before traveling and adjust your sightseeing route reasonably. Local specialties include Congcong rolls, ice jelly, old lady ice jelly, Dujiangyan bacon, etc. You can basically find them in the restaurants in the ancient city, and the taste is quite authentic, and the prices are very affordable. If you are taking an intercity train back, it is recommended to check the schedule in advance, avoid the evening peak passenger flow, and leave enough time to get to the station.
📅 Autumn foliage timeline Nov 1–7 | Late peak season✨ The autumn foliage at lower altitudes like Five Flower Lake, Rhinoceros Lake, and Shuzheng Lakes is still there. At higher altitudes, Long Lake has started shedding leaves, but crowds are much smaller than during the National Day holiday, making for a much better photography experience📸 After Nov 8 | Autumn foliage noticeably fades, entering late autumn mode🍁 Lower altitude lakes are still worth seeing, though the colors on distant mountains are fading. Go as early as you can! 🗺️ One-day essential route (personally tested, no backtracking) Morning | Head to the right route (Rize Valley) first · 8:00 First wave to enter the park, take the sightseeing bus straight to Five Flower Lake🚌 · Five Flower Lake: The star attraction of Jiuzhaigou👑 Colors are best in the morning with the sun behind you. Be sure to go up to Tiger Mouth for an overhead shot; the blue-green water + autumn foliage reflections make for effortless photos📷 · Pearl Shoal Waterfall: A filming location for "Journey to the West." Shooting against the light in the afternoon creates a better atmosphere with the water mist and autumn foliage💦 · Mirror Lake: Reflections are legendary before 9:00 AM when there's no wind🞞 If you're late, the wind will spoil the effect Noon | Lunch at Nuorilang Center🍜 Note! There is a food street on the floor above the fast food area, offering rice noodles, maocai, and noodles. Don't be like me and just grab a quick bite downstairs😭 Afternoon | Left route + middle route to finish · Long Lake: Altitude 3,150m. Recommended to go after noon, as it's easily hazy in the morning🌫️ Don't just take photos at the station; walking down the lakeside trail is the best vantage point · Multi-colored Lake: Small but exquisite, with high-saturation Tiffany blue💎 A telephoto lens is perfect for shooting the water · Rhinoceros Lake → Shuzheng Lakes → Sparking Lake → Reed Lake: The downhill hiking section of the middle route. Afternoon light hitting the autumn foliage at an angle is best for photos🌅 ⏰ Timeline reference 8:00 Enter park → 9:00 Five Flower Lake → 10:30 Pearl Shoal → 11:30 Nuorilang lunch → 12:30 Long Lake → 13:30 Multi-colored Lake → 14:30 Shuzheng Lakes → 17:00 Exit park 🎫 Tickets & reservations Peak season (until Nov 15): Ticket 190 + sightseeing bus 90 = 280 yuan/person You must make a real-name reservation in advance via the "Jiuzhaigou Tourism Official Platform" mini-program. Daily capacity is limited to 41,000 people, so it's recommended to book early⚡ 🚄 Transportation High-speed rail from Chengdu East to Huanglongjiuzhai Station takes about 2h. After exiting the station, transfer to the "Jiulv Yuexing" direct bus, which takes about 2h to reach the park entrance. Buy direct bus tickets in advance via the mini-program. The last bus is at 9:00 PM, so you can even leave after work👌 🏨 Accommodation Stay in Zhangzha Town at the park entrance; it's most convenient, with a 15–20 minute walk to the park gate🚶 ⚠️ Tips to avoid pitfalls · Sightseeing bus terminal is randomly assigned; you can get off at Nuorilang and transfer, no need to worry · Large temperature difference on the plateau, 10–20℃ during the day and near 0℃ at night🧥 Don't take off your clothes when you get warm from walking; catching a cold is very troublesome · There might be no public transport back to the hotel after exiting the park; if staying far away, be sure to confirm pick-up/drop-off arrangements · Prepare a power bank for your phone and camera🔋 🍜 Dining There is dining at the Nuorilang Center inside the park, but prices are high, so it's recommended to bring your own snacks and dry food. Zhangzha Town at the park entrance has well-developed facilities. Ham sausages in the scenic area cost 15 each🌭
📜 According to an old Tibetan legend, the mountain god Dago polished a precious mirror for his beloved goddess Semo. But the goddess accidentally dropped it, and the mirror shattered into over a hundred pieces, scattering across the valley and turning into the various lakes of Jiuzhaigou. In autumn, when the colorful forests reflect on the mirror-like water, this valley is at its most enchanting — Aba Daily. It took me four trips to Jiuzhaigou to realize that you really don't need to force yourself to check off every single lake 😭🍂. Its beauty isn't about rushing through attractions; it's about catching the soft light and quietly staring at a colorful lake. Autumn is its peak season, but also the most crowded. I've learned the hard way, so here is my personal guide to help you enjoy it 🫶. 🎫 Admission ticket | No on-site tickets available; booking is mandatory. Peak season (April 1 – November 15) admission is 190 + sightseeing bus 90, totaling 280/person; off-season total is 160. There are no on-site ticket windows! The only channel is the WeChat mini-program "Jiuzhaigou Tourism Official Platform." Be sure to book your tickets with your real name 7–14 days in advance. 🍂 Autumn timeline | Time your visit right—not too early, not too late. The forests only start turning light yellow at the end of September. The golden period is from mid-to-late October to early November, with October 15–November 5 being the best time. The mountains are a tapestry of red, yellow, and orange, and the lakes are a crystal-clear blue-green, creating incredible depth. September is just early autumn; for vibrant colorful forests, aim for late October. 🗓️ One-day route from my four trips | Save your energy for the highlights. Try to enter the park before 7:30 AM to catch the first sightseeing bus. The park is Y-shaped, and the buses are routed accordingly. Prioritize the right branch, Rize Valley, where the autumn forests are densest. It's worth saving most of your energy for this area. ▫️ Right branch (The most important part 🍁) Get off at Arrow Bamboo Lake and walk slowly to Panda Lake. The lakes along the way paired with the colorful forests create an incredible atmosphere → Five Flower Lake, widely considered the best of Jiuzhaigou! The reflection is stunning on a windless morning. You must visit the Tiger Mouth viewing platform for a panoramic view → Pearl Shoal Waterfall, a filming location for "Journey to the West." The water flows like white silk spread out; don't skip it just because you've seen other waterfalls. ⚠️ There is no sightseeing bus stop at Pearl Shoal; you need to walk one kilometer to the vicinity of Mirror Lake to catch a bus. ▫️ Left branch (Optional, no need to force it 🌊) Long Lake, the highest and largest lake in Jiuzhaigou, looks great with the snow-capped mountains in the background → Walk 800 meters forward to Five-Color Pond. The pond isn't large, but the water color is a gradient of blue and green, which is far more stunning in person than in photos. There are no bus stops for the Upper and Lower Seasonal Lakes, and it's a 3-kilometer walk round trip. It's not worth the effort, so just skip it. ▫️ Middle branch (A leisurely finish 🌿) The stretch from Rhinoceros Lake to Shuzheng Lakes is the essence of the middle branch. I recommend walking this section; the reflections of the colorful forests on the shore are gentle and healing. Stop by Nuorilang Waterfall along the way; 20 minutes is enough. 👔 Clothing tips | Don't just bring short sleeves! The temperature difference between day and night can exceed 10°C. It's about 10–18°C during the day and can drop to around 5°C in the early morning and evening. Outfit formula: Quick-dry long-sleeve base layer + fleece liner + waterproof shell jacket. Take it off to take photos when the sun is out, and put it back on immediately after. Shoes must be non-slip and waterproof! The boardwalks are damp year-round, and white sneakers will be ruined after one trip. Raincoats are much better than umbrellas; the boardwalks are narrow, and umbrellas can easily block others and the view. 💡 Honest advice from my four trips: 1️⃣ I don't recommend staying in Jiuzhaigou County; it's 40 kilometers away from the scenic area, making the commute a hassle. Prioritize staying in Zhangzha Town or Pengfeng Village at the park entrance; it's a ten-minute walk to the main gate. 2️⃣ Food inside the park is expensive and mediocre. Carry some snacks and dry food with you. After leaving the park, go back to Zhangzha Town for yak meat hot pot; it costs about 40+ per person and is authentic and cost-effective. 3️⃣ Don't touch roadside low-price transfers or unlicensed taxis! The ticket package already includes the official sightseeing bus, which can take you directly to all core attractions. 4️⃣ The UV rays on the plateau are very strong; even on cloudy days, don't skip sunscreen and a hat with a strap. 5️⃣ Don't try "special forces-style" hiking; you'll easily hit 20,000 steps. Combining the sightseeing bus with short walks is the most comfortable way to explore. Having visited this valley, formed by the fragments of a precious mirror, four times, I am still speechless and stunned every time I see the colorful water of Five Flower Lake, the flowing white waterfalls of Pearl Shoal, and the reflections of the colorful forests on Rhinoceros Lake 😭🍂. You don't need to be greedy and see every single lake. Pick a good time, really enjoy a few spots that move you, and leave the rest of the time for just daydreaming 🫶. If you're planning to go, save this now 📌 and catch the last window for the colorful forests in November!
A new road has opened in Western Sichuan, and this time, we're skipping the old loop. Ganzi Culture and Tourism launched Gudan Road this year, running from Guzan Town to Danba County and traveling along Provincial Highway S217 through the Dadu River Canyon. It's low-altitude and sedan-friendly, making it perfect for autumn with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery. ✨ 🚗 How to plan your route: Depart from Chengdu, pass through Yingxiu, Siguniang Mountain, and Xiaojin to reach Danba. The total distance is about 360 km, and 4 days and 3 nights is just right. 👌 You can stop anytime along the Gudan Road section; stop whenever you want to take photos, no need to rush. 📸 Along the way, over 80 ancient watchtowers stand against the mountains and by the river, with heights exceeding 50 meters. In the morning mist, they look like silent Oriental pyramids. 🗼 Hidden among the watchtowers are thousands of years of stories from the Jiarong Tibetan people. Walking under the golden leaves, any photo taken next to these ancient structures looks like a stunning shot. 🍂 👀 Next is Jiaju Tibetan Village, rated as one of the most beautiful rural towns in China by Chinese National Geography. Tibetan-style houses are layered across the hillside, with terraced fields and fruit trees in front and behind the houses. Once autumn arrives, the colorful forests make the white walls look exceptionally gentle. 🍁 Going further in, Zhonglu Tibetan Village is even quieter. In Tibetan, it means a place longed for by both humans and gods. 🙏 88 ancient watchtowers are scattered across the valley, with very little commercialization. In the morning, the cooking smoke mixes with the mist, and standing on the viewing platform, you really won't want to leave. ~ ✨ Along the road, there are vast fields of highland barley and walnut forests. After the autumn harvest, the villages are filled with drying golden corn. 🌽 Passing grandmas will smile and wave at you; it's so healing. 🥹 Jiarong intangible cultural heritage, folk museums, and Tibetan hot pot—there's plenty to see and eat along the way. 😋 🎫 Cost reference: The entire Gudan Road has zero tolls and no shuttle bus fees, making it very cost-effective for self-driving. 💰 For accommodation, choose a homestay in the Danba Tibetan villages and fall asleep to the mountain breeze at night. 🌙 ⏰ Time reminder: October to early November is the colorful forest season on Gudan Road. The banks of the canyon are a mix of red and yellow, making it the best time of the year for photography. Go early if you want to visit. 🔥 Check the road conditions and weather in Danba before you set off. The canyon is foggy on rainy days, so driving slowly is safer. ✨ Compared to the Western Sichuan Grand Loop, which often involves crossing mountain passes, Gudan Road has a lower altitude and gentler curves, making it easy for first-time drivers in Western Sichuan to navigate. 🚙 While everyone else is queuing on the old Western Sichuan loop, Gudan Road quietly offers you the autumn of the Dadu River. 🍂 This autumn, take a drive on this new Western Sichuan route and go see the watchtowers and colorful forests. ✨
Before you even enter Jiuzhaigou, you can capture the stunning, colorful autumn forests right from your hotel. It's absolutely beautiful! · Visiting Jiuzhaigou for the autumn scenery but want to avoid the crowds? At Kobo Qiongxi Private Hot Spring Hotel, you can get atmospheric photos of the colorful forest without even stepping outside. Breathe in the freshest air. · Built into the mountainside with expansive views, you can see the colorful autumn forests the moment you open your window—perfect for photos. The hotel features a Tibetan-style design with rammed earth and wood, and the rooms are very comfortable. Guests can enjoy a free Tibetan costume photo experience, offering a truly authentic cultural vibe. · ✅ Hotel location Located in Zhangzha Town, nestled against the mountain. It offers a quiet retreat that is still very close to the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, making your trip hassle-free. · ✅ Nearby recommendations The Jiuzhai Eternal Love Theater is right next door, and the area is filled with Tibetan restaurants and convenience stores, offering plenty of options for dinner and shopping. · ✅ Free shuttle to Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area It's so convenient! Simply book your ride and get dropped off at the Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area—no need to fight the crowds for transportation.
I learned the hard way before. I thought it would be less crowded in the off-season, but the lines were still exhausting. The leaves fall quickly, and it occasionally snows on the mountain. If you don't take the right route, your legs will be shot in a day. Follow this guide to make it much easier. 🍁 Colorful Forest Timing & Scenery 🔺 The tail end of the colorful forest is in early November. The leaves fall fast, and snow can start anytime. Don't delay if you want to see it 🔺 It's okay in the sun during the day, but it's near freezing in the early morning and evening. Light snow is common in high-altitude areas 🔺 The reflections in the lakes are best in the morning. When the wind is calm, the water is still, making for clean shots 🎒 Packing List ✔️ Quick-dry base layer plus fleece, with a light down jacket or windbreaker on the outside. Bring a hat, scarf, and gloves ✔️ There's frost and dew on the boardwalks in the morning. Wear non-slip, waterproof hiking shoes; sneakers or canvas shoes are easy to slip in ✔️ Carry a raincoat. The weather in the mountains changes quickly, and umbrellas are inconvenient on the boardwalks ✔️ Bring a thermos with hot water, plus some chocolate, beef jerky, and self-heating rice meals. Food options in the scenic area are limited and pricey ✔️ Bring a power bank, tissues/wet wipes, and trash bags. Phones lose battery quickly in low temperatures 🚌 Sightseeing Route 👉 Enter the valley and take the sightseeing bus to the left line (Long Lake) first. The lighting is better in the morning, and the Long Lake viewing platform is great for shooting snow mountain reflections. Walk from Long Lake to Five-Color Pond, then take the bus back to Nuorilang immediately. Don't linger on the left line 👉 Transfer to the right line to visit Arrow Bamboo Lake and Panda Lake. Follow the boardwalk to Five-Flower Lake. Be sure to walk around the entire lake; the water color looks different from different angles. It's the place most worth spending time at all day 👉 Finish up with the middle line in the afternoon. Just choose one between Rhinoceros Lake and Tiger Lake. Go up to the viewing platform at Shuzheng Lakes for an aerial view; the colorful forest against the blue water looks much better from above than from eye level 👉 In the off-season, the Primeval Forest and Swan Lake on the right line might be closed. Check the actual opening status before you go so you don't waste a trip ⚠️ Tips to Avoid Pitfalls 1️⃣ Get your admission tickets and sightseeing bus tickets through official channels before you leave. Go in with the first wave of visitors; following the crowd flow is actually smoother 2️⃣ There's frost and residual snow on the boardwalks. Watch your step, don't climb over railings to get close to the water, and be careful as the stone paths are slippery 3️⃣ You don't have to stop at every spot. Save enough time for Five-Flower Lake and Shuzheng Lakes, and pick and choose the others you like 4️⃣ Don't wash your hair or take a shower on the first night you arrive. The altitude isn't extremely high, but taking it easy is safer 📸 Photography Tips ✔️ Try to shoot reflections in the morning when there's no wind. The boardwalk on the right side of Five-Flower Lake offers a comfortable perspective ✔️ Bright-colored scarves contrast well with the colorful forest for photos. Off-white or caramel colors also look great ✔️ Don't trust people on the side of the road in the scenic area who claim they can take you on a shortcut. It's safer to follow the official scenic route
Who would have thought that in the valleys of Mianzhu, Sichuan, there lies a colorful fairy tale town? 😭 The houses are painted in pastel macaron colors, adorned with cartoon murals, and surrounded by mountain streams. Just a 2-hour drive from Chengdu, with no entrance fee, it's a perfect spot for family photos! 🧚 🧚 Why is it called a Fairy Tale Town? Qingping is a small town nestled in the mountains of Mianzhu. After the Wenchuan earthquake, the town was rebuilt with houses painted in macaron colors and walls covered in cartoon murals. A mountain stream flows through the town, making it look like something straight out of a fairy tale book. There's no entrance fee, and locals still live here, so it's not a commercialized tourist spot. 🏘️ Things to Do 1️⃣ Colorful House Street: The main street with pink, yellow, and blue houses, perfect for photos. 2️⃣ Mural Walls: Walls painted with bears, rabbits, and forest scenes. 3️⃣ Mountain Stream Shallows: A stream outside the town where you can wade in the water. 4️⃣ Forest Boardwalk: A shaded trail in the back mountain. 📸 Best Photo Spots & Timing 🏠 Colorful Houses: 9-10 AM, with perfect lighting. 🎨 Mural Walls: 2-3 PM, with angled sunlight. 🌊 Shallows: 10-11 AM, great for kids to play in the water. 🌲 Forest Trail: 3-4 PM, under the shade of trees. 🍜 What to Eat · Mianzhu Rice Noodles: 8 RMB per bowl. · Coldwater Fish from the Stream: Around 50 RMB per person. · Walnut Cakes: 5 RMB each. 🗺️ One-Day Itinerary 08:30 Depart from Chengdu, arrive in 2 hours. 11. 00 Take photos at the colorful houses. 12. 30 Have lunch with fresh stream fish. 14:00 Play in the stream shallows. 16. 00 Walk the forest boardwalk. 17. 30 Return to Chengdu. 🏨 Complete Your Trip in Chengdu|Stay at Heguang Hotel✨ After returning to Chengdu, relax at Heguang Hotel near Jiandong Memory: ✅ Butler service to remind you to bring a change of clothes. ✅ RTX5070 to edit your family photos. ✅ Zero-pressure mattress for ultimate relaxation. ✅ Night market downstairs for a quick bite. Heguang·ALIENSPACE E-sports Hotel (Chengdu Jiandong Memory Branch) ⚠️ Tips to Avoid Pitfalls ❌ Avoid visiting at noon on weekends; it's too sunny. ❌ Don't buy "fairy tale souvenirs"; they're just cheap trinkets. ❌ The stream is shallow but slippery; wear sandals. ✅ Bring sunscreen and mosquito repellent for kids.
I recently decided to embark on a personal adventure to A'er Valley, a place that has welcomed countless hikers at my own guesthouse, Qie Ting She Hot Spring Inn, but one I had never explored myself. This essay captures my reflections on this journey. From the blooming rhododendrons of spring to the vibrant autumn foliage, the A'er Valley hiking trail has been a haven for nature lovers year-round. In autumn, the colorful forests are a sight to behold, and in winter, the snow-covered landscapes offer a magical retreat. It's a year-round paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and who wouldn't envy such a treasure trove of natural beauty? But what truly captivates the heart is the peak autumn scenery of A'er Valley. The mountains are painted in hues of red, orange, yellow, and green, with crimson maples, golden birches, and dark green firs creating a stunning mosaic. If you're lucky, you might even witness a rare spectacle—half the mountain adorned with colorful foliage while the other half is blanketed in snow. It's the perfect time to set out on this journey. 🍂 The A'er Valley hiking trail is approximately 10 kilometers round trip, with a total elevation gain of about 1,000 meters. Whether you're a beginner, traveling with family, or exploring with friends, you can find a pace that suits you. 🍂 Starting from the Sanjiaoba Station, a wooden boardwalk meanders along a stream, leading you into a dense, pristine forest. The ground is carpeted with fallen leaves, the sound of flowing water fills the air, and the atmosphere of the wilderness envelops you. 🍂 As the autumn breeze rustles through the treetops, colorful leaves drift gently to the ground, and the air is filled with the fresh scent of grass and earth. Stroll at your own pace, take photos, and lose yourself in the autumn dreamscape of A'er Valley. 🍂 Along the way, you might encounter cows and sheep grazing leisurely. Hidden among the streams, under the trees, and on the grassy slopes are delightful surprises waiting to be discovered. 🍂 As you ascend, the trees gradually give way to open vistas. Golden birch forests, crimson shrubs, and dark green firs blanket the hillsides, creating a breathtaking panorama. 🍂 On sunny days, the vibrant autumn colors stretch out before you, with snow-capped peaks standing silently in the distance. The contrast of warm and cool tones is stunning, and every snapshot looks like a masterpiece of nature. 🍂 The hike culminates at Longchi Lake, a serene blue body of water cradled by the surrounding mountains. The lake's surface mirrors the colorful forests, blue sky, and snowy peaks, creating a picture-perfect scene. 🍂 As you sit by the lake, the mountain breeze gently sweeps away the fatigue of the hike. Taking a moment to relax by the water is the perfect way to embrace the autumn charm of A'er Valley. 🍂 The countless nature lovers who flock to A'er Valley are a testament to its breathtaking beauty. Gather your friends, head to Wenchuan's A'er Valley, breathe in the fresh mountain air, admire the colorful forests, and gaze at the snow-capped peaks. Don't miss this 20-day window to experience the unique romance of autumn.
With such a large number of visitors, it's remarkable that the scenic area can maintain relative order. Plus, the scenery is absolutely stunning; I visited for two days and still wanted more. I'll definitely come back next year.
Candycai84Bipenggou is absolutely stunning! Beautiful mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and breathtaking scenery everywhere. Definitely worth visiting and one of the highlights of my Sichuan trip!
evanaths2605Very easy to book through trip.com just need to ensure you exchange physical tickets at ticket booth with your passport for foreigners. Very beautiful place and a must visit if you are visiting Jiuzhaigou! The 5 coloured lakes and ponds are beautiful! It’s about 3km walk downwards after you reach the top! It’s not tough but a long walk. Alternatively you can consider taking cable car to the top and view the top attraction and take the cablecar back down
JustincAn absolute must-visit! Breathtaking views and well-managed for altitude. This scenic area is exceptionally well-developed and easy to navigate. If you have lower stamina or are worried about high-altitude sickness, there are plenty of tourist buses available to help you get around comfortably. You can easily bring your own oxygen or purchase it directly from the stores inside the park, which is a huge relief. As for the mountain views—they are truly stunning and unlike anything else. It’s a bucket-list destination that is genuinely worth visiting at least once in a lifetime!
_TI***q9Forests, lakes, grasslands, yaks, and most importantly, snow-capped mountains! What a wonderful surprise! We encountered the first snow of November, like stepping into a fairytale world! We ate and stayed in Changpinggou, and easily explored Shuangqiaogou on our own. We'll definitely come back!
M31***34Good experience and nice show! Easy to access with booking via Trip.com. Just need to use passport to verify.
Anonymous userIts amazing place, not much turist, we saw more then 30 pandas. Wonderful experience.
Anonymous userThe highest peak ever I visit. You have to prepared yourself with the Oxigen Can. It is 4860mdpl, Altitude Sickness could attack you. Having the Oxigen Can really help you to enjoying the beautiful of Snow Mountain. We are happy have a change to enjoying this Scenic Area. Enjoying Hot Chocolate in the Cafe, very vency and you can take so many beautiful pictures/photo from the spot.
Yoski VicelkoOnline ticketing is very convenient for the attractions along the Sichuan-Gannan Grand Loop! After taking the escalator up to the mountaintop for the view, I recommend walking down the wooden boardwalk for the rest of the journey. However, the parking lot for the escalator is quite far from the entrance! There's no shuttle bus either! Ultimately, we had to split up: one person went down the stairs to get the car, and the other walked down the boardwalk. The experience was just so-so!
Mandy-lyThe scenery is truly beautiful. The weather was great the day I went, so the scenery was absolutely gorgeous. The lake, the flower-filled lake, and the ecological environment are simply amazing. There's a commercial street right outside with all sorts of food options, which is very convenient.
陈天1995
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