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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.
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.
As the November winds blow, Jiuzhaigou quietly takes on a new look~ The vibrant, bustling colors of late autumn are slowly fading, the colorful forests are nearing their end, and the first snow is like an unexpected visitor, ready to fall gently at any moment❄️ At this time, the lakes settle into an incredibly pure blue—quiet, deep, and like a gem warmed by time💎 The crowds in the scenic area have dispersed, and the vast valley is returned to nature—it's the perfect time to enjoy the scenery in peace✨ If you're looking for peace and quiet, there's no need to limit your view to the bustling valley entrance👀 Why not head higher and take a look at the top of Yangzu Mountain? There, you'll find a secluded retreat rebuilt on the site of a century-old Tibetan village: Jiuzhai Yongguichuan🏔️ It faces the snow-capped peaks of the Min Mountains, and from there, you can look down upon the surging sea of clouds in the valley below☁️ Here, time seems to slow down⏳ The entire highland features just 12 scattered, independent villas, each with its own private entrance and courtyard, perfectly capturing a sense of privacy🔒 Step inside to find a tea pavilion and fireplace in the courtyard, with a private Tibetan herbal hot spring bath overlooking the deep valley♨️ Watch the sea of clouds churn beneath you in the morning, and gaze at the starry sky while soaking in the hot spring at night🌌 This is the unique romance of the Tibetan region~ Rooms come standard with whole-house floor heating and a diffuse oxygen supply system, ensuring a restful sleep even at high altitudes😴 5-day, 4-night slow travel guide to the hidden realm👇 Day 1: Arrival and dreams After your private airport transfer, your butler will meet you at the foot of the mountain, sparing you the fatigue of the rugged mountain roads🚗 In the evening, soak away the dust of your journey in your private courtyard hot spring, then enjoy a steaming Tibetan hot pot🍲 Both your stomach and heart will be warmed~ Day 2: First snow and lakes Enter the park via the exclusive lane—no need to wait in crowds🎫 The lakes in November are deep and serene. If you encounter the first snow, the remaining colorful forests intertwined with pure white snowflakes create a stunning, chilly landscape in every photo📸 Return in the evening to sip tea and relax by the fireplace—pure bliss🍵 Day 3: Hiking and culture In the morning, join your butler for a light hike deep into the undeveloped primeval forests of Zhongcha Valley🌲 Breathe in the purest air~ In the afternoon, calm your mind by crafting intangible cultural heritage Tibetan incense or painting a Thangka, touching the aesthetics of the Tibetan region in the slow passage of time🎨 Day 4: Huanglong and private hot spring Take the cable car directly up to Huanglong to see the Five-Color Pools layered under the light and shadows of early winter🌈 In the afternoon, return to the hotel and immerse yourself in your private hot spring, enjoying the final touch of tranquility at the mountain peak♨️ Day 5: Morning light and departure Sleep in, then enjoy a leisurely Tibetan breakfast in the courtyard🥣 Afterward, your butler will arrange your descent, and a private car will take you to the airport, bringing this journey to a perfect close✈️
I'm and I've explored over 100 family-friendly hiking routes around Chengdu with my child. October is the season for autumn foliage🍁. Here are 12 family-friendly hiking routes with stunning autumn colors that you can complete in a day! 1️⃣ Gengda - Laoya Mountain 📍Gengda Laoya Mountain 🍁Highlights: 5 km round trip, the closest Western Sichuan autumn foliage to Chengdu! Lined with vast stretches of golden pine forests, the distant mountains are a palette of red and yellow 2️⃣ Longquan - Lianhuayan Maple Trail 📍Lianhuayan (walk 500 m downhill, the entrance is on the left side of the road) 🍁Highlights: The maple forest section is only 2.5 km round trip with a gentle slope. It's uncrowded and beautiful, and you can camp on the maple trail 3️⃣ Chongzhou - Jinfeng Mountain 📍Shanshuige Farmhouse 🍁Highlights: 7 km loop, a free, wild trail. Red maples, ginkgo trees, and dawn redwoods weave together into an oil painting of autumn colors, with excellent views along the ridgeline 4️⃣ Jianyang - Danjingtai 📍Longquan Mountain Danjingtai West Entrance 🍁Highlights: 2 km one-way boardwalk, the earliest place to see autumn foliage. The foliage varieties are rich, and you can reach the top to overlook the Sancha Lake islands 5️⃣ Dujiangyan - Tongmagou Bamboo Sea Park 📍Tongmagou Bamboo Sea Park 🍁Highlights: 6 km loop, weaving between the bamboo sea and golden ginkgo trees. The whole mountain is golden yellow 6️⃣ Chongzhou - Dutongyan 📍Zheng Family Courtyard 🍁Highlights: An excellent route for autumn hiking and climbing! Vast dawn redwood forests and ginkgo trees are the stars of the autumn leaves. Park at the foot of the mountain and hike 5 km one-way to the viewing platform 7️⃣ Chongzhou - Jiulong Back Mountain 📍Jiulonggou Back Mountain 🍁Highlights: 7 km loop, a hidden gem of autumn foliage in Chongzhou! Sea of clouds and autumn colors in the same frame, with excellent views from the summit 8️⃣ Dayi - Yunzhongwu 📍Yunzhongwu Trailhead 🍁Highlights: 5 km round trip, lined with stretches of dawn redwood forests along the way. The autumn scenery is stunning, and you can also see Xiling Snow Mountain in the distance 9️⃣ Dujiangyan - Shangyuan Ancient Trail 📍Lianghe Impression 🍁Highlights: 7 km loop, explore the primeval forest with your child, encounter dawn redwood forests, and experience the wildest autumn 🔟 Dujiangyan - Xiujuerenhuang 📍Xiujuerenhuang 🍁Highlights: 4 km round trip, at the foot of Mount Qingcheng. By the end of November, you can see mountains of autumn foliage that look like a palette. A niche spot for autumn viewing 🔟1️⃣ Pengzhou - Gexian Mountain 📍Gexian Mountain Scenic Area 🍁Highlights: 5 km loop, unique landforms + ancient ginkgo trees. Explore lava caves and golden ginkgo trees 🔟2️⃣ Jintang - Kaizhao Temple 📍Kaizhao Temple 🍁Highlights: 6 km loop, a quiet ancient temple in the autumn colors! Dawn redwoods lining the path with red walls and grey tiles The best time to view the autumn foliage is from late October – mid-November. Save this post and go check them out~
🏔 Heishui Naizigou | Nine Wooden Houses: Wake Up to the Majestic Dagu Glacier As you drive up from the Heishui county seat, layers of vibrant autumnal foliage press in from both sides. Rounding the final bend, Nine Wooden Houses appear scattered across the hillside, directly facing the pristine snowline of Dagu Glacier. It’s not that the hotel simply chose this spot—it’s that the ancient settlement has belonged to this land all along. 📍 Location | Yangrong Village, Sashiduo Township, Heishui County, Aba Prefecture The estate is nestled in Naizigou Valley, the heart of Asia's largest natural colorful forest area. It is 10.6 km from the Dagu Glacier Scenic Area ticket office and 5.2 km from Yangrong Hadé. While the glacier is higher up and the estate sits mid-mountain, driving is necessary to reach either destination. 🛏️ Room Types | 9 Rooms, 7 Configurations All rooms were converted from high-altitude Tibetan dwellings in 2021, featuring wooden structures and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. · Snow Mountain & Sea of Clouds Double Terrace Suite: Features two terraces; wake up to the snowline right in front of you. · Snow Mountain View Deluxe Suite: Large windows face the peaks, perfect for enjoying tea without leaving your seat. · Cloud-top Starry Sky Twin Room: Includes a skylight for stargazing from bed and an in-room bathtub. · Courtyard King/Suite: Faces the inner yard. More budget-friendly, but offers no mountain views. · Cloud-watch Luxury Two-Bedroom Suite: Two bedrooms, ideal for two families or those traveling with elders. 🍵 Highlights | Tibetan Tea as the Core The estate features its own tea cellar, a mountain-top art space, and a wellness center powered by Taiwan Tong Ren Tang. This isn't just "tea culture" for show—they truly preserve tea and integrate it with the mountain lifestyle. 📸 Surroundings | Two Directions · Dagu Glacier (10.6 km): Take the cable car straight to the observation deck for glaciers, glacial lakes, and seas of clouds. · Yangrong Hadé (5.2 km): One of China's most beautiful Tibetan villages, known for its stone houses, white pagodas, and colorful forests. · Naizigou: The estate itself is in the valley. The colors are most intense from mid-October to early November, and you can pull over anywhere for a photo. 🍽️ Dining | The Estate Restaurant Given the scale of only nine rooms, the restaurant is cozy: one private room and a few tables by the window. They serve Tibetan hotpots and local specialties; the breakfast is a highlight in guest reviews. For more variety, you’ll need to drive down the mountain. There is no delivery service at night. 💡 Pro-Tips (Read before booking) ・With only 9 rooms, they book up fast during foliage season and National Day; book well in advance. ・Self-driving or hiring a private car is essential, as there is no convenient public transport and both scenic areas require a drive. ・Room views vary greatly: Courtyard rooms have no mountain view. For a direct view of the snowline, book the "Snow Mountain & Sea of Clouds" or "Snow Mountain View" categories. ・The restaurant is small; it's best to inform your butler about dinner in advance and bring your own drinks and snacks.
I was lucky enough to catch the final chapter of the 2026 colorful forests at Siguniang Mountain ⛰️ Autumn in Shuangqiao Valley is an oil painting brushed by nature Snow-capped mountains stretch across the horizon, the layered forests are soaked in warm yellow, sunlight spills through the gaps in the trees, and the wind sweeps across the entire valley, shaking down autumn colors across the slopes Walking slowly through it, the sounds of the wind and streams wash over my ears, the troubles of the mundane world slowly dissipate, and my heart returns to peace Lingering in the colorful forests during the day, capturing the autumn light to my heart's content ☀️ As twilight falls, returning to the valley manor The fireplace ignites a gentle glow, and warmth rises in the room Looking up, I see the silent snow peaks under the night sky, the warm light and the cold mountains gazing at each other from afar—peaceful and cozy Autumn scenery is always fleeting, its brilliance fading in an instant 🖼️ To be able to meet this wilderness at the tail end of late autumn, encountering snow-capped mountains, colorful forests, and the perfect breeze, is already a great stroke of luck Taking a photo to cherish the final autumn colors of this season in Western Sichuan
Autumn in Changping Valley at the end of October, with colorful forests filling the valley🌲 In Jiarong legend, four maidens turned into mountains to guard the river valley. The dead trees at the Dead Tree Beach are imprints left by ancient battlefields. I came to the valley manor for a short stay, but unexpectedly reaped a surprise🌟 No need to go far; just find a corner to gaze at the snow-capped mountains. The mountains don't speak, yet they are enough to converse with. Cloud shadows move slowly across the peaks. The mountains are just there, waiting for the light, and waiting for those who come to see them🌄 Fortune favored me; I waited for the serene Yaomei Peak during the blue hour, and caught the golden mountain as the sunrise spread across it. This valley is an excellent vantage point to capture all four snow peaks in one frame📷
Nestled behind Jiuzhaigou, in what's known as "Little Switzerland" in Western Sichuan, Zhongchagou has been a long-awaited destination. I've been dreaming of catching Jiuzhaigou's annual autumn foliage season 🍁, eager to witness firsthand the breathtaking beauty of autumn colors painting the mountains and lakes. 🗓️Day 1: Arrival & Stroll through Zhongchagou Arriving at Huanglong Jiuzhaigou Station by high-speed train, I transferred to a bus and entered the tranquil Zhongchagou. I discovered that Jiuzhaigou offers more than just vibrant lakes; this place holds another layer of rustic poetry. Snow-capped peaks loom in the distance, and colorful forests unfold in layers along the slopes. Snow-capped mountains, pine forests, meadows, and wooden houses—every snapshot feels like a scene from Switzerland. I booked a secluded mountain resort. It boasts a natural wabi-sabi style, incorporating Tibetan elements. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the mountain views directly into the rooms. The rooms feature smart home technology, underfloor heating, private hot springs, and outdoor courtyards. After settling in, I strolled along the valley paths while the sunlight was still on, feeling like I'd stepped into a fairytale – absolutely breathtaking. Back at the resort in the evening, a warm yak hotpot, felt incredibly soothing and healing, as if every pore was opening up. 🗓️Day 2: A whole day dedicated to Jiuzhaigou. I booked a private car from the resort to take me to the entrance of the valley – quick and hassle-free. Walking slowly along the boardwalk, colorful forests layered over azure lakes, like a flowing oil painting, each lake breathtakingly clear. As dusk fell, I leisurely returned to the resort. 🗓️Day 3 Wake up naturally and return home at a leisurely pace. Sleep in comfortably, enjoy a hearty breakfast, Sunbathe on the estate's terrace, and have afternoon tea. Or try your hand at sutra copying, Tibetan clothing, making your own Tibetan incense, or Thangka painting. Pack your luggage and conclude your comfortable three-day, two-night vacation. 🎟️ Admission: Free 🐎 Horse riding: 15 minutes 100 RMB, 30 minutes 200 RMB, 1 hour 300 RMB 📸 Photo opportunity with lambs and yaks: 10 RMB ⏰ Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Five People's Road Trip Along the Lixiaolu Road | 3 Days 2 Nights, Taking in the Snow-capped Mountains, Red Rocks, and Colorful Forests of Western Sichuan from the Car Window If you ask me if there's a road in Western Sichuan that can combine snow-capped mountains, red rock beaches, primeval forests, alpine meadows, and colorful forests within 100 kilometers, all free and without long queues, I would answer without hesitation—the Lixiaolu Road. It's not a "scenic spot," but a road that is scenic in itself. Starting from Putou Town in Li County, crossing the Qionglai Mountains, and plunging into Jiesigou in Xiaojin County, the entire route is about 96 kilometers long. It was fully paved and opened to traffic in 2026, and can be driven by sedans. Five people in one car, 3 days and 2 nights, not rushing, not forcing your way into scenic spots, slowing down—that's the right way to experience this road. Pre-trip Preparations | This road isn't difficult, but it's riddled with potholes. Vehicles: The official description is "paved throughout, suitable for sedans," but some sections have sharp bends, steep slopes, and loose gravel, making SUVs more suitable. If your vehicle has a low chassis, avoid driving after rain; it shouldn't be a problem. Fill up your tank in Lixian or Xiaojin county before departure—there are no gas stations or shops along the entire Lixiao Road, so top up when your tank is below half full. Traffic Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. Entry into the mountains is prohibited after 6:00 PM; avoid driving at night. Speed limits are 30-60 km/h on cliff bends; honk your horn before meeting oncoming traffic. Altitude Sickness: The highest point on the entire road is around the Daerpu and Lixiao tunnels, at an altitude of approximately 3800-3850 meters. The good news is that both nights' accommodations are at altitudes below 2400 meters—approximately 1800 meters in Lixian and 2367 meters in Xiaojin, significantly reducing the probability of altitude sickness. However, avoid running and jumping in Daerpu; walk slowly and keep one or two oxygen cylinders in the car. Accommodation: Five people need three rooms. The first night, stay in Lixian or Gulgou. Gulgou's hot spring hotels are recommended; they have free parking, and you can relax in the hot springs. The second night, stay in Xiaojin County. Choose a guesthouse or hotel with free parking; it's cost-effective and convenient for dining. Two nights in three rooms will cost approximately 1800-3000 yuan. Luggage: The temperature difference between day and night in the high-altitude area is over 15℃. A windproof jacket and a light down jacket are essential. Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are indispensable. Download offline maps in advance, as there is basically no signal in Jiesigou and Daerpu sections. Bring enough dry food, drinking water, and a power bank, as there are almost no supply points along the way. Day 1|Chengdu → Lixian, Adapt to the Altitude Morning|Chengdu → Lixian, 2.5 hours Depart from Chengdu in the morning, taking the Rongchang Expressway through Wenchuan to Lixian, a journey of approximately 2.5 hours. You can have lunch in Wenchuan along the way, or take a quick look at the watchtowers of Taoping Qiang Village (exterior view is free, just take a few photos and leave). Afternoon | Gurgou: Soaking in the hot springs is more important than rushing to see the sights. After arriving in Gurgou, check into your hotel first, don't rush into the side roads. Gurgou is at an altitude of about 1800 meters, the best place to acclimatize. In the afternoon, soak in the hotel's hot springs to relieve the fatigue of driving. Five people chatting in the pool is more worthwhile than rushing to any viewpoint. Evening | Yak Meat Hot Pot Have a yak meat hot pot in Gurgou town, with barley cakes, about 60-80 yuan per person. Get some rest, tomorrow is the main event. Day 1 Cost Reference: Fuel + tolls approximately 300 yuan | Accommodation 900-1500 yuan (three rooms) | Hot springs (included in hotel or extra) approximately 200-300 yuan | Dinner 350 yuan | Total approximately 1750-2450 yuan Day 2 | Full Route Traverse of the Li Trail, from Red Stone Beach to "Little Switzerland" 7:30 AM | Fill Up Gas and Head into the Mountains Starting from Gulgou, fill up the gas in Li County or Putou Town, then drive to the 0km mark of the Li Trail. The first 20km follow the Suoluo Valley upstream. The valley is humid, with Tibetan and Qiang villages scattered along the banks, and the forests gradually become denser. Morning | Liangtaigou Red Stone Beach + Leishenwang Waterfall The Red Stone Beach is located at approximately kilometer 38, with free parking available by the roadside. Orange-red pebbles cover the stream banks in the valley, with fir forests and snow-capped mountains in the background—a striking contrast. Red stones are extremely sensitive to their environment, surviving only in places with clean air and excellent water quality. Just admire them; don't step on or move them. A short distance further is Leishenwang Waterfall, a 10-minute hike after parking. The mist and snow-capped mountains create a tranquil atmosphere, and the wooden bridge offers excellent photo opportunities. We had a simple picnic at noon on the roadside meadow in Hongshitan – self-heating rice, bread, and fruit; everything tasted delicious in the sunshine. Afternoon | Lixiao Tunnel + Da'erpu: The Highlight of the Entire Route After passing through the 7-kilometer-long Lixiao Tunnel, the altitude instantly rose to approximately 3850 meters, directly facing the continuous snow-capped mountains – this is the most breathtaking vantage point on the Lixiao route, where many people stop to take photos. Continuing on, we reached Da'erpu, the essence of the entire route. At an altitude of approximately 3800 meters, the expansive alpine meadow was surrounded by snow-capped mountains, with streams flowing through it, cattle and sheep scattered about, and small wooden cabins standing on the meadow, like stepping onto a Windows desktop. Five people should spend at least 40 minutes here, walking slowly, taking photos at their own pace, and avoiding running or jumping. Evening | Crossing the Pass and Entering Xiaojin Continuing downhill from Da'erpu, we entered Jiesigou. Unlike the open terrain of the Heli County section, Jiesi Valley is a secluded and deep primeval forest, densely covered with spruce and fir trees, with rushing streams and stone houses of the Jiarong Tibetan people built along the slopes. We arrived in Xiaojin County in the evening and checked into our hotel at an altitude of approximately 2367 meters, ensuring a good night's sleep. Evening | Wild Mushroom and Yak Hot Pot The wild mushroom and yak hot pot in Xiaojin County is recommended by locals. It features matsutake mushrooms and porcini mushrooms paired with fresh and flavorful yak meat in a sweet broth. Five people ate until they were stuffed for 60-80 yuan each. Day 2 Cost Reference: Accommodation 900-1500 yuan (three rooms) | Fuel approximately 150 yuan | Food approximately 400 yuan | Total approximately 1450-2050 yuan. Day 3 | Xiaojin → Jiajin Mountain → Chengdu, Saving the Colorful Forest for Last Morning | Xiaojin → Jiajin Mountain Pass We departed from Xiaojin and returned to Chengdu via Jiajin Mountain. Jiajin Mountain Pass, at an altitude of 4114 meters, is the highest point of the entire route. From mid-October to early November, the colorful forests along this route undergo a concentrated transformation, with layers of red birch, larch, and fir trees, creating a stunning panorama of snow-capped mountains, sea of clouds, and meadows. Don't spend more than 15 minutes taking photos at the pass; due to the strong winds and high altitude, descend immediately after taking your pictures. Noon | Simple Lunch in Baoxing or Along the Way After crossing Jiajin Mountain, the altitude gradually decreases. Have lunch in Baoxing or other towns along the way, costing approximately 30-40 yuan per person. Afternoon | Return to Chengdu Return to Chengdu via Baoxing and Ya'an, a journey of about 5 hours. Five people took turns driving, arriving in Chengdu in the evening. The trunk was filled with photos of the Red Stone Beach, memories of the meadows at Da'erpu, and the colorful forests of Jiajin Mountain. Day 3 Cost Estimate: Fuel + Tolls approximately 350 yuan | Lunch 200 yuan | Total approximately 550 yuan. Budget Overview | Moderate Comfort for Five People, Not Too Expensive Item | Cost (Total for Five People) Round-trip fuel + tolls: Approx. 800 RMB Accommodation (Two nights, three rooms): Approx. 1800-3000 RMB Lixiaolu Route: Free Hot Springs/Issue Parking Fees: Approx. 300-500 RMB Food (All-inclusive for three days): Approx. 1000-1200 RMB Oxygen Cylinders/Snacks: Approx. 200 RMB Total: Approx. 4100-5700 RMB The Lixiaolu Route has no entrance fees or tolls. The biggest expenses are accommodation and fuel. For a moderately comfortable trip for five people, you can complete this "Little Duku Highway of Western Sichuan" for less than 1200 RMB per person. Any extra budget can be used to upgrade to a private hot spring hotel in Gulgou for one night, or stay an extra night in Xiaojin to slow down the pace for another day. Practical Tips | Follow These Guides to Avoid 90% of Pitfalls 1. Fill up your tank in Lixian or Xiaojin before entering the mountains – there are no gas stations along the entire route, so don't wait until the fuel light comes on. 2. Exit the mountains before 6 PM – the daily exit time is 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, so don't stay out too late. 3. Don't jump or jog on Da'erpu – the altitude is approximately 3800 meters, so walk slowly and keep an oxygen cylinder in your car. 4. Red rocks are best viewed from a distance – stepping on or moving them will cause them to fade and become unusable. 5. Don't stop randomly on curves – find designated parking areas, and honk and slow down when passing oncoming traffic near cliff edges. 6. Download offline maps beforehand – there is basically no cell phone signal in Jiesigou and Da'erpu sections. 7. Don't try to cram in Bipenggou and Siguniang Mountain in one day – the Lixian-Xiaolu road is already full enough; trying to do more will only lead to driving at night. 8. The best time to visit is from September to early November—colorful forests, snow-capped mountains, and red rocks are all framed together. After November, the road may be closed due to snow and ice restrictions. The Lixiao Road isn't the kind of road you need to "conquer." It's more like a window to western Sichuan, framing snow-capped mountains, red rocks, meadows, forests, and colorful forests all within its 96 kilometers, then telling you: drive slowly, no rush. When you five stand on the meadow of Daerpu, watching the stream meander from the foot of the snow-capped mountains, and cattle and sheep leisurely crossing the road; when you pass through the Lixiao Tunnel, and the snow-capped mountains rush towards you the moment you emerge—you'll understand that the beauty of some roads isn't in the destination, but in the journey itself, where you're reluctant to press the accelerator too hard. Five people in one car, three days and two nights, capturing the layers of western Sichuan through the car window, and imprinting the free and vast Lixiao Road into your memory.
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
