Munigou Valley
牟尼沟
The 'Little Huanglong' beside Songpan county town, with Zhaga Waterfall, China's tallest travertine waterfall, and the travertine lakes and hot springs of Erdaohai. It makes a peaceful alternative to Huanglong and a half-day trip from Chuanzhusi.
Munigou lies about 20 km southwest of Songpan county town and about 35 km from Chuanzhusi town, at an altitude of 2,800 to 4,000 metres. It consists of two scenic areas, Zhaga Waterfall and Erdaohai, which share the travertine landscape of the Min Mountains. It is similar to Huanglong but far less crowded. Zhaga Waterfall is China's tallest travertine waterfall, about 93 metres high and 35 metres wide, with water tumbling down three tiers of travertine steps, its roar audible for miles. In Tibetan, 'Zhaga' means 'rapids over white rock'. Water flow is greatest in summer, while in winter it freezes into a huge ice cascade. Around the waterfall are travertine flats and primeval forest boardwalks. Erdaohai, about 10 km north of Zhaga Waterfall, is a series of high-altitude lakes formed by travertine dams, with brilliant blue water. On the lakeshore there are natural hot springs where you can soak your feet, as well as open-air hot pools, and a boardwalk leads up to the uppermost Emerald Lake. Tickets: Zhaga Waterfall about RMB 70, Erdaohai about RMB 70, combined ticket about RMB 100. Visit time: about 1.5 hours at Zhaga Waterfall and about 2 hours at Erdaohai, with a bus ride needed between them. Getting there: there is no public transport. Hire a car from Chuanzhusi or Songpan county town (about RMB 200 to 300 for a half day), or join a half-day tour from Songpan. From Jiuzhaigou Huanglong Airport it is about 1 hour. It suits a trip to Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong with an extra half day, or serves as a substitute when Huanglong is closed for winter. Notes: the altitude is about 3,000 metres, so walk slowly; facilities at the Erdaohai hot springs are basic; the ancient city walls and Hui mosque of Songpan county town can be seen on the way; during the rainy season, watch for landslides on mountain roads.
Opening hours
08:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Songpan Ancient City
- Chuanzhusi Town
- Red Army Long March Memorial
- Huanglong Scenic Area
- Primeval Forest
- Swan Lake & Fragrant Hill Lake
- Long Lake
- Five-Colour Pond