Mount Siguniang

The "Alps of the East": Changping, Shuangqiao and Haizi valleys, beginner-level snow-peak climbs on Dafeng and Erfeng, and a top destination for hiking and autumn color in western Sichuan.

Mount Siguniang lies in Xiaojin County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, about 220 km from Chengdu, in the Qionglai Mountains. It consists of four connected snow peaks: Dafeng (5,025 m), Erfeng (5,276 m), Sanfeng (5,355 m) and Yaomei Peak (6,250 m, the second-highest peak in Sichuan). Called "Sigula" in Tibetan, it gets its name from the shape of the mountains, which resemble four girls draped in white veils, and is known as the "Alps of the East." It is a national-level scenic area, part of the Giant Panda Sanctuaries World Natural Heritage site, and also China's most popular destination for beginner-level snow-peak climbing and hiking. The base is Siguniangshan Town (formerly Rilong Town, at about 3,200 m), from which three valleys extend north: Shuangqiao Valley (sightseeing bus, with snow peaks, red fir forests and lakes; the easiest), Changping Valley (hike or ride a horse to the Mu Luozi meadow for views of Yaomei Peak; also the starting point for the crossing to Bipeng Valley) and Haizi Valley (alpine lakes and meadows; the entry point for climbing Dafeng and Erfeng). The Maobiliang viewpoint outside town is the spot for the panorama of all four peaks and sunlit golden summits. Climate: highland mountain climate, best from June to October; wildflower meadows in July–August and autumn color in mid-to-late October are the peaks. From November to May the sky is clearest and the snow peaks sharpest but it is cold; the climbing season runs from October to April, with frequent wind and snow in March–May. Getting there: Chengdu's Chadianzi Bus Station has several coaches daily to Siguniangshan Town (via Dujiangyan, Wolong and the Balang Mountain tunnel, about 4–5 hours, fare about ¥100); self-driving from Chengdu via the Duwen Expressway through Yingxiu, Wolong and Balang Mountain takes about 4 hours. You can also enter from Danba or Li County to make a western Sichuan mini-loop. From town it is about 7 km to the Shuangqiao Valley entrance, while the Changping and Haizi valley entrances are at the edge of town. We suggest 2–3 days: arrive and acclimatize on day one and watch sunset at Maobiliang; Shuangqiao Valley on day two; Changping or Haizi Valley on day three. Climbing Dafeng takes an additional 2–3 days. Admission: Shuangqiao Valley ¥80 plus ¥70 for the sightseeing bus; Changping Valley ¥70 plus ¥20 for the bus; Haizi Valley ¥60; and a special outdoor activity permit of ¥150 (3 days) must be booked with your real name on the "Aba Tourism Network" before 18:00 the day before. Notes: the town sits at 3,200 m and the valleys reach nearly 4,000 m, so avoid strenuous activity on the first day and bring oxygen and sun protection; temperature swings between morning/evening and midday are large, so bring a down jacket even in summer; the Changping and Haizi hikes are long, so go at your own pace and rent a horse if needed; lodging is tight in peak season, but the town has many guesthouses and hotels.

Top sights

Where to eat

Itineraries