Changping Valley
长坪沟
A classic day hike along primeval forest, streams and sea buckthorn groves to Muluozi Meadow, directly facing Yaomei Peak. It is also the starting point for horseback riding and for crossing to Bipenggou.
Changping Valley extends about 29 km north of Siguniang Town. The elevation rises from 3,200 meters at the entrance to 3,760 meters at Muluozi. Along the valley lie primeval spruce forests, streams and meadows, and at its head is the glacier of Yaomei Peak. To visit, take a sightseeing bus from the valley entrance (20 yuan, mandatory) to Lama Temple, a Tibetan Buddhist monastery with views of Siguniang. From there, hike along the wooden boardwalks through primeval forest, past Toudaoping, Erdaoping, Longdong, the sea buckthorn grove, Xiagan Lake, Shanggan Lake, Leigushi and Hongshizhen, to Muluozi. The walk is about 14 km and takes 6–7 hours round trip. Muluozi is an open alpine meadow directly facing the 6,250-meter snow wall of Yaomei Peak, making it the best place to photograph the peak. Those short on energy can turn back at Shanggan Lake (about 8 km), or rent a horse at Lama Temple for the round trip to Muluozi (about 300–400 yuan). A campsite is available at Muluozi, but camping requires an outdoor activity ticket. From Muluozi you can continue over a pass and cross to Bipenggou in Li County, a trek of about two days that requires a guide. Entry costs 70 yuan and the sightseeing bus costs 20 yuan. Opening hours are 7:20–17:30 in spring and summer and 7:50–17:00 in autumn and winter, and advance booking is required. The last bus leaves around 17:00, so plan your hike carefully. Getting there: the entrance is on the east side of the town, about 10 minutes on foot or by taxi. Tips: the wooden boardwalks run at around 3,700 meters, so go slowly. Weather changes quickly, so bring a raincoat and warm clothing. You may return after dark, so bring a headlamp. Beyond Muluozi is an outdoor activity area, so do not venture in alone. Horse trails and footpaths are separate, so step aside for horses.
Opening hours
Spring/summer 07:20–17:30; autumn/winter 07:50–17:00 (reservation required)
Nearby sights
- Kushutan
- Chaoshanping Viewpoint
- Haizi Valley
- Siguniang Dafeng (Big Sister Peak)
- Maobiliang Viewpoint
- Siguniangshan Town (Rilong)
- Dahaizi Lake (Haizi Valley)
- Yaomei Peak (Mount Siguniang)