Western Sichuan Small Loop: Snow Mountains & Tibetan Villages

From Mount Siguniang, Danba, Tagong, and Xinduqiao to Hailuogou, cover the highlights of Western Sichuan in one week.

Cross Balang Mountain to reach Mount Siguniang, pass through Danba Tibetan Village, Tagong Grassland, and Xinduqiao to Kangding, and finally return to Chengdu via the Yakang Expressway from Hailuogou Glacier. This loop route avoids backtracking, has a relatively short average daily driving time, and features manageable altitudes, making it ideal for first-time visitors to Western Sichuan who want to skip Daocheng. The trade-offs are that Yading and Seda are not included.

Autumn colors are best from late October to early November; watch out for landslides during the rainy season in July–August.

Day by day

Day 1 · Cross Balang Mountain to Rilong

Mount Siguniang（Balang Mountain Pass、Maobiliang Viewpoint）

Drive from Chengdu via Dujiangyan and Wolong, crossing Balang Mountain to Rilong Town (approx. 220 km, 5 hours of driving).

The Wolong section is prone to falling rocks in the afternoon during the rainy season; an early morning departure is recommended.

Stay: Rilong Town (Siguniang Town)

Day 2 · Full-Day Sightseeing in Shuangqiao Valley

Mount Siguniang（Shuangqiao Valley）

Drive from Rilong Town to the valley entrance (approx. 10 minutes), transfer to the scenic area sightseeing bus, and spend about 6 hours for the round trip and sightseeing.

Shuangqiao Valley has visitor limits; book tickets and sightseeing bus passes online in advance.

Stay: Rilong Town (Siguniang Town)

Day 3 · Follow the Xiaojin River to Jiaju Tibetan Village

Danba（Jiaju Tibetan Village、Suopo Ancient Towers）

Drive from Rilong through Xiaojin County along the river valley to Danba (approx. 110 km, 2.5 hours of driving). The mountain road into the village is narrow.

Guesthouses are fully booked during the pear blossom season and National Day holiday; dragging suitcases on mountain roads is inconvenient.

Stay: Jiaju Tibetan Village

Day 4 · Moshi Park to Tagong Grassland

Xinduqiao & Tagong（Mushi (Ink Stone) Park, Bamei、Tagong Grassland、Lhagang Monastery (Tagong Monastery)、Muya Golden Pagoda）

Drive from Danba through Bamei to Tagong (approx. 120 km, 2.5 hours of driving), stopping at Moshi Park along the way.

Tagong is at an altitude of about 3,700 meters. Keep activity to a minimum on the first night and choose accommodation with oxygen supply.

Stay: Tagong Town

Day 5 · Xinduqiao over Zheduo Mountain to Kangding

Xinduqiao & Tagong（Xinduqiao） → Hailuogou & Kangding（Zheduo Mountain Pass、Mugecuo Lake (Kangding Love Song Scenic Area)）

Drive south from Tagong to Xinduqiao, then cross Zheduo Mountain to Kangding (approx. 120 km). The journey takes a full day, including a stop at Mugecuo.

Stay: Kangding Urban Area

Day 6 · Hailuogou Glacier & Red Stone Park

Hailuogou & Kangding（Red Stone Beach (Yajiageng Red Stone Park)、Hailuogou Glacier Forest Park、Moxi Ancient Town）

Drive from Kangding via Luding to Moxi (approx. 110 km, 2 hours of driving). Transfer to a sightseeing bus and cable car inside the valley.

Entry stops at 14:00 during winter and spring; arrive early and book with real-name registration.

Stay: Moxi Ancient Town

Day 7 · Luding Bridge to Chengdu via Yakang Expressway

Hailuogou & Kangding（Moxi Catholic Church、Luding Bridge） → Chengdu

Drive from Moxi to Luding Bridge (approx. 1 hour), then return to Chengdu via the Yakang Expressway (approx. 290 km, 4.5 hours of driving).