Mount Siguniang Scenic Area is located in Siguniangshan Town, Xiaojin County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The scenic area consists of Mount Siguniang, Shuangqiao Valley, Changping Valley, Haizi Valley, and other parts. It is a national-level scenic area, a national-level nature reserve, and a national 5A-level tourist attraction, with a total area of 591 square kilometers. Mount Siguniang is famous for its majestic and towering peaks. The four snow peaks stretch continuously, like four girls wearing white veils. Among them, Yaomei Peak, at an altitude of 6,250 meters, is the second highest peak in Sichuan Province. The scenic area also contains 52 snow peaks above 5,000 meters in altitude, well-developed modern glaciers, and rich and diverse natural landscapes such as primitive forests, streams and waterfalls, and alpine meadows. It is known as the "Queen of Shu Mountains" and the "Oriental Alps."
History and Culture
The Mount Siguniang area has a long history. According to archaeological discoveries, humans were active here as early as the Neolithic Age. This is the settlement area of the Jiarong Tibetan people, with a profound Jiarong cultural heritage. Tibetan Buddhism spread widely here, forming a unique folk customs. Legend has it that Mount Siguniang was formed from four beautiful and kind-hearted girls who transformed after fighting demons to protect their homeland. This legend reflects the local people's reverence for nature and their longing for a better life. In addition, Mount Siguniang was also a place the Red Army passed through during the Long March, leaving behind many moving heroic deeds and possessing important red cultural value.
Main Attractions
Mount Siguniang Main Peak
Mount Siguniang consists of four continuous peaks: Yaogu Niang Mountain (Yaomei Peak), San Guniang Mountain, Er Guniang Mountain, and Da Guniang Mountain. Among them, Yaomei Peak, at an altitude of 6,250 meters, is the second highest peak in Sichuan. Its mountain body is steep, and it is covered with snow all year round, like a gracefully standing young girl, and is known as the "Queen of Shu Mountains." San Guniang Mountain is 5,355 meters above sea level, Er Guniang Mountain is 5,276 meters above sea level, and Da Guniang Mountain is 5,025 meters above sea level. The four peaks each have their own characteristics and are ideal destinations for mountaineering enthusiasts.
Shuangqiao Valley
Shuangqiao Valley is the most mature valley in the Mount Siguniang scenic area, with a total length of 34.8 kilometers and an area of 216.6 square kilometers. Both sides of the valley are mountains, yet each mountain is different; everywhere in the valley is scenery, yet each scene is distinct. It is mainly composed of snow peaks, pastures, grasslands, forests, and so on, and is the most beautiful valley in Mount Siguniang. The scenic area is divided into three sections, with more than 20 attractions already developed, where visitors can see more than a dozen snow mountains above 4,000 meters in altitude.
Changping Valley
Changping Valley is 29 kilometers long and covers an area of about 100 square kilometers. It is one of the main scenic areas of Mount Siguniang. The valley not only has beautiful natural scenery but also preserves many ancient battlefield relics, such as the Tang-Tubo Ancient Road and the Lama Temple. Changping Valley is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. From the valley mouth to Bipeng Valley, the entire route is about 70 kilometers. Along the way, visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery such as snow mountains, forests, meadows, and streams. It is one of China's top ten classic hiking routes.
Haizi Valley
Haizi Valley is 19.2 kilometers long and covers an area of 126.48 square kilometers. It is named after the many alpine lakes in the valley. The valley contains more than 10 alpine lakes, including Huahai Lake, Fuhaizi, Baihai, Lanhai, and Huanghai. The lake water is crystal clear and reflects the surrounding snow mountains and forests, just like a fairyland. Haizi Valley is the most primitive valley in the Mount Siguniang scenic area and is suitable for tourists who like exploration and camping.
Tour Routes
According to tourists' time and interests, the following tour routes are recommended:
One-Day Tour
It is recommended to visit Shuangqiao Valley. This is the most mature valley in the Mount Siguniang scenic area, with concentrated attractions and convenient transportation, suitable for tourists with limited time. Tourists can take a sightseeing bus to visit the attractions in the valley, and the whole trip takes about 6-8 hours.
Two-Day Tour
On the first day, visit Shuangqiao Valley; on the second day, visit Changping Valley. Changping Valley is a paradise for hiking enthusiasts. Tourists can choose to hike or ride horses to visit the attractions in the valley, and the whole trip takes about 6-8 hours.
Three-Day Tour
On the first day, visit Shuangqiao Valley; on the second day, visit Changping Valley; on the third day, visit Haizi Valley. Haizi Valley is the most primitive valley in the Mount Siguniang scenic area and is suitable for tourists who like exploration and camping. Tourists can choose to hike or ride horses to visit the attractions in the valley, and the whole trip takes about 6-8 hours.
Hiking Traverse Route
The Mount Siguniang scenic area also has a classic hiking traverse route: the Changping Valley-Bipeng Valley traverse, with a total length of about 70 kilometers, requiring 3-4 days. Along this route, visitors can enjoy beautiful scenery such as snow mountains, forests, meadows, and streams. It is one of China's top ten classic hiking routes and is suitable for tourists with some hiking experience.
Travel Suggestions：
Learn about the weather conditions in advance and choose a suitable time to visit the Mount Siguniang scenic area. The best tourist season for the Mount Siguniang scenic area is spring and autumn, when the weather is clear and the scenery is pleasant.
Take preventive measures against altitude sickness in advance, such as taking altitude sickness medication ahead of time and avoiding strenuous exercise. The Mount Siguniang scenic area is at a relatively high altitude, generally above 3,000 meters, and some attractions are above 4,000 meters, so tourists are prone to altitude sickness.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, and prepare sun protection items and rain gear. There are many hiking routes in the Mount Siguniang scenic area, so tourists need to wear comfortable shoes; the weather in the scenic area changes greatly, and the ultraviolet rays are strong, so tourists need to prepare sun protection items and rain gear.
Respect local customs and religious beliefs, and do not touch local cultural relics and historical sites at will. The Mount Siguniang area is the settlement area of the Jiarong Tibetan people, and tourists need to respect local customs and religious beliefs.
Observe the rules and requirements of the scenic area, do not litter at will, and keep the scenic area clean and hygienic. The Mount Siguniang scenic area is a national-level nature reserve, and tourists need to observe the rules and requirements of the scenic area and protect its ecological environment.
Notes：
The scenic area is at a relatively high altitude, generally above 3,000 meters, and some attractions are above 4,000 meters, so tourists are prone to altitude sickness. It is recommended that tourists take preventive measures against altitude sickness in advance, such as taking altitude sickness medication ahead of time and avoiding strenuous exercise.
The weather in the scenic area changes greatly, and the ultraviolet rays are strong, so tourists need to prepare sun protection items and rain gear. At the same time, the temperature difference between day and night in the scenic area is large, so tourists need to keep warm.
There are many hiking routes in the scenic area, and some routes are quite difficult. Tourists need to choose suitable routes according to their own physical strength and experience. At the same time, tourists need to make full preparations before hiking, such as understanding the route conditions and preparing necessary equipment.
Mobile phone signal is weak in some areas of the scenic area, so tourists need to make communication and arrangements in advance. At the same time, tourists need to pay attention to safety and do not enter undeveloped areas without authorization.
The dining and accommodation conditions in the scenic area are relatively poor, so tourists need to be mentally prepared. At the same time, tourists need to choose regular dining and accommodation places to ensure food safety and accommodation safety.
Transportation：
External Transportation：
By plane: Tourists can first fly to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport or Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, and then transfer to a bus or chartered car to go to the Mount Siguniang scenic area.
By bus: There are direct buses from Chengdu Chadianzi Passenger Station to the Mount Siguniang scenic area, with one bus each at 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. every day, and the journey takes about 5 hours.
By chartered car: Tourists can charter a car in Chengdu to go to the Mount Siguniang scenic area. The journey takes about 5 hours, and the cost depends on the vehicle type and number of people.
Internal Transportation：
Sightseeing bus: There are sightseeing buses in Shuangqiao Valley and Changping Valley, and tourists can take them to visit the attractions in the valleys.
Horse riding: Horse riding is available in Changping Valley and Haizi Valley, and tourists can rent horses and guides at the valley mouths.
Hiking: There are many hiking routes in the Mount Siguniang scenic area, and tourists can choose to hike to visit the attractions in the valleys.
Opening Hours：
The Mount Siguniang scenic area is open all year round. The specific opening hours are as follows:
Peak season (April 1-November 30): 7:00-17:30.
Off-season (December 1-March 31 of the following year): 8:00-17:00.
The scenic area implements a reservation ticket purchase system. Tourists need to reserve and purchase tickets in advance on the official website or WeChat official account, and enter the scenic area according to the reserved time.
Tickets：
The Mount Siguniang scenic area charges tickets by attraction. The specific prices are as follows:
Shuangqiao Valley sightseeing bus: 150 yuan/person.
Changping Valley sightseeing bus: 90 yuan/person.
Haizi Valley: 60 yuan/person.