Travel with Wonder: A 2-Day Family Trip to Mt. Siguniang & Shuangqiao Valley

Recently, my family and I embarked on a weekend trip to Mount Siguniang and Shuangqiao Valley. It was a truly memorable experience, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the breathtaking beauty of this locale and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. I'm excited to share some stunning photos capturing the scenery from Chengdu to Shuangqiao Valley, as well as the picturesque landscapes within the valleys themselves.

Must-visit Destinations on My Bucket List

Known as the "Oriental Alps," Mount Siguniang in Western Sichuan is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The Mount Siguniang National Park encompasses the Four Girls Mountains, boasting peaks ranging from 5355 to 6250 meters, as well as three main valleys: Shuangqiao Valley (双桥沟), Changping Valley (长坪沟), and Haizi Valley (海子沟).

Shuangqiao Valley, situated on the left side among these valleys, spans 34.8 kilometers. Its name, meaning "Double Bridge," derives from the scenic bridges—one crafted from willow trees and the other from redwood—that adorn the area. Among the valleys, Shuangqiao stands out for its well-developed infrastructure, including sightseeing buses that shuttle visitors from the entrance to the valley's end, making it accessible without requiring much physical strength or walking long distances. Renowned for its stunning and diverse landscapes, Shuangqiao Valley, located approximately 7 kilometers from Siguniangshan Town, offers the easiest access to the beauty of Mount Siguniang and is ideal for exploration upon arrival.

The altitude of Shuangqiao Valley ranges from 3,200 to 3,850 meters, making it the lowest among the three main valleys and also the most suitable for family with kid(s). Just remember to acclimate slowly, especially when visiting higher points such as the Redwoods Forest, which reaches over 3,840 meters.

The optimal times to visit are June-July for summer's lush vistas, September-October for autumn's vivid colors, or winter for snow-covered panoramas. ⋙ Siguniangshan Weather: Climate & Best Time to Visit

Chengdu to Shuangqiao Valley: Scenic Beauty Along the Way

To avoid downtown traffic jams, my family and I got up early in the morning, which turned out to be a great decision. The morning air was cool and gentle sunlight made our drive enjoyable.

Our route first took us through Dujiangyan City, home to Mount Qingcheng and the Dujiangyan Irrigation System. If time permits, consider spending a night here to explore these beautiful sites. Further along, we passed through Gengda Town, where the Wolong Panda Center is located. Similarly, a brief stop of 1~2 hours allows for a visit to the Panda base before continuing the journey.

After about 3 hours of driving, we reached our first highlight, the Balang Mountain Pass (巴郎山垭口). The hillsides were adorned with wildflowers and diverse vegetation. For the adventurous, climbing to the mountain top offers another breathtaking view.

Continuing on for approximately 20 minutes, we arrived at our next scenic spot, the Cat Nose Bridge Observation Deck (猫鼻梁观景台). Weather permitting, you can catch a glimpse of the Four Girls Peaks of Mount Siguniang. Though our visit was hindered by thick clouds, we managed to see the Eldest Girl peak.

Continuing our journey, we soon arrived at Shuangqiao Valley.

Siguniangshan Travel Blog

Hillside Wildflowers & The Eldest Girl Peak in the Distance

Enjoying the Enchanting Valley Landscapes

Upon arrival, we located a parking spot and boarded the shuttle bus to enter the area. The shuttle ride took approximately 50 minutes.

Our first stop was the Redwood Forest (红杉林). The beauty of the redwood forest is most striking in autumn, when the leaves turn shades of red and yellow. It's important to note that the altitude here is quite high, which may cause discomfort or altitude sickness for some individuals. If you're concerned, it's advisable to bring oxygen with you or purchase some upon arrival.

Personally, I found the wildflowers on the hill more captivating than the redwood forest.

Siguniangshan Travel Blog

The Redwood Forest

Next, we board the shuttle bus to our next destination, Potala Peak (布达拉峰). The mountain derives its name from its resemblance to the Potala Palace in Lhasa.

Siguniangshan Travel Blog

Potala Peak

Then, proceed by taking the shuttle bus to the next stop, Sigunacuo Lake (四姑娜措). I must say, the lake and the mountains are absolutely stunning!

Siguniangshan Travel Blog

Sigunacuo Lake

Proceed to the following stop, known as Fishing Dam (撵鱼坝). This location is renowned for its drift activities. If you have an interest, this spot is definitely worth a visit. Next up is Longzhu Lake (隆珠措). It bears a resemblance to Sigunacuo Lake, yet its stunning waterfall is a highlight not to be missed.

Siguniangshan Travel Blog

Longzhu Lake

Finally, we made our way to the Ginseng Fruit Area (人参果坪). This place is truly stunning, and we found it incredibly serene. We spent a good amount of time here, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and the opportunity for hiking. The altitude here is the lowest of all the places we visited, making it very comfortable for us. After a delightful day, we checked into a hotel near the Ginseng Fruit Area. Unfortunately, the guest accommodations in these hotels are not up to standard for foreign tourists.

Siguniangshan Travel Blog

The Ginseng Fruit Area

The next morning, I was pleasantly surprised by the fresh mountain air and the sight of white clouds drifting across the peaks—it was a perfect morning. However, it was time to bid farewell. The journey back took us through more scenic mountain landscapes, adding to our wonderful experiences during the trip.

Siguniangshan Travel Blog

Scenery on Our Way Back Home

Are you interested in traveling to Mount Siguniang with me? Browse our best Mount Siguniang Tour Packages, or just share your travel preferences, and I'll use my experience and knowledge to provide you with an unforgettable customized Mount Siguniang trip.

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Our Delighted Customers in Mount Siguniang National Park

Travel with Me

Hi, I'm Wonder. Are you interested in my exploration in Mt. Siguniang? Feel free to contact me and I will be glad to tell you more travel stories about the places I have visited. Or, if you want to customize a tour on your own, I'm always ready to help at any time. With my passion and knowledge, I promise to make the tour memorable and meaningful for you.

Wonder
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