Mount Siguniang, the Sacred Mountain in the East
Mount Siguniang (Mt. Siguniang, Siguniangshan, or Four Girls Mountain四姑娘山) is praised as the “Sacred Mountain in the East” and listed into the National Geo-park of China and the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites in 2006 as the sanctuary of Giant Pandas in Sichuan, with emerald leafy forests and various animal and plant species being the best idyllic amusement park for adorable pandas. Besides, enjoying the advantageous location at the junction of Xiaojin County and Wenchuan County in Aba Prefecture in Sichuan Province, only about 200km west away from Chengdu City, Mount Siguniang enjoys the prototype and vegetation with fabulous landscape similar to Alps and is praised by visitors as the “Oriental Alps”. Holding four elegant snow mountains including the 6,232m high Yaomei Peak reputed as “Queen of Mountains in Sichuan”, Mount Siguniang is one of the most popular getaways for people’s nature or trekking seeking. Moreover, she also houses enchanting ravines singing with lakes and waterfalls, and many fascinating views that remind tourists of the featured landscape in South Europe, and bring them visual enjoyment!
Most Popular Mount Siguniang Tour Package:
>> 4 Days Mount Siguniang Classic Hiking Tour
What to See at Mount Siguniang
Mount Siguniang usually refers to the large national park with three valleys and one mountain. Being one of the most favorite natural resorts in Sichuan, Mount Siguniang preserves its four holy snow mountains, three famous beautiful valleys and many other natural wonders for your discovery, either in leisure or challenging!
1. Four Girls Mountain
Mount Siguniang is the great result of natural movement of earth, boasting the magnificent, rare, and precipitous sceneries together, attracted numerous people to have a close look at its real look! Appreciated from afar, Mount Siguniang really looks like four girls in silver snow dressing with god-gifted crown of white snow standing upon the grand stage. According to the local legend, there are four beautiful and kind girls protect their beloved adorable giant pandas against the evil monsters, however, they were pinned down and changed into the four sacred white snow mountains, which include the Dafeng Peak, Erfeng Peak, Sanfeng Peak and Yaomei Peak.
Yaomei Peak (the Fourth Peak幺妹峰) is located at the northernmost part. Rising up to 6,250 meters with graceful shape, she is the second highest mountains in Sichuan and complimented as the “Queen of Mountains in Sichuan Province” and “Sacred Mountain in the East” by visitors. Having especially hard way with countless ice glaciers from the foot to the summit, Yaomei Peak only enabled less than 30 people home and abroad to reach its top.
Dafeng Peak (Elder Girl’s Peak or Elder Sister Peak 大姑娘峰) of 5,355 meters locates at the southernmost part in Mount Siguniang, which has strange rocks above its 4,000m body but alpine meadow and flowery forests around the part below 4,000m. It is the easiest peak for climbing up.
Erfeng Peak (Second Girl’s Peak or Second Sister Peak二姑娘峰) beside Dafeng Peak is 5,454 meters high with precipitous and narrow summit covered with never-melting snow. Every time in Summer, she will be exquisitely dressed with a large spread of verdant trees and grass. This mountain is usually suitable for new climbers.
Sanfeng Peak or Sanguniang Peak (Third Girl’s Peak or Third Sister Peak三姑娘峰) locates in the middle and rises up to 5,664 meters. With mists frequently circling its castle-like leaden rock summit, this peak looks very mysterious and pretty. Climbing Sanfeng Peak needs professional skills and equipment.
Maobilian Ridge (Bridge of Cat’ Nose猫鼻梁) is a slope about 7km from Siguniangshan Town. It is widely known as the top best place to shoot the panorama of Mount Siguniang.
2. Shuangqiao Valley
Shuangqiao Valley (双桥沟) is 34.8 meters long and 216.6 hectares wide, about 7 kilometers away from Siguniangshan Town. Possessing two wooden bridges rare seen in such a snow mountain forest place, it gets such a name meaning Two Bridges Valley. Within this valley, there are over 10 mountains reaching over 4,000 meters with snow cap year round, 37 ravines and streams nourishing the surrounding verdant trees, plants and animals. Besides, Shuangqiao Valley offers 54 small scenic spots for your visual satisfaction, including the thousand hectare wide Sapodilla Plateau with full green grassland and forests dotted with some wide flowers and belted by winding clear river, Nianyuba with wide lush meadow reaching far with flowers, Prayer Flags and endless peace and quiet, Penjingtan which is famous for its strange shaped sea-buckthorn trees like bonsai, Redwood Forest at the end of Shuangqiao Valley surrounded by pure snow mountains and clouds, and more surprising attractions to marvel at the amazing nature!
Furthermore, Shuangqiao Valley is the most relaxing valley there with sightseeing buses available through the 34.8km trip, which usually stops at the 5 fixed points for visitors’ sightseeing and photography along the wood plank path.
Know more about Shuangqiao Valley in Mount Siguniang >>
3. Changping Valley
Changping Valley (长坪沟) is 29 kilometers long and covers 100 hectares. 21 attractions are scattered along this emerald pleasant scenic gallery. Preserving perfectly rich types of primitive vegetation, Changping Valley is a nice walking resort with thick forests with some sunlight shining down on the quiet old mossy paths. Remember to admire the special Gyarong Tibetan styled architectures at Zhangmu Village with pure Tibetan folk custom and visit Lama Monastery to have a close look at its more than 1,200-year-old Tibetan Gelugpa temple cluster dated back to Tang Dynasty. Once you stop at Xiemaping, be prepared to embrace the kingdom of plants growing various cedars, cypresses, birches, sea buckthorns, etc. that never disappoints any one visitor. Moreover, in Autumn, everything there in front you are colored into splendid red, yellow, emerald and green to be a fabulous oil painting together with the azure canopy. Muluozi with richest plantation is a fun place to see cattle and horses grazing happily along the river crossing the massive grassland, which is also a great place to admire the back appearance of Mount Siguaning. Also, the 0.5-kilometer-long Red Stone Beach shall not to be missed with various red granite stones of different shapes naturally placed in piles or scattered randomly for your distinct imagination of snow mountain and forests beauty of Mount Siguniang.
Know more about Changping Valley in Mount Siguniang >>
4. Haizi Valley
Haizi Valley (海子沟) means Lake Valley. This 19.2 km long and 126.48 hectare wide valley has totally different sceneries from Shuangqiao Valley and Changping Valley. More than 10 alpine likes are scattered within this valley, which are all crystal clear to mirror the blue sky and white clouds apparently. Among them, Dahaizi Lake (Large Lake) is like a jade inset into the emerald cloth of mountains and grassland in fresh green. With the snow mountain appearing between mountains, the scenery is really awesome to comfort your agitated heart. Besides, Huahaizi Lake covering 10 hectares is a shadow and often a wetland with strings of lakes winding like the sparkling paillette on the skirt of a young girl, which is even more beautiful in Summer with graceful blossoms. Apart from lakes, Haizi Valley is also a wonderland for animals. Guozhuangping Plateau 7km from Siguniangshan Town often welcomes many horses to taste its delicious grass, which is particularly lovely with diverse flowers in red, white, etc. in Summer months. Local Gyarong Tibetan villagers hold their annual Kora event to worship for the holy mountain with a series of songs, dances and racing. Also, Guozhaungping Plateur and Chaoshanping Plateau are the best locations to appreciate Mount Siguniang with wide sphere of vision.
Know more about Haizi Valley in Mount Siguniang >>
Recommended Routes to Trek Mount Siguniang
People usually visit Mount Siguniang to trek at one or two of the three valleys and appreciate the four famous snow mountains from a distance.
● Shuanqiao Valley (half day):
Entrance - Yinyanggu Valley - Yangliu Bridge - Sun & Moon Mirror - White Poplar Forest - Five Color Mountain Viewing Point - Sapodilla Plateau - Sea-buckthorn Forest - Bonsai Shoal - Nianyuba - Niupengzi - Budala Mountain Viewing Point - Large Meadow - White Sand Shoal - Maozhuwan Gully - Redwood Forest - same way back (usually 3 hours for bus; 4-5 hours for bus and leisure walking)
● Haizi Valley (1 day)
Entrance - Guozhaungping Plateau & Chaoshanping Plateau (admire Mount Siguniang) - Shiban Village - Dajianbao - Shishaotai - Old Cattle Garden - Large Lake - same way back (8-9 hours)
● Changping Valley (1 day)
Entrance - Changping - Lama Monastery - Toudaoping Plateau - Erdaoping Plateau - Tang Cypress Ancient Path - Dragon Cave - Sea - Lower Dry Sea - Upper Dry Sea - Leogu Rock - Muluozi - same way back (about 7-8 hours)
Know more about Mount Siguniang Trekking >>
Compare Each Valley:
Valley | Location | Length | Style | Scenery | Suggested Time |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Shuangqiao Valley | left one | 34.8 km | sightseeing bus; easy to explore the whole valley | most beautiful landscape with three forest belts. Can not see Mount Siguniang peaks directly | half day or 1 day |
Changping Valley | middle one | 29 km | hiking, horse riding; paradise for regular hikers; finish two-thirds of the valley | can catch Mount Siguniang view clearly; typical highland scenery | 1 day |
Haizi Valley | right one | 19.2 km | horse riding; tough hiking experience | offers the best location to shoot Mount Siguniang scenery | 1 day |
Attractions nearby Mount Siguniang
Bipenggou Valley
Bipenggou Valley (毕棚沟) or Bipeng Valley at the north of Changping Valley of Mount Siguniang is a national famous trekking resort, with altitudes between 2400-4500. This valley offers enchanting sightseeing of mountain, grassland, lakes, etc. in its advanced ecological environment. Particularly during late September to late October, it will be a fabulous Autumn world dressed up with fiery red and golden leaves, diamond-like clear streams, white snow, etc. to satisfy your eyes! Learn more about Bipeng Valley >>
Wori Official Walled City
Named Wori Official Walled City (沃日官寨城) or Gyalrong Buzu Old Town in Wori County, it is nice to appreciate the city that formed by stone towers; Within this little village, 360 big and small stone towers are preserved and linked together with the residential houses. With 9 streams crossing the city and bridges linking each stone tower, the entire city is the best combination of traditional Tang and Han styled architecture and Gyalrong ethnic buildings.
Where is Mount Siguniang & How to Get There
Mount Siguniang is located in Siguniangshan Town (Rilong Town) at the junction of Xiaojin County and Wenchuan County in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province. Since the town is only about 205 kilometers (about 4 hours driving) west from Chengdu, the provincial capital city with convenient flights and bullet trains with most domestic tourist destinations, most people prefer to travel to Mount Siguniang from Chengdu City. And so far, you can only hire a car or take a coach to get there.
Chengdu to Siguniangshan
● Travel with China Discovery
To help you enjoy a comfortable and worry-free travel experience at Mount Siguniang, we highly recommend you travel with us China Discovery, based in Chengdu, Sichuan and professional about the transportation and road condition. Our local guide and driver will escort you from the airport, trains station or your hotel in Chengdu to Mount Siguniang directly by the comfortable licensed private car of China Discovery with speed and safety. Besides, our guide will introduce all the highlights to enrich your trip, so you can focus more on the sceneries and have a good rest on the way! If you are interested, please feel free contact us for help!
More driving information from Chengdu:
From - to | Driving Distance | Duration |
---|---|---|
Chengdu - Shuangqiao Valley | 211 km | About 4-4.5 hours |
Chengdu - Changping Valley | 203 km | About 4 hours |
Chengdu - Haizi Valley | 203 km | About 4 hours |
Chengdu - Siguniangshan Town | 205 km | About 4 hours |
Chengdu - Maobiliang | 197 km | About 3.5-4 hours |
● By Distance Coach:
Distance coach is more chosen by independent visitors. So far Chengdu Chadianzi Coach Station offers about only 2-3 distance coaches to Xiaojin Bus Station every day, which can stop at Siguniangshan Town by telling the driver. The bus usually starts in the morning and around noon time and takes about 8.5 hours to get to Siguniangshan Town.
Know more about Mount Siguniang Maps >>
● Road Condition
There are about 3 ways from Chengdu to Siguniangshan Town, and most people choose to go via Dujiangyan, Yinxiu, Wolong, Balangshan, etc. Road condition varies from different parts. The section from Dujiangyan to Yinxiu has narrow curving and some steep road with not very good condition, and traffic jams occur sometimes but usually within 1 hour. From Yinxiu to Balangshan, it is cement road with fewer cars. Altitude rises from 1,000m to 2,000m with nice views. And from Balangshan to Sigunaingshan Town, altitude can rise to 4487m and people may have altitude sickness. Besides, there are a few twisty paths, slopes with fog, which needs careful driving. But the special view of sea of clouds, meadows, snow peaks, and yaks to release your uncomfortable. In winter and early spring, snow and ice cover the highest place of Balangshan that needs some snow driving experience. Emergency lights are better turned on in heavy foggy days. Overall, the road condition is Okay for your expecting exploration of all splendors of Mount Siguniang.
Mount Siguniang Weather & Best Time to Visit
Mount Siguniang belongs to subtropical monsoon climate zone and has quite different temperature from day to night. And local people also said there are four seasons in one peak and every 10 miles shows different climates in Mount Siguniang. It is relatively hot around noon and cool in morning and night in Spring and Autumn. The average temperature in Summer is usually 19°C. While in winter, the average temperature is usually below 2°C at the valley areas. Mount Siguniang is suitable to visit all year round, however, July to August is the best time to travel to Mount Siguniang when to appreciate the full mountains of multicolored flowers decorating the emerald meadows and forests and feel the cool of snow water deep in the valley. Besides, from mid-October to mid-November is another popular traveling season to see Mount Siguniang’s autumn splendors of red leaves and wonderful layers of forests in orange, yellow, golden and green for a fabulous photo! From December to May is the ice period to see the “Golden Mountain” shining by sun glory and sea of clouds! However, it is better to avoid traveling during the National Holiday (usually October 1st-7th) and Labor Day holiday (early May) to avoid too many visitors.
Mount Siguniang Tickets & Fees
● Entrance Fee:
Shuangqiao Valley: 80 RMB/person (April 1st - November 30th); 50 RMB/person (December 1st - March 31st);
Changping Valey: 70 MB/person (April 1st - November 30th); 50 RMB/person (December 1st - March 30th);
Haizi Valley: 60 RMB/person (April 1st - November 30th); 40 RMB/person (December 1st - March 31st);
● Sightseeing Bus:
70 RMB/person for Shuangqiao Valley; 20 RMB/person for Changping Valley
● Horse Riding (for reference):
100 RMB/person for Lama Monastery - Kushutan Shoal;
320 RMB/person for Lama Monastery - Muluozi);
120 RMB/person for Haizi Valley Entrance - Chaoshanping Plateau;
260 RMB/person for Haizi Lake Entrance - Large Lake.
Mount Siguniang Opening Time
● Shuangqiao Valley:
Spring and Winter: enter during 08:00-15:30; bus exit before 17:00;
Summer and Autumn: enter during 07:30-16:00; bus exit before 17:30;
● Changping Valley:
Spring and Winter: enter during 07:30-15:00; bus exit before 17:00;
Summer and Autumn: enter during 07:00-15:30; bus exit before 17:30;
● Haizi Valley: Enter during 08:00-15:00.
Mount Siguniang Accommodation
There is no hotel available within Mount Siguniang tourist area, and most visitors stay at the nearby Siguniangshan Town during their trip. The town is only about 5 minutes car distance to entrance of Changping Valley and Haizi Valley, and about 10 minutes car distance to entrance of Shuangqiao Valley for your easy access of highlights of each main spot. There are several hotels and hostels for your choice, including 4 star comfort hotels with great facilities for your cozy stay but cannot level to those in big cities, and more budget accommodation to meet your basic needs. Besides, there are some local Tibetan homestay with good price if you want to get close to local ethnic culture!
>> Where to Stay at Mount Siguniang: Best Place & Recommended Hotels
Useful Travel Tips of Mount Siguniang
● Wearing: Down jackets, sweaters, thick trousers, hat, scarves, etc. are suggested in Spring, Autumn and Winter to keep warm, and long sleeves, mountaineering coats, etc. are recommended in Summer. Sunblock, hat, sunglasses, rain gear, etc. are advised any season.
● Altitude Sickness: Siguniangshan Town is 3,200 meters above sea level, and the hiking area reach up to 3,850 meters above sea. To help you avoid or relieve the altitude sickness, you are suggested to sleep well, drink enough water, eat more vegetables and fruits, and keep a calm mood to release your body. Altitude medicine is better to prepare.
How to Plan a Mount Siguniang Tour
Since there are three valleys with different features, it’s time to figure out which valley to choose based on your time, cost, interests and energy.
Spending 2 to 3 days touring Mount Siguniang is the common choice. Most travelers will start from Chengdu to Siguniangshan by car with us, taking about 4-5 hours. Then the following two days is the exploration about two of the three valleys and admiration of Mount Siguniang. You can choose among Shuangqiao Valley, Changping Valley and Haizi Valley and then combine two into the itinerary.
Itinerary A: Mount Siguniang Admiration Plus Relaxing Sightseeing
You can first explore Changping Valley either by hiking or horse riding. And on the next day, visit Shuangqiao Valley by sightseeing bus.
>> 3 Days Mount Siguniang Beauty Tour with Leisure Experience
Itinerary B: Mount Siguniang Admiration Plus Tough Hiking Experience
Combining Changping Valley and Haizi Valley into one trip will be tough for some hikers. Both Changping Valley and Haizi Valley need hike by yourselves. Instead, you can hire a horse to save energy.
>> 4 Days Mount Siguniang Classic Hiking Tour
Itinerary C: Mount Siguniang Admiration Plus Gorgeous Alpine Scenery
Choosing Shuangqiao Valley and Haizi Valley is another way to experience both the most beautiful highland scenery in a leisure pace and challenge yourselves to hike the tough horse trail in Haizi Valley. It brings you huge contrast and the best Mount Siguniang scenery.
Itinerary D: Three Valleys Plus Mount Siguniang Admiration
If you plan 3 days to explore all of the three valleys, yes, you can do this. Visit Shuangqiao Valley first, then Changping Valley and the last Haizi Valley. From the easy one to the tough one, you can finish the hiking trip in 3 days.
>> 4 Days Mount Siguniang In-depth Tour with Wolong Panda Visiting
Please feel free to tell us your likes and which itinerary you are interested in. Contact Us now.
Travel Mount Siguniang with China Discovery
China Discovery is the local travel agency headquartered in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. We have been specialized in offering Chengdu tours, Panda tours, Jiuzhai Valley tours, Leshan Giant Buddha and Mount Emei tours, Mount Siguniang tours, Danba tours, Daocheng Yading tours and other interesting tours.
No matter you want to travel Mount Siguniang from Chengdu simply, or cover Mount Siguniang with Danba Tibetan Villages, Kangding, Xinduqiao, Hailuogou Glacier in Western Sichuan or other destinations in China, China Discovery can provide you best tour guides and experienced friendly drivers with comfortable private cars. Our English-speaking tour guide will accompany you all the way, showing you the best traveling route and telling beautiful stories of the mysterious Sichuan.
The tour can be tailor-made according to your group size, time, physical condition, plan, interest, budget and other special need. Please feel free to contact us if you need any help or customize the tour with free quotation!
Keep Reading on Mount Siguniang
- Shuangqiao Valley
- Changping Valley
- Haizi Valley
- Chengdu to Mount Siguniang
- Mount Siguniang Where to Stay
- Mount Siguniang Weather
- Mount Siguniang Maps
- Mount Siguniang Trekking
- Mount Siguniang Travel Guide
- Mount Siguniang Travel Tips
- Mount Siguniang Tours
Read More about Western Sichuan Small Tourist Loop
- Western Sichuan Small Tourist Loop
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- Daocheng Yading
- Dujiangyan
- Kangding
- Hailuogou Glacier Park
- Ya'an
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- Xinduqiao
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- Mount Gongga
- Ganzi
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Other Useful Sichuan Travel Articles
Recommended Mount Siguniang Tours
Top 3 Mount Siguniang tours chosen by most customers to explore Mount Siguniang in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.
3 Days Mount Siguniang Beauty Tour with Leisure Experience
Chengdu / Siguniangshan / Chengdu
4 Days Mount Siguniang Classic Hiking Tour
Chengdu / Dujiangyan / Siguniangshan / Chengdu
4 Days Mount Siguniang In-depth Tour with Wolong Panda Visiting
Chengdu / Siguniangshan / Wolong / Chengdu
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