Aba

Temperatures on the Aba Plateau vary greatly between day and night, so pack warm clothing even for summer trips.

Aba Prefecture covers a vast area. Jiuzhaigou, Mount Siguniang and the Ruoergai Grassland offer different mountain and waterside landscapes, while Tibetan and Qiang culture is another highlight along the way. Choose your destinations based on the length of your stay, transport options and hiking ability.

• Jiuzhaigou: The scenic area is centered on three valleys and 118 lakes, with lakes and waterfalls as its main attractions. Highlights include Five Flower Lake, Nuorilang Waterfall, Long Lake, Pearl Shoal Waterfall and Five Color Pond.

• Mount Siguniang: Known as the “Queen of Sichuan's Mountains,” it has three main visitor areas: Shuangqiao Valley, Changping Valley and Haizi Valley. Sightseeing buses cover the full route through Shuangqiao Valley, making it an accessible choice for first-time visitors. Changping Valley requires walking or horseback riding and offers close-up views of Yaomei Peak. Haizi Valley is better suited to experienced hikers.

• Huanglong Scenic Area: Extensive terraces of calcified pools are its signature landscape, with Five Color Pond particularly known for its varied water colors. At elevations of 3,100–3,576 meters, the scenic area offers views of colorful pools in an alpine setting.

• Ruoergai Grassland: On the northwestern Sichuan Plateau, the grassland is dotted with wildflowers in summer, while its meadows gradually turn golden in autumn. You can combine a visit with the First Bend of the Yellow River and the Waqie Stupa Forest.

• Dagu Glacier: A cable car takes you up to an elevation of 4,860 meters for views of snowy mountains and glaciers. There is an upscale café at the top where you can take a break, and the surrounding area offers opportunities to photograph the alpine scenery.

• Lianbao Yeze: Known as the “Back Garden of the Gods,” this area is characterized by unusually shaped stone formations and the sacred lake Zhaga'er Co. The lake's Tiffany-blue water contrasts with the surrounding jagged rocks, creating a cool, quiet atmosphere.

Suggested Classic Itineraries

• Aba Short Loop (4–5 days): Suitable for visitors with limited time or those traveling to western Sichuan for the first time.
  • Day 1: Depart from Chengdu, passing through Wenchuan and Li County, then visit Bipenggou for colorful forests and snowy mountains. Stay overnight in Li County.
  • Day 2: Travel from Li County along the Li–Xiaojin Road to Siguniangshan Town. In the evening, head to Maobiliang to see the peaks glowing gold in the setting sun. Stay overnight in Siguniangshan Town.
  • Day 3: Spend a full day exploring Shuangqiao Valley at Mount Siguniang, using sightseeing buses to travel between the sights. Stay another night in Siguniangshan Town.
  • Day 4: Leave Mount Siguniang for Dagu Glacier and take the cable car up to view the glacier. Stay overnight in Heishui County or Mao County.
  • Day 5: Return to Chengdu from Mao County or Heishui.
• Aba Grand Loop (7–10 days): Suitable for a self-drive trip, combining grasslands, snowy mountains, alpine lakes and historic towns in one journey.
  • Day 1–2: Travel from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou, allowing a full day to explore the scenic area in detail.
  • Day 3: Travel from Jiuzhaigou to the Ruoergai Grassland, then watch the sunset at the First Bend of the Yellow River. Stay overnight in Tangke Town.
  • Day 4: Travel from Tangke to Lianbao Yeze to explore the stone formations and sacred lake. Stay overnight in Aba County.
  • Day 5: Travel from Aba County via Ma'erkang to Li County, where you will stay overnight.
  • Day 6: From Li County, choose between visiting Bipenggou and soaking in the hot springs at Gu'ergou. Stay overnight in Gu'ergou.
  • Day 7: Leave Gu'ergou for Huanglong Scenic Area, then continue to Chuanzhusi or Songpan Ancient Town. Stay overnight in Chuanzhusi.
  • Day 8: Return from Chuanzhusi to Chengdu to complete the trip.

Transport and Accommodation

• Transport options:
  • Self-driving: From Chengdu, take the G4217 Rongchang Expressway or National Highway G213 for flexibility with stops along the way. Western Sichuan has many winding mountain roads, so less experienced drivers should consider this option carefully. Watch for slippery road surfaces and give way to cattle and sheep.
  • High-speed train + chartered car: Take a high-speed train to Huanglong Jiuzhai Station, then use a chartered car or shared ride to reach the scenic areas. This is suitable for visitors who want to reduce long-distance driving.
  • Flying: Fly to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH), about 88 kilometers from Jiuzhaigou. Flights are limited and can be affected by weather, so arrange onward transport in advance.
• Accommodation options:
  • Prioritize county seats or towns at relatively low elevations to reduce the risk of altitude sickness at night. Li County is at about 1,900 meters, while Siguniangshan Town is at about 3,100 meters. Compare options based on your itinerary.
  • Accommodation is in high demand from July to October and during public holidays. Book 7–15 days ahead, and check with your hotel about heating, air conditioning and oxygen concentrators.

Travel Tips

• Scenic area reservations: Popular attractions such as Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong require advance ticket reservations through their official mini programs. Daily visitor limits apply during peak season, and tickets are not sold on-site, so confirm your reservation before traveling.
• Adjusting to altitude: Much of Aba Prefecture lies at 2,000–4,000 meters. On your first day at altitude, it is advisable to put off bathing and washing your hair, avoid strenuous activity, and have portable oxygen canisters ready. If you develop a severe headache or vomiting, descend immediately and seek medical attention.
• Sun protection and warm clothing: UV radiation is strong on the plateau, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat. Temperatures change noticeably between morning and evening; pack a shell jacket or lightweight down jacket even in summer.
• Visiting the scenic areas:
  • Visiting Jiuzhaigou involves substantial walking, potentially more than 20,000 steps a day, so wear comfortable athletic shoes.
  • You can bring your own packed food for lunch in Jiuzhaigou. If eating at Nuorilang Restaurant, try to avoid the busiest lunch period, 11:30–13:00.
  • Drone flights are prohibited throughout the scenic area. Do not bring a drone or launch one in violation of the rules.
• Local customs: Aba is home to Tibetan and Qiang communities. Walk clockwise when making devotional circuits in temples, do not photograph monks without permission, and respect local religious beliefs.