Hello, I’m Michael Zhang, a seasoned Chinese traveler with extensive international travel experience. My passion lies in exploring the history, culture, and off-the-beaten-path routes of the world. In this Mount Siguniang Travel Guide, I will take you into the heart of this mysterious Tibetan paradise, uncovering its breathtaking natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage to help you plan an unforgettable journey.

Summary

Mount Siguniang Overview

Mount Siguniang, known as “Shigulalouda” in Tibetan, meaning “The Great God Mountain”, is a stunning destination for travelers. The mountain is primarily explored through three valleys and four peaks. The three valleys include Shuangqiao Valley, Changping Valley, and Haizi Valley, while the four peaks are Yao Mei Peak, San Gu Niang Mountain, Er Gu Niang Mountain, and Da Gu Niang Mountain. The main peak, Yao Mei Peak, rises to 6,250 meters, making it the highest peak in the Qionglai mountain range and the second tallest peak in Sichuan, only behind the famed Gongga Mountain, also known as the “King of Mountains” in Sichuan. This mountain is often called the “Queen of Shu Mountain” and the “Eastern Holy Mountain.”

The area is home to over 85 snow-capped peaks above 5,000 meters, with snow present year-round, and features modern mountain glaciers. Mount Siguniang is also a China AAAA Scenic Area.

  • Address: Siguniangshan Town, Xiaojin County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan (Apple Maps/Amap)
  • Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
  • Recommended Visit Duration: 1 to 2 days
  • Best Time to Visit: All year round
  • Ticket Prices: Shuangqiao Valley 150 CNY, Changping Valley 90 CNY, Haizi Valley 60 CNY
  • Ticket Purchase: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals
  • Compare ticket prices and find the best deals: Click Here
Stunning view of Mount Siguniang with snow-capped peaks and autumn colors.

Mount Siguniang Map

Illustrated map showing the routes and scenic spots of Mount Siguniang.

Click to enlarge

Why You Should Visit Mount Siguniang

Rich Natural Landscape

Mount Siguniang is a paradise for nature lovers, offering an incredibly diverse range of landscapes. The area is home to canyons, high mountains, plateaus, valleys, giant peaks, waterfalls, lakes, marshes, glaciers, and polar-like regions. The area consists of four interconnected peaks, with the highest being Yao Mei Peak, standing at 6,250 meters, often called the “Queen of Shu Mountain.” Due to the large altitude variation (from 1,900 meters to 6,250 meters), the climate varies significantly, offering the unique characteristic of experiencing “four seasons in one mountain, ten different skies in ten miles.” In the spring, the mountains are adorned with blooming flowers, in autumn, the forests burst into colors, in summer, meadows stretch out like carpets, and in winter, the snow-capped peaks stand majestically.

Diverse Travel Experiences

Mount Siguniang offers a variety of routes suitable for all ages. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing family-friendly trip or a more adventurous hike, you’ll find the perfect options here:

  • Shuangqiao Valley: This is the most developed valley in Mount Siguniang, featuring well-maintained roads and viewing platforms, making it ideal for all types of travelers, including families with young children and elderly visitors. The valley is home to scenic spots such as Yin Yang Valley, White Poplar Forest, Sun and Moon Mirror Mountain, Five-Color Mountain, and Nian Yu Ba. It’s a place where lush forests, beautiful meadows, and pristine streams come together.
  • Changping Valley: A paradise for hiking enthusiasts, Changping Valley offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the primitive forest. Along the wooden boardwalk, you’ll be able to see the Redwood Forest, meadows, snow-capped mountains, and glacial remains, allowing you to experience the majestic mountains and lush forests up close.
  • Haizi Valley: Famous for its high-altitude lakes like Xiniu Hai and Sister Lakes, Haizi Valley is perfect for photographers and those seeking a deeper hiking experience. Visitors can marvel at typical glacial hanging valleys and ice-dammed lakes along the way.

Top Things to Do in Mount Siguniang

Main Attractions

Mount Siguniang is typically explored by choosing one or two of the three valleys. Most visitors opt for Shuangqiao Valley as their first choice due to its developed infrastructure and ease of access. The valley is ideal for families with children and elderly visitors, as the majority of the roads are accessible by sightseeing buses. For those interested in hiking, Changping Valley and Haizi Valley are great alternatives, with Haizi Valley offering the most authentic experience of Mount Siguniang and fewer crowds.

Shuangqiao Valley

Shuangqiao Valley, one of the three valleys in Mount Siguniang, is the most suitable for general tourism. It features the best-developed facilities, making it a top choice for those looking to easily explore Mount Siguniang. The valley gets its name from two wooden bridges built by the locals for easier access. One bridge, made of willow wood, is called “Willow Bridge,” while the other, made of redwood, is known as “Convenient Bridge.”

The landscape here is divided into three sections, each with its own unique charm. From the entrance’s Willow Bridge, Yin Yang Valley, and White Poplar Forest, to the middle section with Nian Yu Ba, Jian Shan Zi, and Jiu Jia Hai, every spot feels like a moving painting. The last section, featuring Niupengzi Grassland, Hunter Peak, and Eagle Beak Rock, presents awe-inspiring views that will leave you speechless.

  • Length: Approximately 40 kilometers, with the best-developed infrastructure. Sightseeing buses are available for the entire route, making it accessible to families with children and elderly visitors.
  • Suitable for: All ages, including wheelchair-bound visitors.
  • Tips: After getting on the sightseeing bus, sit on the left side of the bus for the best views. Also, be mindful of motion sickness.
  • Recommended Route: Take the sightseeing bus from the entrance → Redwood Forest (end station) → Potala Peak → Siguniang Co → Rafting Entrance → Rafting Exit → Longzhu Co → Cloud Mountain Language Service Center → Rensheng Guoping → Return to the entrance via the sightseeing bus.
Shuangqiao Valley in autumn with golden larches and snow-capped mountains in the background.

Changping Valley

Changping Valley, an original ecological area of Mount Siguniang, attracts countless nature lovers. This valley, once an ancient battlefield, is filled with mysterious legends and ethnic customs. The variety of plant species in Changping Valley is impressive, and the ancient trees create a canopy so thick that sunlight barely touches the forest floor. The meadows and streams create a picturesque natural beauty, giving the valley a peaceful, idyllic atmosphere.

Changping Valley is also a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, ideal for rock climbing, ice climbing, and hiking. Along the way, landmarks such as Lama Temple, Dead Tree Beach, and Wooden Mule add more character to this beautiful route.

  • Length: 29 kilometers. Only part of the route is accessible by road; the rest must be explored on foot or horseback, offering a moderate hiking challenge.
  • Suitable for: Hikers and nature enthusiasts.
  • Recommended Route: Take the sightseeing bus from the entrance → Lama Temple, begin hiking → Chong Chong Jiao Waterfall → Dead Tree Beach → Lower Gan Hai Zi → Upper Gan Hai Zi → Wooden Mule → Return to the entrance by sightseeing bus.
  • Tips: To complete the full route to Wooden Mule, you must enter the park before 10:00 AM. Be sure to allow enough time for the return journey, which takes about 7 to 9 hours.
Majestic view of the snowy mountains surrounding Changping Valley.

Haizi Valley

Haizi Valley, the highest valley in Mount Siguniang, offers a completely different experience from both Shuangqiao Valley and Changping Valley, featuring high-altitude meadows and lakes. The latter part of Haizi Valley is known for its stunning collection of alpine lakes, making it a prime destination for photographers seeking to capture the majestic views of Mount Siguniang. Huahai Zi, Blue Sea, and Floating Sea are just a few of the many high-altitude lakes that reflect the blue sky and towering peaks, providing breathtaking reflections.

Haizi Valley is also ideal for mountaineers, as it serves as the main base for climbing the main peaks of Mount Siguniang. The valley is home to ancient fish species with no scales, offering a living fossil of the land’s biodiversity.

  • Length: 19 kilometers. The valley is mostly undeveloped, and hiking or horseback riding is the only way to explore it. The hiking challenge here is significantly greater than in Changping Valley, making it less suitable for elderly visitors or small children.
  • Suitable for: Experienced hikers. Haizi Valley’s hiking difficulty is higher than Changping Valley.
  • Recommended Route: Start hiking from the park entrance → Ticket Gate → Zhai Jie Ping → Guo Zhuang Ping → Chao Shan Ping → Shiban Re → Xiao Ping → Dajian Bao → Old Ox Garden → Da Hai Zi → Hua Hai Zi → Return to the entrance.
  • Tips: Be sure to enter early, as you’ll need enough time to finish the route. Aim to start your return journey by 4:00 PM. Each section of the valley has toilets, drinking water, and oxygen supply stations, but there are no restaurants, so bring your own food.
Serene Haizi Valley with lush green meadows and snowy mountain peaks in the distance.

Mount Siguniang Ticket Guide

Tickets for Mount Siguniang are purchased separately for each of the three valleys, depending on which route you choose. If you’re unsure, it’s best to start with Shuangqiao Valley, as most visitors only explore this valley. For hiking, consider Changping Valley or Haizi Valley.

Shuangqiao Valley Ticket Prices

  • Includes: Scenic area ticket + sightseeing bus (must buy the sightseeing bus ticket as the route is long).
  • Adult: 150 CNY
  • Child: 110 CNY (children aged 7 to 18)
  • Senior: 70 CNY (seniors aged 60 and above)
  • Free: Children aged 6 and below

Changping Valley Ticket Prices

  • Includes: Scenic area ticket + sightseeing bus (take the sightseeing bus to the hiking starting point).
  • Adult: 90 CNY
  • Child: 55 CNY (children aged 7 to 18)
  • Senior: 20 CNY (seniors aged 60 and above)
  • Free: Children aged 6 and below

Haizi Valley Ticket Prices

  • Includes: Scenic area ticket.
  • Adult: 60 CNY
  • Child: 30 CNY (children aged 7 to 18)
  • Free: Children aged 6 and below, seniors aged 60 and above

Ticket Purchase Channels

  • Online: Official WeChat account or third-party booking platforms.
  • Offline: On-site ticket sales. It is recommended to purchase tickets online beforehand as they are often sold out, especially during peak seasons. Offline sales are only for those who couldn’t secure tickets online.

If you’re visiting Shuangqiao Valley, there are plenty of restaurants along the sightseeing bus route, so you don’t need to worry about meals. In Changping Valley, there are only small supply stations along the way offering light snacks, so it’s a good idea to bring your own food. If you’re heading to Haizi Valley, make sure to bring your own food for the entire journey. For more restaurant options, consider staying in Siguniang Town.

If you plan to hike in Mount Siguniang, it’s best to stay nearby, as you’ll need to enter the park early. For those visiting Shuangqiao Valley, I recommend staying near the entrance. For those going to Changping Valley or Haizi Valley, you can choose to stay either at the entrance or in Siguniang Town, which is close to both valleys.

Holy Holiday Hotel

Holy Holiday Hotel
  • Location: Walking distance to Shuangqiao Valley
  • Price per night: 209 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials, Agoda Deals
  • Rating: Trip 9.2 / Agoda 9.1
  • Special Amenities: Triple rooms

The hotel is in an excellent location, within walking distance to Shuangqiao Valley. It has underfloor heating and electric blankets, which make it quite comfortable in the cold high-altitude climate of Mount Siguniang.

The rooms are clean, well-equipped, and the soundproofing is quite good. You can even enjoy stargazing at night. The check-in process is smooth, and overall, it’s a highly cost-effective choice.

HanTing Hotel (Mount Siguniang Shuangqiao Valley)

HanTing Hotel (Mount Siguniang Shuangqiao Valley)
  • Location: Walking distance to Shuangqiao Valley
  • Price per night: 223 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 9.5
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, family rooms

A great location, about a 10-minute walk to Shuangqiao Valley. As one of the few chain hotels in Mount Siguniang, the service is guaranteed.

Rooms are clean, and the hotel is well-maintained. The staff is very friendly, and even if you arrive late, the front desk will greet you warmly. The only downside is the noise, but earplugs are provided.

Chang Ping Inn

Chang Ping Inn
  • Location: Walking distance to Changping Valley and Haizi Valley
  • Price per night: 174 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials
  • Rating: Trip 9.8
  • Special Amenities: Oxygen equipment

An excellent location within walking distance to both Changping Valley and Haizi Valley, perfect for hikers.

The room layout is very cozy, and the underfloor heating ensures comfort in the high-altitude climate. The overall hygiene and facilities are well-maintained. The hotel restaurant serves beef hotpot and homemade yogurt, making for a delightful stay.

Mushan Yingxue Holiday Bieyuan (Siguniangshan Changpinggou Scenic Area)

Mushan Yingxue Holiday Bieyuan (Siguniangshan Changpinggou Scenic Area)
  • Location: Walking distance to Changping Valley and Haizi Valley
  • Price per night: 272 CNY
  • Check Rates: Trip.com Specials, Agoda Deals
  • Rating: Trip 9.2 / Agoda 9.2
  • Special Amenities: Laundry room, gym

Great location, within walking distance to both Changping Valley and Haizi Valley, ideal for hiking and mountaineering enthusiasts.

Rooms are clean and tidy with comfortable bedding. The facilities are complete, with a laundry room and a gym. The breakfast selection is decent, and the service is above standard. It’s a mid-to-high-end hotel choice in Mount Siguniang.

How to Get to Mount Siguniang from Chengdu

To get to Mount Siguniang from downtown Chengdu, you can take a tourist bus or hire a private car. The cost for a private car is around 500 to 600 CNY per day, but taking a tourist bus is a more economical choice. There are two options for tourist buses: one is to buy tickets at the Chadianzi Bus Station, with a cost of 120 CNY per person for a 9-seat van, and the other is a shared bus via third-party platforms, which costs 78 CNY per person for a large bus (over 30 people).

  • Ticket Purchase at Chadianzi Bus Station: You can buy tickets via the Chadianzi Bus Station WeChat account or purchase them offline. It’s recommended to buy tickets in advance on WeChat to ensure you get the preferred time and availability.
  • Third-Party Platform Shared Bus Tickets: Click here to purchase

How to plan your Chengdu trip

Chengdu works well as a 2–3 day highlights trip, or a longer 4–7 day route if you want to combine classic Sichuan scenery and cultural stops with private transfers or high-speed rail. Here are our popular private tour options:

FAQ

Is Mount Siguniang suitable for strollers and wheelchairs?

Only Shuangqiao Valley is accessible for strollers and wheelchairs, as most routes are served by sightseeing buses.

Where can I store luggage?

There are luggage storage facilities both inside and outside the visitor center. Free and paid options are available, with charges ranging from 10 to 20 CNY per day.