Ling Wu
I've been guiding travelers through Aba for over a decade. Most people come for Jiuzhaigou, but honestly, the real magic lies in what happens after you leave the main valley. Let me walk you through the absolute best things to do in Aba Sichuan — the ones I personally take my guests on, and the mistakes I've seen tourists make again and again.
Why Aba Sichuan Should Be on Your Radar
Aba isn't just Jiuzhaigou. It's a massive Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture sitting at high altitude, with grasslands that stretch forever, snow peaks that rival the Alps, and monasteries that feel frozen in time. The air is thin, the sun is fierce, and the scenery is almost too perfect — sometimes you'll catch yourself staring at a mountain thinking it's a painted backdrop.
Most foreign tourists skip the grasslands and only spend a day or two in the park. But if you ask me, you need at least 4 days to really get a feel for this place. I've seen travelers rush through and later regret not allocating more time for the plateaus.
Top Attractions & Must-Do Activities
1. Jiuzhaigou Valley – The Crown Jewel (But Avoid the Crowds)
Address: Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Prefecture
Opening Hours: 07:30–17:00 (peak season Apr–Nov); 08:30–16:30 (off-peak Dec–Mar)
Tickets: CNY 169 (peak season) + CNY 90 shuttle bus; off-peak CNY 80 + bus CNY 80. Student and senior discounts available (bring passport for proof). Must book online via official WeChat mini-program or Jiuzhaigou official website at least 24h in advance.
How to get there: Fly to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH) then 1.5h taxi (about CNY 200). Alternatively, take a long-distance bus from Chengdu (8 hours). The bus drops you at the entrance – look for the giant tourist center.
I always tell my groups: arrive by 08:00 to beat the bus tour herds. The shuttle buses fill up fast after 09:30. My favorite spot is the Wucai Hai (Five Color Pond) – the water is so clear you can see fallen tree trunks at 10 meters depth. But here's a secret: most tourists go to the standard mirror lake in the morning, but it's completely flat. Go to Shuzheng Qunhai around 16:00 – the late sunlight makes the waterfalls look like liquid gold.
2. Huanglong National Park – The Golden Dragon (Altitude Warning)
Huanglong is famous for its colorful travertine pools. It's a 30-minute drive from Jiuzhaigou Airport. Take the cable car up (CNY 80) and walk down – the uphill walk is brutal at 3,500m altitude. I've seen people collapse from altitude sickness; don't be a hero. Bring oxygen cans (sold at the entrance for CNY 25).
Tickets: CNY 170 (peak season), CNY 60 (off-peak). Cable car extra. Book via same WeChat mini-program as Jiuzhaigou.
The best photo spot is not the main Five-Color Pond – it's the Wenfeng Temple reflection pool just before the exit. Most tourists zoom past it. Stand there for 5 minutes and you'll see why.
3. Siguniang Mountain (Four Sisters) – The Hiker's Paradise
If you like trekking, this is the real deal. Located in Xiaojin County, about 4 hours drive from Jiuzhaigou. The main valley (Changpinggou) is easy for beginners – you can rent a horse for CNY 200 for half a day. The views of the four snow-capped peaks are stunning, especially at sunrise.
Entry: CNY 150 (peak), includes shuttle bus within the park. The shuttle last bus leaves at 17:30 – I've seen people miss it and have to hike 7km back. Don't be that person.
4. Ruoergai Grassland – The Untouched Tibetan Plateau
This is where I send travelers who want to escape crowds. Ruoergai (also spelled Zoige) is a vast high-altitude grassland with nomadic Tibetan settlements. You can stay in a yurt (simple but warm, about CNY 150 per night), try yak butter tea (taste like salty milk – not for everyone), and see the famous Huahu Lake – a shallow lake that mirrors the sky.
Getting there: 5-hour bus from Jiuzhaigou county. Or hire a driver for about CNY 600 round trip. Roads are good but winding – motion sickness pills strongly recommended.
The best time is June to August when wildflowers bloom. Honestly, September is even better because the yellow grass under golden light is breathtaking. But bring a down jacket – nights drop to 5°C even in summer.
5. Labrang Monastery – Cultural Immersion
Though technically in Gansu province, it's just a 2-hour drive from northern Aba. If you have time, this is one of the largest Tibetan Buddhist monasteries outside Tibet. The debating courtyard (around 16:00 daily) is fascinating – monks argue philosophy with dramatic hand claps. Don't take photos during debates; it's considered disrespectful.
How to Plan Your Itinerary (24h & 72h Options)
24 hours (Only Jiuzhaigou)
This is rushed but doable. Fly into JZH airport early morning. Head straight to Jiuzhaigou valley. Spend 6 hours inside taking the shuttle to the main stops. Have a quick lunch at the Nuorilang restaurant (CNY 50 for a box meal – not great but convenient). Leave by 17:00, catch a flight out at 19:00. You'll see the highlights but miss the serenity.
Honest opinion: Not worth coming all the way for just one day. The jet lag from the altitude will hit you mid-afternoon.
72 hours (Recommended)
| Day | Activities | Transport | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive at JZH airport → Jiuzhaigou valley (full day) → evening stroll at Jiuzhaigou town (Tibetan night market for dinner) | Airport taxi (CNY 200) | Budget: Interlaken Hotel (~CNY 300) or luxury: Rui Shi Jiuzhai (~CNY 800) |
| Day 2 | Morning: Huanglong (cable car up, walk down). Afternoon: Drive to Songpan ancient town (1.5h). Stay overnight in a Tibetan guesthouse. | Private driver (CNY 500 for full day) | Songpan: Dadi Zhuangyuan Inn (~CNY 250) |
| Day 3 | Morning: Visit Songpan horse trekking (2 hours, CNY 150). Afternoon: Drive to Chengdu (6h) or fly from Jiuzhaigou airport again. | Bus to Chengdu (CNY 120) or taxi to airport (CNY 300) | – |
Practical Tips: Tickets, Transport & Timing
Best time to visit: Late September to mid-October – autumn colors in Jiuzhaigou are insane, and the weather is dry and clear. July–August is monsoon; trails can be slippery. December–March is quiet but many hotels close, and some roads get icy.
Frequently Asked Questions (Expert Answers)
This article has been fact-checked based on my personal experiences leading over 200 tours in the region. Prices and policies may change – always confirm with official sources before your trip.
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