Best Places to Visit in Aba Sichuan: Top Natural Wonders

I've been guiding travelers through Aba, Sichuan for over a decade, and I can tell you this: the region is a goldmine of natural beauty. Most tourists only hit Jiuzhaigou and leave, but Aba offers so much more. Whether you're into turquoise lakes, snow-capped peaks, or vast grasslands, I'll walk you through the absolute best places to visit in Aba Sichuan — with details you won't find in standard guides.

1. Jiuzhaigou Valley: The Fairyland

Jiuzhaigou is the superstar of Aba, and for good reason. The water here is unreal — shades of blue and green that look photoshopped. I once brought a family from Texas, and the mom literally cried at Five Flower Lake. No joke.

Address: Jiuzhaigou County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture
Opening hours: Peak season (Apr–Nov) 7:30–18:00, last entry around 15:00. Off-season (Dec–Mar) 8:30–17:00, but some areas close earlier.
Tickets: Peak: 169 CNY adult + 90 CNY shuttle bus. Off-season: 80 CNY + 80 CNY bus. You must book in advance via the official WeChat mini-program (search "Jiuzhaigou" or their website). Walk-up tickets rarely available during holidays.
How to get there: Fly into Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH) from Chengdu, Xi'an, or Beijing — then a 1.5-hour bus to the park. Alternatively, a bus from Chengdu's Chadianzi Station takes about 8 hours (160 CNY). I prefer the early morning flight to save time.
Best time to visit: October for autumn colors, but July–August is lush and green. Avoid Chinese National Holiday (Oct 1–7) — it's a zoo.
My insider tip: Enter the park before 8:30 AM and take the shuttle directly to Primeval Forest, then work your way down. Most crowds go to Mirror Lake first — you'll beat them

2. Huanglong National Park: The Golden Dragon

About two hours from Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong is famous for its travertine pools that cascade down the mountain like a dragon's scales. The altitude hits 3500m, so altitude sickness is real. I've had guests turn back after 20 minutes.

Address: Huanglong Scenic Area, Songpan County
Opening hours: 8:00–18:00 (last entry 16:00).
Tickets: Peak season 170 CNY, off-season 60 CNY. Cable car: 80 CNY up, 40 CNY down (recommended to save energy). Book via same official Jiuzhaigou platform.
How to get there: From Jiuzhaigou, you can hire a car (around 300–400 CNY) or take a shared minibus. The drive is winding — take motion sickness pills if needed.
Best time: September–October for clear water and vibrant colors. July–August is rainy; the water can be murky.
My tip: Take the cable car up, then walk down. The walk is 3.5 km downhill — doable, but allow 3 hours. Bring oxygen cans (available at the entrance for 20 CNY).

3. Siguniang Mountain: The Four Maidens

Located near Xiaojin County, Siguniang is a paradise for hikers. The mountain has four peaks, and the main valley for visitors is Shuangqiao Valley (双桥沟) — the easiest to explore.

Address: Siguniang Mountain Scenic Area, Xiaojin County
Opening hours: 8:00–17:30 (last entry 15:30).
Tickets: Shuangqiao Valley 80 CNY + sightseeing bus 70 CNY. Other valleys (Changping, Haizi) require more hiking.
How to get there: From Chengdu, take a bus to Xiaojin (about 4 hours), then a 20-min taxi. Or drive via the newly built highway (much faster now).
Best time: June–August for green meadows and wildflowers. October for golden foliage.
My advice: Shuangqiao Valley is wheelchair-accessible (bus stops at various points). For serious trekkers, Changping Valley offers a 2-day hike with yak butter tea at local nomad tents.

One thing many guides miss: the sunrise view at Cat's Nose Ridge on the way to Siguniang. Stop there for a free, stunning panorama of the four peaks. I always time my arrival around 7 AM.

4. Ruoergai Grassland: Endless Green

If you want to escape the crowds, head north to Ruoergai (Zoige). This is Tibetan grassland as you imagine it — yaks, prayer flags, and sky so blue it hurts. The best part? It's totally free.

Location: Ruoergai County, northern Aba
Getting there: From Jiuzhaigou, it's a 4-hour drive. Consider hiring a driver for the day (around 500–600 CNY).
Best time: July–August when the grass is green and flowers bloom. September–October turns golden brown, also beautiful.
What to do: Visit the Ruoergai Flower Lake — a wetland park with plank walks (ticket 75 CNY + bus 30 CNY). Or simply drive along the grassland highway and stop for photos with yaks.
Watch out: The altitude here is 3500m. Sun is intense — bring a wide-brim hat and SPF 50. Also, food options are limited; pack snacks.

Practical Tips for Your Trip to Aba

When to Go

The best months are September–October for clear skies and colorful landscapes. July–August is rainy but still good, especially for the grassland. Winter (Dec–Mar) is cold, and many areas close — only for hardcore photographers.

Getting Around

Public buses connect major towns, but for flexibility, hire a private car and driver. Many drivers in Jiuzhaigou speak basic English. Expect to pay 400–600 CNY per day, plus fuel and driver's meals. I always negotiate upfront.

Altitude Sickness

Aba's average altitude is 3000–3500m. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and shortness of breath. Prevention tips:

• Ascend slowly — don't fly directly to high altitude if possible.
• Drink plenty of water (2L+ per day).
• Avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours.
• Carry acetazolamide (Diamox) if you're prone to AMS. Consult your doctor.
• Oxygen cans are sold everywhere for 15–25 CNY.

What to Pack

• Layers: mornings can be 5°C, afternoons 25°C.
• Waterproof jacket (rain showers are sudden).
• Comfortable hiking shoes.
• Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses.
• Power bank (charging sockets in remote areas may be limited).
• Cash (small bills). Many places don't accept cards or foreign apps.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

This article has been fact-checked for accuracy. All ticket prices and opening hours were verified at the time of writing. Aba's beauty is timeless — go see it yourself.