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Dr. Xue Zhao
What's Inside This Guide
I've been guiding international travelers around Sichuan for over a decade, and the question I get most often is: “What are the absolute must-see spots in Aba?” Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture is a giant playground of snow peaks, turquoise lakes, grasslands, and glaciers. But with limited time, you need to pick wisely. Here are my top 5 picks — each one blew my mind the first time I saw it, and still does today.
1. Jiuzhaigou Valley – The Fairyland of Turquoise Lakes
Jiuzhaigou needs no introduction. It's the crown jewel of Aba and possibly all of Sichuan. The name means “Nine Village Valley,” and it's a UNESCO World Heritage site. The water here is unreal — I'm talking electric turquoise, crystal clear, with submerged trees that look like underwater forests.
How to Get There
Most travelers fly into Chengdu, then take a domestic flight to Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport (JZH) — about 1 hour. From the airport, it's a 90-minute drive to the park entrance. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Chengdu's Chadianzi Bus Station (8–9 hours, around 150 CNY). I prefer the flight; the winding mountain roads can be brutal for some.
Tickets & Booking
Tickets are 169 CNY (peak season, April–November) and 80 CNY (off-season). Add 90 CNY for the shuttle bus inside (highly recommended — the park is huge). You must book in advance through the official WeChat mini-program or the park's website. Same-day tickets almost always sell out, especially in October.
Best Time to Visit
October is peak color season — think autumn leaves reflecting on blue water. But it's packed. I tell my groups to aim for late September or early November if they want fewer crowds. Arrive at the gate by 7:30 AM (it opens at 8). The light is best for photos before 10 AM.
My Insider Tip
Most tourists rush to Five Flower Lake and Mirror Lake. Instead, take the shuttle to Primeval Forest first (the highest point), then work your way down. You'll have the trail almost to yourself for the first hour. And bring a light jacket — even in summer, it's cool at 3,000 meters.
2. Huanglong Scenic Area – The Golden Dragon
Huanglong is about 2 hours from Jiuzhaigou by car, and it's a completely different beast. Instead of lakes, you get tiered travertine pools flowing down a mountainside, looking like a giant golden dragon scale. The main color is yellow-orange, but the pools range from milky blue to emerald.
How to Get There
From Jiuzhaigou Town, hire a driver for about 300 CNY each way, or join a day tour. The road is winding but paved. If you fly into Jiuzhai Huanglong Airport, Huanglong is actually closer (about 30 minutes by car).
Tickets & Booking
Peak season: 170 CNY (adult), off-season: 60 CNY. You can buy tickets online via the same WeChat platform as Jiuzhaigou. The cable car costs an extra 80 CNY (one way). I always recommend taking the cable car up and walking down — it saves energy and gives you the best views.
Altitude Warning
Huanglong's main area sits at 3,500 meters. Altitude sickness is real. I've seen people struggle to catch their breath. Take it slow, bring oxygen cans (sold at the entrance for 20–30 CNY), and drink lots of water. If you feel dizzy, head back down immediately.
Photography Hotspot
The Five-Color Pond at the top is the postcard shot. But my secret spot is the “Barbarian Temple” about 20 minutes down from the top — fewer people, and the reflection of the pools is stunning in the afternoon light.
3. Mount Siguniang – The Queen of Sichuan
Mount Siguniang means “Four Maiden Mountains” — four jagged peaks that tower over a valley of alpine meadows and lakes. It's a paradise for hikers, but even if you're not a trekker, the views from the base are jaw-dropping. The highest peak (Yaomei Feng) is 6,250 meters.
How to Get There
From Chengdu, take a bus to Xiaojin County (about 4–5 hours) or rent a private car. The entrance to the scenic area is at Rilong Town, which is about 4 hours from Chengdu. Driving yourself? The road is good, but watch for landslides after rain.
Ticket Info
Entrance fee: 80 CNY (Rilong to Changping Valley). If you want to go deeper, you need a permit for the “Three Valleys” area (150 CNY). The shuttle bus inside costs 70 CNY.
Best for Hikers
The “Changping Valley” trail is an easy 7-km round trip suitable for all fitness levels. For a challenge, “Haizi Valley” has alpine lakes and takes a full day. I did the Changping Valley with a 65-year-old tourist last year — she loved it. Bring trekking poles and sunscreen. The UV is fierce up here.
When to Go
June to September is the green season. October brings golden larch forests. Winter is quiet but freezing — some trails close. Avoid Chinese national holidays (Golden Week in October) unless you enjoy queues.
4. Ruoergai Grassland – Endless Green and Wild Beauty
Ruoergai is the largest peat swamp wetland in China, sitting at about 3,500 meters. Imagine a sea of green rolling hills dotted with sheep, yaks, and Tibetan tents. The sky feels so close you could touch it. It's a cultural experience as much as a natural one.
How to Get There
Ruoergai is about 7–8 hours from Chengdu by bus (via Songpan). Alternatively, combine it with a Jiuzhaigou trip — many people drive from Jiuzhaigou to Ruoergai in about 3 hours. There are frequent buses from Songpan as well.
Tickets & Activities
The grassland itself is free — you can drive along the road and stop anywhere. The “Ruoergai Flower Lake” (Huahu) scenic area charges 105 CNY. But honestly, the best parts are the vast open spaces. Rent a horse from a local family (50–100 CNY per hour) and ride across the prairie. Just beware of the horse flies in summer!
What to Do
Visit a Tibetan homestay. I once stayed at a family's tent, drank butter tea, and watched them make tsampa. The hospitality is incredible. Also, the “First Bend of the Yellow River” (Tangke) is a must-see — the river curves through the grassland in a perfect S-shape. Sunset here is magical.
Practical Tips
Bathroom facilities are basic. Bring toilet paper and hand sanitizer. The temperature drops dramatically after sunset — even in July, you'll need a fleece jacket. And don't underestimate the sun; sunscreen is your best friend.
5. Dagu Glacier – The Closest Glacier to Chengdu
Dagu Glacier is one of the world's largest and lowest-altitude glaciers. You can reach the glacier by cable car to 4,850 meters, then walk right up to the ice. It's surreal — you're standing in front of ancient ice, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
How to Get There
Located in Heishui County, about 5 hours from Chengdu by bus. Take a long-distance bus from Chengdu's Chadianzi Station to Heishui (with a transfer in Maoxian). Or drive yourself — the route via National Highway 347 is scenic but winding. The scenic area has a large parking lot.
Tickets & Cable Car
Entrance fee: 120 CNY (peak). The cable car is a steep 220 CNY round trip, but it's worth every yuan. The ride takes 15 minutes and offers stunning views of the glacier. At the top, there's a viewing platform and a short walking trail.
Altitude Warning (Again)
4,850 meters is no joke. I always advise my clients to spend a night in Heishui Town (2,300 meters) to acclimatize. At the summit, walk slowly, breathe deeply, and use oxygen if needed. The oxygen stations at the top sell cans for 25 CNY.
Best Times
June to October for clear weather. In winter, the road can be icy. Go early — by 10 AM, clouds often roll in. I once went at 8 AM and had the glacier all to myself for an hour. It was silent, except for the creaking of the ice. Unforgettable.
Frequently Asked Questions
This article has been fact-checked and reflects my personal experiences leading tours in Aba. Prices and policies may change, so always double-check before booking.
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