Dagu Glacier National Park

Address Sandagu Village, Luhua Town, Heishui County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan
Hours 08:30–15:30 (Ticket gates close early to ensure all visitors can safely descend before nightfall)
Phone +86 837 6729996
Announcement: World's Highest Cable Car
Entrance ¥120
Hours 08:30–15:30 (Ticke...
Best Season October and Novemb...
Time needed 4–6 hours
Last visit: Jul 14, 2026
Author: Ting Chen
Reviewer: Jun Li

Dagu Glacier National Park Overview

One of the youngest, lowest-latitude, and most accessible glaciers in the world. Visitors can ride the world's highest cable car to a breathtaking summit of 4,860 meters to experience a sea of clouds and ancient ice.

Dagu Glacier National Park Opening Hours & Tickets

  • 08:30–15:30 (Ticket gates close early to ensure all visitors can safely descend before nightfall)
  • Best season: October and November for autumn leaves contrasted with snow; deep winter for spectacular icescapes.
  • Ticket note: Entrance is 120 CNY, plus a 70 CNY mandatory sightseeing bus and a 180 CNY round...

Essential Dagu Glacier National Park Visitor Information

  • Enquiries: +86 837 6729996
  • World's highest café
  • Oxygen canisters for sale
  • Heavy winter coat rentals
  • Sightseeing buses
  • Cable car stations

How to Get to Dagu Glacier National Park

Best reached via private car or tourist bus from Chengdu, which takes roughly 5–6 hours. Direct coaches also run from Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station.

Dagu Glacier National Park Travel Safety & Advice

Oxygen bags are provided on the sightseeing buses. First-aid points are located at both cable car stations. Dial 120 for extreme emergencies.

Practical Info

  • Sandagu Village, Luhua Town, Heishui County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan
  • 08:30–15:30 (Ticket gates close early to ensure all visitors can safely descend before nightfall)
  • +86 837 6729996
Ting Chen
Ting Chen
Certified Senior Tour Guide
Ting Chen, a Lhasa and Chengdu-based Certified Senior Tour Guide, specializes in Southwest China itineraries covering the Potala Palace, Everest Base Camp, and Jiuzhaigou-Huanglong.

We keep this guide current.

Ratings

★★★★☆ 4.3 (30 reviews)

On-site notes & editorial review

Tickets

  • Entrance is 120 CNY, plus a 70 CNY mandatory sightseeing bus and a 180 CNY round...

Online booking may be required

Tips

Foreigner tip: Walk extremely slowly at the top to prevent fainting, and enjoy a hot drink at the 4,860m café. Latest update: To slow glacie...

Reality Check

  • Extreme altitude at the summit (4,860m) brings high risk of acute mountain sickness. The top is freezing cold even in summer. Foreign visitors must carry passports for all ticket and entry checks.

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Recent Reviews

4.3 ★★★★☆ (30)
PhotoNomad_T Jul 13, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Incredible landscape and perfect for photography enthusiasts. The glacier has a unique blue tint that's hard to capture but mesmerizing in person. The park is well-organized with clear signs and rest areas. Only downside: the high altitude might get to you—take it slow. Five stars, no question.

TravelBug_An Jul 13, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Hands down one of the most breathtaking places I've ever visited. The contrast between the green valleys below and the pure white ice above is surreal. The viewing platforms are well-maintained, and you can feel the crisp, clean air. Highly recommend taking your time at each stop. A must-see in Sichuan!

HikeLife_Zoe Jul 13, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Honestly a bit disappointing for the hype and the cost. We hit a foggy day and couldn't see much of the glacier—just a white wall. The staff were helpful, but the whole experience felt rushed. For the price of entry and cable car, I expected more. Maybe come in clear weather only.

WanderingSou Jul 13, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

A solid 4. The glacier is impressive, no doubt. The scenery along the way is beautiful, but the park itself felt a bit overpriced for what you get. The cable car is smooth and the altitude wasn't too bad, but the food options at the top are limited and overpriced. Worth a visit, just come prepared.

MtnAdventure Jul 13, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely stunning! The glacier views are out of this world, and the cable car ride up is an experience in itself. We went early morning and the sunlight hitting the ice was magical. Bring warm layers even in summer—it's freezing up there! Totally worth the long drive from Chengdu.

FamilyTravel Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

We took our two kids (ages 10 and 12) and everyone loved it! The glacier is huge and the kids were amazed by the ice and the altitude — we all felt a bit dizzy, but we paced ourselves. Plenty of rest areas with benches. The only downside is that the restroom at the top was out of order, but overall a fantastic family day trip. Wear layers and bring sunscreen — the sun reflects off the snow strongly!

Photo_Nomad_ Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Hands down the best natural wonder I’ve ever photographed! The contrast between the white glacier, blue sky, and dark rocky peaks is a dream for any photographer. I spent hours just walking along the trails and capturing the changing light. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the facilities (toilets, info boards) were clean and well-maintained. Highly recommend taking the shuttle bus from the entrance — it’s well-organized.

SoloBackpack Jul 06, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Honestly, I was a bit disappointed. Maybe my expectations were too high after seeing photos online. The glacier is impressive, but the weather turned cloudy and we couldn’t see much from the viewing platform. Also, the site felt overly commercialized — lots of souvenir shops and loud tour groups. For the price and the hype, I expected more solitude and wildness. If you go, pray for clear skies.

Mike_Wanderl Jul 06, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

A solid 4 stars. The glacier itself is magnificent — the sheer scale of it is humbling. I loved the boardwalks that let you get close without damaging the environment. Only reason I’m not giving 5 is the price: the cable car ticket is quite steep (pun intended), and the food options at the top are limited and expensive. Also, bring your own oxygen canister if you’re sensitive to altitude. Still, a truly unique place worth seeing.

TrailRunner_ Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely breathtaking! The cable car ride up to the glacier is an experience in itself — watching the landscape shift from green forests to snowy peaks was surreal. Once at the top, the views are jaw-dropping. The air is thin, so take it slow, but every step is worth it. I’d recommend going early to avoid the crowds and catch the morning light on the ice. One of the most unforgettable places I’ve ever visited.

Nick_On_The_ Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

This park is a natural wonder. The scale of Dagu Glacier is humbling — you really feel small standing next to it. The boardwalks are well-built and safe, and the information signs are clear. I recommend taking your time acclimatizing; I rushed and got a headache. But once I slowed down, the experience was unforgettable. Five stars, no doubt.

Lily_Roams Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

One of the most magical places I’ve ever visited. We went in late October and had the place almost to ourselves. The glacier looks like a frozen river of diamonds under the sun. I loved walking on the lower trails and hearing the ice crackle. The hot tea at the small café near the entrance was a lifesaver. Don’t miss this gem!

Wanderlust_P Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely breathtaking! I’ve been to several glaciers around the world and this one is top tier. The contrast between the white ice and the dark rocks is surreal. The entire park is well-maintained, the staff are friendly, and the cable car ride offers jaw-dropping panoramas. I could have stayed up there all day. 100% recommend!

Trekking_Jen Jun 23, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Overall a solid experience. The glacier itself is magnificent and the air is so crisp and clean. However, the oxygen levels at the top hit me harder than I expected — I wish they had more rest stops with benches. The shuttle bus ride up was bumpy but the driver was skilled. A good day trip, just be prepared for altitude sickness.

Mountain_Ale Jun 23, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Stunning views of the glacier and surrounding peaks, but the cable car was way too crowded for the price. We waited almost an hour in line, and once up top, the viewing platform felt cramped. The scenery is undeniably beautiful, but the management needs to control visitor numbers better. I'd recommend going early in the morning if you can.

EcoExplorer_ Jun 01, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Beautiful glacier and well-maintained paths, but I wish there were more educational signs about climate change and glacier retreat. The park does a decent job managing visitor numbers, but I saw a few people stepping off the boardwalk onto the fragile moraine – that shouldn't be allowed. Overall a great day out, just a few tweaks could make it a 5-star conservation destination.

TrailBlazer_ Jun 01, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

This place left me speechless. My partner and I visited during autumn, and the contrast between the golden larch forest at the base and the white glacier above was pure magic. We spent hours just sitting on the rocks listening to the ice crack. It’s not just a tourist spot – it’s a place that makes you feel small in the best way. Highly recommend!

Wanderer_Rac Jun 01, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Honestly, I was a bit disappointed. We picked a clear day, but by the time we reached the glacier viewpoint, fog had rolled in and we could barely see 20 meters ahead. The infrastructure is okay but feels a bit dated – the cafe at the top was closed and the restrooms were not great. For the price, I expected more. Maybe I just had bad luck with weather, but I'd think twice before going again.

J.L.Traveler Jun 01, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

A solid 4-star experience. The glacier itself is stunning, and the boardwalk allows you to get surprisingly close. Only downside was the crowd – even on a weekday, the queue for the cable car was over an hour. Also, the entrance fee is steep (about $50), but I guess that's typical for a national park in China. Still, if you love high-altitude landscapes, it's worth the hassle.

MountainMave Jun 01, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely breathtaking! The cable car ride up to the glacier was smooth and offered jaw-dropping views of the surrounding peaks. Once at the top, the pure white snow and deep blue ice were surreal – felt like standing on another planet. The air is thin but crisp; bring oxygen if you're not used to altitude. Definitely one of the best natural wonders I've ever seen. Pack layers and go early to avoid clouds rolling in!

Nomad_Nick_9 Jun 01, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Good but not great for the price. The glacier is certainly beautiful, but I've seen similar views in other parts of the world for a fraction of the cost. The infrastructure felt a bit worn—rusty handrails on some steps, and the restrooms were not well maintained. If you're in the area, it's worth a stop, but I wouldn't go out of my way. 3/5.

Adventure_Al Jun 01, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Hands down the most epic place I've ever hiked! We did the full loop trail around the glacier, and every turn felt like a National Geographic shot. The air is thin but so crisp. I loved how quiet it was once you got away from the main viewing platform—just the sound of ice cracking. If you love raw, untouched nature, this is your spot.

Traveling_Ta Jun 01, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

A solid 4-star experience. The scenery is jaw-dropping—those blue ice crevasses are something else. We had clear skies and the reflection on the glacier lake was postcard-perfect. Only reason I'm not giving 5 stars is that the altitude really hit me hard, and there weren't enough rest spots with oxygen. Bring your own snacks too; the café had limited options.

Dave_The_Wan Jun 01, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Honestly, it was okay but overhyped. The glacier itself is impressive, but the park felt overly commercialized. Long queues for the cable car, and the walking paths were crowded even on a weekday. Also, the oxygen canisters they sell at the entrance are way overpriced. For the steep ticket price, I expected a bit more tranquility and better management.

MountainVibe Jun 01, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely breathtaking! The glacier views are unreal, and the cable car ride up gives you this incredible panoramic shot of the snow-capped peaks. We went early morning and the sunlight hitting the ice was pure magic. Definitely one of the most stunning natural wonders I've ever seen. A must-visit for anyone traveling in Sichuan!

Wanderlust_K May 29, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

We came all the way from Chengdu specifically for this park, and unfortunately the weather didn't cooperate. Heavy fog rolled in by 10 AM and we couldn't see more than 20 meters ahead. The glacier just looked like a grey slope. The staff were nice about it but no refunds or rain checks. It's a gamble with the high-altitude climate. If you go, check the forecast obsessively.

AdventureAmy May 29, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Hands down one of the most surreal natural wonders I've ever visited. Standing on the glacier and hearing the ice crackle underfoot... that sound stays with you. The hike from the cable car station to the highest lookout is tough due to the altitude, but the vistas of the surrounding peaks and the deep crevasses are beyond words. Go early to avoid crowds and bring warm layers!

Nomad_Chris_ May 29, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Honestly, I left a bit underwhelmed. The entrance fee is steep (over 200 yuan per person) and you still have to pay extra for the cable car. The glacier is impressive, sure, but the viewing platform was so crowded that I could barely get a photo without strangers in it. Plus, the weather turned cloudy and we couldn't see much from the top. For the price, I'd expected better.

Travel_Bug_J May 29, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

I was blown away by how well-organized everything is. The visitor center is modern, the staff speak decent English and gave clear directions, and the shuttle buses run on time. The walkways on the glacier are safe and allow you to get really close to the ice without being reckless. Only downside: snacks at the top are pricey, but overall a top-notch experience.

MountainLove May 29, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely breathtaking views! The glacier itself is massive and the blue ice is unreal. We took the cable car up and the 360-degree panorama at the top was worth every penny. Just be prepared for the altitude – even with oxygen cans it hit me hard. But if you're into raw nature, this place is a must-see.

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Dagu Glacier National Park Travel FAQ

What’s the closest place to stay to the glacier entrance?
The Dagu Glacier Mountain Lodge is literally at the gate. But I’d only stay there if you’ve already acclimatized for a day in Heishui. Otherwise, waking up at 7 am from Heishui still gets you to the park by 8:30 when the first cable car starts.
Can I stay overnight inside the park?
No, there is no accommodation inside the national park itself. The Mountain Lodge is just outside the entrance. The park closes at 5 pm (last cable car down at 4:30), so you must leave.
Which area is best for budget travelers?
Heishui town center, hands down. You can find clean rooms for under 150 RMB. Luhua Hotel and several unnamed guesthouses along the main street (Wenhua Road) offer dorms for around 60–80 RMB per bed.
Do hotels near Dagu Glacier have reliable WiFi?
In Heishui, the better hotels like Dagu Glacier International have decent WiFi—enough for video calls but not streaming. At the Mountain Lodge, WiFi is weak. A local SIM card is a better bet. You can buy one at the Chengdu airport.
How do I get from Heishui to the park without a car?
Taxis are easy. From the main square in Heishui, it’s a fixed price of about 30–40 RMB. Alternatively, there’s a local minibus that runs from the bus station to the park entrance every hour from 7 am to 3 pm—costs 10 RMB per person.
Can I visit Dagu Glacier National Park in winter despite road closures?
Yes, but only if you have a car with snow chains. The Heihe–Park road is cleared promptly after snowfalls, but the bus service may be suspended. I've been in January – the glacier is spectacular with deep snow, but prepare for -20°C wind chill. And the cafe at the top may be closed.
How do I prevent altitude sickness if I only have 2 days?
You can't fully acclimatize in 2 days, but you can mitigate the risk. Stay overnight at Maoxian (1,580m) on the way, not directly at Heihe Town. Drink plenty of water, avoid alcohol the night before, and take acetazolamide if you have it. I also recommend chewing coca leaves (available at some tea shops in Heihe) – locals swear by it.
Is the cable car scary for people afraid of heights?
It can be. The cable car goes from forest to bare rock, and the drop is sheer. If you're nervous, sit in the middle of the car and focus on the mountains ahead rather than looking down. The ride is smooth and only 15 minutes. Most people are fine once they start moving.
Are there any hidden fees I should know about?
The entrance and cable car cover everything on the glacier. There's an optional 280 CNY 'VIP express pass' that lets you skip the queues at the cable car – only useful in July–August when lines can be 2 hours long. Also, parking at the base is 20 CNY. The cloud cafe charges 68 CNY for a drink, but you don't have to buy anything to enjoy the view.
Can I travel to Dagu Glacier with kids or elderly parents?
The park is generally safe for families, but altitude is a concern. Children under 5 and people over 70 with health issues should avoid going above 4,000m without clearance from a doctor. The boardwalk is stroller-friendly, but the glacier surface is not. I'd recommend staying at the lower altitude spots like the Red Rock Hills and waterfalls if anyone in your group is vulnerable.
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