Aba

Sichuan’s Aba Prefecture is home to world-class scenery such as Jiuzhaigou and Mount Siguniang, but the region is vast, so it is best to choose your route according to the time you have. Below is a classic 5-day, 4-night itinerary and a practical guide to avoiding common pitfalls.

Must-Visit Attractions

Attractions in Aba Prefecture are spread out, so it is recommended to prioritize the core scenic areas with well-developed facilities and the most representative landscapes.

• Jiuzhaigou: The ultimate destination for water scenery, with three Y-shaped valleys. Five Flower Lake, Five-Color Pond, and Pearl Shoal Waterfall each have their own highlights. The altitude is relatively low at 2,000-3,100 meters, making altitude sickness less likely, and it is beautiful in all four seasons.
• Mount Siguniang: Known as the Alps of the East. Shuangqiao Valley is recommended, as the whole route can be easily explored by sightseeing bus. Snow mountains and meadows stretch across the landscape, and Potala Peak and the redwood forest are especially photogenic.
• Huanglong: Famous for terraced calcified colorful pools. The Five-Color Pond at the higher elevation is the most stunning. Since the altitude is relatively high, taking the cable car is recommended to conserve energy.
• Bipenggou: Combines snow mountains, lakes, and colorful forests. The mirror-like reflections at Panyang Lake and Longwang Lake are beautiful, and the wooden boardwalks are gentle, making it suitable for a short and relaxing trip.
• Lianbao Yeze: A combination of striking peaks, unusual rock formations, and alpine lakes. The 4,520-meter viewing platform overlooks Zhaga’er Co, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy raw, wild landscapes.

Classic 5-Day Itinerary

This route covers Aba’s most essential landscapes at a moderate pace, making it suitable for first-time visitors to Aba.

• Day 1: Chengdu → Mount Siguniang (Shuangqiao Valley) → Lixiao Road → Gurgou. Visit Shuangqiao Valley in the morning, take the self-drive route along Lixiao Road in the afternoon, and soak in a snow mountain hot spring in Gurgou at night to ease fatigue.
• Day 2: Gurgou → Bipenggou → Jiuzhaigou. Visit Bipenggou in the morning, drive to Jiuzhaigou in the afternoon, stay near the valley entrance at night, and try local Tibetan-style hot pot.
• Day 3: Full-day tour of Jiuzhaigou. Enter as soon as the park opens in the morning. Visit Long Lake and Five-Color Pond in the morning, then Arrow Bamboo Lake, Five Flower Lake, and Pearl Shoal Waterfall in the afternoon. Watch the sunset in Shuzheng Valley toward evening.
• Day 4: Jiuzhaigou → Huanglong → Chengdu. Head to Huanglong Scenic Area in the morning, then return to Chengdu by high-speed rail or bus in the afternoon to end the trip.
• Day 5: Leisure time in Chengdu. Visit the Sanxingdui Museum or check out Chengdu’s city food spots, then return according to your flight schedule.

Transportation and Accommodation Tips

• Transportation: The first choice is high-speed rail plus a direct shuttle. Take the Sichuan-Qinghai high-speed rail from Chengdu East Railway Station to Jiuzhai Station, then transfer to a scenic-area direct shuttle after exiting the station, avoiding traffic delays on mountain roads. If traveling with several people, you can choose self-driving or a chartered car, but mountain roads have many bends, so beginners should be cautious. Be sure to fill up the tank and avoid driving at night.
• Accommodation: For Jiuzhaigou, stay near the valley entrance or in Zhangzha Town, as both are close to the scenic area and convenient for daily needs. Gurgou is suitable for a hot spring vacation. Around Mount Siguniang, you can choose a guesthouse with a private hot spring. During peak season, be sure to book ten days in advance.

Pitfalls and Things to Note

• Altitude Sickness Prevention: Most areas in Aba Prefecture are above 3,000 meters in elevation. Do not shower or wash your hair on the first day, avoid strenuous activity, and prepare oxygen bottles in advance.
• What to Wear: The temperature difference between morning and evening on the plateau is huge. Even in summer, bring a hardshell jacket or light down jacket. It can feel warm at noon when the sun is out, so pay attention to sun protection.
• Chartered Car Traps: Try not to trust chartered-car drivers soliciting passengers by the roadside, and avoid being taken to privately enclosed, fee-charging “fake attractions” such as Liandaoba Grassland. It is recommended to take official buses or book a chartered car through a reputable platform.
• Ticket Reservations: Popular scenic areas such as Jiuzhaigou require online reservations in advance. There are no on-site ticket windows, and during peak season you need to secure tickets ten days ahead.
• Road Safety: July and August are the rainy season, and landslides may occur in mountainous areas. Be sure to check the weather and road conditions before departure, and do not force the drive during consecutive days of heavy rain.