Mount Siguniang is a prominent mountain range located in the Aba (Ngawa) Tibetan and Qiang Prefecture, situated 200 km to the west of Chengdu. It is famous for being home to the easternmost 6000er mountain on earth, and its eastern border marks the well-known Wolong Panda Sanctuary and the eastern rim of the Tibetan Plateau. Mount Siguniang was once referred to as the Oriental Alps due to its striking resemblance to the real Alps. It is a popular trekking destination, as well as one of the top ten mountaineering training bases in China, thanks to its diverse mountain landscape and comfortable hotel facilities.

Trekking at Mount Siguniang offers a wide range of trails to choose from, varying from difficult treks to family-friendly hiking. The most popular hiking routes include Shuangqiao, Changping, and Haizi Valleys. Visitors can do day hikes in all three valleys, multi-day camping treks from Changping to Bipeng, or a 2-night trek from the town Rilong hiking to the summit of Dafeng, which is over 5000 meters high.

Trekking to Dafeng Summit of Mount Siguniang

Transportation to Mount Siguniang

Mount Siguniang is located in Rilong Town within the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province. If you're planning a trip to Mount Siguniang, it usually starts from Chengdu, which is a city with a population of 10 million and one of the main cities in southwestern China. The journey from Chengdu to Mount Siguniang is around 200km, and you'll pass through the misty panda sanctuary before reaching the dry and clear Siguniang Mountains. Below are some common ways to get to Mount Siguniang:

By plane: You can take a plane to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, and then transfer to a bus or rent a car in Chengdu city to reach Mount Siguniang scenic area.

By long-distance bus: You can take a bus from Chengdu's Shiyang Bus Station, Xinnanmen Bus Station, and other places to Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, and other scenic areas, passing through the Mount Siguniang scenic area.

Self-driving: If you have your own vehicle, you can drive to the Mount Siguniang scenic area, which takes about five to six hours in total.

Overall, the main ways to reach Mount Siguniang are to transfer to public transportation or drive from within Chengdu city. Within the scenic area, there are also various transportation options available to visitors, such as sightseeing buses and hiking.

Driving Route from Chengdu to Rilong Town

Recommended Time for Mount Siguniang Trekking

The weather on Mount Siguniang is mainly affected by the altitude, with the mountain top covered in snow all year round and temperatures generally low. Therefore, it is important to choose appropriate clothing and equipment depending on the season. Generally speaking, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons to visit Mount Siguniang, with mild temperatures, fresh air, and stunning scenery. While summer (June to August) has higher temperatures, it is still a good season to appreciate the lush greenery and blooming flowers. Winter (December to February) is not suitable for mountaineering and tourism due to the cold weather and heavy snowfall, with the mountain often closed. Due to its high elevation, the temperature in Mount Siguniang can change drastically throughout the day.

However, the weather on Mount Siguniang can change rapidly, so it is advisable for tourists to check the weather forecast and local climate conditions in advance to make proper travel arrangements.

Shuangqiao Valley of Mount Siguniang in June

Mount Siguniang Itinerary Recommendation

Typically, a Mount Siguniang trekking trip begins and ends in Chengdu, which serves as the ideal stopover city for this adventure. Located 200km west of Chengdu, the drive to Mount Siguniang takes approximately four hours. You can make Siguniang your main travel destination, or you can plan it as one of your stops while visiting other places in Sichuan such as Danba, Tagong, or even further. Many travelers start their journey in Chengdu and plan Siguniang as their first stop before continuing on to Danba, Tagong, Kangding, or Yading to complete a circuit road trip.

A. Siguniang as a stop in a circuit road trip. You can either start or end your circuit trip from Chengdu and make Siguniang your first or last stop. The base of Siguniang (Rilong) is situated at an elevation of around 3000m, making it a perfect place for acclimatization. Therefore, many travelers use Siguniang as their first stop in a circuit trip, spending one to two nights here to visit or take day hikes in the valleys of Changping and Shuangqiao. For a sample tour, please refer to the Western Sichuan Circuit Hiking Tour.

B. For travelers who are only visiting Siguniang, the 200km drive takes approximately four hours. If you plan to summit Dafeng or venture higher into the valleys, it's recommended to take it slow on the first day. The return trip from Mount Siguniang to Chengdu follows the same road as the journey there and is currently the shortest and quickest option. Unfortunately, there are no trains or airports available between Mount Siguniang and Chengdu, but there will be a sightseeing train available in the coming years. To break up the four-hour drive, consider making stops at various points of interest along the way, such as Dujiangyan Irrigation Park, Mt. Qingcheng, or Wolong Panda Base, where you can see pandas in their natural habitat. When planning your trip to Siguniang, consider including these places of interest in your itinerary, and follow the links for more information.

Lodge-Based Hiking

Trekking and hiking in Mount Siguniang can be done in various ways, and one popular option is the lodge-based hiking. Visitors can stay at hotels in Rilong and use them as a base to explore the valleys by foot or horse riding, returning to the hotel each night. For this type of hiking, it's recommended to spend one to two nights in Rilong. Changping Valley, Haizi Valley, and Shuangqiao Valley are all great places to go for a walk. Each valley has a one-way entrance and exit, with the hiking in Shuangqiao Valley being the easiest and providing stunning views. To hike in Changping Valley, visitors will walk the same way in and out, taking around four hours to reach the base of Mount Siguniang. Hiking in Haizi Valley can be a leisurely walk of one to two hours or a full-day hike to Laoniuyuanzi or Huahaizi Lake. It's worth noting that day hikes in any of the three valleys are flexible, and visitors can turn around at any point.

For those with limited time, the Shuangqiao Valley hiking is recommended. Using the tourist bus to the end of the valley and walking down the boardwalk is easy and can be done in four to five hours, including the bus time. If visitors have to choose between Haizi and Changping for their limited time, Changping Valley is recommended, as visitors can turn around at any point and still get great views. The lodge-based hiking option can be further explored in the 4-Day Mt. Siguniang Lodging Hike.

Changpinggou to Bipenggou Camping Trek

This route is one of the top 10 hiking routes in China and is a popular choice for those seeking a camping adventure. It starts in Rilong and ends in Bipenggou Valley in Lixian. The trek takes three days, with two nights spent camping in Changpinggou Valley. The first two days are relatively easy, while the third day is challenging due to a steep 4500m pass that must be crossed. The trek offers stunning views and visits to various landmarks along the way. It takes around 5-6 days to complete, including acclimatizing hikes. For more information, please read about the 6-Day Siguniang Changping to Bipeng Trek.

Dafeng Summit Camping Trek

Dafeng Summit is a popular trekking destination in China, boasting an altitude of 5025 meters. The trek begins in Rilong and ends in Rilong, taking a minimum of one night and two days to complete. The first day involves hiking to the base camp at an altitude of 4300 meters, while the second day involves reaching the summit and returning to the base camp before returning to Rilong. This trek provides an opportunity to summit Dafeng of Mount Siguniang and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. For further details, please read about the Trek to Dafeng Summit.

Erfeng Summit Camping Trek

Starting and ending in Rilong, the Erfeng Summit Camping Trek requires a minimum of one night and two days to complete. The first day involves hiking to the Erfeng base camp, while the second day is dedicated to reaching the summit before returning to the base camp and then heading back to the town of Rilong. This trek offers a challenging yet rewarding experience and is an excellent choice for those looking for a short but exciting adventure.

Mount Siguniang Trekking Tips

Altitudes and Trekking Distance

Mount Siguniang offers trekking experiences with altitudes ranging from 3000 meters to 5050 meters. Some treks involve significant daily elevation gains, like the Dafeng trek, which covers over 1000 meters in a day from Rilong to the Dafeng base camp. Rilong itself sits at an elevation of 3000 meters. The Changping Valley ranges between 3200 meters and 3900 meters, while the pass between Changping Valley and Bipeng Valley is around 4500 meters. The Dafeng base camp is located at 4300 meters, the Erfeng base camp at 4200 meters, and the summits of Dafeng and Erfeng reach heights over 5200 meters. Shuangqiao's elevation ranges from 3500m to 3800m.

Terrain and Trails

The hiking experience in Shuangqiao consists of gentle walks on boardwalks. In Changping, you'll traverse a 7km boardwalk on gradual terrain before transitioning to recognizable horse trails. Haizi mainly features unpaved horse trails. Trekking over passes and reaching summits can be steep and challenging.

There are two types of trails you'll encounter during a Mount Siguniang trek. Lower elevation trails are easily recognizable, with bushes and grass, and are mostly paved boardwalks. At higher altitudes, particularly after the base camp or above 4000 meters, the trails are rocky. Although many hikers frequently use these trails, it is advisable to have a local guide due to possible snow cover, especially in certain seasons.

How to Prevent Mountain Sickness

Acclimating yourself before ascending to higher altitudes in Siguniang is recommended. Mountain sickness can occur, particularly if you are not accustomed to highlands. Staying hydrated and considering the use of Diamox can be helpful. Even experienced hikers should take extra care, especially upon arrival. Ensure you eat well, drink plenty of water (preferably hot water when available), avoid cold temperatures, and protect your stomach. If you pass the first night without trouble, you should generally be fine. However, if you feel unwell or experience mountain sickness during the second day of hiking, it's advisable to reconsider continuing to the summit.

Physical Demands

If you are not accustomed to mountain treks, it is advisable to engage in physical training and preparation before attempting the challenging treks in Siguniang. These demanding treks put pressure on your lungs and muscles. While the walking days are not long, be mindful of the elevation gain and walking distance. If you have never been to such heights, consult your doctor before embarking on the journey.

Use Porters and Horses

During camping treks in Mount Siguniang, you will spend nights at different campsites. You can leave your additional luggage at your hotel and only carry what is necessary for the hiking portion. Most accommodations in Rilong offer free luggage storage, allowing you to collect your belongings upon your return. Trekking in Mount Siguniang involves the use of porters and pack horses. Each horse can carry approximately 40kg of gear and food. These horses will be led by horsemen during the hike. Riding a horse is also an option chosen by many hikers, with a horseman or horsewoman assigned to ensure the rider's safety. However, caution should always be exercised when riding. A local guide, who also serves as your horseman, is mandatory for camping treks, where overnight stays occur within the parks. For organized trekking tours, this arrangement will be facilitated by your guide.

Camping

During a camping trek in Mount Siguniang, you'll have the opportunity to camp for multiple days. There are numerous camping spots available in the valleys of Mount Siguniang. In Changping Valley, new huts have been built for hikers, although their availability may vary. The Dafeng base camp is a highly recommended campsite, offering ample huts and spacious tents for overnight stays. Situated at an elevation of approximately 4300 meters, the base camp provides basic bunks inside the huts for hikers, although you can always use your own tent if preferred. The campsite is free from dangerous animals, but it's important to note that campfires are not permitted in this national park. Additionally, finding firewood at such high elevations is generally challenging.

Packing List for Camping

Trekking boots, hat, Jacket/windbreaker, Base layer/T-shirt, Walking trousers, Thermals, Fleece, Socks

Backpack, -15C down Sleeping bag, Water bottle, Walking poles

Waterproof, Sunglasses, Sun block, headlamp, Toiletries

Camera, Cell phone, batteries

First-aid kit, Personal medications

What to Eat

During the busy travel season, you may come across a few places selling local snacks in Shuangqiao and Changping. However, in Haizi, there are no food resupplies or shops available. When embarking on multi-day treks, it's advisable to eat nutritious meals before the trip and avoid drinking directly from streams. Typically, the provided camping food consists of Chinese cuisine with a Sichuan flavor. It's beneficial to consume hot and fresh meals while hiking, but you can always bring your own preferred mountain food. In Rilong, you have the option to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and other groceries. Many stores also offer snacks such as chocolate. Tibetan bread is a local specialty worth considering. As for drinking water, you can buy bottled water in Rilong for the first day of hiking or utilize water from streams and purify it with a water purifier at the campsite.

Avoid Loss of Possessions

Keep your room locked when staying in local guesthouses/hotels in Rilong. Store expensive gear inside your tent at the campsite and keep valuable items in your daypack. Safety troubles like robbery or loss of belongings are unlikely in Mount Siguniang.

Injuries and Rescues

Mount Siguniang has an efficient and quick rescue system compared to other hiking destinations in China. If you experience heavy mountain sickness or an injury while hiking, experienced horsemen will promptly transfer you to lower lands. Consider that immediate rescue assistance from local horsemen may require payment based on the rescue method used.