Sichuan Aba Prefecture

1.Jiuzhaigou Valley

Jiuzhaigou Valley,a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of China's most breathtaking natural wonders!Nestled in the mountains of northern Sichuan,this fairy-tale landscape dazzles with turquoise lakes,cascading waterfalls,and vibrant forests that change colors with the seasons-like a painting come to life.

Your journey begins at Nuorilang Waterfall,the widest travertine waterfall in China,where mist dances in the sunlight.Then,be mesmerized by the crystal-clear Five-Color Pond,whose waters shimmer in sapphire,emerald,and gold.Don't miss the iconic Mirror Lake,so still it perfectly reflects snow-capped peaks like a giant sky mirror!

What makes Jiuzhaigou magical?Its unique alpine karst formations and Tibetan culture.Meet local villagers,admire prayer flags fluttering in the breeze,and learn about the valley's ancient legends.Visit in autumn when the golden and crimson foliage sets the mountains ablaze,or in winter when frozen waterfalls create a silent,icy wonderland.

With wooden boardwalks winding through pristine scenery and rare wildlife like giant pandas nearby,every step in Jiuzhaigou feels like discovering paradise.

2.Huanglong Scenic Area

Huanglong Scenic Area-The Golden Dragon of the Alps!Nestled in the heart of Sichuan's mountains,Huanglong Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that will leave you spellbound!Known as the -Yellow Dragon" for its surreal,terraced pools that cascade like golden scales down the valley,this natural wonder is a dazzling showcase of turquoise waters,snow-capped peaks,and ancient forests.

Your adventure begins at the Multicolored Ponds,where mineral-rich waters paint thousands of shallow pools in shades of jade,sapphire,and amber.Follow the wooden trails uphill to the Golden Sand Basin,where sunlight transforms the travertine formations into a glittering "dragon's back." At the summit,the Huanglong Temple-a Ming Dynasty gem-offers spiritual serenity amid breathtaking views.

What makes Huanglong unique?Its rare karst landscapes and vibrant ecosystems.Keep an eye out for endangered giants like pandas and golden snub-nosed monkeys!Visit in autumn when the valley blazes with golden foliage,or in winter when frozen waterfalls create a crystalline fairy tale.

With every step,you'll understand why locals call this "Earth's fairyland."

3.Siguniang Mountain Scenic Area

Siguniang Mountain Scenic Area is a breathtaking destination known as the "Alps of the East." This magnificent region is home to four towering peaks-Da Feng (5,025m),Er Feng (5,276m),San Feng (5,355m),and Yao Mei Feng (6,250m)-each more majestic than the last.The highest,Yao Mei Feng,is often called the "Queen of Sichuan's Peaks," offering awe-inspiring views for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

The area is divided into three picturesque valleys:Shuangqiao Valley,Changping Valley,and Haizi Valley.Shuangqiao Valley is the most accessible,with shuttle buses taking you past cascading waterfalls,colorful forests,and serene lakes.Changping Valley is a hiker's paradise,featuring ancient trails,alpine meadows,and close-up views of the snow-capped peaks.Meanwhile,Haizi Valley boasts crystal-clear glacial lakes,perfect for photography and quiet reflection.

Beyond its natural beauty,Siguniang Mountain is rich in Tibetan culture.You'll encounter traditional villages,prayer flags fluttering in the wind,and warm hospitality from the local communities.Whether you're trekking,camping,or simply soaking in the views,this UNESCO World Heritage Site promises an unforgettable adventure.

Visit in autumn for golden foliage or in spring for vibrant wildflowers-each season paints the landscape in stunning new colors.

4.Dagu Glacier

Dagu Glacier-Nature's Frozen Masterpiece!Nestled in the heart of Sichuan Province,Dagu Glacier is one of the most spectacular and accessible modern glaciers in the world.Known as the "Youngest and Most Beautiful Glacier," it offers breathtaking views of towering ice peaks,crystal-clear glacial lakes,and untouched alpine forests.Standing at an altitude of 4,800 meters,this natural wonder is a paradise for adventurers and nature lovers alike.

Hop aboard the world's highest cable car and ascend through clouds to reach the glacier's summit.Along the way,marvel at the dramatic landscapes-from emerald valleys to snow-capped ridges.At the top,you'll be greeted by a surreal expanse of ice,where the air is crisp and the views stretch endlessly.Don't miss the Glacial Lake,a mirror-like pool reflecting the sky,or the Ice Cave,a shimmering blue wonder carved by nature over centuries.

Dagu Glacier is also home to rich Tibetan culture.Nearby Luoruo Village offers a glimpse into local life,where colorful prayer flags flutter in the wind and traditional yak-wool tents dot the meadows.Visit in winter for a snowy fairy tale,or come in summer to see wildflowers bloom against icy backdrops-every season paints a different picture!

Bring warm layers and sunscreen-the high altitude means chilly temps but strong sun.Whether you're a photographer,hiker,or dreamer,Dagu Glacier promises an unforgettable journey into the wild.

5.Songpan Ancient City

Songpan Ancient City is a hidden gem with over 2,300 years of history.This well-preserved town was once a vital military stronghold and a bustling trade hub along the ancient Tea Horse Road.As you walk through its towering stone gates and along the ancient city walls,you'll feel like you've stepped back in time.

The city's unique charm lies in its blend of Tibetan,Qiang,and Han cultures,reflected in the traditional architecture,vibrant markets,and local customs.Stroll down the cobbled streets,admire the intricately carved wooden houses,and visit the historic temples and mosques that stand as testaments to Songpan's diverse heritage.

Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes-from the snow-capped Min Mountains to the stunning Huanglong Valley-Songpan is also a gateway to natural wonders.Whether you're exploring its rich history,savoring local delicacies like yak meat and butter tea,or embarking on an adventure to nearby Jiuzhaigou,Songpan promises an unforgettable experience!

6.Yingxiu Town

Yingxiu Town,Wenchuan!

Nestled in the lush mountains of Sichuan Province,Yingxiu is a small but deeply significant town where the Min and Zagunao Rivers meet.Once a quiet,picturesque village,it became known worldwide after the devastating 2008 Wenchuan earthquake.Today,Yingxiu stands as a symbol of resilience,rebirth,and hope.

As we walk through the town,you'll notice how it has been rebuilt with modern earthquake-resistant designs while preserving its cultural heritage.The Yingxiu Earthquake Memorial and the Wenchuan Earthquake Museum offer moving tributes to the lives lost and the incredible recovery efforts.The collapsed school ruins,preserved as a memorial site,remind us of nature's power and the strength of the human spirit.

But Yingxiu isn't just about its past-it's also a place of stunning natural beauty.Surrounded by emerald-green valleys and towering peaks,it's a gateway to the Wolong Panda Reserve and other scenic spots.The local Qiang and Tibetan communities add vibrant culture,with traditional handicrafts,lively festivals,and warm hospitality.

7.Barkam (Malcom)

Barkam (Malcom)-The Heart of Tibetan & Qiang Culture!Nestled in the rugged mountains of western Sichuan,Barkam is the vibrant capital of the Ngawa Tibetan & Qiang Autonomous Prefecture.More than just a stopover on the way to scenic wonders,this charming city is a cultural crossroads where Tibetan prayer flags flutter alongside modern developments,offering a fascinating blend of tradition and progress.

As we explore,you'll feel the deep spiritual pulse of this region.The Sedo Monastery,perched on a hillside,offers breathtaking views and a serene atmosphere for meditation.The Barkam Tibetan Scriptural Printing House,one of the largest in Tibet-influenced areas,preserves ancient Buddhist texts using traditional woodblock techniques-a true living museum of faith and craftsmanship.

The surrounding landscape is equally mesmerizing,with rolling grasslands,deep river valleys,and snow-capped peaks.Just outside the city,nomadic herders tend their yaks,and colorful prayer wheels spin beside rushing streams.Don't miss the chance to try authentic Tibetan butter tea,savory yak meat dishes,or barley wine while enjoying lively folk dances under starry skies.

Whether you're drawn by culture,spirituality,or nature,Barkam invites you to slow down and connect with the soul of the Tibetan Plateau.

8.Hongyuan Grassland

Hongyuan Grassland-A Vast Emerald Paradise on the Tibetan Plateau!

Stretching endlessly across northern Sichuan,Hongyuan Grassland is one of China's most breathtaking high-altitude meadows,often called the "Land of the Sun and Moon" for its dazzling skies.At over 3,500 meters above sea level,this sea of rolling green,dotted with wildflowers and meandering rivers,feels like a scene from a dream-pure,untouched,and alive with nomadic spirit.

Here,Tibetan herders and their herds of yaks and sheep roam freely,following traditions unchanged for centuries.The Hongyuan Moon Bay,a serpentine river glistening under the sun,offers postcard-perfect views,especially at sunrise when mist rises like a fairy tale.Nearby,the Waqie Wetlands teem with migratory birds,making it a hidden gem for nature lovers.

Culture thrives in every corner-stop by a nomadic tent to sip butter tea,hear ancient folk songs,or join locals in a lively horseback ride.And if you visit in summer,you'll witness the thrilling Hongyuan Horse Racing Festival,where riders showcase incredible skill amid cheers and celebration.

Whether you're chasing wide-open horizons,cultural encounters,or serene moments under the bluest skies,Hongyuan Grassland promises an unforgettable journey into the soul of the plateau.

9.Bipenggou Valley

Bipenggou Valley-The Crown Jewel of Sichuan's Alpine Wonderland!

Nestled in the heart of Li County,Bipenggou Valley is nature's masterpiece,where snow-capped peaks,crystal-clear lakes,and golden forests create a scene straight out of a fairy tale.Often called "the back garden of Chengdu," this breathtaking valley offers four seasons of spectacular beauty,each more enchanting than the last.

As we journey through the valley,you'll be amazed by the Red Stone Shoal,where vibrant red rocks contrast with turquoise streams-a photographer's dream!Further up,Longwang Lake reflects the surrounding mountains like a mirror,while the Swan Lake area dazzles with its cascading waterfalls and emerald pools.

In autumn,Bipenggou transforms into a golden paradise,with fiery maple leaves blanketing the slopes-a sight so stunning it rivals Canada's famed landscapes.Winter brings a magical frozen wonderland,perfect for ice climbing and snow trekking.And if you're lucky,you might spot pandas,golden monkeys,or other rare wildlife that call this pristine ecosystem home.

Whether you're an adventurer,a nature lover,or simply seeking peace in the mountains,Bipenggou Valley will leave you spellbound.

10.Ruoergai Wetlands

Ruoergai Wetlands,one of the most beautiful and ecologically significant high-altitude wetlands in the world!Located in Aba County,on the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau,this vast grassland stretches across Sichuan and Gansu provinces,offering visitors an unforgettable experience of nature's wonders.

Known as the "Kidneys of the Plateau," the Ruoergai Wetlands are a vital habitat for countless rare species.Here,you can spot graceful black-necked cranes,majestic wild yaks,and even the elusive Tibetan foxes.The wetlands also serve as a crucial stopover for migratory birds,making it a dream destination for birdwatchers.The vibrant wildflowers in summer and golden grasslands in autumn create a picturesque landscape that changes with the seasons.

Beyond its natural beauty,Ruoergai is deeply rooted in Tibetan culture.The local nomadic herders,with their traditional yak-hair tents and colorful prayer flags,maintain a harmonious relationship with the land.Don't miss the chance to visit nearby Tibetan monasteries or enjoy a warm cup of butter tea while soaking in the serene atmosphere.

Whether you want to hike across the rolling hills,horseback ride through the meadows,or simply relax by the winding Yellow River,Ruoergai offers something for everyone.At sunrise or sunset,the wetlands transform into a golden paradise,perfect for photography and quiet reflection.