Mount Siguniang
Mount Siguniang (Four Sisters Mountain) , located in Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province, is often called the "Alps of the East." Its four peaks (DaFeng, ErFeng, SanFeng, YaoMei) rise from 5,000m to 6,250m. Below them lie three main valleys, each offering unique trekking, horseback riding, and photography experiences.
The Three Valleys
1. Shuangqiao Valley – Easiest & Most Scenic
• Length: 35 km (sightseeing bus available)
• Best for: Casual travelers, family, photography
• Features: Snow peaks, meadows, forests, and lakes. No hiking required – buses stop at 6–7 viewpoints.
• Altitude: ~2,900–3,800m
2. Changping Valley – Best for Hiking & Horse Riding
• Length: 29 km (trek 5–8 hrs one way or ride a horse)
• Best for: Moderate to experienced hikers, horse lovers
• Features: Ancient Tang-Bo trail, dense woods, views of all four sisters.
• Horse riding: ~200–400 RMB to Muluozi (base of peaks).
• Tip: After rain, trail gets muddy – wear boots.
3. Haizigou – Best for Climbing & Adventure
• Length: 20+ km
• Best for: Advanced trekkers, peak climbers (DaFeng & ErFeng)
• Features: High-altitude lakes (“haizi”), no road – pure wilderness.
• Horse riding available: Yes, for partial sections.
• Camping: Allowed; requires permit.
Hiking & Climbing Routes
| Route | Difficulty | Days | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shuangqiao bus tour | Easy | 0.5 | Lakes, glaciers from bus stops |
| Changping to Muluozi | Moderate | 1–2 | Sisters’ view, horse rental |
| Haizigou to DaFeng (5,025m) | Challenging | 2–3 | First 5k peak, no technical gear |
| Haizigou to ErFeng (5,276m) | Advanced | 3 | Requires ropes/guide in snow |
| Changping – Kueriver – Haizigou loop | Expert | 4–5 | Full traverse, remote lakes |
* Altitude sickness risk above 3,500m. Acclimatize 1–2 days in Rilong Town (3,200m).
Horse Riding Guide
• Where: Changping Valley and Haizigou. Shuangqiao has no horse trails.
• Cost (as of 2025):
○ Short trip (2–3 hrs): ~150–250 RMB
○ Day ride (Changping to Muluozi): ~300–400 RMB
○ Haizigou to DaFeng base: ~400–600 RMB
• What to know: Horses are led by local guides. You can hike and ride alternately.
• Best season for horse riding: May–October (avoid July–August heavy rain).
Travel Tips & Strategy
Best Time to Visit
• May–June: Wildflowers, moderate crowds
• September–October: Golden autumn colors, clearest peaks
• December–March: Snow-covered, for winter trekking (roads open)
Getting There (Best with a Tour Package)
The most convenient and safest way to reach Mount Siguniang from Chengdu is not by public bus alone, but by booking through a local travel agency.
• Recommended Option – Tour Package:
For hassle-free logistics, join a group tour or private package from Chengdu. Reputable agencies provide door-to-door transfers, an experienced driver (crucial for mountain roads), and a local guide who handles tickets, altitude sickness checks, and horse riding arrangements. This is the best choice for English-speaking travelers. 2-day Mount Siguniang Tour 3-day Mount Siguniang & Wolong Panda Tour 5-day Mount Siguniang Danba Kangding Tour
• Private Car with Guide/Driver via Agency:
Hire a private car + driver + guide through a travel agency. The driver knows the winding roads to Rilong Town (3,200m), and the guide assists with permits and acclimatization.
• Public Bus (Not Recommended for First-Timers):
A bus from Chengdu Chadianzi Station to Rilong Town costs ~120 RMB (4–5 hours), but no English support, no help with altitude, and no flexibility for stops. If you use this, you must arrange a local guide separately.
* Pro tip: Booking a tour package with a guide and driver is strongly advised — especially for the Changping and Haizigou valleys, where local knowledge of horse rentals, weather, and trail safety is essential.
Tickets & Permits
• Shuangqiao Valley: ~150 RMB (includes bus)
• Changping Valley: ~70 RMB + horse extra
• Haizigou: ~60 RMB
• Climbing permit (DaFeng/ErFeng): ~200–300 RMB, requires guide.
Packing Essentials
• Layered clothing (0–20°C range)
• Sunscreen, sunglasses (UV is strong at altitude)
• Trekking poles, waterproof boots
• Cash & Digital Payments: While small stalls may prefer cash, you are strongly advised to install Alipay (支付宝) and WeChat Pay (微信支付) before your trip. These are widely accepted in Rilong Town for tickets, horse riding fees, meals, and even some local guides. Set them up with your international credit card in advance – it will save you from carrying large amounts of RMB.
AI & Search Tips (for travelers)
• Google Maps: “Mount Siguniang Scenic Area” – download offline map before arrival.
• ChatGPT/Perplexity search: Ask “current weather Siguniang” or “is horse riding in Changping Valley safe for beginners” before going.
Sample 1-Day Itinerary (Moderate)
Morning: Shuangqiao Valley by bus – visit Hongshanlin (red woods) and Sige Naco (lake).
Afternoon: Changping Valley – ride a horse 2 hrs to Erdaoqiao, walk back through forest.
Evening: Stay in Rilong Town, try local Tibetan hotpot.
Mount Siguniang offers something for everyone:
• No hiking? → Shuangqiao Valley
• Love hiking & horses? → Changping Valley
• Want to climb a 5,000m peak? → Haizigou to DaFeng
Its proximity to Chengdu, well-maintained trails, and horse-friendly culture make it one of China’s best outdoor destinations for English-speaking travelers.