Must-Visit Attractions in Western Sichuan During the May Day Holiday

First time visiting Western Sichuan and not sure where to go? Here's a list of top attractions curated by locals to ensure a great experience without any disappointments. Save it now! 1⃣ Mount Siguniang (Shuangqiao Valley) ⏰ Opening Hours: 07:30-17:30 (Last entry at 15:30) 🎫 Ticket Price: 150 RMB (includes shuttle bus) 📸 Highlights: Red Cedar Forest (snow-capped mountains + forest), Budala Peak (scenic road shots), Siguniang Lake (lake reflections) ⚠️ Note: Altitude is over 3800m, avoid running or jumping, and bring an oxygen tank! 2⃣ Daocheng Yading ⏰ Opening Hours: 07:10-19:00 🎫 Ticket Price: 266 RMB (includes shuttle bus) 📸 Highlights: Luorong Pasture (snow-capped mountains + meadows), Five-Color Lake (dreamy sunlight reflections), Chonggu Monastery (Tibetan-style architecture) ⚠️ Note: Long hikes can be exhausting, bring enough snacks and water! Altitude is 4600m, proceed according to your ability. 3⃣ Jiuzhaigou ⏰ Opening Hours: 06:30-17:00 (No entry after 14:00) 🎫 Ticket Price: 190 RMB (off-season) 📸 Highlights: Five-Flower Lake (blue-green gradient), Nuorilang Waterfall (featured in "Journey to the West"), Mirror Lake (stunning reflections) ⚠️ Note: The park is huge, wear comfortable shoes! Don’t forget your camera for amazing photos. 4⃣ Seda (Sertar) ⏰ Opening Hours: All day (last downhill bus at 21:00) 🎫 Ticket Price: Free (reservation required) 📸 Highlights: Panoramic view of red houses (viewing platform), Mandala (prayer and blessings), Night view (breathtaking lights) ⚠️ Note: Altitude is over 4000m, avoid intense activities! Respect local beliefs, and don’t take close-up photos of monks. 5⃣ Yuzixi ⏰ Opening Hours: All day (best sunset view from 17:30-19:00) 🎫 Ticket Price: 20 RMB cleaning fee 📸 Highlights: 360° Snow Mountain Viewing Platform (Gongga + Yala), Starry Sky Camp (stunning Milky Way at night) ⚠️ Note: It’s very windy, dress warmly! The road conditions are poor, SUV recommended for self-driving. 6⃣ Moxi Park ⏰ Opening Hours: 08:30-17:30 🎫 Ticket Price: 60 RMB 📸 Highlights: Alien Planet (black stone mountains), Zanggu Valley (full of sci-fi vibes), Boardwalk (cool aerial shots) ⚠️ Note: Strong UV rays, use sunscreen! Wear bright-colored clothes for better photos. 8⃣ Bipeng Valley ⏰ Opening Hours: 08:30-17:30 🎫 Ticket Price: 40 RMB (off-season) + 60 RMB for shuttle bus 📸 Highlights: Panyang Lake (snow-capped mountain reflections), Longwang Lake (crystal blue water), Red Stone Beach (unique terrain) ⚠️ Note: Snow may still be present in March, wear sunglasses to prevent snow blindness! Altitude is 3500m, avoid jumping around. 9⃣ Xinduqiao ⏰ Opening Hours: All day 🎫 Ticket Price: Free 📸 Highlights: Ten-Mile Gallery (amazing light and shadow), Tagong Grassland (snow-capped mountains + prayer flags), Juri Monastery (hidden gem) ⚠️ Note: Large temperature difference between day and night, bring a down jacket! Photographers should catch the morning mist. 🎒 Travel Essentials 🆔 Documents: ID card, student ID 🍽️ Snacks: Chocolate, beef jerky, glucose, bread, candy 👔 Personal Items and Clothing: Toiletries, slippers, umbrella, thermos, thick coat, windbreaker, base layers (both long and short sleeves), long pants 🛀 Skincare: Moisturizer, lip balm, toner, sunscreen, facial cleanser, makeup remover, cosmetics Other: Medicine for colds/stomachache/pain relief, glucose, motion sickness patches, oxygen tank