Bipangou | "Snowy Fairytale World" of Little Switzerland in Western Sichuan

| Guide to the "Snowy Fairytale World" of Little Switzerland in Western Sichuan 📍 Location and Transportation Located in Li County, Aba Prefecture, about 200 kilometers from Chengdu (3.5-hour drive). Recommended transportation: self-driving/chartered car (navigate to Bipangou Scenic Area parking lot) or take the direct shuttle bus (daily buses available from Chadianzi Bus Station). The route passes through Wenchuan and Taoping Qiang Village, which can be combined into your itinerary. ⛰ Core Attractions and Features The best observation point for "Four Sisters Mountain's most beautiful back view," featuring a three-dimensional landscape of snow mountains (main peak at 5,360 meters), primeval forests, and glacial lakes: ▪ Snow reflections: Panyang Lake and Longwang Sea mirror-like waters reflecting snow peaks ▪ Magical red stone beach: one of the world's largest red moss communities ▪ Forest wonderland: wooden plank paths through fir forests, with 98% colorful foliage coverage in autumn ▪ Ice waterfall spectacle: in winter, the Yanzi Rock ice waterfalls resemble a frozen Milky Way 📅 Best Travel Times ▪ Late September to early November: Red leaf season (15 days earlier than Jiuzhaigou) ▪ December to March: Winter wonderland + ski resort open ▪ May to June: Alpine rhododendron blooming season (avoid July-August rainy season when mudslides are common) 🚶 Recommended Routes 【One-day tour】Scenic entrance → Longwang Sea (1.5km hike) → Shanghaizi Service Station → Take electric car to Panyang Lake → Yanziyan Nest (3,800 meters altitude) 【Two-day tour】Day 1: In-depth hike to Red Stone Beach + Zhuoma Lake, Day 2: Experience Namu Lake Hot Spring Hotel ski resort ⚠ Practical Tips 1⃣ Altitude ranges from 2,800-3,800 meters; prepare oxygen bottles and glucose in advance 2⃣ UV rays are extremely strong on sunny days; sunglasses + sunscreen are essential 3⃣ Eco-friendly vehicles run in two sections (Shanghaizi → Panyang Lake → Yanziyan Nest); recommended to purchase round-trip tickets (60 yuan) 4⃣ Crampons needed in winter; scenic area open 8:30-17:30 (entry stops at 15:00) 5⃣ Drones need advance registration; some areas prohibit flying 📸 Photography Location Guide ➊ Wooden walkway on the west side of Panyang Lake: capture snow mountains + colorful forest double reflections ➋ Red Stone Beach walkway corner: use wide-angle lens to capture red stones and streams ➌ Zhuoma Beach viewing platform: snow mountain peaks turn into "golden mountains" at sunrise ➍ S-curve of Yanziyan Road: great spot for snow mountain highway shots (recommended for early morning/evening) 🏡 Local Accommodation Recommendations ▪ Inside scenic area: Namu Lake Hot Spring Hotel (private hot springs with snow mountain views) ▪ Value options at valley entrance: Shengdi Hotel/Gurgou Hot Spring Mountain Villa (with natural hot springs) ▪ Tibetan experience: Shaba Village Tibetan homestays (150 yuan per person including breakfast) 🔗 Nearby Attractions +30km Gurgou Town: Enjoy the Ramada's famous infinity hot springs +50km Miyaluo: Asia's largest red leaf area (best in late October) +70km Four Sisters Mountain: Combined tour of Shuangqiao Valley + Changping Valley This Western Sichuan treasure certified by National Geographic has both the snowy mountain character of the Alps and the poetic charm of an Eastern wonderland. Save this guide to unlock different stunning experiences across all four seasons! 🍁❄🌸