Niche Travel in Western Sichuan | A Winter Weekend Trip to Muerzhaigou and Four Girls Mountain

Four Girls Mountain, renowned as the "Queen of Shu Mountains," boasts towering snow-capped peaks and glistening glaciers in winter. The frozen waterfalls of Shuangqiao Valley and the primeval forests of Changping Valley intertwine to create a fairytale world. Muerzhaigou, nestled deep within the Jiajin Mountain National Forest Park, is known as "the place where legends and romance begin." Here, snow-capped mountains, glaciers, alpine lakes, and pristine pastures complement each other, with the 13 lakes of Jiuhai appearing even more ethereal and pure in winter. These two scenic spots, one majestic and the other serene, offer a perfect combination for a short winter trip in Western Sichuan. Itinerary Day 1: Chengdu → Shuangqiao Valley, Four Girls Mountain (Overnight in Rilong Town) Transportation Recommendations - Depart from Chengdu at 6:30 am by car (self-drive or chartered), and navigate to "Shuangqiao Valley Scenic Area, Four Girls Mountain" (approx. 4.5 hrs). The Balang Mountain Pass is prone to snow accumulation in winter, so renting snow chains or choosing a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. Highlights - Recommended spots in Shuangqiao Valley Scenic Area: 1. Red Cedar Forest: An observation deck surrounded by snow-capped mountains, offering distant views of Hunter Peak and Jade Rabbit Peak. 2. Budala Peak: A prime location for capturing stunning photos of snow-capped mountains along the highway, adorned with white pagodas and prayer flags. 3. Sigunacuo: A frozen lake reflecting the snow-capped mountains. Walking on the ice is possible in winter (exercise caution). - Cat Nose Ridge Viewing Platform: Stop by on the way back. Capture panoramic views of Four Girls Mountain at sunset (free). Accommodation and Dining - Overnight stay in Rilong Town. - For dinner, try the Tibetan yak hot pot with butter tea to ward off the cold. Day 2: Rilong Town → Muerzhaigou → Chengdu Transportation and Road Conditions - Depart at 8:00 am. Drive 1.5 hrs to the entrance of Muerzhaigou (navigate to "Jiajin Mountain National Forest Park"). The road is paved, but the roads within the valley are narrow, so an SUV is recommended. - The scenic area is not fully developed and has no entrance fee, but registration is required at the entrance. Hiking and Scenery - Easy hiking route: Entrance → Dahuodi → Hongshiyan → Shuicaoping (round trip approx. 8 km, 3 hrs). - Dahuodi: Meadows meet snow-capped mountains, covered in snow in winter. Capture photos of grazing herds and rime ice. - Hongshiyan: Ochre-red cliffs contrast sharply with the snow, ideal for wide-angle compositions. - Shuicaoping: Icy streams meander through the forest, and you might encounter wild blue sheep (keep a safe distance). - In-depth exploration (for those with sufficient physical strength): Continue from Shuicaoping to Jiuhai, which requires climbing steep mountain paths (round trip approx. 20 km, 6-8 hrs). Glacial remains and seasonal alpine lakes can be seen along the way. The final destination, Jiuhai, features frozen lakes that shimmer like jade, echoing Four Girls Mountain in the distance. Return and Time Management - It is recommended to finish sightseeing before 2:00 pm and depart for Chengdu by 3:30 pm to avoid driving at night. Important Notes 1. Altitude Sickness Prevention: Both locations are at altitudes of 3,000-4,000m. Take Rhodiola three days in advance and avoid strenuous activity. 2. Packing List: - Essential: Waterproof hiking boots, ice grips (for snow), sunglasses, thermos, hand warmers. - Optional: Trekking poles (for hiking in Muerzhaigou), gaiters (for deep snow). 3. Environmental Protection and Safety: There are no trash cans in Muerzhaigou, so bring your own garbage bags. Do not enter undeveloped areas, and beware of falling rocks and ice cracks. 4. Photography Tips: The best time to photograph Four Girls Mountain is 1 hour before and after sunrise. A polarizing filter is recommended for enhancing the layers of the snow scenes in Muerzhaigou. Recommended Niche Experiences - Tibetan Evening Chats: Book a visit to a Tibetan home in Rilong Town (fees may apply) to hear stories and learn how to make butter tea. - Stargazing Photography: If the weather is clear, you can capture the Milky Way and snow-capped peaks from the rooftop of your guesthouse (tripod and shutter release cable required). Four Girls Mountain and Muerzhaigou in Western Sichuan offer the stunning beauty of a snowy wonderland and the thrill of exploring hidden gems. With proper planning, you can enjoy a feast for both the eyes and the soul!