The First Snow Mountain Emerald Eye in 2025
Located in Davi Town, Xiaojin County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province, the Emerald Eye is a famous scenic spot in the Jiujiahai Snow Mountain range. It is an entry-level snow mountain with an altitude of about 4,700m. The entire route is covered with gravel and rocky beaches, and it takes about 4 hours to reach the summit and about 3 hours to descend. When you reach the mountain pass, you can see the "Emerald Eye," whose lake shines like an emerald, creating a great visual impact under the sunlight. Surrounded by clouds and mist, the mountain rocks are dark in color. You can enjoy the sea of clouds, snow-capped mountains, and golden sunrise on the mountains. It is a newly popular snow mountain in western Sichuan with a very high cost-performance ratio. In addition, there are primeval forests here, with gurgling streams and clear rivers.
Western Sichuan Emerald Eye Travel Guide
Transportation
Departure point: Chengdu
Meeting point: Exit B of Tianhe Road Subway Station on Chengdu Metro Line 2.
Transportation: Drive or share a ride, or choose to participate in the ride-sharing service of a local outdoor club.
Itinerary
Day 1: Depart from Chengdu, pass through Yingxiu, Wolong, and Balang Mountain, arrive at Davi Town, and check into a local homestay.
Day 2: Depart around 2:00 AM, go to the starting point of the hike, pass through Niupengzi, Despair Slope and other scenic spots, and arrive at the mountain pass to view the "Emerald Eye." After reaching the summit, return to Davi Town and then return to Chengdu.
Accommodation
Accommodation location: Davi Town Hotel or Homestay.
Accommodation conditions: The accommodation altitude is about 3,200m, and the conditions are relatively simple, but the facilities are complete.
Equipment and Precautions
Equipment: Quick-drying clothes and pants, hiking socks, hiking shoes, sun hat, gloves, hiking poles, sunscreen, and lip balm. Clubs usually provide public equipment such as hiking poles, crampons, snow gaiters, headlamps, and safety ropes.
Precautions: The temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so you need to bring warm clothes. The ultraviolet rays on the plateau are strong, so pay attention to sun protection. Adapt to the plateau environment in advance, avoid strenuous exercise, drink plenty of water, and prepare anti-altitude sickness medicine.
Food: Bring high-energy, lightweight foods such as energy bars, nuts, and chocolate.