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Jiajin Mountain is located in Baoxing County, Ya'an City, Sichuan Province. It is a provincial scenic spot and a national forest park. It is the first snow-capped mountain crossed by the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army during the 25,000-mile Long March. It is also the only way from Ya'an to Xiaojin Siguniang Mountain.
Jiajin Mountain, also known as the Great Snow Mountain, is renowned for its snowy scenery. Dense primeval forests and captivating natural scenery abound, with glittering snow-capped peaks. The main peak, at 4,930 meters above sea level, is the source of the Qingyi River. Journey upstream, and you'll find steep cliffs on both sides, deep valleys, crystal-clear lakes, splashing waterfalls, and abundant wildlife, creating a breathtaking natural landscape.
Jiajin Mountain is unique for its alpine lakes, Red Army relics and ethnic customs. The Great Snow Mountain and the Giant Panda Semi-Wild Reserve cleverly combine the natural ecology to form a dynamic natural landscape painting. It is a high-quality Giant Panda ecotourism line introduced to the world.
Jiajin Mountain
Designated a provincial scenic spot in 1994, it was the first snow-capped mountain traversed by the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army. It boasts lush primeval forests, enchanting natural scenery, and glittering snow-capped peaks. Its main peak, at an elevation of 4,930 meters, is the source of the Qingyi River, a turbulent river flowing through steep cliffs on both sides. Deep valleys, crystal-clear lakes, and splashing waterfalls abound, creating a breathtaking natural landscape. It's also the only way from Ya'an to Xiaojin Siguniang Mountain.
Fengtongzhai National Nature Reserve
Located at the foot of Jiajin Mountain, the 40,000-hectare reserve boasts rolling mountains, crisscrossing valleys, dense arrow bamboo, cascading waterfalls, and flowing streams. It is a haven for rare animals such as giant pandas and golden monkeys. Baoxing County is the hometown of the giant panda and the site of its discovery. In 1869, French missionary and biologist David first discovered this beloved creature in Dengchigou, instantly catapulting it to world fame as a living fossil. The reserve boasts 378 rare animal species and 1,050 vascular plant species. Since the establishment of the reserve, foreign visitors have flocked to visit or donate to its conservation efforts. The Fengtongzhai semi-wild breeding ground now offers visitors a variety of animals, including giant pandas, red pandas, black bears, horse bears, pheasants, pheasants, and fritillary fowl.
Xiechizhai Tibetan Township is a Tibetan township located in the nature reserve at the foot of Jiajin Mountain. It is sparsely populated, densely forested, and rich in wild animal and plant resources. Tibetan villages and buildings are inlaid among them, and it is a landscape painting that organically combines Tibetan culture with natural landscape. Visitors here can appreciate the colorful Tibetan customs, unique architectural style, ethnic costumes, food culture, religious rituals, and the unique bonfire dance will make people excited and intoxicated.
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Jiajin Mountain is known for its biodiversity and scenic beauty, as well as its importance in Tibetan culture. The mountain is home to rare species of plants and animals, making it a vital ecological area. It is also a place of pilgrimage for local Tibetans, who visit its monasteries for spiritual purposes. The region is part of the Sichuan-Tibetan Plateau and offers a rich history of Tibetan Buddhism and pastoral life.
Jiajin Mountain is located in Ya'an, Sichuan Province. It is accessible by taxi or private vehicle from the city of Ya'an, which is about 2-3 hours drive from Chengdu. There are no metro or bus services directly to the mountain, so a taxi or private transport is the best option for reaching the area.
Jiajin Mountain is open year-round. The best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is mild and the hiking trails are easily accessible. The winter months may bring snow, making the trails difficult to navigate, so it's best to visit during the warmer seasons.
The entrance fee for Jiajin Mountain National Nature Reserve is typically around 50-80 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site or through local travel agencies. It's advisable to check for online ticketing options closer to your visit.
Booking tickets in advance is not always necessary, but it's recommended during peak seasons (spring and summer) to avoid long queues. Booking 1-2 weeks in advance is advisable for group tours or special activities.
To fully explore Jiajin Mountain, including hiking, visiting the monasteries, and enjoying the scenic views, you'll need at least 4-6 hours. If you plan to camp or participate in additional activities, consider allocating more time for your visit.
Guided tours are available, and most guides speak Mandarin. English-speaking guides may be available upon request, especially for larger groups or pre-arranged tours. Audio guides are less common, but can be found at certain sites.
Start by visiting one of the monasteries for a cultural introduction. Then hike up the trails towards the summit for the best views. You can explore the nature reserve along the way, with stops for photography. Finish by descending and relaxing at the base, where you can enjoy a meal at local eateries.
Night visits are not typically offered, but the area is known for its clear skies, making it a great spot for stargazing. Special tours may be available, including photography tours or guided cultural experiences, particularly during the summer.
Jiajin Mountain can get crowded during peak seasons (spring and summer), especially on weekends. To avoid the crowds, visit on weekdays and during the early morning or late afternoon hours. The off-season (November to March) is quieter but less accessible due to weather conditions.
While the monastery areas and some parts of the base are accessible, the hiking trails may be difficult for elderly visitors, children, or those with disabilities due to uneven terrain. Special arrangements may be needed for disabled visitors, and it's recommended to contact local services in advance.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are widely accepted in the area, but it's a good idea to carry cash for small purchases or in case of any technical issues with mobile payment systems.
There are small local eateries offering traditional Tibetan dishes like yak meat, butter tea, and momos. For more variety, you can head to Ya'an, where a greater selection of restaurants and cafes is available.
Vegetarian options, such as vegetable stir-fries and Tibetan bread, are commonly available. Halal food options may be limited, but some local eateries might offer vegetarian meals that cater to specific dietary preferences.
There are basic guesthouses and hotels near the base of Jiajin Mountain. For more luxurious accommodations, Ya'an offers a variety of hotels and resorts for longer stays.
Yes, there are souvenir shops selling Tibetan crafts, such as prayer wheels, Tibetan jewelry, and yak wool products. You can also find traditional Tibetan incense and clothing.
After visiting Jiajin Mountain, you can continue your journey by taxi or private car to nearby attractions such as Mount Emei or Wolong Nature Reserve. Public transport options are limited, so private transport is recommended.
