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The Dagu Glacier Scenic Area is located in Heishui County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China, between longitudes 102.44.15 and 102.52.46 east and latitudes 32.12.30 and 32.17.06 north. It is a rare modern mountain glacier. With a planned scenic area of ​​210 square kilometers and a nature reserve of 632 square kilometers, it is a new premium scenic spot developed in Aba Prefecture after Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong Valley, and a shining pearl in the China, Sichuan, Aba, and Dajiuzhaigou International Tourism Zone.
Plateau climate
Glacier Landscape
For thousands of years, the Dagu Glacier was like a girl living in seclusion in a pavilion, unknown to the world. It was not until 1992 that Japanese scientists discovered it hidden in the mountains through satellites. In August of the same year, they traveled across the ocean to Heishui and conducted a week-long investigation on it. They found that it is the lowest, largest and youngest glacier in the world; it is the glacier closest to Zhongcheng City and the most beautiful and colorful glacier seen in the glacier area so far.
primeval forest
The pristine forests of Dagu Glacier are well-preserved, boasting a rich, pristine atmosphere, surpassing, if not surpassing, the primeval forests of Kalonggou. To reach the glacier from the Ancient Ice Park, one must first cross the primeval forests of the Dagu Glacier Scenic Area. Walking through the forest, one encounters towering trees, layer upon layer, blotting out the sun and evoking a sense of tranquility and mystery. Within the forest, ancient trees, several dozen meters tall and thick, are common, emerald-red in color. Soft moss and thick pine needles blanket the depths of the dense forest.
Small streams, drizzling with water, play the most primitive notes, bringing a sense of relaxation and joy. Through the gaps in the forest, one can see a huge mountain spring gushing out from the cliff opposite, cascading vertically to form a waterfall over 200 meters high and 50 meters wide. Standing at the base of the waterfall and looking up, it looks like a pure white curtain woven from thousands of crystal water droplets, falling from the sky, scattering mist like a light rain, making one feel as if they are immersed in the sea and clouds, hence the name "Lingyun Waterfall."
Paradise on Earth
Journeying upstream along the Heishui River, you'll find verdant mountains and fresh air on both sides. Passing the ancient Tibetan village, you'll continue onward, where towering ancient trees and lush greenery offer breathtaking views of the alpine valley. Further ahead, a vast meadow opens up, covered in a vibrant array of white, yellow, and pink flowers. Standing on the meadow, the fragrance is instantly enchanting. Butterflies flutter, and herds of cattle and sheep roam. On clear days, you can gaze out over the glaciers. Three glaciers hang like curtains across the horizon, blending seamlessly with the blue sky and white clouds. A breathtaking spectacle. Crossing the meadow, you'll soon arrive at the Ancient Ice Park at the foot of the glaciers. Surrounded by mountains, the park boasts breathtaking scenery. Pristine forests, alpine meadows, and mountain streams adorn it, creating a breathtaking spectacle. The scenery evokes the idyllic paradise described by Tao Yuanming.
Dongcuo Sun and Moon Sea
Leaving the azalea forest and crossing a ridge, the olive-green, dumbbell-shaped Kocuo Sun-Moon Lake lies quietly, 1,500 meters long and over 300 meters wide. Gazing upon it, it resembles the silent, affectionate eyes of a young woman, bright and tranquil, a breathtaking sight. It's here that light stagnates, sound vanishes, and only when a mountain breeze blows, rippling the surface, do you sense the presence of life.
Alpine Rhododendron Forest
Across the vast forest, between 3,800 and 4,200 meters above sea level, lies another classic of the Dagu Glacier Scenic Area: a thousand-acre alpine rhododendron forest. May and June are the best time to admire the rhododendrons, as they bloom in profusion, their vibrant colors vying for attention. Their red and white petals, set against the backdrop of green leaves, appear remarkably elegant and remarkably refined, like natural bonsai. The mountain breeze sways the azaleas, as if welcoming guests from afar. Visitors are pleasantly surprised and captivated by their tenacious vitality.
glacier
Starting from the Kotso Sun and Moon Sea, we climbed over a hillock of reddish-brown granite to reach Glacier I. A chill washed over us. As we gazed intently, the crescent-shaped glacier came into view, its icy form gently blanketed by years of accumulated snow. The glacial cliffs at the glacier's front loomed, and countless pristine white ice blocks of varying sizes and shapes floated in the azure glacial lake, like clouds on the horizon. As we approached, the wrinkled, flowing linear patterns along the glacier's front, like tree rings, their lines beautiful and clear, seeming to silently recount its formation and the vicissitudes of the earth over millions of years.
Under the sunlight, the glacier, white with a touch of green, green with a touch of blue, is crystal clear and dazzling. Its interplay with the exquisitely tranquil glacial lakes is breathtaking. Standing atop the glacier, gazing out into the distance, the snow-capped mountains undulate above a sea of ​​fog, a truly magnificent sight that inspires a sense of grandeur. When the mist dissipates, looking down, dozens of peacock-blue glacial lakes, large and small, circling the glacier, surrounded by a mountainside of rhododendrons, are a truly magnificent sight. The "Lingyun Waterfall," like a giant khata presented by the hospitable Tibetan people to their distinguished guests, adds a sacred and auspicious touch to the scenery. The flower-filled meadows in the distance resemble a colorful carpet at the foot of the glacier, a truly exquisite spectacle. This scene captivates the senses, bringing peace of mind and a broadening of spirit. While searching for the legendary Shangri-La, visitors prefer to trust their own eyes and feelings. This is Shangri-La, the haunting Shangri-La!
Dagu Glacier's Glaciers II and III, located to the left of Glacier I and connected side by side, each boasts its own unique character. The two glaciers extend all the way to the summit of Dagu Snow Mountain, creating a truly spectacular spectacle. Glacier II also boasts an unfathomable ice cave. Standing at its edge, one can vaguely see crystal-clear icicles and icicles of various shapes, a marvelous and breathtaking sight. Numerous rare animals, such as golden monkeys, bison, musk deer, argali, and the Liangzhu bird, live around Dagu Glacier. These animals can often be seen leisurely strolling along the ridges or playing in groups, adding immense vitality to this eons-old glacier. The Dagu Glacier Scenic Area, a vibrant blend of the beauty of ancient glaciers, the mystery of primeval forests, the majesty of alpine waterfalls, and a wildlife paradise, forms a vibrant, three-dimensional ecological world. It is poised to soon become a world-renowned wonderland.
200 yuan/ticket
Dagu Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in Sichuan, known for its stunning natural beauty and its ecological significance. It is a critical part of the Dagu Glacier National Nature Reserve, which protects the area's unique wildlife and plant species. The glacier also holds cultural importance for local Tibetans, who revere it as a sacred site.
Dagu Glacier is located in the Aba Qiang and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan, China. To get there, you can take a bus or taxi from the city of Chengdu or the nearby Ya'an. It is about a 5-6 hour drive from Chengdu. Private cars or guided tours are recommended for a more comfortable journey, as public transportation options are limited.
Dagu Glacier is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from May to October, when the weather is milder and the trails are accessible. The winter months may bring heavy snow, which can make the trails difficult to navigate.
The entrance fee for Dagu Glacier is around 80-100 RMB. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance, and there may be limited online ticketing options depending on the season. It is best to check local sources or travel agencies in advance for up-to-date ticketing information.
It is not always necessary to book tickets in advance, but it is recommended during peak tourist seasons (summer months). Booking 1-2 weeks in advance is advisable if you are visiting during these times or if you are part of a group tour.
To fully explore Dagu Glacier, including hiking and sightseeing, you'll need at least 4-5 hours. If you plan to visit the surrounding Tibetan villages or spend time photographing the glacier, allocate an additional 1-2 hours.
Guided tours are available at Dagu Glacier, and they are typically conducted in Mandarin. English-speaking guides may be available upon request, especially for group tours. Audio guides are less common but can sometimes be provided for certain areas.
Start by visiting the Dagu Glacier base, where you can get an overview of the area and its significance. Then, take the hiking trails to the glacier, where you can stop at viewpoints along the way. After visiting the glacier, consider exploring the Tibetan villages nearby or heading to a higher viewpoint for a panoramic shot.
Night visits are not typically offered at Dagu Glacier, as it is a natural site. However, the area is known for clear skies, making it an excellent location for stargazing. Special tours, such as photography or ecological tours, may be available with advanced booking.
Dagu Glacier can get crowded during the summer months, especially on weekends. The least crowded times are during weekdays and early mornings or late afternoons. To avoid the crowds, consider visiting in the off-season (November to March), though some trails may be less accessible during winter.
While the base area and some parts of the glacier are accessible, the hiking trails may be challenging for elderly visitors, children, or those with disabilities due to uneven terrain. Special arrangements may be required, and it's advisable to consult with tour operators in advance.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay and Alipay) are widely accepted in the area. However, it is always a good idea to carry some cash, especially for small purchases or in case of technical issues with mobile payment systems.
There are small local eateries offering Tibetan cuisine, including yak meat, momos, and butter tea. For more variety, you can head to the town of Aba or Ya'an, which offer more dining options.
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 suitable for those with dietary preferences.
There are simple guesthouses and hotels near the base of Dagu Glacier. For more luxurious accommodations, Ya'an offers a wider range of hotels and resorts, though they may be a few hours' drive away.
Yes, there are souvenir shops at the base and near the entrance to the glacier. Typical souvenirs include Tibetan jewelry, prayer wheels, yak wool products, and local handicrafts.
After visiting Dagu Glacier, you can continue your journey by taxi or private car to nearby attractions like Mount Emei or Wolong Nature Reserve. Public transportation options are limited, so private transport is the best choice for further exploration.
