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Gulugou Hot Springs is located on the banks of the Zagunao River at the foot of Shenfeng Mountain in Gulugou, Li County. This scenic area boasts the exceptionally large Gulugou Hot Springs. Sourced from a thermal mineral spring, its water reaches a staggering 62°C and flows over 2,000 tons daily. After traversing numerous mountain streams, it remains sweltering even as it reaches the Dacheng-Ayun Highway. This lightly mineralized, hot silica-type medical and health-care hot mineral, as well as a metasilicic acid-type natural drinking mineral, is the only natural thermal mineral spring in Sichuan Province that can be used for bathing, drinking, and therapeutic purposes.
Temperatures decrease from southeast to northwest and with increasing altitude. The hilly plateaus in the northwest have a continental plateau climate, with no significant seasonal temperature differences. Winters are cold and long, while summers are cool, cold, and humid, with an average annual temperature of 0.8°C to 4.3°C. The plateaus have a cool, semi-humid climate, with cool summers and cold winters and springs. There are distinct dry and wet seasons, and the climate exhibits vertical variations: high mountains are damp and cold, while river valleys are dry and cool, with an average annual temperature of 5.6°C to 8.9°C.
In the high mountain valley area, the climate changes from subtropical to temperate, cold temperate and frigid with the change of altitude, showing obvious vertical differences. The river valley area below 2500 meters above sea level has concentrated precipitation and fast evaporation, becoming an arid and semi-arid zone. The slope valley area between 2500 and 4100 meters above sea level is a cold temperate zone with an average annual temperature of 1℃ to 5℃. Above 4100 meters above sea level is a frigid zone with an annual accumulation of 10 ...
Snow, long winter without summer.
The Morang Festival was originally a large-scale religious event, but due to its widespread participation and the fact that the activities were both entertaining and spectacular, it gradually became a traditional festival. Also known as the Grand Dharma Assembly, the Morang Festival was founded in 144 AD by Tsongkhapa, the founder of the Gelugpa school of Tibetan Buddhism. The festival begins on the third day of the first lunar month and ends on the fifteenth day of the lunar year. The peak of activity occurs on the nineteenth day of the first lunar month.
The Flower Viewing Festival is a popular festival in the Jiarong Tibetan region. While the timing varies from village to village, it generally falls between mid-June and early September. This period is the Jiarong region's golden season, with flowers blooming across the mountains and plains. Village residents flock to the wild meadows, pitching snow-white tents and bringing delicious food for a revelry that lasts for over ten days. This is called the Flower Viewing Festival. The Yadun Festival, which translates to "celebrating the arrival of summer" in Chinese, is popular in Zoige County and falls roughly between July and August. The vast grasslands, ablaze with blossoms and the sounds of cattle and horses, are celebrated with song, dance, and wine, creating a festive atmosphere.
The Yak Culture Festival is a unique festival on the grassland. It is held in July in the summer. It is large in scale and has many activities, including yak and horse racing, costume, song and dance performances, traditional sports competitions and trade fairs.
The Xianglong Festival, a popular festival in Hongyuan County, takes place between July and August. Villages set up tents and cook out in the open air for several days. Picnics and performances during the festival showcase the traditional nomadic food culture, art, clothing, and etiquette. The Zangbala Festival, a popular festival in Rangtang County, takes place on August 18th each year. Zangbala is the Tibetan god of wealth, and Rangtang County is named after the sacred mountain Zangbala. "Rangtang" means "the dam of the god of wealth." August 18th is considered an auspicious date. On this day, groups gather at scenic forests, riverbanks, or lush meadows, setting up white tents to celebrate the Zangbala Festival and pray for prosperity and well-being.
The Zhachong Festival, held annually in July in Aba County, boasts a long history. Initially a commercial activity focused on the trade of pottery jars, it later evolved into a traditional festival. During the festival, tents dot the grasslands along the Aba River like stars in the sky, and commercial activities intertwine with singing, dancing, and entertainment, creating a vibrant and prosperous scene.
The Mountain Sacrifice Festival is popular in Maoxian County, typically held between September and June of the lunar calendar. On this day, fir branches are inserted into the roofs of every house, paper-cut flowers are hung on the altars, pine candles are lit, and cypress branches are burned. Qiang people from each village slaughter cattle and sheep to offer sacrifices to the mountain, dance the Guozhuang dance, drink wine, and eat meat, all before returning home in great joy. "Shibi" performers beat sheepskin drums and sing epic poems, and also perform the stunt of stepping barefoot on red-hot iron pots and plowshares.
The Snow Pear Festival, held every afternoon in April, is a popular festival in Jinchuan County. Jinchuan's snow pears are renowned throughout China. There are 81 varieties of pear, with the Jinhuali and Jituili pears being exceptionally high-quality, having been sent to the capital throughout the ages as tribute. In autumn, the pear groves covering the mountains are laden with large pears, their fragrance wafting from miles away, refreshing the senses. During the Snow Pear Festival, visitors are free to enter the groves to pick and sample the pears, while enjoying the passionate songs and dances of the Jinchuan Jiarong Tibetans and the ethnic customs of the remnants of the "Eastern Women's Kingdom" upstream of the Dadu River.
The Huanglong Temple Fair has a long history. The main event, held on the 15th day of the sixth lunar month, typically begins on the 12th and ends on the 16th day of the sixth lunar month. Participants include not only Tibetans but also Hui, Han, Qiang, and other ethnic groups; not only locals but also people of various ethnicities from provinces like Qinghai and Gansu.
45 yuan/person
The hot spring opens at 9 am and closes at 22:30 pm
Gurgou Hot Spring is known for its natural mineral-rich waters, valued for relaxation and therapeutic purposes. It is culturally significant for the local Tibetan and Qiang communities, who have used the area for centuries for bathing and medicinal purposes.
Located in Aba Qiang and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan. Accessible by car or private tour from nearby towns such as Songpan. Public buses are limited, so taxi or tour arrangements are recommended.
Typically open from morning until evening (around 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM). Best visited in spring, summer, and autumn when weather is mild, or in winter for a hot spring experience in snowy surroundings.
Entrance fees range from 50–150 CNY per person depending on the pool and facilities. Tickets are usually purchased onsite; some resorts may offer online booking.
Advance booking is recommended for weekends, holidays, or during peak season. Booking 1–2 weeks ahead ensures availability for popular resorts.
2–4 hours for soaking and relaxation; 1 day if combining with hiking or sightseeing nearby.
Guided tours are limited and usually in Chinese; private guides may offer English explanations for international visitors.
Start with the outdoor pools, then indoor pools if available, followed by a nature walk along nearby streams or small trails. Finish with relaxation areas and local snacks.
Night soaking is possible in some resorts with lit pools; no major light shows. Special cultural experiences may be offered on request.
Weekdays are less crowded; weekends and public holidays are busy. Early morning or late afternoon visits are recommended to avoid crowds.
Facilities usually include changing rooms, rest areas, onsite restaurants or snack stalls, toilets, and small souvenir shops.
Accessible for children and elderly with caution; some outdoor pools and trails may be uneven. Disabled access varies by resort; check in advance.
Cash is accepted; mobile payments (WeChat, Alipay) are commonly used. Some resorts accept cards.
Local Tibetan/Qiang restaurants nearby, small cafes and snack stalls at the hot spring resort or along the access road.
Limited vegetarian options; vegan and halal options may be scarce, so plan ahead if required.
Yes, small shops sell Tibetan handicrafts, local wool products, and herbal or mineral products from the hot springs.
