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The Mengtun River Valley Scenic Area is located in the northwest of Li County, Aba Prefecture. It integrates snow-capped mountain meadows, glacial lakes, virgin forests and rare wild animals and plants. It is inlaid like a pearl in this magical land. It has primitive, unique, mysterious and unique quality characteristics, and is known as the place where dreams begin.
The Mengtun River Valley is a natural scenic area that combines complex plateau landscapes with alpine canyon landscapes. The main scenic area is composed of Gaoqiaogou, Laojungou, and Yupigou. This undeveloped tourist destination, with its pristine natural scenery, attracts numerous hiking enthusiasts. It is also a sketching base for art departments at numerous universities, including Chengdu University and Chengdu University of Technology, and a photography paradise for the Sichuan Photographers Association.
Mountainous three-dimensional climate;
The Mengtun River Valley is unique and has beautiful scenery in all seasons.
free
All day
Mengtun River Valley is renowned for its untouched natural beauty, ecological diversity, and cultural significance to local Tibetan and Qiang communities. It is a key area for environmental preservation and cultural tourism.
Located in Aba Qiang and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan. Accessible by car or local buses from Songpan or surrounding towns. Walking is required to explore scenic trails within the valley.
The valley is generally open from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm. The best times to visit are from late spring to autumn (May to October) for mild weather and lush scenery.
The entrance fee ranges from ¥80–120 depending on the season. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or through local tourism websites.
Booking in advance is recommended during peak season (July–August), ideally 1–2 weeks ahead, to secure transportation and guided tours.
3–5 hours to explore main river trails and viewpoints; a full day if combining cultural village visits and extended hiking.
Guided tours are typically available in Mandarin; English-language tours are limited. Audio guides are generally not provided.
Start at the main entrance, follow the marked trails along the river to viewpoints, visit nearby villages, and return via a scenic trail loop. Include time for photography and rest stops.
Night visits are not permitted due to safety. Seasonal cultural events or local festivals may offer special daytime activities.
The valley is less crowded than major scenic spots. Weekdays outside peak holiday periods (July–August) are the quietest times to visit.
Basic facilities include toilets near the entrance, small snack stalls, picnic areas, and a few souvenir shops. Bring your own water for the trails.
Trails involve uneven terrain; elderly and children should be cautious. Wheelchair access is limited.
Cash is commonly accepted. Mobile payments like WeChat Pay or Alipay may be available at major entry points.
Small local eateries near the entrance serve Tibetan and Qiang specialties, such as noodles, yak meat, and local breads.
Vegetarian options are limited; vegan and halal options are scarce. Bringing personal food is advisable.
Souvenirs include Tibetan crafts, textiles, prayer flags, and postcards featuring the river valley scenery.
