
Hailuogou is located in Luding County, southeastern Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, on the eastern slopes of Mount Gongga, a high mountain area on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Located at the foot of Mount Gongga, Hailuogou is renowned for its low-altitude modern glaciers.
Hailuogou is currently the most accessible and well-equipped scenic area in China. Hailuogou Glacier No. 1 is the largest and lowest of the five major glaciers in the Gongga Mountains. The glacier's icefall, 1,080 meters high and 1,100 meters wide, is the highest and largest icefall ever discovered in my country.
Besides the stunning glaciers, Hailuogou's hot springs are another major attraction. Located at Camp No. 2, they reach peak heat in winter. Nearby areas of Hailuogou, Yanzigou and Yajiageng, are dotted with numerous red stone beaches. These are crimson waterfalls nestled beneath snow-capped mountains, creating a striking contrast of vibrant colors.
Kangding Magnolia : mid-March to mid-to-late April; Azalea viewing : mid-April to mid-June; Best summer escape : June to September; Autumn red leaves : early October to mid-November; Winter snow fun : November to March. Glaciers can also be viewed year-round.
Rizhao Jinshan
Hailuogou lies at the foot of the mountains, surrounded by 45 Weishi Peaks, each rising over 6,000 meters. Millennia-old snow caps the peaks, shimmering like silver. On clear days, a brilliant glow rises from the east, sending thousands of golden rays of light streaming down from the sky towards the Weishi Peaks. In an instant, dozens of snow-capped peaks are bathed in a dazzling golden glow, a dazzling spectacle of splendor and splendor, the famous "Sunlight Shining on the Golden Mountains."
Glacier collapse
While most glaciers are located at higher altitudes, Hailuogou's lower elevations offer stunning views of the glaciers cascading down the steep canyon. The unique icefall, over 1,000 meters high and 1,100 meters wide, is over 10 times larger than the renowned Huangguoshu Waterfall, creating a truly magnificent spectacle.
Snow Valley Hot Springs.
The hot spring area at Camp II boasts eighteen pools of varying sizes and shapes, covering over a thousand square meters. Built into the mountainside, they cascade in layers. The most beautiful scenery is during the snowy winter months, when you can soak in the milky blue pools, watch the snowflakes drift by, and watch squirrels foraging for food by the poolside.
primeval forest
The forest area of Hailuogou is 70 square kilometers. As you walk slowly along the circular mountain road, you will be attracted by the ever-changing plant landscape around you. In the jungle, you can often vaguely see cute animals such as macaques, pandas, wildebeests, and red-bellied tragopans.
Kham Tibetan customs
Hailuogou, located in Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, is a vast plateau that has nurtured the Tibetan people of Ganzi's 18 counties. Colorful costumes, diverse Tibetan villages, moving songs and dances, and the rich Kham Tibetan customs blend seamlessly with the region's mountains and rivers.
Recommended play time: about 1 day
90 yuan/person
Summer and Autumn : 7:30-12:30
Winter and Spring : 8:30-12:30
Hailuogou is famous for its glaciers, hot springs, and forested landscapes. It is part of the Gongga Mountain range and holds ecological and scientific significance for studying glaciers and alpine ecosystems.
Hailuogou is located in Luding County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan. Visitors typically reach it by car or tour bus from Kangding or Chengdu. Once at the park, walking and shuttle buses are used to explore different areas.
The park is generally open year-round, 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best time to visit is from April to October for clear weather and safer hiking conditions.
Tickets can be purchased on-site or online via official park websites or travel agencies. Prices vary by season and package, typically including cable car access.
Booking in advance is recommended during peak season (summer and national holidays), ideally a few days to a week ahead, especially for cable car tickets.
2–3 days are recommended to explore glaciers, hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints comfortably.
Guided tours are available, primarily in Chinese. Some tour agencies may offer English-speaking guides if arranged in advance.
Start with the visitor center, take the cable car to upper scenic spots, hike along glacier trails, visit hot springs, and end at forested valleys or waterfalls.
Night visits are limited. Hot spring areas may be open in the evening. Special tours are occasionally offered by travel agencies for photography or cultural experiences.
The park is busiest during summer and national holidays. Weekdays and off-peak months like April, May, and September are less crowded.
Facilities include restrooms, restaurants, snack stalls, rest areas, souvenir shops, and shuttle buses within the park.
Most areas are accessible to children and moderately fit elderly visitors. Some trails are steep or rocky, and wheelchair access is limited but available in main areas and cable car sections.
Cash and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted. Credit card use is limited outside main visitor centers.
Several on-site restaurants serve local Sichuanese and Tibetan cuisine. Small cafes and snack stalls are scattered throughout the park.
Vegetarian options are commonly available. Vegan or halal options may require prior inquiry at restaurants.
Souvenir shops sell Tibetan handicrafts, local snacks, postcards, and glacier-themed memorabilia.
Private car or taxi to Kangding or Luding County; tour buses and local transport connect to nearby scenic spots and towns.