Hailuogou

What are the most recommended things to do in Hailuogou?

  • Take the cable car to view glaciers, mountains, and forests from above
  • Hike to the Hailuogou Glacier Park and see the glacier tongue
  • Visit hot springs and relax in natural thermal pools
  • Explore the forested valleys and waterfalls along scenic trails
  • Photograph the iconic red rocks, glaciers, and snow-capped peaks
  • Experience Tibetan culture and local cuisine in nearby villages

Introducing Hailuogou

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.

Climate and best time to travel

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.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting


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

Tickets

90 yuan/person

Attraction opening hours

Summer and Autumn : 7:30-12:30

Winter and Spring : 8:30-12:30


Most Popular FAQs for Hailuogou

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

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.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

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.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

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.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

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.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

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.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

2–3 days are recommended to explore glaciers, hot springs, hiking trails, and scenic viewpoints comfortably.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

  • Hailuogou Glacier Park and glacier tongue
  • Cable car scenic area
  • Hot springs and thermal pools
  • Forest trails and waterfalls
  • Red rock formations and alpine meadows

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available, primarily in Chinese. Some tour agencies may offer English-speaking guides if arranged in advance.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

  • Cable car views over glaciers and valleys
  • Glacier tongue and surrounding snow-capped peaks
  • Red rock cliffs and alpine forests
  • Hot spring areas and waterfalls

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

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.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

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.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The park is busiest during summer and national holidays. Weekdays and off-peak months like April, May, and September are less crowded.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facilities include restrooms, restaurants, snack stalls, rest areas, souvenir shops, and shuttle buses within the park.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

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.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cash and mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are widely accepted. Credit card use is limited outside main visitor centers.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

Several on-site restaurants serve local Sichuanese and Tibetan cuisine. Small cafes and snack stalls are scattered throughout the park.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian options are commonly available. Vegan or halal options may require prior inquiry at restaurants.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

  • Hotels and guesthouses in Luding County
  • Resorts near the park entrance
  • Homestays offering local cultural experiences

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

  • Gongga Mountain scenic areas
  • Tibetan villages and monasteries
  • Hiking trails and river valleys near Luding

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops sell Tibetan handicrafts, local snacks, postcards, and glacier-themed memorabilia.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

Private car or taxi to Kangding or Luding County; tour buses and local transport connect to nearby scenic spots and towns.