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Nieyuba is located in Shuangqiaogou, at an altitude of 3,500 meters. It is a semi-swampy area with beautiful scenery, green grass, fragrant wild flowers and a quiet river.
This river is home to a fish unique to the Dadu River basin: the Dadu naked-scaled fish. This alpine cold-water fish, also known as the naked-scaled fish, has tender and delicious meat and is Siguniang's favorite delicacy.
Long ago, four girls often visited this place, singing and dancing on the meadow, living a leisurely, fairy-like life. Later, lumberjacks arrived and discovered that naked fish were delicious. They placed homemade bamboo cages in the narrow downstream section of the river, then used wooden sticks to slap the water upstream to drive the fish into the cages. This is why people called this place "Nianyuba."
It's rare to see naked-scaled fish in the water here anymore, but you can walk along the plank roads through the swamps, through the thousand-year-old sea buckthorn forest, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of small bridges, flowing water, and green trees covering the sky. You can also enjoy boating. There are also rafting activities here, where you can experience "the boat floats on the water, and you walk in a painting." The feeling is indescribable.
The best seasons to visit Mount Siguniang are summer and autumn.
Recommended playing time: about 1 hour
Tickets are included in the Shuangqiaogou Scenic Area ticket
7:00-17:00
Niuyuba is a beautiful region in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, known for its rich Tibetan culture, traditional practices, and natural beauty. The area holds great spiritual importance for Tibetan Buddhists, with several monasteries and religious sites scattered across the region. It is also a popular destination for cultural tourism, showcasing the unique Tibetan lifestyle.
Niuyuba is located in the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, in the western part of Sichuan Province. The best way to reach Niuyuba is by taxi or private car from the city of Chengdu or other major towns in Sichuan. Public buses and local transportation options are limited, so it’s best to hire a car or join a guided tour.
Niuyuba is open year-round, but the best times to visit are during the spring and summer months (May to September) when the weather is more temperate and the landscape is lush and green. The autumn season (October) is also great for scenic views with the changing colors of the grasslands.
Niuyuba itself is free to visit, as it is an open area of natural beauty and local culture. However, some specific cultural sites or monasteries in the region may charge a small entrance fee, which can be paid in person at the sites. Tickets for tours and activities can be booked through local travel agencies or on-site.
It’s not mandatory to book tickets in advance for visiting Niuyuba, but if you plan to participate in specific tours or visit certain attractions, it’s recommended to book at least a few days in advance, especially during the peak tourist seasons (summer and holidays).
Exploring Niuyuba and its surrounding areas can take a full day if you want to experience the natural beauty, visit cultural sites, and hike the trails. For a more relaxed visit, it could take half a day.
Guided tours are available in Niuyuba, and they typically offer services in Mandarin Chinese. Some tour guides may speak basic English, but it’s advisable to confirm language availability when booking a tour.
The best viewpoints are found on the hiking trails that ascend the surrounding mountains. These spots offer breathtaking views of the Niuyuba Grassland, Tibetan villages, and distant peaks. The monasteries also provide good photography opportunities with their beautiful architecture set against scenic backdrops.
Start your visit by exploring the Niuyuba Grassland and taking a short hike to the surrounding peaks for stunning views. Afterward, visit a nearby Tibetan monastery or temple to learn more about the region's spiritual heritage. If time permits, you can also visit a local Tibetan village to experience the culture up close.
Night visits and light shows are generally not available at Niuyuba, as it is a natural and rural area. However, some local monasteries may hold evening prayers or ceremonies that visitors can attend, offering a unique cultural experience.
Niuyuba can get busy during the summer months, especially in July and August. The least crowded times to visit are during the spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October), when the weather is still pleasant, but the crowds are thinner.
Basic facilities like toilets and small rest areas are available along the main routes. There are no large shopping malls, but you will find small local shops selling snacks, drinks, and souvenirs in nearby villages. It's a good idea to bring your own water and snacks if you're hiking.
The main areas of Niuyuba, such as the grassland, are accessible for elderly and children, but some of the hiking trails may be difficult for those with mobility issues. It is recommended to check with local tour operators for more specific accessibility information.
Cash is widely accepted in Niuyuba, and mobile payments like WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used in the area. Credit cards may not be accepted at all locations, so it's advisable to carry cash or use mobile payment apps.
There are small local restaurants and cafes in the nearby Tibetan villages where you can sample traditional Tibetan food, including yak meat, butter tea, and Tsampa (roasted barley flour). For more options, you may need to head to larger towns like Maoxian.
Vegetarian food is available in the region, especially in Tibetan monasteries, where vegetarian meals are often served. Halal options may be limited, but you can find vegetarian meals that cater to various dietary preferences.
There are small guesthouses and hotels in the nearby Tibetan villages and towns such as Maoxian, which offer basic amenities. For more luxurious accommodations, you may need to stay in larger cities like Chengdu or Leshan and travel to Niuyuba for a day trip.
You can find small souvenir shops in the local Tibetan villages selling items like Tibetan prayer beads, local handicrafts, woolen goods, and traditional Tibetan jewelry.
After visiting Niuyuba, taxis and local buses are the best options for continuing your trip to other nearby towns or attractions. For longer trips, buses to Chengdu or Maoxian are available, or you can hire a private car for more flexibility.
