
The true glacier tour of the Hailuogou Scenic Area begins at Camp 3. Leaving Camp 2, you pass Shuihaizi, Hailuogou's only ancient moraine lake, before reaching Camp 3, located at an altitude of 2,940 meters. This is also an excellent vantage point for appreciating the golden mountain in the sun.
The Golden Mountain in the Sunlight is one of the five wonders of Hailuogou. Whenever the weather is clear and the morning glow shines on the snow-capped peaks of Sanlian Peak, Jinyin Mountain, Wuming Peak and other peaks on the south side of Gongga Mountain, which are over 6,300 meters above sea level, the silvery-white snow peaks are instantly covered with a layer of dazzling golden color, which is brilliant and magnificent.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
It is suitable for all seasons. Winter is the best time to visit the glacier and snow-capped peaks. If you want to see the wonders of the Sun Shining on the Golden Mountain, the best time to visit is around 6:40 in spring and summer and around 7:20 in autumn and winter.
Included in the 92 yuan entrance fee to Hailuogou Scenic Area. The entrance fee to the gorge does not include the scenic area sightseeing bus (70 yuan per person round trip, required)
Winter and Spring 08:00-14:00
Summer and Autumn 07:00-14:30
Camp No. 3 was historically a strategic military site. It has been preserved as part of Chengdu's military history, showcasing China's defense infrastructure. The site has also become an educational attraction for visitors interested in military history.
Camp No. 3 is located in the outskirts of Chengdu, in the Sichuan province. The most convenient way to get there is by taxi or private car. Public transportation options like buses may be available, but they require a transfer and longer travel time.
The site is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is pleasant and the area is not overcrowded.
The entrance fee is typically 40-60 CNY. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance, and it is recommended to buy them onsite. Group tickets and guided tours may have different pricing.
Booking tickets in advance is not necessary for individual visitors, but it is recommended for groups or during busy tourist seasons. A few days’ notice is usually sufficient.
You’ll need approximately 2 to 3 hours to explore the site, including the time to walk around, view the exhibitions, and take photographs.
The main highlights include the preserved military barracks, the historical training grounds, and the military museum that provides insight into the camp's role in history.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and there may be some limited availability for English tours. Audio guides are available in Chinese, but it’s best to check ahead for English-speaking guides.
The best photography spots include the main entrance area, the old barracks, and the panoramic views of the surrounding countryside from the higher points of the site.
Start with the main entrance, proceed through the barracks area, visit the military museum, and then explore the outdoor training grounds and viewpoints for the best experience.
Night visits or light shows are not available at Camp No. 3. It is a daytime-only attraction, focusing on educational visits and historical exploration.
The site is not typically crowded, but weekends and public holidays can see a moderate increase in visitors. Weekdays, especially in the morning, are the least crowded times to visit.
Basic facilities such as toilets are available. There are no major restaurants or shops within the camp itself, but there are local food vendors outside the site where you can purchase snacks and water.
The site is partially accessible for elderly and children, though some areas may require walking on uneven ground. Accessibility for disabled visitors may be limited, especially in the historical parts of the site.
Cash is accepted, and mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are commonly used. Some areas may not accept credit cards, so it’s advisable to bring cash.
There are no major restaurants or cafes inside the camp. However, there are local eateries and small restaurants in nearby towns offering Sichuanese food.
Vegetarian food is available in the nearby local restaurants, but vegan or halal food may be limited. It’s advisable to ask in advance or check the menu before ordering.
There are hotels in Chengdu city, which is around a 30-minute drive from Camp No. 3. Options range from budget hotels to mid-range accommodations.
Nearby attractions include the Dujiangyan Irrigation System and the Mount Qingcheng scenic area. Both can be visited within a day trip from Camp No. 3.
There are no large souvenir shops at the site, but small local vendors near the entrance may sell military-themed souvenirs, such as hats, postcards, and local handicrafts.
After visiting Camp No. 3, the best way to continue your trip is by taxi, private car, or public bus to nearby attractions in Chengdu, Dujiangyan, or Mount Qingcheng.