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The Suomo River Grand Canyon is a natural wonder perfect for hiking, nature photography, and scenic exploration. Visitors can trek along the river, admire the canyon’s dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters, and explore the lush forests that surround the area. It’s a great spot for eco-tourism, birdwatching, and enjoying the tranquil beauty of the Tibetan Plateau.
The Suomo River Grand Canyon is located in Ma'erkang County, Daocheng City, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province. "Suomo" means "many sentries" in Tibetan and also "the emperor's comb," deriving its name from the Suomo Tusi official residence. The canyon stretches 91 kilometers from the foot of Queqiao Mountain at Shuama Road to Rezu in Baiwan Township, Ma'erkang County, with a vertical drop of 890 meters. The banks are steep and lush with vegetation.
The mighty Suomo River flows through the valley floor like a dancing ribbon in the hands of the Partridge Mountain deity, connecting numerous scenic views together in a breathtakingly beautiful scene. Three renowned landscapes are: azaleas resembling rosy clouds, autumn forests resembling screens, and hanging ice beads. The most beautiful section is over 20 kilometers below Suomo Township, where azaleas bloom like rosy clouds in spring and the woods resemble a vibrant painting in autumn. Whether driving or taking a bus, you can experience the enchanting feeling of walking through a colorful gallery.
Subtropical monsoon humid climate;
There are beautiful scenery all year round
Recommended play time: more than 3 hours
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All day
The Suomo River Grand Canyon is a stunning natural landscape in the Aba Qiang and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan. It’s renowned for its unique geology, pristine river, and the striking contrast between the vibrant green vegetation and the canyon’s steep rocky cliffs. The area is culturally significant to the local Tibetan communities, who consider it a sacred place.
Located in the Aba Qiang and Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, the Suomo River Grand Canyon can be accessed by road from Chengdu, which is about an 8-hour drive away. Visitors can reach the area by private car, taxi, or long-distance bus. Once you arrive at the canyon’s entrance, walking or hiking is the best way to explore the area.
The Suomo River Grand Canyon is open year-round, but the best time to visit is during the spring and summer months (April to October) when the weather is pleasant for outdoor activities. During the winter months, some trails may be inaccessible due to snow, and temperatures can drop significantly.
The entrance fee to the Suomo River Grand Canyon is generally low, but exact prices may vary depending on the season and any special access required. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance of the canyon, though online booking is also possible for some tours.
Booking tickets in advance is not mandatory, but if you plan to visit during peak seasons (summer or holidays), it’s a good idea to book a few days ahead, especially if you're taking a guided tour.
To fully explore the Suomo River Grand Canyon, you will need about 4-6 hours. This includes hiking along the river, visiting key viewpoints, and taking time to admire the natural beauty of the area. If you plan to take a more leisurely pace or stop for photography, it may take longer.
Highlights of the Suomo River Grand Canyon include the river’s crystal-clear waters, towering cliffs, lush greenery, and diverse wildlife. The canyon’s dramatic scenery offers plenty of photo opportunities, especially from the main viewpoint where you can capture the sweeping vistas of the landscape.
Guided tours are available and can be arranged in advance. Guides typically speak Mandarin, but some may also speak English. Audio guides are not typically available, but you can request a guide who is fluent in your preferred language if needed.
The best viewpoints are located along the main trail that follows the river. The area where the canyon opens up provides a stunning panoramic view of the cliffs and surrounding forest. The crystal-clear water of the river reflects the landscape beautifully, making it ideal for nature photography.
The recommended route starts at the canyon’s entrance, where you can follow the main trail that runs along the river. As you hike, be sure to stop at the designated viewpoints to take in the full scope of the canyon’s beauty. You can also explore some of the shorter side trails to get closer to the river and admire the rock formations.
There are no night visits or light shows at the Suomo River Grand Canyon. The attraction is best visited during daylight hours to fully appreciate its natural beauty. Special tours may be available during peak seasons, such as guided hiking tours that provide more in-depth information about the area’s history and ecology.
The Suomo River Grand Canyon is less crowded than other major tourist attractions in Sichuan. The least crowded times are during weekdays or in the off-season (fall and early spring), when fewer tourists visit the area. Weekends and public holidays tend to be busier.
The facilities at the Suomo River Grand Canyon are basic but adequate. There are toilets available at the entrance, and some rest areas along the hiking routes. There are no large restaurants, but small local food stalls or vendors may be found near the entrance selling snacks and drinks.
The Suomo River Grand Canyon’s rugged terrain and steep trails may pose challenges for elderly, children, or disabled visitors. The paths are generally not wheelchair accessible, and hiking can be strenuous. It’s advisable to check with local guides for specific accessibility information.
Cash is commonly used in the area, though mobile payment options such as Alipay and WeChat Pay may be accepted at some food stalls and local shops. It’s recommended to carry cash in case mobile payments are unavailable.
There are no major restaurants inside the Suomo River Grand Canyon, but nearby towns offer local Tibetan eateries where visitors can enjoy traditional food like yak meat, momo (dumplings), and butter tea.
Vegetarian food options are available in the local Tibetan cuisine, such as vegetable momo and barley-based dishes. Vegan and halal options may be limited, but there are vegetarian-friendly dishes available at the local eateries.
There are basic guesthouses and hotels in nearby towns like Songpan, where visitors can find accommodation. For more comfort, travelers can also opt to stay in Chengdu and take a day trip to the canyon.
Nearby attractions include the Huanglong Scenic Area, known for its colorful hot springs and stunning mountain views, as well as the Jiuzhaigou Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with breathtaking landscapes. Both are within a few hours’ drive from the Suomo River Grand Canyon.
There are small souvenir shops at the entrance selling Tibetan handicrafts such as prayer beads, thangkas (Tibetan scroll paintings), and yak wool products. These make for unique and traditional souvenirs from the area.
After visiting the Suomo River Grand Canyon, visitors can take private taxis or buses back to nearby towns like Songpan or Chengdu. For longer trips, you can catch a bus or hire a private vehicle for onward travel to other destinations like Jiuzhaigou or Huanglong.
