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Among the many snow-capped mountains in Sichuan, the title of the most beautiful snow-capped mountain undoubtedly belongs to Gongga, the King of Sichuan Mountains. It has the most extreme natural landscapes, including snow-capped mountains, glaciers, sea of clouds, sunrise, sunset, and starry sky.
Based on my outdoor and photography experience over the past few years, I will share the 13 best viewing spots of Mount Gongga, as well as related information, and recommend two photography spots that I have not yet visited.
Gongga Snow Mountaincheck the details
Mount Gongga, also known as Muya Gongga, is located at the junction of Luding, Kangding, Jiulong, and Shimian counties in Sichuan Province. It is the main peak of the Great Snow Mountain Range. At 7,556 meters, Mount Gongga is the highest peak in Sichuan Province and is known as the "King of Sichuan Mountains." The mountain's numerous peaks, deep ice and snow, and numerous treacherous terrain make climbing more difficult than any other 8,000-meter-high peak in the world, making it a popular destination for mountaineers. Mount Gongga's height is unmatched by any other famous mountain in mainland China. From the summit, one can gaze upon the vast expanse of snow below. The expansive views and the sense of accomplishment engendered by the mountain's height are truly worth the climb. The summit platform, perpetually covered in snow and ice, is one of my country's most unique glacial wonders.
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Niubei Mountain is undoubtedly the best viewing platform on the east slope of Gongga Mountain and is the most famous of the many viewing platforms around Gongga. It offers not only dazzling sunrises and towering snow-capped mountains, but also magnificent seas of clouds and the rare spectacle of Buddha's light.
Image from Tuchong Creative
Image from Falling
Image from Falling
Kind tips:
1. Located at the junction of Yingjing County and Shimian County, it is accessible from both sides. The mountain road is rugged and difficult to navigate, and many accidents have occurred there.
2. Niubei Mountain is currently closed for development and the opening date is to be determined;
3. The original accommodation and meals arrangements at the top of Niubei Mountain were simple and the conditions were harsh;
4. Niubei Mountain is 3,660 meters above sea level, with large temperature differences between day and night;
5. Niubei Mountain is 52 kilometers away from Gongga Mountain. A telephoto lens is required to photograph the snow-capped mountains; a medium-wide-angle lens is recommended to photograph the sea of clouds, sunrise, and starry sky.
However, Niubei Mountain has been closed to development since 2015, but Huajian Mountain, located next to Niubei Mountain, has been discovered. Its views and scenery rival those of Niubei Mountain. It's the perfect spot for sunrise photography, with opportunities to admire seas of clouds and waterfalls in the mornings. In autumn and winter, you can photograph Mount Gongga and the Milky Way.
Kind tips:
1. Located in Lengchi Town, Yingjing County, the hiking starts at Haiziping Village. The road from Lengchi Town to Haiziping is a cement road plus a mountain road. Off-road vehicles are recommended.
2. You need to hike 6 kilometers up the mountain, with an altitude increase of 1,000 meters, which takes 3-4 hours. You can also choose to take a local motorcycle up the mountain, which costs 100-150 yuan per person;
3. There is food and accommodation on the top of the mountain, which is a simple shack + a large bunk bed, and the conditions are harsh;
4. Huajian Mountain is 3,400 meters above sea level, with large temperature differences between day and night;
5. Huajian Mountain is 50 kilometers away from Gongga Mountain. A telephoto lens is required to photograph the snow-capped mountains; a medium-wide-angle lens is recommended to photograph the sea of clouds, sunrise, and starry sky.
The northern ridge of Mount Gongga stretches for forty to fifty kilometers and is dotted with more than ten six-thousand-meter peaks, which block and surround the main peak of Gongga. From Stingcuo near Kangding Airport, you can enjoy the beauty of the peaks from afar, especially at sunrise and sunset, which is even more wonderful with the sunset glow.
Kind tips:
1. Sidingcuo is located next to the runway of Kangding Airport and can be reached directly by car without having to walk;
2. The best shooting time is sunset and sunrise;
3. Sidingcuo is 4,200 meters above sea level, so please keep warm and prevent altitude sickness.
4. There are often strong winds in Stincuo in the afternoon, so please be careful to avoid the wind;
5. Stingcuo is 62 kilometers away from Gongga, and it is recommended to use a telephoto lens of 100mm or above for shooting.
Located on Gaolusi Mountain, Black Stone City is said to be the site of an ancient battlefield. Dozens of Mani stones, each over a meter tall, are found here, imbued with a vast and mysterious cultural atmosphere.
This is an excellent location for photographing Mount Gongga. Although it is far away, the view is extremely broad, and you can see many peaks such as Tianhaizi Mountain and Yala Mountain from afar. If you encounter the sunset glow at sunset, it is even more beautiful.
Kind tips:
1. Black Stone City is located on Gaolusi Mountain. From the old G318 road before the opening of the Gaolusi Tunnel, take the original Gaolusi Mountain Pass. Turn left at the sign. After 6 kilometers, turn left onto the dirt road and drive about 4 kilometers to reach the city.
2. The road before the second sign is all paved, and even minor road damage does not affect driving. The last 4 kilometers are dirt roads with obvious ruts, but are difficult to navigate, so an off-road vehicle or SUV is recommended.
3. You can also take photos of the Gongga Mountains from the hilltop near the Heishichengdier sign, with similar angles.
4. Black Rock City is 4,500 meters above sea level and often experiences low temperatures and strong winds.
5. The best time to shoot is at sunset. After the shoot, we usually drive back to Xinduqiao to arrange for food and accommodation.
6. There is no water source near Black Rock City. If you camp, you need to prepare in advance.
7. Black Rock City is 64 kilometers away from the main peak. Medium and long focal lengths are recommended for photography. You can also photograph the Milky Way Arch Bridge in spring and summer.
It is as famous as Zimei Pass and faces the northern ridge of Gongga Mountain. It is an excellent location for viewing the peaks on the north side of Gongga Mountain. The 20-kilometer-long snow-capped mountains are like a giant dragon with its head held high in the clouds.
Kind tips:
1. Yaha Pass: From Jiagenba Township in Kangding City, you can go up the mountain. There is a short cement road, followed by a 10-kilometer flat dirt road. Currently, only small cars are allowed to pass.
2. To the east of the pass, you can ascend the mountain from Yulong West Village. The entire journey is about 20 kilometers on a rugged dirt road, so an off-road vehicle or SUV is recommended.
3. Yaha Pass is 4,500 meters above sea level and is often windy and cold.
4. The best time to shoot is at sunset. In spring and summer, you can shoot the Milky Way Arch Bridge.
5. Accommodation and meals can be arranged in Jiagenba Township, in a Tibetan multi-person room, or you can drive more than an hour back to Xinduqiao for accommodation;
6. Yaha Pass is 22 kilometers away from the main peak and 10 kilometers away from the north ridge. Medium and wide-angle photography is recommended.
The spiritual energy of mountains and waters shines through in harmony, and Lengga Co is an excellent choice for viewing Mount Gongga. This small lake, nestled in the mountains behind Yulong West Village, gained fame thanks to Mount Gongga. Not only can you watch the sunset and the stars, but you'll also have the opportunity to admire the reflections of snow-capped mountains. In the past two years, it's become a popular online check-in spot, drawing a buzz of activity.
Kind tips:
1. Lengka Co is located in Yulongxi Village, Gonggashan Township, Kangding City. You can drive to Bangmujide and then hike 4 kilometers up the mountain. You can also hire a horse caravan and ride horses up the mountain.
2. Lengka Co is 4,500 meters above sea level and is often windy and cold.
3. The best time to shoot is at sunset. In spring and summer, you can shoot the Milky Way Arch Bridge.
4. We recommend camping for one night at Lengka Co. You can take photos of the starry sky and sunrise after sunset.
5. For those without camping experience, it is recommended to hike or ride down the mountain after taking sunset photos. Accommodation and meals can be arranged at the Tibetan Inn in Yulong West Village or Shangmuju Village. The conditions are average.
6. Lengka Co is 20 kilometers away from the main peak. Medium or long focal length photography is recommended.
Saneng Co and Lengka Co are less than 2 kilometers apart, but Saneng Co offers a wider perspective and a richer selection of streams, meadows, and wildflowers, making it a more suitable location for landscape photographers. Furthermore, compared to the bustling Lengka Co, Saneng Co is less well-known.
Kind tips:
1. Saneng Co is located near Lengga Co. It is also accessible by hiking about 5.5 kilometers from Bangmujid. You can also hike 2 kilometers from Lengga Co.
2. Sanen Co is 4,500 meters above sea level and is often cold and windy.
3. The best time to shoot is at sunset. In spring and summer, you can shoot the Milky Way Arch Bridge.
4. It is recommended to camp for one night. After shooting the sunset, you can also shoot the starry sky and sunrise.
5. For those without camping experience, it is recommended to hike or ride down the mountain after taking sunset photos. Accommodation and meals can be arranged at the Tibetan Inn in Yulong West Village or Shangmuju Village. The conditions are average.
6. Sanen Co is 20 kilometers away from the main peak, and medium or long focal length photography is recommended.
The latest viewing spot discovered on the west slope of Gongga Mountain is relatively far away from Lengga Co. However, when viewing the mountain from the lakeside, the north and south ridges of Gongga Mountain are balanced and symmetrical, and it is still unknown.
Kind tips:
1. Guandejie Lake is located in Xiongluo Village, Shade Town, Kangding City. You can take a bus to Xiongluo Village and then walk about 10 kilometers to the lake. The first 5 kilometers can be taken by motorcycle, and the last 5 kilometers can only be walked.
2. Guandejie Lake is located at an altitude of 4,550 meters, and is often cold and windy.
3. The best time to shoot is at sunset, and you can shoot star trails at night;
4. It is recommended to camp for one night. After shooting the sunset, you can also shoot the starry sky and sunrise.
5. Guandejie Lake is 37 kilometers away from the main peak, and medium-to-long focal length photography is recommended.
Quanhua Beach, located on the hillside of Yulong West Village, is named for its colorful calcified pools. The terraces are divided into three levels. The lower two are calcified pools, while the highest is a natural fountain. This is also a great vantage point for viewing Mount Gongga. National Geographic China once published a beautiful photo taken there.
Kind tips:
1. Quanhua Beach is located in Yulong West Village. The only way to get there is by foot or on horseback. The first calcified pool is the largest and can be reached in half an hour. The second calcified pool is smaller and requires an hour's hike. The third level is the fountain and requires 1.5-2 hours of hiking.
2. The water at Quanhuatan Fountain is cold, but it has a pungent sulfur smell;
3. The angle for viewing Gongga from Quanhua Beach is average, with severe obstruction, not as good as the other angles, but it is worse than the graceful beauty of the Quanhua calcification pool.
Yulong West Pass is named after Yulong West Village at the foot of the mountain. It is closer to the main peak of Gongga Mountain and has a great viewing angle. Many outdoor enthusiasts hike here to camp and enjoy the view.
Kind tips:
1. Hike up the mountain near Bangmujide or Xiarilangze according to the map. It is about 4 kilometers to reach the pass. The mountain road is rugged, so it is recommended to hire a local Tibetan as a guide.
2. Yulong West Pass does not refer to a specific pass, but multiple passes can be called Yulong West Pass. They have similar views. There is also a small lake near one of the passes where you can enjoy the reflection of Gongga Mountain.
3. The best time to view the Milky Way is at dusk and sunset. You can also take photos of the starry sky. In spring and summer, you may have the opportunity to photograph the Milky Way arch bridge.
4. Yulong West Pass is 14 kilometers from the main peak, and wide-angle and medium-focus shots are recommended.
5. From November to May of the following year, there may be no water source when camping at the pass, so you need to prepare in advance.
The most famous viewing point on the west slope of Gongga Mountain, you can drive directly to the main peak of Gongga Mountain and have the opportunity to admire the magnificent sea of clouds and the rare Buddha's light. The sunset over the golden mountain is even more brilliant and glorious.
Kind tips:
1. Zimei Pass is located in Shangmuju Village, Gonggashan Township, Kangding City. Behind Gonggashan Township are rural dirt roads and mountain roads. Off-road vehicles or SUVs are recommended for access.
2. Zimei Pass is 4,500 meters above sea level and is often windy and cold.
3. The best time to shoot is at sunset. In spring and summer, you can shoot the Milky Way Arch Bridge.
4. Accommodation and meals can be arranged at Shangmuju at the foot of the mountain, with average conditions.
5. Zimei Pass is 18 kilometers away from Gongga Mountain, so it is recommended to use a medium-focus lens for photography.
6. There is a small pond near Zimei Pass, named Hechibu, which is also a very good photo spot, and you can also take pictures of the reflection of the snow-capped mountains.
Lisuohai, located in Tengzeng Valley southwest of Gongga, is also an excellent location for photographing the reflection of Gongga. Lisuohai has two lakes, the upper and lower ones, both of which can be used to photograph the reflection of Gongga Snow Mountain. The angle of the upper Lisuohai is better.
Compared with Lengga Co and Saneng Co, the water of Lisuohai is azure blue and has a very high appearance. You can also have the opportunity to appreciate the magnificent sea of clouds. It combines the advantages of Lengga Co and Zimei Pass.
Kind tips:
1. Lisuohai is located in Shangmuju Village, Gonggashan Township. There is a simple dirt road leading up the mountain from the village. Currently, the only way to reach the mountain is on foot, by motorcycle, or on horseback. The entire journey is about 10 kilometers and takes about 4-6 hours.
2. The mountain road to Lisuohai is rugged and difficult to travel. It is recommended to go there on foot or on horseback. Motorcycling is risky.
3. Lisuohai is 4,500 meters above sea level and often experiences low temperatures and strong winds.
4. The best time to shoot is at sunset. We recommend camping for one night. After shooting sunset, you can also shoot the starry sky and sunrise.
5. Lisuohai is 23.5 kilometers away from the main peak, and medium or long focal lengths are recommended for shooting.
Nama Peak is a 5,000-meter entry-level mountain that has become very popular in the past two years. It is located northwest of the main peak, with an altitude of 5,588 meters. It has a complete modern glacier. Its climbing route allows you to see the main peak of Gongga Peak throughout the whole journey. The location is excellent and the distance is very close. While enjoying the fun of climbing, you can also feast your eyes. It is suitable for friends who have physical fitness and climbing ability.
Kind tips:
1. Mount Nama is an entry-level technical mountain that requires strong physical fitness and climbing skills. It is not suitable for beginners. It is recommended that you choose a suitable commercial climbing team.
2. The weather on Nama Peak is changeable, so please take precautions to keep warm and take protective measures.
3. Nama Peak is 8 kilometers away from the main peak, so wide-angle photography is recommended.
4. Nama Peak trekking usually starts from Zimei Village. Before reaching the summit, two camps are set up to acclimate to the altitude and do physical and technical training.
The above are the scenic spots around Gongga that I have visited in person. Most of them were taken by me personally, and only a few photos that have been marked were not taken by me.
In addition, I would like to introduce to you two other better viewing spots. I have not been to these two places yet, so I will go there later.
Wanggangping is a place with undulating mountains in the southeast of Gongga. Its landscape is similar to that of Niubei Mountain, and it is blessed with the combined landscape of sea of clouds, sunrise and starry sky. However, the shape of Gongga's main peak is more beautiful here. Currently, Wanggangping is also closed for development and entry is prohibited.
Image from Tuchong Creative
Erceng Mountain, located within the Hailuogou Scenic Area, rises over 4,600 meters above sea level, making up for the limited view of Mount Gongga's main peak. A glacial waterfall, over a thousand meters in height, offers a breathtaking view. This is undoubtedly the best photo spot for Mount Gongga's eastern slopes, but reaching it requires a two-day hike, making it a must-see for outdoor enthusiasts only.
The photos of the second layer of the mountain are from the official website of Hailuogou Scenic Area
There are more beautiful sights waiting for us to discover around Gongga. There is no lack of beauty here, only a lack of discovery. We are constantly exploring, so stay tuned.
In addition, all unmarked photos are taken by myself. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Thank you!
