Where to go in Chengdu in winter? Hike and see the sea of clouds in the secret ice and snow wonderlands of Ganhaizi, Bipenggou, and Happy Ranch.

Preface

Don’t just think about eating hot pot in Chengdu during the winter. If you don’t know where to go during the 1-2 day weekend holiday, you must read this guide. The three recommended niche destinations only take one day to go from Chengdu, without staying overnight, and you can still have fun.

Ganhaizi

Hiking to see the sea of clouds on the mountains

Ganhaizi is located in the Wolong Nature Reserve in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. Many years ago, it was a high mountain lake. Later, due to geological changes, the outlet expanded, resulting in a decrease in water sources. Later, the locals commonly called it "Ganhaizi".

Here you can see the snow-capped mountains from afar, occasionally see the cloud waterfall, stroll along the alpine meadows, and be surrounded by layers of distant mountains and herds of cattle, sheep, mules and horses.

This place has different seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. It is a mysterious paradise with endless scenery. In spring, there are alpine meadows, in summer, you can enjoy the cool breeze and escape the heat, in autumn, you can see the red leaves and colorful forests, and in winter, you can enjoy the snow and play in it.

【Geographic Location】

Ganhaizi is about 120 kilometers away from Chengdu. It is located in Zhuanjinglou Village of Wolong Nature Reserve at an altitude of about 2,500 meters and there is no altitude sickness.

【Itinerary Guide】

Group booking: Major OTAs offer one-day tours to Ganhaizi or major outdoor clubs.

Self-driving tour: Chengdu - Dujiangyan - Wolong - Zhuanjinglou Village - Xiaodongkou Village - 1.5 km hike to Ganhaizi

Tips:

(Navigate to Wolong Xiaodongkou Village. If you cannot go up, you need to transfer to Wolong Jinglou Village and then take a local van to reach Xiaodongkou Village.) 15 yuan per person for the uphill journey and 10 yuan per person for the downhill journey.

【Tickets】

The sanitation fee for Ganhaizi is 20 yuan per person, and locals will clean up the garbage regularly.

【About eating】

There are beef soup, baked potatoes, etc. on the top of the mountain on weekends, but they may not be available on weekdays.

【Travel Notes】

1. Ganhaizi is at a high altitude and has strong ultraviolet rays. Be careful with sun protection if you want to be beautiful.

2. There are more mosquitoes when hiking in spring and summer, so you can bring mosquito repellent

3. Bring food and water suitable for you

4. Ganhaizi requires a 3-kilometer round-trip hike, so it is recommended to wear sports non-slip shoes

5. Do not litter on the top of the mountain. Protecting the environment is everyone’s responsibility.

Bipenggou

Little Switzerland in Western Sichuan

In winter, the Bipenggou Scenic Area is blanketed in white snow. Visitors can admire towering peaks, snowy forests, icy waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and lakes, and red rock formations. Every step reveals a breathtaking view of northern China.

While soaking in natural hot springs, admiring the pristine ecology, and tasting Tibetan and Qiang cuisine, you can also experience the fun of ice and snow in the "natural ice and snow entertainment venue in the low latitudes of western China."

【Geographic Location】

Bipenggou Scenic Area, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province (Navigation Bipenggou Scenic Area)

【Itinerary Guide】

Self-driving:

Chengdu - Bipenggou Scenic Area 202 km (3.5 hours - 4 hours) Parking lot 20 yuan per day for small cars

Group tour:

Chengdu One-Day Tour to Bipenggou

A two-day tour from Chengdu, including Bipenggou + Partridge Mountain skiing, Bipenggou + Floating Cloud Ranch, etc., costs between 400-800.

【Travel Notes】

1. Clothing: Bipenggou is located at an altitude of about 3,000-3,600 meters. It has a plateau climate with large temperature differences between morning and evening. It is cold and windy at night. You should bring a down jacket, windproof coat, hat, gloves, etc.

2. Shoes: Wear warm and waterproof shoes. Hiking shoes and snow boots are best.

3. Medicines: oxygen cylinders and medicines according to your condition

4. Change: The scenic area does not accept WeChat or Alipay. Bring some change with you.

【Tickets for scenic spots】

Tickets and sightseeing tours: 130 yuan (required)

Battery car from Shanghaizi to Panyang Lake (30 yuan round trip, 20 yuan one way, you can hike on the plank road, it is recommended to choose the round trip battery car)

【Recommended Tour Routes】

Scenic spot ticket office - Longwanghai (no stop on the way up) - scenic shuttle bus - Shanghaizi Service Station (with restaurant) - battery car (or plank road 1.5 km) - Zhuoma Beach (no stop on the way up) - battery car - Panyang Lake

Recommended recent ways to play:

From the scenic area to the Shanghaizi Service Station (approximately 40 minutes) - purchase a round-trip electric car to Panyang Lake (approximately 10 minutes, hike along the plank road around the lake for photos) - take the electric car to Zhuoma Beach (for photos by the lake) - hike 1.5 kilometers along the plank road to the Shanghaizi Service Station - transfer to a scenic shuttle bus out of the scenic area (inform the shuttle bus driver to stop at Longwanghai for photos on the way; the stop is approximately 5-10 minutes)

Tips:

Must-see spots

Panyang Lake, Zhuoma Beach, Longwang Lake, and the 1.5-kilometer plank road from Zhuoma Beach to Shanghaizi (5-star recommendation, many pictures come from here)

Happy Ranch

Small wild ski resort

Happy Farm is a hidden gem near Chengdu, a day trip away. 99% of people have never heard of it. From December to February each year, you can experience a sea of snow, a wild ski slope, and a sea of clouds on snowy mountains. It's my personal secret for snow fun.

【Geographic Location】

15 kilometers upstream from Buwa Village, Wenchuan County

【Itinerary Guide】

By car:

Take a bus from Chengdu to Wenchuan County, and then take a 7-seater transfer bus to Happy Farm (round trip 300 yuan per bus)

Self-driving:

Directly navigate to Wenchuan Happy Farm, passing Buwa Village (recommended driver with more than 10 years of experience, at least SUV)

Or contact the transfer bus when you arrive in Wenchuan

Tips:

The Chengdu to Wenchuan County Expressway and the entire Wenchuan to Buwa Village road are cement roads. The final 15 kilometers of rural farmland are accessible only to city SUVs. The 11-kilometer dirt road from Buwa Village to Happy Farm is not recommended for novice drivers.

Group tour: From December to February every year, Chengdu Outdoor Club has a one-day Happy Farm tour for about 100 yuan.

【Tickets for scenic spots】

none

Best month to visit: December to February

【About food and accommodation】

There are accommodations on the top of the mountain (starry sky bubble rooms, wooden houses, etc. can be considered for those who want to spend two days watching the sea of clouds and sunrise)

There is a 30 yuan buffet lunch at noon