7-Day Aba Prefecture Loop Itinerary! The Ultimate Route That Will Blow Up Your Social Media!

📍 Full Regional Attractions Map

🌊 Eastern Area (Canyons & Lakes)
Jiuzhaigou: Emerald lakes + waterfall clusters (💰280 incl. shuttle, peak season in July is magical)
Huanglong: Colorful travertine pools (💰250, take cable car up and walk down for easier hike)
Dagu Glacier: World's youngest glacier (💰370, cable car reaches 4,860m)

🏔 Southern Area (Mountain Hiking)
Siguniangshan: Shuangqiao Valley for relaxed sightseeing / Changping Valley for light trekking
Bipenggou: Hot springs + red stone beaches (💰130, mini Jiuzhaigou alternative)

🌿 Western Area (Grasslands & Wetlands)
Ruoergai Grassland: Flower Lake + First Bend of the Yellow River (combo ticket 💰180)
Hongyuan Moon Bay: Horseback riding & rafting
Lianbao Yeze: "Lord of the Rings"-style stone mountains + glacial lakes (💰120, Aba's version of Middle-earth)

🛖 Northern Area (Tibetan & Qiang Culture)
Taoping Qiang Village: Ancient watchtower maze (💰50, filming location for movie "Design of Death")
Wenchuan Special Tourism Zone: Earthquake memorial + cherry picking (May-June)

🗺 Route Planning (By Trip Duration)
📍 3-Day Highlights
Day1: Chengdu → Bipenggou (stay at Guergou Hot Springs)
Day2: Bipenggou → Hongyuan Moon Bay (grassland camping)
Day3: Moon Bay → Ematang Flower Sea → Chengdu
📍 7-Day In-Depth Loop
Day1: Chengdu → Siguniangshan (stay at Kongshan B&B)
Day2: Shuangqiao Valley → Zhonglu Tibetan Village (stay in Danba)
Day3: Danba → Lianbao Yeze → Aba County (overnight)
Day4: Aba → First Bend of Yellow River → Ruoergai (overnight)
Day5: Ruoergai Flower Lake → Jiuzhaigou (stay near park entrance)
Day6: Full-day Jiuzhaigou exploration
Day7: Jiuzhaigou → Huanglong → Chengdu

📸 Must-See Lakes in Jiuzhaigou
Zechawa Valley: Long Lake + Five-Color Pond (highest & smallest lakes)
Rize Valley: Five-Flower Lake + Pearl Shoal (azure gradient colors, "Journey to the West" filming spot)
Shuzheng Valley: Shuzheng Lakes + Sparkling Lake (terraced waterfalls, close-up views via boardwalks)

💡 Pro Tip: Visit Mirror Lake at 7am (perfect reflections) → Explore Shuzheng Valley in afternoon (avoids crowds)

🏡 Accommodation Guide
Jiuzhaigou Entrance: Many dining options, close to park (e.g. Ritz-Carlton Reserve 💰800+)
Guergou: Mountain hot springs (e.g. Howard Johnson Hot Spring Resort 💰1200+)
Hongyuan Grassland: Stargazing tents (e.g. Shepherd Star Camp 💰300/tent)
Aba County: Lower altitude (3,290m) (e.g. Gaden Monastery Faxi Hotel 💰400+)

🍖 Must-Try Foods
Yak Meat Hotpot: Songpan's "Ruzai Niu" with wild mushrooms + barley bread
Tibetan Copper Pot: Ruoergai's "Grassland Three Treasures" thick-cut yak meat
Tsampa: Hands-on experience at local homes (mix with butter tea)
Sour Noodle Soup: Wenchuan specialty shops (spicy-sour broth)

⚠ Pitfall Avoidance
Altitude Tips:
First night in Wenchuan/Maoxian (1,500m) for acclimatization
Bring ibuprofen + glucose oral solution (more effective than oxygen)

Transport Traps:
Avoid Jiuhuang Airport taxis! Book private transfers in advance (💰60/person to park)
Grassland roads are rough - rent SUVs (💰300/day)

Ticket Hacks:
Book Jiuzhaigou/Siguniangshan tickets 3 days early (no on-site sales!)
Buy Huanglong cable tickets separately (saves 1hr queue)

📦 Packing Essentials
Documents: ID + student card (50% off tickets)
Clothing: Windbreaker, down jacket, sun hat, sunglasses
Gear: Hiking poles, disposable bed sheets, car urinal (traffic jam lifesaver)

Aba's beauty lies in the journey, not just destinations! National Highway 213 (Ruoergai section) and Jiuhong Grassland Scenic Road offer endless "Windows desktop" views. Don't rush - feel the road! ✨