Can You Travel to Western Sichuan During the Rainy Season?

Conclusion First:
❤️ Is it dangerous to visit Western Sichuan during the rainy season in July and August?
👉🏻 Entering blindly does carry certain risks.
❤️ So, can you still go?
👉🏻 With scientific and reasonable planning, you can definitely go.

🔴 Why is Western Sichuan risky during the rainy season?
From a geographical perspective, Western Sichuan is located in the Hengduan Mountains, a transitional zone between China's first and second topographic steps. It is also a region where the Tibetan Plateau and Sichuan Basin plates collide and compress intensely. The area is characterized by numerous valleys and rivers, with unstable geological structures. The Hengduan Mountains are one of the most disaster-prone areas in China. Heavy rains in July and August can easily lead to floods, mudslides, and landslides.

🔴 Summer Climate Characteristics in Western Sichuan
Rainfall in Western Sichuan is concentrated in summer, but it varies by region. In areas bordering the Sichuan Basin, such as Jiuzhaigou, Mao County, Danba, Xiaojin, and Luding, moisture from southeastern regions is more likely to enter, resulting in heavier and more intense rainfall. These areas are also more prone to natural disasters. In contrast, the western parts of Western Sichuan experience more scattered showers, with alternating rain and sunshine, and sunny weather being predominant.

🔴 Dangerous Road Sections in Western Sichuan
Refer to images 2–6. Based on past years' data on hazardous sections, I’ve marked them with green lines for your reference. Extra caution is advised when driving in these areas during rainy weather.

🟢 Why Visit Western Sichuan in July and August?
1⃣️ Western Sichuan is vast, with an area comparable to Guangxi Province, roughly twice the size of Fujian Province. Apart from a few counties near the inland areas that pose certain risks (marked with green lines on the map), most areas, especially the grasslands, are very safe. There’s no need for excessive worry.
2⃣️ Adequate warning systems and low risk probability. Relevant authorities have warning mechanisms in place, and dangerous sections are temporarily closed. Based on past experiences, as long as you drive safely, the likelihood of encountering danger during the day is almost negligible. In my five consecutive years of traveling to Western Sichuan, the biggest issue I’ve faced in summer was traffic jams.
3⃣️ Quick response from transportation departments. Both Ganzi and Aba regions are highly professional in road restoration. In most cases, road damage is repaired within two to three hours, causing minimal disruption to travel plans.
4⃣️ Western Sichuan is at its most beautiful in July and August. The green landscapes of Western Sichuan are at their peak from mid-June to early September. Summer in Western Sichuan is short but stunning, with blooming flowers on the grasslands and numerous local and official events.

🟢 Tips for Traveling to Western Sichuan During the Rainy Season
1⃣️ Stay updated on traffic and weather information in Western Sichuan. Official social media accounts and transportation departments in the two regions regularly release road condition updates. Keep informed to avoid delays caused by traffic jams. If extreme weather warnings are issued, adjust your travel plans accordingly.
2⃣️ Drive cautiously and avoid nighttime driving. Daytime driving is generally very safe if done carefully. However, nighttime driving can be dangerous due to poor visibility and frequent summer night rains. Remember the lessons from the August 3rd Kangding flash flood.
3⃣️ Watch out for falling rocks. Small falling stones are often precursors to larger landslides.
4⃣️ Maintain a positive mindset while traveling. Whether it’s sunny, rainy, smooth, or congested, it’s all part of the travel experience. Even rainy days in Western Sichuan have their own unique charm.