2-Day Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture Skiing Trip for Beginners
by Cox Emily Em
Jan 8, 2025
The Ultimate Bipeng Valley Travel Guide: "Little Switzerland of Western Sichuan" Just 3 Hours from Chengdu
Location
Situated in Li County, Aba Prefecture, Sichuan Province, about 200 km (3-hour drive) from Chengdu. Adjacent to the backside of Siguniang Mountain, with an elevation of 2,000-3,600 meters.
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Transportation Guide
Recommended Options:
1️⃣ Self-drive (most convenient)
- Chengdu → Chengdu-Guan Expressway → Dujiangyan-Wenchuan Expressway → Wenchuan → Li County → Bipeng Valley (~3 hours total)
- Good road conditions, accessible by sedan (winter: carry snow chains)
2️⃣ Bus
- Chadianzi Station → Li County (multiple daily departures, ¥76) → Shared taxi to scenic area (~¥20/person)
3️⃣ Group Tours
- 2-day tour from Chengdu (¥400-600/person, includes tickets + accommodation)
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Ticket Information
- Peak season (May-Oct): ¥80 entrance + ¥60 shuttle bus
- Off-season (Nov-Apr): ¥60 entrance + ¥60 shuttle bus
- Optional electric cart: Shanghaizi → Panyang Lake (¥20 one-way/¥30 round-trip)
- ⏰ Opening hours: 8:00-18:00 (last entry at 15:00)
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Must-Visit Attractions & Routes
✅ Classic 1-day Route:
Visitor Center → Longwang Lake → Namu Lake → Shanghaizi Service Area → Panyang Lake → Swallow Rock Nest
📸 Top 5 Photo Spots:
1️⃣ Longwang Lake: Mirror-like lake with snow mountain reflections (first scenic spot)
2️⃣ Namu Lake: Winter ice waterfalls/summer hot springs (hotel spa ¥98/person)
3️⃣ Panyang Lake: Core attraction with colorful forests + snow mountains (best in autumn)
4️⃣ Swallow Rock Nest: Terminal station, alpine meadows + glacier views (~1.5h hike)
5️⃣ Red Stone Beach: Unique red moss phenomenon (between Shanghaizi-Panyang Lake)
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Best Seasons
| Season | Highlights | Notes |
|--------|------------|-------|
| Late Sep-Early Nov | One of China's most beautiful autumn foliage areas | Best after National Day |
| Dec-Mar | Snow fairyland with skiing | Temp: -10℃~5℃ |
| May-Jun | Alpine azalea blooms | Occasional rain |
| Jul-Aug | Summer retreat with lush greenery | Sun protection needed |
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Accommodation
1️⃣ Inside Scenic Area:
- Namu Lake Hot Spring Hotel (only official hotel, ¥600-1,000/night with hot springs)
2️⃣ Li County Town (30 mins away):
- Budget options (¥150-300/night), e.g. Gurgou Hot Spring Hotel
3️⃣ Gurgou Town (40 mins away):
- Howard Johnson Hot Spring Resort (viral infinity pool, ¥1,000+/night)
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Itinerary Suggestions
1-Day Highlights:
07:00 Depart Chengdu
10:00 Arrive, take shuttle bus
12:00 Lunch at Namu Lake (bring snacks/cafeteria food)
13:00-16:00 Explore Panyang Lake & Swallow Rock
17:00 Return
2-Day Relaxing Version:
D1: Chengdu → Bipeng Valley → Overnight hot springs in Gurgou
D2: Gurgou → Ganbao Tibetan Village → Taoping Qiang Village → Return
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Essentials to Bring
- Basics: ID, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
- Clothing: Windproof jacket (large temp swings), comfortable shoes
- High-altitude: Oxygen (if needed), glucose
- Others: Power bank, cash (spotty signal)
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💡 Pro Tips
1️⃣ Limited dining options - bring snacks/water
2️⃣ Last shuttle departs at 17:30
3️⃣ Hiking sections (Shanghaizi-Swallow Rock) are high-altitude - pace yourself
4️⃣ Register drones at entrance
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Autumn Special Notes
- Best foliage: Mid-Oct to early Nov
- Avoid National Week crowds
- Arrive before 8am for misty morning foliage shots
Bipeng Valley shines in all seasons, especially autumn colors and winter snowscapes! Bookmark this guide for your perfect trip~
Post by spirited_spearmint | Jul 31, 2025























