Western Sichuan's Little Switzerland - Complete Self-Driving Guide to Lixian County

Lixian County: The "Secret Realm of Colorful Forests" Hidden in Western Sichuan and the Qiang Ethnic Epic
1. Geographic Location
200 kilometers northwest of Chengdu, the "Pearl of the Plateau" on the upper reaches of the Min River, reachable by a 3-hour self-drive, serving as a golden transfer hub on the Western Sichuan loop.
2. Cultural Features
Qiang Living Fossil: The millennium-old watchtower maze of Taoping Qiang Village still preserves the ancient tradition of "fireplace council."
Tibetan-Qiang Mixed Residence: The prayer flags of Ganbao Tibetan Village and the sheep head totems of Qiang villages collide to create a unique cultural landscape.
3. Seasonal Highlight (October)
The red leaves in Bipenggou are nearing the end, while the red stone beach and colorful forests with snow mountains in Liangtangou form a "Western Sichuan palette."
4. Itinerary
Day 1: Chengdu → Taoping Qiang Village → Lixian County Town (stay in a mountain view room)
a. Self-driving route
Depart at 6 AM, take Rongchang Expressway then National Highway 317 (avoid morning rush hour). The Wenchuan section has many tunnels; it’s recommended to bring energy drinks.
Avoid Pitfalls: Parking at Taoping Qiang Village is chaotic and charged; you can park at the farmhouse on the right side of the village entrance (10 RMB/day, 3-minute walk into the village).
b. Attractions and activities
Taoping Qiang Village (60 RMB entrance fee):
Couple’s Easter Egg: Hang a love lock on the top floor of the old village watchtower (bringing your own lock is cheaper). The best photo time is at 4 PM when the sunlight slants.
Avoid Pitfalls: Many silver jewelry shops in the village sell Yiwu goods; for authentic items, visit the Lixian Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum (custom Qiang embroidery wallets available).
c. Food recommendations
Lunch: Freshly grilled yak meat skewers in the village (10 RMB for 3 skewers) + sugar-heart apples (2 RMB per jin, crisp, sweet, and juicy).
Dinner: Qiang-style cured pork rib hotpot in the county town (slow-cooked over firewood, about 70 RMB per person), dipping sauce with wild chive paste is the soul.
d. Accommodation suggestions
Choose mountain view rooms on the west side of the county town (e.g., Xuecheng Town), with snow mountain views from the window. Off-season price is 300 RMB/night, some homestays have floor heating.
Day 2: Bipenggou → Liangtangou (stay in a sea view room)
a. Self-driving route
Depart at 7 AM, navigate to Bipenggou (1 hour). The scenic area opens at 8 AM; it’s recommended to be among the first to enter (avoid tour groups).
At 3 PM, head to Liangtangou (free entry), take the rural road via Putou Town; the last 10 kilometers are gravel roads, drive slowly.
b. Attractions and activities
Bipenggou (entrance + shuttle bus 130 RMB):
Photo spot: Panyang Lake boardwalk (best afternoon light for snow mountain reflections). Tibetan costume rental at Shanghai Service Station (50 RMB/set).
Avoid Pitfalls: Don’t buy oxygen bottles in the scenic area (20 RMB per bottle at the county pharmacy). Bring your own chocolate to prevent altitude sickness.
Liangtangou:
Sunset photography: Red stone beach at the end of the valley (bring a telephoto lens). The composition of deadwood + wild strawberries + snow mountains is stunning.
c. Food recommendations
Lunch: Buffet inside Bipenggou (68 RMB/person), it’s recommended to bring snacks (few options in the scenic area).
Dinner: Tibetan family barbecue near Liangtangou (grilled yak meat + highland barley cakes, about 60 RMB per person). The owner will teach you to sing Tibetan love songs.
d. Accommodation suggestions
Choose sea view rooms near Longwang Sea in Bipenggou, with lake views from the window. Book at least one week in advance during peak season (October red leaf season is busy).
Day 3: Jiuzizhai → Chengdu
a. Self-driving route
Depart at 6 AM to Jiuzizhai (free entry, 1.5 hours). The last 5 kilometers are narrow mountain roads; beginners should be cautious.
Return in the afternoon via Rongchang Expressway. Wenchuan service area sells cherries (end of October season, 15 RMB per jin).
b. Attractions and activities
Jiuzizhai:
Sunrise Easter Egg: Observation deck at the village top (arrive before 6 AM), panoramic views of sea of clouds + snow mountains + Qiang village. Drones are prohibited.
Wild experience: Collect pine cones to brew tea (bring a small stove), chance encounters with grazing yak herds.
c. Shopping recommendations
Recommended: Lixian Sichuan peppercorns (choose black oil-packed ones), Qiang embroidery bookmarks (customizable at the county intangible cultural heritage museum).
Avoid Pitfalls: Many roadside cordyceps are fake; for authentic ones, buy at regular herbal medicine stores.
5. Ultimate Pitfall Avoidance Guide
Don’t trust fortune-telling in Qiang villages (it’s a scam with fees).
No signal in Liangtangou; download offline maps in advance.
October has large temperature differences between day and night; bring a thin down jacket + scarf (20°C daytime / 5°C nighttime).
This guide is fully based on our travel pace: Day 1 for culture, Day 2 for nature, Day 3 for a relaxed return. If you want to adjust the itinerary intensity, such as adding hiking or reducing driving time, let me know your specific needs, and I’ll help optimize your route.