Western Sichuan's Sacred Realm - Hailuogou Glacier Park

⏰ 1. Best Time to Visit
Autumn-Winter (Oct-Mar): Most spectacular glaciers with red rock beaches against snow-capped peaks; fall foliage in November. Expect extreme temperature swings (over 20°C) – pack down jackets + thermal wear.
Spring-Summer (Apr-Jun): Rhododendrons bloom, chance to see "Golden Sunlight on Snow Mountains" reflected on glaciers. Trails turn slippery after snowmelt – bring non-slip shoe covers.
⚠️ Avoid July-August: Landslide risks during monsoon season. Always call the park hotline for opening status before departure.

🚗 2. Transportation Guide
Self-drive: Chengdu → Ya'an-Kangding Expressway → Luding exit → Provincial Highway 211 (4hrs). Watch for truck convoys in tunnels; carry snow chains in winter.

🎫 3. Tickets & Transport
Fees: ¥92 entrance + ¥70 mandatory shuttle + ¥150 optional round-trip cable car.
Shuttle route: Main gate → Ganheba Station (1hr). Last return bus at 16:30 – missing it means a 10km downhill hike.
Cable car tip: Ride to Camp 4 (3,600m) for glacier panoramas on clear days; foggy days opt for Camp 3's forest trail (1hr hike).

🏔️ 4. Must-Do Experiences
1. Glacier Tongue Trek (from Ganheba): Walk on millennia-old blue ice (crampons required). Stay behind warning lines – hidden crevasses ahead!
2. Gongga Sacred Hot Springs: Soak in 42°C pools amid snowfall (Camp 2). Weekday afternoons = private soak opportunities.
3. Red Stone Beach: Iron-oxidizing algae create crimson boulders. Wear white for Instagram-worthy shots – touching incurs ¥500+ fines.
4. Golden Sunrise: Stay at Camp 3's Jinshan Hotel for 6:50am views of Gongga Peak turning gold (winter: 7am).
5. Moxi Ancient Town: Try Tibetan hotpot + matsutake chicken (¥50/person). Visit Long March Museum by night.

🛏️ 5. Lodging & Food
Inside park: Jinshan Photography Hotel (¥500/night) at Camp 3 with direct mountain views.
Outside park: Budget-friendly Moxi Town offers hostels to luxury stays.
Must-eat: Yak meat hotpot, grilled chicken, wild mushroom stew. Breakfast: tsampa + butter tea.

⚠️ 6. Pro Tips
Altitude prep: Take rhodiola supplements 3 days prior; drink glucose water on arrival. Avoid strenuous activity.
Layering system: Moisture-wicking base + fleece + windbreaker, pack lightweight down. Polarized sunglasses + SPF50 essential.
Cultural etiquette: Never step on prayer flags/disturb mani stones. Ask before photographing locals. Carry trash out.

📅 Sample 2-Day Itinerary
Day1: Chengdu → Moxi Town (lunch) → Hot springs at Camp 2 → Overnight at Jinshan Hotel.
Day2: Sunrise → Cable car to Camp 4 → Glacier hike → Red Stone Beach → Return.