Sichuan's Underrated Snow Mountain Town

Luojishan Travel Guide

1. Introduction to Luojishan
Located in Puge County, Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, Luojishan is named for its resemblance to a "maiden's hair bun." This 4A-rated national scenic area is famed for its alpine lakes, primeval forests, glacial relics, and hot spring waterfalls, earning it the title "Sister Mountain of Mount Emei."
- Best seasons: May–October (summer retreat, autumn foliage); winter (Dec–Feb) offers snowscapes, but some sites may close.
- Altitude: The main peak stands at 4,359m, with tourist areas between 2,000–3,500m. Acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness.

2. Transportation Guide
① How to get there?
- By air: Nearest airport is Xichang Qingshan Airport (~60km from Luojishan), with flights from Chengdu/Chongqing, then transfer by bus/charter.
- By train: Xichang West Station (3hrs from Chengdu by HSR), then taxi/bus to Luojishan Town (~1.5hrs).
- By car:
- From Chengdu: ~5–6hrs (via G5 Expressway + provincial roads).
- From Xichang: ~1.5hrs (S212 provincial road).

② In-park transport:
- Shuttle bus: Park entrance → cableway base (~30min mountain drive).
- Cableway: Asia’s largest elevation-drop sightseeing cableway (45min one-way, ~1,000m vertical). Highly recommended—hiking up is strenuous.

3. Must-Visit Attractions
① Heilongtan (Luojishan’s "Pearl")
- Glacial lake with crystal-clear water, framed by snow peaks. Perfect for photos.
- Tip: ~1hr lakeside loop hike; capture mountain reflections on clear days.

② Xiancao Lake & Pearl Lake Cluster
- A series of glacial lakes with emerald-blue waters, scattered like jade.
- Hiking route: Heilongtan → Xiancao → Pearl Lakes (~2–3hrs).

③ Luojishan Jiujiuli Hot Spring Waterfall (World’s Largest)
- Highlights: Natural hot springs cascade down cliffs—bathe under waterfalls!
- Location: Separate ticket required (~40min drive from Luojishan Town).
- Tip: Crowded in peak season; visit early or avoid weekends.

④ Glacial Grooves & Ancient Relics
- Unique Quaternary glacial landforms for geology enthusiasts.

⑤ Alu Cliff & Sea of Clouds Viewpoint
- Overlook rolling clouds and snow-capped peaks at sunrise/sunset.

4. Itinerary Ideas
① One-Day Trip (Compact)
- AM: Park entrance → shuttle → cableway → Heilongtan → Xiancao Lake.
- PM: Pearl Lakes → glacial grooves → cableway down (or visit Jiujiuli).

② Two-Day Trip (In-Depth)
- Day 1: Main park (Heilongtan/Xiancao hike), overnight in Luojishan Town/hot spring hotel.
- Day 2: Jiujiuli Waterfall + Qionghai Wetland Park (en route back).

5. Accommodation
① Near Park Entrance (Luojishan Town)
- Budget: Yi-style homestays (¥100–200/night).
- Mid-range: Luojishan Resort Hotel (heated floors, ¥300–500/night).

② Near Jiujiuli Hot Springs
- Hot spring hotels (includes entry ticket, ¥500–800/night).

③ Xichang City (for return trips)
- Lakeside options like Qionghai Hotel (¥400–600/night).

6. Food Recs
① Yi cuisine: Tuotuo pork, buckwheat cakes, sour potato soup.
② Xichang BBQ: Firepot-style (pork belly, fish skewers).
③ In-park: Pack snacks—limited dining options.

7. Pro Tips
① Tickets (2024):
- Luojishan Park: Combo ticket (entry+shuttle+cableway) ≈¥250/pax.
- Jiujiuli Hot Springs: Peak season ≈¥200; off-season ≈¥150.

② Essentials:
- Altitude prep: Avoid exertion; carry oxygen (sold onsite).
- Layer up: Cold even in summer.
- Sun protection: Strong UV—sunglasses/hats mandatory.

③ Avoid Pitfalls:
- Cableway may close in high winds—check weather.
- Skip Jiujiuli on holidays to evade crowds.

Ideal for nature lovers, hikers, and hot spring seekers! Pair with Qionghai Lake or Lugu Lake for extended trips. 🌄