National Day Muni Valley Relaxed Guide: Fewer People, Beautiful Scenery, and Saving Money

🌊 Core Experience: Don’t just think about Jiuzhaigou!

1. Zaga Waterfall Splash: The 104-meter-high "Calcium Carbonate Waterfall Ceiling" is a must-see. The water crashing onto the calcified terraces is super stunning. The entire route is an easy wooden boardwalk, and you can finish in 2 hours without climbing mountains to the point of exhaustion. At an altitude of 2800 meters, it’s basically not high altitude sickness, making it very beginner-friendly.

2. Erdao Lake Fairyland: The "Little Jiuzhaigou" hidden in the forest, where the lake colors change with the light. Swan Lake and Pearl Lake look like they have filters on photos. On the way, find the Pearl Hot Spring Lake, smell the faint sulfur scent, and pretend you’re soaking in a private hot spring.

3. Nearby Stops: When tired, stroll around Songpan Ancient Town, climb the city wall for free to see the panorama, and in the evening visit Songzhou Night Market. Holding roasted Tibetan fragrant pork while walking around is super cozy.

🍲 Food List: Warm and filling

- Yak Meat Soup Pot: Highly recommend restaurants in the ancient town, like Laomin Restaurant. A small pot at 58 yuan is enough for two people. The beef is stewed until tender, and dipping the barley cakes in the soup is so delicious you’ll want to stomp your feet.

- Tibetan Snacks: Must try butter tea, salty and fragrant, helps with altitude sickness and warms you up. It might be a "miss" on the first try, but you’ll get addicted after drinking it. Songpan old yogurt is thick and stringy; add some sugar to cut the richness.

- Roadside Surprises: Grilled potatoes sprinkled with chili powder at the scenic area entrance are perfect for a quick hunger fix. During the rainy season, you can also enjoy wild mushroom soup that’s incredibly fresh.

🛏️ Accommodation Guide: Save money and avoid pitfalls

- First choice is Songpan County: Don’t insist on staying near the scenic spots! Places like Yuansheng Hotel and 0837 Inn offer standard rooms under 100 yuan, with hot water and WiFi, a 5-minute walk to the ancient town, and convenient parking.

- Tibetan Guesthouses Alternative: If you want to experience local flavor, choose Tibetan-style homestays in Songpan. Some have viewing terraces for stargazing at night, and the owners will chat about Western Sichuan gossip. Prices mostly just over 100 yuan.

⚠️ Important Reminders

1. The scenic area is divided into Zaga Waterfall and Erdao Lake, 8 kilometers apart. Driving is most convenient, parking only 5 yuan per time; if no car, take the bus from Songpan, 1 hour direct.

2. Big temperature difference during National Day. Wear a windbreaker layered with thin jackets, don’t forget sunscreen and a hat. The UV rays can turn you into "plateau black."

3. Tickets are 100 yuan. Book in advance on "Aba Tourism Website" to avoid queues; don’t buy fake Tibetan medicine at the scenic entrance—it’s a rip-off and useless.