The Hidden Gems of Western Sichuan: "Dangling + Qicang Valley" The Most Beautiful Hiking Routes

In the secret map of the Western Sichuan Plateau, Dangling and Qicang Valley are two low-key yet dazzling pearls. Visiting during the National Day holiday allows you to perfectly avoid the crowds of popular tourist spots while immersing yourself in the richest autumn scenery of the plateau. The core commonality of these two places makes this hiking experience especially worthwhile:

Dangling is hidden in the mountains of Danba, Ganzi Prefecture, and Qicang Valley lies deep in the valleys of Songpan, Aba Prefecture. Neither has been overly commercialized, preserving an almost pristine natural landscape. The "few people, secluded scenery" characteristic allows hikers to enjoy tranquility exclusively.

The altitude settings of both places are also very friendly. Most accommodations are below 3,350 meters, campsites are below 3,800 meters, and the highest pass is about 4,200 meters. This meets the need to appreciate plateau scenery while greatly reducing the risk of altitude sickness, making it very friendly for those new to plateau hiking.

During the National Day season, both places reach their peak beauty simultaneously. The colorful forests on the mountainsides contrast with the towering snow-capped peaks, and the clear lakes reflect the blue sky. The core scenic combination of "colorful forests + snow mountains + plateau lakes" is very striking, allowing people to deeply feel the shock and elegance of Western Sichuan’s autumn charm.

【Dangling】
Located in Bian'er Township, Danba County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, deeply hidden in the mountains with inconvenient transportation, it maintains its original natural landscape.

Dangling Village is at an altitude of about 2,700 meters. Within its area are more than 30 alpine lakes such as Hulu Lake, Zhuoyong Lake, and Ma Lake, most above 4,000 meters. Additionally, there are three natural wild hot springs.

National Day Scenery:
In October, Dangling is a golden world. Trees like fir, maple, and larch cover the mountains in gold, contrasting with the blue sky, white clouds, and snow mountains, forming a beautiful painting.

Hulu Lake, at 4,100 meters altitude, is like a bright mirror reflecting the surrounding mountains and sky, stunningly beautiful. Along with Jiayila Lake and Zhuoyong Lake, it is known as the three lakes of Dangling.

With good luck, you might see wild animals such as musk deer and blue sheep drinking water by the lake.

During the hike, you can also enjoy the unique experience of soaking in wild hot springs at several thousand meters altitude, relaxing while admiring the snow mountain scenery—very pleasant.

【Qicang Valley】
Located in the northwest of Sichuan Province, north of Chuanzhusi Town, Songpan County, Aba Prefecture, adjacent to Huanglong Airport, it is part of the back mountains of the famous Huanglong and Jiuzhaigou scenic areas. It consists of Kaka Valley, Aweng Valley, Hongxing Valley, and others, covering about 50 square kilometers.

The entrance of Kaka Valley is about 3,500 meters altitude, Chang Lake is about 3,800 meters, and Hongxing Lake is at 4,200 meters. The valley is densely forested with tall peaks, flowing streams, and is sparsely populated.

National Day Scenery:
In October, Qicang Valley is covered in golden and fiery red colors. Red roads and yellow leaves intertwine, forming a splendid autumn landscape.

During the hike, you can admire the rippling blue waves of Chang Lake, which is especially spectacular against the backdrop of the deep blue sky.

Caohai (Grass Lake), a typical plateau wetland, is pure and pristine, touching the heart.

Hongxing Lake is surrounded by mountains, with snow-capped peaks reflected in the water, creating breathtaking scenery that brings unprecedented shock.