Autumn in Western Sichuan! Compared to Jiuzhaigou, I love this free colorful forest even more!

Western Sichuan Colorful Forest is about to enter its peak season, probably in about 10 days! But currently, the situation in Jiuzhaigou is already overcrowded, showing how much everyone loves the autumn fairy tale atmosphere and scenery. So I have to reveal a long-hidden, lesser-known colorful forest viewing spot: Naizi Valley (Eighty-Mile Gallery), whose autumn colors rival any scenic spot in Western Sichuan, enough to feast your eyes and make your trip worthwhile!

⚠️Altitude: 2800m
📍Address: Naizi Valley Scenic Area, Heishui County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture
🚗Transportation
Starting from Chengdu, about 300km, driving takes around 5.5 hours, very friendly for self-driving tours; it’s also okay to combine with popular spots like Jiuzhaigou, Bipenggou, Siguniang Mountain, and Dagu Glacier without backtracking.

♡♡♡ Check-in spots (can be visited in order)
① Colorful Jiazuo: A Tibetan village built with stone slabs and painted in vibrant colors, very photogenic.
② Yangronghade: Typical Tibetan architecture, with a large area of larch trees behind the village turning golden and fiery red, plus cooking smoke rising, making a perfect photo backdrop.
③ Gar Manor: Opposite Yangronghade, surrounded by colorful forests, featuring Tibetan-style residences blended with modern design and relatively complete facilities.
④ Small lake ~ Luolicao.
⑤ Campsite ~ Yakxia.
⑥ San'ao Snow Mountain is also great.

★★★ Hidden Food Gems
✔ Mutton hotpot: fresh and delicious broth, tender meat, great taste
✔ Butter tea: made mainly from butter and tea leaves, very refreshing
✔ Tibetan-style buns: filled with beef and mutton, paired with unique spices

☞☞ Recommended itinerary (4 days 3 nights)
☆1: Chengdu - Bipenggou - Heishui
☆2: Heishui - Dagu Glacier - Songpan - Jiuzhaigou entrance
☆3: One-day tour of Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area
☆4: Jiuzhaigou - Huanglong Scenic Area - Chengdu

☆☆ Travel tips
1. Western Sichuan has varying altitudes, prepare oxygen bottles and medicines, avoid strenuous exercise.
2. The plateau climate is changeable, bring down jackets, windbreakers, and other warm clothing.
3. Some sections require hiking, wear comfortable and non-slip shoes.
4. UV rays are strong, bring sunscreen and take sun protection measures.
5. Weather forecasts are not very accurate, rely on the actual weather on the day.
6. Gar Manor cannot be entered without staying overnight; Yangronghade is accessible by road.