I declare that the upcoming autumn in Aba Prefecture is on a god-level existence

These 48 hours in Aba Prefecture felt like stepping into National Geographic! Snow-capped mountains, meadows, Tibetan villages, and a starry sky within reach... Sharing this condensed essence of Western Sichuan route, perfect for a spontaneous weekend getaway～
Day 1: Exploring the Eastern Alps of China
🌅【Maobiziang Viewing Platform】
Chased the most beautiful sunrise of my life at 6 AM! This free viewing platform faces Mount Siguniang’s Yaomei Peak. It’s recommended to use a telephoto lens to capture the golden sunlight on the mountain; when shrouded in mist, it looks like a fairyland. Remember to wear a windproof jacket, as the temperature is only about 5℃ in the early morning.
Navigation: 3 km west of Siguniangshan Town
📸 Photo spot: Corner of the second-level wooden walkway at the viewing platform
🏔️【Shuangqiao Valley Scenic Area】
Take the sightseeing bus directly to the redwood forest at 3,840 meters elevation, passing 5 unique stops along the way. My personal favorite is Budala Peak, a prime spot for road photography! It’s recommended to tour in reverse to avoid crowds: Redwood Forest → Zhugana Lake (a newly discovered secret lake) → Budala Peak → Sigunaco Lake → Nianyu Dam Rafting
🎫 Ticket + sightseeing bus: 150 RMB
⏰ Recommended duration: 5-6 hours
💡 Plateau tip: Oxygen tanks can be rented at the park entrance (30 RMB per tank)
🍲【Abalang Tibetan Hot Pot】
Must-try yak meat soup hot pot for dinner! The copper pot bubbles with freshly sliced yak meat, wild mushrooms, and Tibetan fragrant pork ribs, paired with a special fermented bean curd dipping sauce. Three people can eat their fill for just over 200 RMB! Highly recommend the barley cakes dipped in butter tea, the salty and fragrant taste is very unique.
Location: Opposite Changpinggou Visitor Center
⏰ Hours: 10:00-22:00
Day 2: Tibetan Village Slow Life + Star Photography
☕【Kongshan Homestay Breakfast】
Having breakfast in a glass room at 3,200 meters altitude is so healing! Handmade steamed buns with freshly brewed butter tea, watching the mist roll over the mountainside. The top floor of the homestay is a star photography spot; it’s recommended to book a starry sky room in advance (peak season requires booking 1 month ahead).
💰 Room price: 600-1200 RMB per night
🌟 Feature: Free Tibetan costume photo sessions
🌾【Wori Tusi Official Village】
A little-known spot that 90% of tourists don’t know about! A Tibetan-style watchtower built during the Qianlong era, climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of the Wori Valley. The elderly ladies in the village will teach you the correct way to spin prayer wheels, and you can buy handmade yak wool scarves.
🎫 Ticket: Free
🚗 Transport: 40 minutes by car from Siguniangshan Town
📸【Mu’er Zhaigou】
A newly discovered treasure photography spot! More pristine than Shuangqiao Valley, with hills covered in green wormwood in June. Walking along the stream to the end reveals a glacier relic site; remember to wear waterproof shoes (some sections require wading).
💡 Special tip: Registration is required in town to enter, daily limit of 200 people
🍛【Matsutake Chicken Soup Hot Pot】
Before heading back, have a bowl of unbelievably fresh matsutake chicken soup! Locally raised free-range mountain chicken paired with freshly picked matsutake mushrooms from July. We drank five bowls of soup! The sour radish given by the owner is super refreshing.
Location: Next to the gas station in Dawei Town, red signboard
💰 Per person: 60 RMB
✨ Travel TIPS:
Altitude sickness: Don’t wash your hair on the first day, prepare ibuprofen and glucose
Dressing guide: Onion-style layering (short sleeve + windbreaker + thin down jacket)
Best season: June-August for wildflowers, September-October for colorful forests
Self-driving note: Balang Mountain Tunnel often foggy, recommend carrying snow chains
Cultural etiquette: Don’t step on prayer flags, don’t point at Buddha statues inside temples
The prayer flags still flutter before my eyes, and the aroma of yak meat seems to linger on my lips... This short trip completely cured my urban anxiety! Which spot do you most want to check in? Is it Budala Peak for road photography, or the homestay for butter tea and star gazing? Feel free to leave a comment and tell me your Western Sichuan travel wishes❤️