Current status of Siguniang Mountain on October 16th: it has already started to slowly turn yellow!

Recently, Siguniang Mountain does not look like this at all. If you want to see the most beautiful colorful forest, you still need to wait a bit longer!
Recently, the weather has been clear and sunny, don’t trust the weather forecast, make a good plan before you come👌
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✅Current real situation
❌The meadows and forests have not fully entered autumn yet. The best time to enjoy the colorful forest is from mid to late October to the end of October. It’s too early now, no yellow leaves yet; if you come too late, the leaves will be knocked off by rain. If you want to see the colorful forest, watch for the right timing.
❌It’s not raining every day. The weather forecast is really inaccurate. Currently, the recent trend is clear sunny days.
❌Don’t think it’s not cold just because the sun is out. Although the sun in western Sichuan is strong, the temperature has already dropped since early October. Keep warm and don’t be careless.
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🎒Must bring when going to western Sichuan
✔3-in-1 jacket: The temperature difference between morning and evening on the plateau is large. Windproof and waterproof are essential. Suitable for both hot and cold. I didn’t bring enough this time and shivered from the cold🥶
✔Sunglasses + sunscreen: As long as the sun is out, UV rays are super strong. Protect your eyes and look stylish, which is great for photos; choose high SPF sunscreen.
✔Motion sickness patches: Mountain roads have many bends and are easy to get carsick. After applying, you feel much better and the trip is more comfortable.
✔High moisturizing cosmetics: The plateau is dry, and skin easily peels. High moisturizing products are a lifesaver and make makeup last longer.
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📝Lessons and pitfalls you won’t find online:
1️⃣By the end of October, many trees start to wither and turn yellow. If you like green wilderness scenery, you will be disappointed, but you can enjoy the most beautiful autumn scenery (p7~p9).
2️⃣Highly recommend drifting at Nianyu Dam, though it’s a bit pricey at 90 RMB per person. The water flow is not rapid.
3️⃣Chengdu surrounding tours can be done in 1-2 days. For friends from other places, it’s recommended to prepare 3-5 days to tour western Sichuan + Siguniang Mountain loop.
4️⃣Shuangqiao Valley sightseeing bus takes 35 minutes to the highest point, the redwood forest. Then take the sightseeing bus down to visit: Redwood Forest - Potala Peak - Zhugana Lake - Siguna Lake - Nianyu Dam - Longzhu Lake - Ginseng Fruit Flat.
5️⃣Remember to take motion sickness medicine! Otherwise, vomiting from carsickness can easily cause altitude sickness. Don’t shower or wash your hair until you adapt to the altitude.
6️⃣Bring some glucose and oxygen bottles! If you feel unwell, return immediately and don’t push yourself. Oxygen can effectively relieve symptoms.
7️⃣Autumn scenery season is also very popular. Book accommodation and tickets in advance! Book nearby accommodations (Xiaojin County, Danba) early for better cost performance. Prices can skyrocket during holidays.
8️⃣Traffic jams are common after tunnels. Be cautious on the Balang Mountain section. In the early morning, evening, or rainy weather, heavy fog can make visibility poor. It’s hard to park at the valley entrance! New drivers or those unfamiliar with the roads should be careful when driving.
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🚗Recommended itinerary
Route ❶ (Siguniang Mountain Shuangqiao Valley + Changping Valley 2-day tour)
Route ❷ (Bipeng Valley + Siguniang Mountain Shuangqiao Valley 2-day tour)
Route ❸ (Western Sichuan 3-day small loop)
D1: Chengdu - Maobiniang - Siguniang Mountain
D2: Yala Snow Mountain - Moxi - Tagong - Gedilamu - Yuzixi
D3: Xinduqiao - Honghaizi - 434 Airport Road - Mugecuo - Kangding - Chengdu