Written by Veronica |
Located in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous PrefectureĀ of Sichuan Province, the Mugecuo Scenic AreaĀ is a National Scenic Spot covering an area of 350 square kilometers.Ā It contains six main scenic sites, including Red Sea Grassland, Mugecuo Lake, Rhododendron Valley, Yaochi Feiquan, Seven-Color Lake, and Fragrant Grassland. Many other plateau lakes, hot springs, and virgin forests are nearby.
Except for its beautiful scenery, there are multicultural communities like Tibetan and Qiang ethnic groups in the Mugecuo Scenic Area. You may encounter a cultural shock, but it will be a unique experience to visit a place with Tibetan and Qiang traditions and cultures.
Mugecuo Scenic AreaĀ is a must-visit attraction on your Sichuan tours. If you are planning a trip there, we can customizeĀ Sichuan tours to Mugecuo Scenic AreaĀ for you.
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Mugecuo Scenic AreaĀ Facts
- Location: Northwest of Kangding County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan
- Opening Time: 8:00 – 18:00
- Time Needed: About 5 hours
- Best Time to Visit: June to October
- Suited to: Nature lovers, photographers, hikers, culture explorers
- Ticket: CNY 105 (Extra CNY 90 will be charged fora the sightseeing bus)
What to See and Do in Mugecuo Scenic Area
Mugecuo Scenic AreaĀ is home to many awe-inspiring scenic attractions, and here are the top things to do in this scenic area.
- Bask in the splendid views of Mugecuo Lake, also called Wild Man Lake, the largest alpine lake in Sichuan surrounded by spreading grasslands and virgin forests.
- Encounter the spectacular Rhododendron Valley, which turns into a sea of flowers when rhododendrons blossom in months between April andĀ Ā Never miss this attraction on your Sichuan tours to the Mugecuo Scenic Area.
- Delight in the spectacles ofYaochi Feiquan, where the hot springs are considered to have medical effects for eye ailments, rheumatism, and more.
- Venture to Seven-Color Lake, a plateau lake of a crescent shape whose color changes according to the sunlight and weather conditions.
- Uncover the mystery of Mount Camel Hump. It looks like the hump of a camel, and thatās why it got the name.
- Take a walk on the vast Fragrant Grassland and indulge yourself in the green grass.
How to Visit Mugecuo Scenic Area
For tourists convenience, there is sightseeing vehicles at the entrance of the scenic area with stops at Fragrant Grassland, Seven-Color Lake, Yaochi Feiquan spring, Rhododendron Viewing Area and Mugecuo Lake in the sequence along the way. The ticket price per person is CNY 90. Since the scenic area is of high altitude at 2900 – 3700 meters and the travel route is relatively long, so it is recommended to take the bus to save energy and improve your tour experience.
As for the travel routes, you can try the following one: First, take the sightseeing bus to the Mugecuo Lake directly meanwhile appreciating the virgin forests along the way. The single trip will take about 30 minutes. After arrival, you can spend about 30 minutes – 1 hour in the viewing platform to appreciate the Mugecuo Lake. Then head to the Golden Coast for a picture.
Take a boat to the Red Sea Grassland in the wharf next to the Golden Coast. It takes CNY 66 per person and about 15 minutes. At the grassland, you can enjoy a relaxing time to stroll on the grassland to marvel at the natural scenery around and take a picture with yak. Besides, there is also horseback riding available for you to experience here. The cost is CNY 180 and the duration is about 40 minutes.
Then return to the Mugecuo Lake and take the bus to Yaochi Feiquan spring. If you want to relax yourself, having a foot bath here is a nice choice, which costs CNY 35. If you are a hiking enthusiast, the 8-kilometer-long plank road from the Rhododendron Valley to the Seven-Color Lake will bring you unforgettable experience. During hiking, you will be accompanied by streams and waterfalls, and enjoy the scenery of lakes with changing colors and snow mountains. In summer, you can also see the sea of flowers.
The last stop is Fragrant Grassland where you can spend 30 minutes there in indulging yourself in the vast green grass and wild flowers. Finally, take the bus to the exit. The total travel takes about 5 – 8 hours, so it is advised to set out early in the morning.
Best Time to Visit Mugecuo Scenic Area
Mugecuo Scenic AreaĀ is a tourist attraction atĀ a high altitude,Ā and the best time to visit is the months between June and October. During this period, the climate is generally warmer,Ā and you will see vibrant grasslands, running rivers, and more beautiful landscapes.Ā However, if you want to see blooming rhododendrons, you are suggested to visit there during months from April to July.
How to Get to Mugecuo Scenic Area
After you arrive in Kangding, there areĀ feasible ways for you toĀ get to theĀ Mugecuo Scenic Area.
By car: Driving there is considered to be the best way as the Mugecuo Scenic AreaĀ is 26 kilometers from Kongding City and no public transportation is available on weekdays. Generally, it takes about 40 minutes to get to the Mugecuo Scenic Area.
By taxi:Ā An optional way for you to get to the Mugecuo Scenic AreaĀ is by taxi. It costs about CNY 100 to 150 per car, and you can carpool and split the fare.
Attractions nearby Mugecuo Scenic Area
- Kangding Ancient City: It is the birthplace of the popular love song named Kangding Qingge. This ancient cityĀ is 27 kilometers from the Mugecuo Scenic Area, and it offers beautiful landscapes as well as folk customs for you to experience.
- Luding Chain Bridge: Built in the Qing Dynasty, this chain bridge has played a very significant role as a link between two sides of the Dadu River. Walk through the chain bridge,Ā and experience its grand sight. You can drop by there on your travel toĀ Mugecuo Scenic Area in Sichuan.
- China National Highway 318: It is the longest national highway in China with stunning scenery. When the highway winds through Kangding, you can see the mountains in the distance covered with snow, yaks, and goats eating on the grassland, and clear water in the blue lakes.
