Written by Veronica |
As a significant part of Mount Siguniang National ParkĀ in Sichuan, Haizi Valley is the shortest and most rugged of the three scenic valleys. ItĀ stretches 19.2 kilometersĀ and covers an area of 126 square kilometers. It is a good place for hiking and horseback riding while offering a great view of snow mountains, charming lakes, vast grasslands, and lush forests.
Haizi Valley Facts
- Location: Situated at the east part of Mount Siguniang Scenic Area, Xiaojin County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province
- Opening time:It opens all year round. 08:00-15:00 (Apr. 1-Nov. 30); 08:30-14:30 (Dec.1-next Mar. 31).
- Ticket price:CNY 60 per person in peak season; CNY 40 per person in slack season.
- Time Needed: One day
- Best time to visit: June to October
- Suited to: Hikers, nature lovers, and climbing enthusiasts.
What to See and Do in Haizi Valley
Hike or Ride a Horse along the Valley Trail
Haizi Valley is a scenic spot where you can enjoy the most primitive scenery. A sightseeing bus is not available in this area, so you can hike along the trail or ride a horse to enjoy the beautiful landscapes on your Sichuan tours to Haizi Valley.
Admire the Tarns and AlpineĀ Lakes
Being the most adventurous valley ofĀ Mount Siguniang, Haizi Valley houses many tarns and alpine lakes in various shapes and colors, such as heart-shaped, crescent-shaped, emerald green, sapphire blue, and turquoise.Ā In your exploration of this valley, you will be surprised by the charm of nature.
Explore Tourists Attractions in Haizi Valley
- Guozhuangping: It is a good spot in Haizi Valley to take amazing pictures of the Four Girls Mountains. Besides, you will see vast grasslands, blossoming wildflowers, and leisurely flocks and herds.
- Chaoshanping: This scenic site is surrounded by poplar trees, rhododendrons, and other plants.Ā It is a must-visit attraction on your trip to Haizi Valley of Mount Siguniang.
- Niuyuanzi: This is a place for local people to herd cattle, horses, and other animals during the months between May and August.
- DahaiziLake: It is the largest lake in Haizi Valley and Mount Siguniang National Park. Also, it is a good shelter for Ruddy Shelduck, egret, and other migratory birds.
- Bajiaopeng Lake: This diamond-shaped lake looks like a mirror, reflecting a great view of the Four Girls Mountains.
Practical Travel Tips
-
What to pack for hikingĀ Haizi Valley?Ā PrepareĀ according to how long and the places you intend to hike, such as waterproof jackets and pants, fleece jackets, moisture-wicking clothes and pants, fleece hats, windproof gloves, waterproof hiking shoes, sunglasses (snow goggles), etc.
-
The altitude of the Haizi ValleyĀ is from 3,250 meters to 4,400 meters, which may make some people uncomfortable and even sick. Try not to runĀ or jump, then your body will gradually adapt to the high-altitude environment. If you suffer from the altitude sickness, such as a headache, dizziness, or breathing difficulties, donāt hesitate to tell your tour guide and seek medical attention.
-
The first half of the Haizi Valley visiting route, where Gouzhungping and ChaoshanpingĀ are located, features alpine meadow landscapes. It is the best location for shooting the Siguniang Mountain.
-
The second part of the Haizi Valley visiting route features a group of high-altitude lakes at around 4,200 meters – very popular among outdoor enthusiasts. However, it can only be accessed by hiking or riding a horse.
-
The last part is from the Haizi Valley to Lao Niu Yuanzi (Siguniang Mountain base camp) with a distance of 15 kilometers. It takes 4 hours with a horseback riding.
Best Time to Visit Haizi Valley
Haizi ValleyĀ in SichuanĀ is open in all seasons. Still, the best time to visit is between June and October, when you will experience the most spectacular weather and beautiful scenery. The temperature range is 30 degrees or more, so you should be prepared for chilly temperatures and snowy conditions even during the summer days.
How to Get to Haizi Valley
After arriving in Chengdu, you can follow the ways below to reach Haizi Valley of Mount Siguniang.
By car: Driving is a popular way for visitors to reach Haizi Valley. You can rent a car or hire a driver, which costs about CNY 500 per car.
By bus:Ā If you visit there independently, taking a bus is a more economical way for you to get to Haizi Valley from Chengdu, which is also convenient. You can go to Chadianzi Bus Station or Xinnanmen Bus Station to take a bus to Mount Siguniang National Park. Then, head to the entrance to the valley, which is about 500 meters from the tourist center.
Attractions nearby Haizi Valley
- Changping Valley: Located about 7 km fromĀ Haizi Valley, Changping Valley is a splendid valley within Mount Siguniang National Park thatĀ allows you to explore by hiking the wooden boardwalks and trails.
- Shuangqiao Valley: Situated about 8 km from Haizi Valley, Shuangqiao Valley is the longest and most easily accessible valley of Mount Siguniang. It is also a great place for hiking.
- Wolong Giant Panda Garden: Being one of the largest panda conservation centers in China, it is home to over 70 pandas. Visitors can observe and interact with pandas there.
- Jiajinshan National Forest Park: Located next to Haizi Valley of Mount Siguniang, this attraction presents beautiful landscapes of snow-capped mountains, alpine meadows, lakes, and forests. Besides, there are rare animals and plants as well as unique Tibetan villages for you to explore.
