Address:
National Highway 248, Ruoergai County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province
Opening hours: open 24 hours a day
Official phone number: 0837-7766345
Ruoergai Grassland, known as the “oasis of the northwest plateau of Sichuan”, is renowned as the “most beautiful high-altitude wetland grassland in China” and the “hometown of Chinese black necked cranes”.
1. Geographical location and basic overview
(1) Geographical location
The RuoergaiGrassland is mainly located in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It is a large area including Ruoige, Hongyuan, Aba, Songpan, Maqu and Luqu in Gansu, and Jiuzhi in Qinghai. It is an oasis on the plateau of Northwest Sichuan.
(2) Basic overview
The Ruoergai Grassland is a unique region on the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, situated at an altitude between 3,300 and 3,600 meters above sea level. Also known as the Songpan Plateau, it is a highland area compared to the low-altitude regions of central and eastern China. While the Min Mountains to its east, the Qionglai Mountains to its south, the Golok Mountains to its west, and the Animaqin Mountains, Xiquing Mountains, and the Qinling Mountains to its north are all mountain ranges, the Ruoergai Grassland itself is a basin surrounded by mountains, forming a plateau basin on the plateau. Animaqin Mountains, Xiquing Mountains, and the northern Qinling Mountains, it is encircled by mountain ranges, forming a basin within the plateau.
2. Core attractions
(1) Geological landscape
Moon Bay:The scenery is good, named after the winding river on the grassland shaped like a crescent moon. The aquatic plants here are plentiful, and the rivers are inlaid like ribbons on the green carpet grassland. It is one of the iconic landscapes of the Ruoige Grassland.
The first bay of the Jiuqu Yellow River:It is the only grassland area through which the Yellow River flows in Sichuan. The terrain here is flat and the rivers meander, forming a spectacular ”S’-shaped river landscape.
Ruoergai Flower Lake:Flower Lake is a natural plateau lake featuring a long wooden boardwalk perfect for leisurely strolls and scenic views. Alongside the boardwalk, blooming jellyfish flowers create a picturesque backdrop—ideal for taking beautiful photos while wearing a skirt.
Langmu Temple:Langmu Temple Town is located at the junction of Sichuan and Gansu provinces. Half of it belongs to Luqu, Gansu, and half is integrated into the arms of Ruoergai County, Sichuan.
Sickle Dam Grassland:Starting from Chuanzhu Temple, follow the winding road in the direction of Ruoige. After about 45 kilometers, you will see a charming grassland—Sickle Dam Grassland.
3. Ticket information
(1) Ticket price
Jiuqu No. 1 Bay Scenic Area of the Yellow River in Ruoergai County, Aba Prefecture
Tickets: 105/person (adult ticket + escalator)
Huahu Scenic Area, Ruoergai County, Aba Prefecture
Ticket 105/person (adult ticket + sightseeing bus)
(2) Ticket purchase channels
1. Official online platform: You can purchase tickets online through the official WeChat public accounts of scenic spots (such as “Global Ruoergai ”，Chinese “全域若尔盖”), or OTA platforms such as Ctrip. At that time, you can enter the park by swiping your ID card, which is more convenient.
2. On-site purchase:You can also purchase tickets directly at the ticket office of the scenicarea. However, there may be a large number of people in line during the peak tourist season, which will take some time.
(3) Preferential policies
Regular discounts: Usually, children under 1.2 meters (or 1.3 meters) tall, the elderly over 70 years old (inclusive), active-duty soldiers with valid documents, the disabled, etc., Please refer to the actual regulations of each scenic spot on the day for details.
Half price or discount policy：
Eligible students, 60-year-old (inclusive) to 70-year-old (not included) elderly and other groups can enjoy a half-price discount on tickets in scenic spots such as Ruoige Flower Lake (valid documents are required). For preferential policies of other scenic spots, please consult and confirm before traveling.
4. Precautions for Touring
(1) Safety protection: responding to geological and weather characteristics
1. Altitude:The altitude of Ruoige Flower Lake is about 3,400 meters, the grassland wetlands are flat, and the wind is strong. Be sure to keep warm, especially during the process of taking pictures. A careless move can easily trigger altitude sickness.
2. Dressing rule:Adopt the ”onion-style stacking’ dressing rule, that is, quick-drying T-shirt + fleece + windproof jacket, and thin down should be superimposed at night. It is recommended to bring a fisherman’s hat with drawstring (windproof and falling), a magic headscarf (sandproof and face protection) and high-top waterproof hiking shoes (anti-wet and dew).
3. Essential for travel:portable oxygen cylinders (available at the entrance of the scenic area), oral glucose liquid, avoid bathing and strenuous exercise on the first day to relieve high blood pressure.
4. Portable good things:choose UV400 sunglasses (anti-snow reflection), SPF50+ sunscreen, and apply it every 2 hours. Carry lip balm and moisturizing spray with you to avoid chapped lips and skin dehydration.
(2) Tour planning: reasonable arrangement of time and route
Bus guide: To enter the scenic area from the visitor center, you must first pass through a commercial corridor and walk through an overpass. Under the bridge is the scenic bus stop, and there is a toilet on the side. The first bus departs at 7:00 and the last bus departs at 18:00, every 15 minutes, and the journey takes 10 minutes.
Starting point Observation Deck → ”Eye of Flower Lake’ curve → Bird Watching platform in the heart of the lake → Aquatic Fam Area → Wetland Observation Deck →Return journey, the whole journey is about 4 kilometers, it takes 2.5-3 hours
It covers the core landscape zone of the wetland, and can observe ecological details such as the climbing activities of black-necked cranes, brown-headed gulls, wild ducks, and groundhogs. The observation deck at the end of the wetland is suitable for shooting the “Golden Belt of Yellow River Tributaries” at sunset.
Starting point Observation Deck →Swan Observation Deck → Huxin Pavilion→Return the same way, the whole journey is about 2 kilometers and takes 1.5 hours.
Focusing on iconic landscapes such as Flower Lake, “Flower Road in the Lake” and “water bird habitat”, it is suitable for treasures with tight time or limited physical strength.
(3) Civilized tourism and environmental protection
- Huahu drones are banned from flying, and everyone has a responsibility to protect birds.
- In the Flower Lake, you may encounter many cute wild animals. Please keep a certain distance and don’t disturb their lives. At the same time, we must also pay attention to the protection of wild animals and do not feed or catch them at will!
- There are herds of yaks, horses, and sheep on the road. Wait patiently for them to pass. Don’t honk your horn, they won’t pay attention to you!
5. Transportation guide
(1) Aircraft
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport flies to Hongyuan Airport. However, it should be noted that flights from Hongyuan Airport are not available every day. After arriving, you can take the airport bus to the county seat.
(2)Direct car access
Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station, there are regular shuttles directly to Hongyuan and Ruoige every day. The fare to Hongyuan is 157 yuan/person, while to Ruoige it is 180 yuan/person. However, it should be noted that the drive is very long, and there will be no parking at attractions along the way.
(3) Self-driving
Remember to be relatively familiar with the road conditions when driving by yourself, plan your route in advance, and reserve more time! Don’t you want to worry about routes, accommodation and meals with the group? Then choose to travel with a group! Traveling with a group not only saves worry and effort, but also allows you to enjoy the beauty and characteristic culture of Zoige in 3-4 days, which is safe and convenient.
