Bipenggou: The “Little Switzerland” Hidden in Western Sichuan

1. Geographical location and basic overview

(1) Geographical location

Bipenggou is located in Saoruogou, Futou Township, Li County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. The average altitude is between 2,500 and 3,600 meters. It is located in the transition zone between the eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Sichuan Basin.

(2) Basic overview

Bibinggou has a total length of about 45 kilometers, a width of about 4 kilometers, a total area of about 180 square kilometers, and a great altitude span, from 2015 meters to 5922 meters, forming a significant vertical climate zone and ecosystem. It borders Wolong Nature Reserve to the east and Si Girl Mountain Scenic Area to the south, which together constitute the ‘Giant Panda Corridor World Heritage Site”. The scenic area is about 198 kilometers away from Chengdu City and about 20 kilometers away from Lixian County. It can be directly reached through Chengguan Expressway, Duwen Expressway and National Highway 317.

2. Core attractions

(1) Geological landscape

Hongshitan: There are large areas of redstone landscape distributed in Bibinggou, especially in Hongshiping, Hongshitan and other areas. The red color of these stones does not come from the rock itself, but because its surface is covered with a kind of aerobic silky green algae called “Jolly orange algae”.. In order to resist strong ultraviolet rays at high altitudes, this algae is rich in astaxanthin (a carotenoid), which gives the stone a bright red color. The red stone and the surrounding snow-capped mountains, forests, and streams together form a unique picture.

Swallow Rock Nest: Swallow Rock Nest is located in the deepest part of Bipenggou, at an altitude of 3,837 meters. It is a semicircular valley (ice bucket) formed by glaciation. It is surrounded by Fork Ditch Glacier, General Peak and Queen Peak on three sides. In summer, the grassland here is vast and the wildflowers are everywhere, making it a close-up viewing.A great location for glaciers and snow peaks, known as the ‘back of the Four Girls Mountain”

Banjiifeng Glacier: Banjiifeng Glacier is about 5,800 meters above sea level. Typical ancient glacial landforms such as horn peaks and ice buckets have developed on the peak. The erosion of the glacier has formed a spectacular U-shaped valley here, showing the majestic momentum of the ancient glacier. Standing at the foot of the glacier, you can see with your own eyes the huge trough valley carved by the glacier movement, as if you can hear the echoes of the ancient ice age.

Dragon King Sea: Regarding the origin of the name Dragon King Sea, there is a moving legend circulating in the local area. According to legend, a long time ago, there was a great drought in the area of Pipenggou. It was a brave hunter who came to the lake and sincerely prayed for rain from the dragon King. In the end, the dragon King was moved to send down rain and save the people. Another saying romantically portrays the story of the encounter between the hunter and the daughter of the dragon King, covering this lake.A layer of mystery

3. Ticket information

(1) Ticket price

• ​Large ticket: From October 1st to November 30th, 2025, the price of individual tickets is 70 yuan/person. In the previous peak season (for example, from July 1st to September 30th), individual tickets were also 70 yuan/person.
• ​Scenic sightseeing bus ticket: the price is 70 yuan/person. This section of transportation is a necessary journey from the gate of the scenic area to the Shanghai sub-service station. Due to the long distance, all tourists need to purchase it.
• ​Battery car ticket (optional): After entering the core tourist area (Shanghai Zi to Yanziyanwo Section), visitors can choose to take a battery car for transportation. Battery cars are charged in segments, 20 yuan per person for one-way and 30 yuan per person for round trips. It is also recommended to purchase a full round-trip ticket for scenic spots to facilitate the tour.

(2) Ticket purchase channels

1. Core channels:Search for and follow officially certified public accounts on WeChat, such as ”Moshi Park Scenic Area“ or ”Daowu Moshi Park’.

Advantages: The official official account will publish the latest ticket prices, preferential policies (such as preferential policies for children, students, the elderly, and the military), and package information, and usually provides the most direct official mini program ticket purchase entrance, which is safe and reliable.

2. Alternative plan:Open apps such as Ctrip, Meituan, and Tongcheng Travel, and search for “Moshi Park” to enter the ticket purchase page.

Advantage: You can clearly see the fare of the day and the preferential prices of different groups of people. There are often platform subsidies or preferential activities, and the price may be lower than the store price. It can be purchased directly online, which is very convenient, and user comments can provide reference

4. Precautions for Touring

(1) Safety protection: responding to geological and weather characteristics

The altitude of the core tourist area of Bibinggou is higher, for example, the altitude of Yanziyanyan Nest reaches about 3,800 meters.

When you first arrive at the plateau, please be sure to slow down all movements and avoid strenuous activities such as running and loud noises to prevent altitude sickness such as headaches and shortness of breath.

It is recommended that you can prepare some high-calorie foods such as chocolate and glucose oral liquid in advance to replenish your strength in time.

Please be sure to visit the designated walking trails and viewing platforms in the scenic area, and never enter unopened areas or dangerous areas without authorization.​​

(2) Tour planning: reasonable arrangement of time and route

1. Arrange time reasonably

Walk from Shanghaizi to Panyang Lake, the distance is about 5 kilometers, about 1-1.5 hours on foot; or walk from Panyang Lake to Swallow Rock Nest, the distance is about 5 kilometers, about 2 hours on foot

Along the way, you can enjoy the scenery of primeval forests and streams in more detail.

2. Tour route

​Scenic area gate → Longwanghai: Take a sightseeing bus for about 10-25 minutes to reach the first main attraction, Longwanghai, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the snow-capped mountains reflected in the lake.

. ​Longwanghai →Shanghaizi Service Station: Continue to take the sightseeing bus for about 30 minutes to reach Shanghaizi. This is a hub for transferring to a battery car and resting.

​Shanghaizi →Panyang Lake: Transfer to the first battery car and arrive at Panyang Lake in about 10-15 minutes. This is one of the largest alpine lakes in Bibinggou. You can enjoy the lake and mountains and the surrounding snow-capped mountains 4514.

​Panyang Lake →Yanyan Rock Nest: Transfer to the second battery car and arrive at Yanyan Rock Nest (about 3800-3900 meters above sea level) in the depths of the scenic area in about 10-15 minutes. This is a great place to enjoy the glacier and snow-capped mountain meadow up close. It is called “the back of Si Girl Mountain” 3513.

Return trip: After the tour is over, take the battery car and sightseeing car back to the gate of the scenic area on the same route.