川西，离天空最近的地方
Western Sichuan is a highland sanctuary blessed by snow-capped peaks. Here, towering mountains rise majestically—Mount Gongga stands like a sword, while Yangmai Yong stands serene. Snow-capped summits reflect in the crystal-clear sacred lakes, as if divine wonders descended to earth. Vast grasslands undulate with the wind, deep gorges wind through dense forests, and the changing seasons paint a magnificent panorama: Spring blankets the mountains with wildflowers, summer whispers with babbling streams, autumn paints forests in vibrant hues, and winter drapes the land in pristine white.
Beyond being a natural sanctuary, it is also a cultural haven—where smoke curls from the kitchens of Danba’s Tibetan villages, the red roofs of Serta’s Buddhist kingdom stretch endlessly, and the golden roof of Tagong Monastery shines with the light of faith. This is the place closest to the sky, and the distant land where the soul finds peace.
Whether you seek the ultimate trek through Daocheng Yading, lose yourself in the shifting light and shadow of Xinduqiao, or explore hidden villages, Western Sichuan consistently awakens your deepest reverence and love for its mountains and rivers through its pristine beauty and majestic grandeur.
- Exploring Cuopu Valley: Wandering Zhangde Grasslands
- The Land of a Thousand Watchtowers: Danba Tibetan Village
- Bipeng Valley: Sichuan’s Hidden “Little Switzerland”
- Mount Gongga: The King of Shu Mountains, a lifetime must-see.
- Ruoergai Grassland: every breath by Flower Lake feels like poetry.
- Siguniang Mountain: Explore the Snow Mountain Secret Realm
- Daocheng Yading: The Last Pure Land on the Blue Planet
- Moshi Park: China’s only plateau stone forest
- Seda: A place where there is a lack of oxygen but no lack of faith
Western Sichuan refers to the plateau region in western Sichuan Province, primarily encompassing most areas of the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. Located on the southeastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, it has an average elevation exceeding 3,000 meters.：
- Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture：Kangding, Xinduqiao, Daocheng Yading, Litang, Batang, Serta, Tagong, Danba, Luding, etc.；
- Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture：Mount Siguniang, Markam, Jinchuan, Rangtang, Hongyuan, Ruoergai, etc.
This is the heartland traversed by China’s most scenic highways—National Highway G318 and National Highway G317—and also serves as a vital corridor connecting Tibet and Qinghai.
- Familiarize yourself with altitude sickness and its countermeasures in advance;
- Avoid strenuous exercise or alcohol consumption; focus on acclimatization during the first two days;
- Bring sunscreen, moisturizer, and warm clothing;
- Respect local Tibetan customs—refrain from photographing monasteries, prayer flags, or sky burial sites without permission;
- Choose reputable travel agencies or experienced guides to ensure safety.
Spring (March–May): Temperatures rise, meadows turn green again, and wildflowers bloom, making it ideal for photography and hiking.
Summer (June–August): The plateau climate is cool, perfect for escaping the heat, but be aware of frequent rainfall and potential mudslide risks on some routes.
Autumn (September–November): Vibrant autumn colors, especially in places like Daocheng Yading and Xinduqiao, create picturesque scenery—the prime viewing season.
Winter (December–February): Some scenic areas may close due to weather conditions, but snowy landscapes offer a unique charm, making it ideal for skiing enthusiasts.
Below are several of the most popular loop routes in Western Sichuan, covering natural landscapes, cultural heritage, and hidden gems. These itineraries cater to different travel durations and interests:
🌟 1. Western Sichuan Mini Loop (4-5 Days) | Beginner-Friendly, Essential First Experience
Route: Chengdu → Siguniang Mountain → Danba Tibetan Village → Tagong Grassland → Xinduqiao → Kangding → Chengdu
Highlights: Snow-capped mountains, Tibetan villages, grasslands, and a photographer’s paradise all in one trip. Relaxed itinerary ideal for first-time visitors to the plateau.
Recommended Season: May–October
🌟 2. West Sichuan Grand Loop (7-8 Days) | Scenic Beauty + Cultural Heritage All-Inclusive
Route: Chengdu → Kangding → Xinduqiao → Litang → Daocheng Yading → Xiangcheng → Maerkang → Siguniang Mountain → Chengdu
Highlights: Spanning the two major Tibetan regions of Ganzi and Aba, this route connects core attractions including Daocheng Yading, Litang (the “World’s Highest City”), Tagong Monastery, and the ancient watchtower clusters of Suopo. It stands as the most classic loop route in western Sichuan.
Recommended Season: June–November
🌟 3. G318 Sichuan-Tibet Southern Route (5-6 Day Section) | China’s Scenic Highway
Route: Chengdu → Kangding → Xinduqiao → Yajiang → Litang → Daocheng Yading (return flight to Chengdu available)
Highlights: The quintessential stretch of the G318 Highway, hailed as a “must-drive journey in a lifetime.” Densely packed with snow-capped mountains, lakes, and gorges, it’s a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Recommended Season: May–October
🌟 4. G317 Sichuan-Tibet Northern Route (6-7 Days) | A Pilgrimage Through Tibetan Culture
Route: Chengdu → Yingxiu → Danba → Daofu → Luhuo → Serta Five Sciences Buddhist College → Markam → Lizhou → Chengdu
Highlights: Delve into the heartland of Tibetan Buddhism, visiting cultural sites like Serta’s Red Monastery, Wengda Sky Burial Ground, and Derge Printing House. Ideal for travelers fascinated by Tibetan culture.
Recommended Season: May–September
🌟 5. Jiuzhaigou Loop Tour (5-6 Days) | Fairy-Tale Wonderland + Tibetan Highland Charm
Route: Chengdu → Wenchuan → Songpan Ancient Town → Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area → Huanglong → Ruoergai Grassland → Hongyuan → Chengdu
Highlights: Combines the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Jiuzhaigou (rainbow lakes) and Huanglong (terracotta pools) with the wetlands of Ruoergai Grassland. Experience Tibetan and Qiang ethnic cultures along the way. Ideal for family trips and photography enthusiasts.
Recommended Seasons: Autumn (late September–October) for peak foliage; Summer (July–August) for abundant water flow.
🌟 6. Gengye Sacred Mountain Loop (6-8 Days) | The Last Shangri-La Secret
Route: Chengdu → Litang → Meandering River Valley → South Route of Genie (crossing Haizi Mountain and Hupiba) → Genie Sacred Mountain → Gaba Temple → Batang → Return or connect to G318
Highlights: Dubbed “China’s most challenging yet most beautiful” off-road secret realm, offering panoramic views of three sacred mountains (Genye, Gela, Xiaoza) along the way. Grasslands, snow-capped peaks, flower fields, and temples intertwine, perfect for seasoned self-drive enthusiasts and adventure seekers.
Recommended Season: Mid-June to early September (when roads are passable)
🌟 7. Ultimate Off-Road Loop (9-12 Days) | The Ultimate Western Sichuan Challenge
Combination Route: Departing from Chengdu, this mega-loop connects the G318 South Route + Genie Loop + G317 North Route + Ruoergai Grassland, passing through Daocheng Yading, Litang, Genie, Serta, Nianbaoyuze (if open), and the First Bend of the Yellow River’s Nine Turns.
Highlights: A single journey covering all the highlights of Western Sichuan, blending breathtaking landscapes with rich cultural experiences. Ideal for experienced off-road teams.
Recommended Season: July–September
Air: Fly to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport or Kangding Airport, then transfer to a coach or chartered vehicle to reach your destination.
Train: Chengdu Railway Station is served by multiple rail lines, offering convenient and swift access. Upon arrival, you may rent a car or join a tour group.
Self-drive: Depart from Chengdu and travel along National Highway G318 or G317 toward Western Sichuan. The scenic route is ideal for road trips.
Public Transportation: Public transportation in western Sichuan is relatively inconvenient. We recommend chartering a vehicle or joining a tour group. Some remote scenic areas require hiking or taking local minibuses.
Self-Driving: We recommend choosing an off-road vehicle or SUV. Road conditions are complex, and extra caution is required during the rainy season. Some areas lack mobile phone signal, so we advise downloading offline maps.
- Yak meat: A highland specialty, known for its tender and flavorful texture, commonly used in hot pot and stews.
- Tsampa: A traditional Tibetan staple food made from roasted barley flour, rich in nutrients.
- Butter tea: An essential high-altitude beverage that helps alleviate altitude sickness with its rich, full-bodied taste.
- Barley wine: A distinctive Tibetan alcoholic beverage with a low alcohol content and unique flavor profile.
Western Sichuan boasts abundant natural landscapes, making it ideal for families to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor activities.
Destinations like Daocheng Yading and Xinduqiao are child-friendly, offering a variety of interactive experiences.
We recommend choosing a relaxed itinerary and avoiding overly strenuous hikes or climbs.
Daocheng Yading: A sacred lake and grasslands embraced by three sacred mountains, breathtakingly magnificent.
Xinduqiao: A paradise for photography enthusiasts, where light and shadow play endlessly.
Tagong Grasslands: The distant Yala Snow Mountain and the mani stones scattered across the grasslands create a striking contrast, exuding artistic charm.
Seda Five Sciences Buddhist College: The vivid red monastic buildings stand in stark contrast against the azure sky and white clouds, creating a profoundly moving sight.
Featured Guesthouses: Tibetan-style guesthouses within Tibetan villages offer rich ethnic charm and an immersive experience.
Campgrounds: Some scenic areas provide camping services, ideal for nature-loving travelers, though visitors should be mindful of the challenges posed by the high-altitude environment.
Star-Rated Hotels: Multiple high-standard hotels are available in major cities and near scenic areas, featuring comprehensive facilities and attentive service.