Sichuan Travel|Come to Jiuhuang Mountain in Mianyang for a Winter Date
Jiuhuang Mountain, a 4A-level scenic area located in Beichuan, Mianyang, Sichuan, is only 170 kilometers from Chengdu. It is a Qiang culture treasure trove and a natural wonder hidden deep in the Longmen Mountains🌄. Enjoy magnolia blossoms in spring, escape the summer heat, admire red leaves in autumn, and play in the ice and snow in winter. Each season offers surprises, especially the winter ice and snow world and high mountain hot springs♨️, which are truly unforgettable. This 1000-word guide will help you unlock all the highlights of Jiuhuang Mountain!
🚗 Transportation Guide|Easily Reach the Cloud Secret Realm
Self-driving: Navigate to "Jiuhuang Mountain Scenic Area." From Chengdu, take the Jingkun Expressway, about 2.5 hours direct. The scenic area has a large parking lot, parking fee is 20 RMB/day.
Public Transport: Buses to Pingwu direction depart from Chengdu Zhaojue Temple / Chadianzi Bus Station, Mianyang Pingzheng Bus Station, and Jiangyou Passenger Station, passing through Jiuhuang Mountain. Ticket prices are about 55 RMB from Chengdu, 20 RMB from Mianyang, and 7 RMB from Jiangyou.
Scenic Area Transport: Cable cars are required between core attractions. It is recommended to buy a package ticket (entrance + cable car valid for 3 days, children under 1.3 meters free of charge and cable car). Great value for money!
🏨 Accommodation Recommendations|Immersive Qiang Village Experience
Xiqiang Hotel: Located next to Qiang Square in Qianshan, decorated in Qiang style, within walking distance to hot springs and the Salang evening show. Fully equipped, suitable for families and groups.
Qiangqingyuan Villa: A detached villa deep in the back mountain, with snow views from the window and starry skies at night🌌, perfect for couples and privacy seekers.
Yunzhong Farm Camping: Summer only! Pitch tents on alpine meadows, wake up to birdsong, and enjoy the sea of clouds and sunrise🌅.
🗺️ Two-Day One-Night Highlight Route|Qianshan Adventure + Houshan Qiang Exploration
Day 1: Qianshan Challenge・First Experience of the Cloud Secret Realm🌤️
Morning: After arriving, take the Yunzhong Qiang Village cable car (15 minutes) to Xiqiang Square to feel the strong Qiang ethnic atmosphere. Walk to the Xianshan Platform (zipline optional to save effort), check in at the glass bridge—at 2800 meters altitude, it has the largest single glass panel in the province, with a deep abyss below, thrilling and breathtaking!
Afternoon: Cross the Lover’s Bridge (cloud iron chain bridge named after the love story of the Ape King and Fairy, a must-visit for couples💑), explore Ape King Cave— a rare high mountain karst cave group in Southwest China, with dreamlike sights such as the "Pearl White Jade Tower" and "Yaochi Dongtian." Remember to bring a jacket; the cave is 18°C year-round. Challenge the cliff swing and cloud walk (hollow cable bridge) for an adrenaline rush!
Evening: Return to Xiqiang Square, soak in the high mountain hot springs♨️ to wash away fatigue. Join the Salang evening show, dance the Salang dance around the bonfire with Qiang people, taste roasted lamb and Zaji wine, and experience authentic Qiang culture.
Day 2: Houshan Qiang Exploration・Winter Ice and Snow Fairy Tale World❄️
Morning: Take the Qiangqingyuan cable car to the back mountain, stroll along the Erma Ancient Trail, check in at the glass plank road, admire the sacred forest and the first Qiang watchtower—climb to the top for a panoramic mountain view, feeling the grandeur of "all mountains beneath." Experience Qiang intangible cultural heritage at Qiangqingyuan: Qiang embroidery, Qiang flute making, learn some Qiang language, and feel the wisdom of this ancient ethnic group.
Noon: Taste authentic Qiang cuisine at Qiangqingyuan—Xiqiang old cured meat (wild boar raised in the mountains, rich but not greasy), steamed corn cakes (sweet and soft), and potato rice cakes, warming both heart and stomach.
Afternoon: Winter-only ski park opens! Beginner slopes for novices, intermediate slopes for skill challenges, plus snow hot pot, snowmobiles, and more. Enjoy snow fun and photography📸. Take a sightseeing bus to Yunzhong Farm, check in at the popular swing and sky mirror, snap stunning photos, and enjoy fruit picking (summer only).
Return: Take the cable car down the mountain, ending an unforgettable Jiuhuang Mountain trip.
🍢 Food Guide|Qiang Ethnic Flavors on Your Tongue
Xiqiang Old Cured Meat: Wild boar raised in the mountains, smoked with cypress branches, firm texture, rich aroma, delicious steamed, fried, or stewed.
Steamed Corn Cake: Made from ground corn, eaten with chili sauce, a unique blend of sweet and spicy flavors that lingers.
Potato Rice Cake: Traditional Qiang food, made by steaming and pounding potatoes, chewy and elastic, perfect with pickled vegetable soup!
Zaji Wine: Qiang hospitality wine, drunk through a straw from a wine jar, mellow flavor symbolizing "unity and harmony."
💡 Practical Tips|Safe and Smooth Travel
Best Season: Winter (Dec-Feb) for ice and snow + hot springs, summer (Jun-Aug) for cool escape + caves, spring (Mar-Apr) for magnolia blossoms, autumn (Oct-Nov) for red leaves🍁.
Clothing Advice: Scenic area altitude 2000-3000 meters, large temperature difference. In winter, wear windproof warm jackets + non-slip shoes; in summer, bring light jackets + sun protection.
Duration: Two days and one night is best to fully experience both Qianshan and Houshan highlights without rushing.
Notes: Plank roads can be slippery, be careful; caves are dimly lit, watch your step; respect Qiang customs, follow staff instructions during the Salang evening show.
Jiuhuang Mountain offers not only magnificent natural scenery but also profound Qiang cultural heritage. Here, you can challenge yourself or slow down to enjoy the tranquility and warmth of the cloud Qiang village❤️. Quickly gather your family and friends for a spontaneous Jiuhuang Mountain trip!
Community Creation Center Benefits Guide Dandan