"Snow mountains to the left, flower seas to the right, I stand on the clouds and crush spring"

Western Sichuan is renowned for its magnificent snow-capped mountains, vast grasslands, Tibetan culture, and unique plateau scenery, making it a dream destination for many travelers. Below is a detailed travel guide for Western Sichuan in 2025, covering itinerary planning, essential items, food recommendations, and travel tips. --- ## **1. Recommended Itineraries** ### **1. Six Days and Five Nights Western Sichuan Loop (Daocheng Yading + Siguniang Mountain + Xinduqiao)** - **Day 1: Arrive in Chengdu** - Arrive in Chengdu and check in to your hotel. Staying near Chunxi Road is recommended for acclimatizing to the plateau environment. - **Day 2: Chengdu → Siguniang Mountain → Danba** - Visit Shuangqiao Valley and Changping Valley. Stay overnight at a Tibetan homestay in Danba. - **Day 3: Danba → Xinduqiao → Daocheng Yading** - Pass through Tagong Grassland and Tianlu Eighteen Bends. Stay overnight in Yading Village. - **Day 4: Daocheng Yading Long Line Day Trip** - Hike to Milk Lake and Five-Color Lake, and admire the snow-capped mountains and lakes. - **Day 5: Daocheng Yading → Litang → Xinduqiao** - Visit Letong Ancient Town and experience Tibetan culture. - **Day 6: Xinduqiao → Honghaizi → Chengdu** - Enjoy the scenery of Honghaizi Lake along the way and return to Chengdu. ### **2. Five Days and Four Nights Highlights Route (Siguniang Mountain + Bipenggou + Dagu Glacier + Jiuzhaigou)** - **Day 1: Chengdu → Siguniang Mountain** - Visit Shuangqiao Valley and stay overnight in a Tibetan-style homestay. - **Day 2: Siguniang Mountain → Bipenggou** - Admire the alpine meadows and ice waterfall landscapes. - **Day 3: Bipenggou → Dagu Glacier** - Experience glacier hiking and stay overnight in Heishui County. - **Day 4: Dagu Glacier → Jiuzhaigou** - Visit the Five Flower Lake and waterfalls in Jiuzhaigou. - **Day 5: Jiuzhaigou → Huanglong → Chengdu** - Visit the Huanglong travertine pools and return to Chengdu. ### **3. Four Days and Three Nights Short Trip (Siguniang Mountain + Jiaju Tibetan Village)** - **Day 1: Chengdu → Siguniang Mountain** - **Day 2: Full Day at Siguniang Mountain (Shuangqiao Valley + Jiaju Tibetan Village)** - **Day 3: Free time in Jiaju Tibetan Village** - **Day 4: Jiaju Tibetan Village → Chengdu** --- ## **2. Essential Items Checklist** 1. **Documents**: ID card, student ID (discounts available at some attractions). 2. **Clothing**: Down jacket, windbreaker, thermal underwear, waterproof shoes (large temperature difference between day and night). 3. **Sun protection**: Sunscreen (50+ SPF), sunglasses, hat (strong ultraviolet rays on the plateau). 4. **Medicine**: Rhodiola (to prevent altitude sickness), cold medicine, motion sickness medicine, glucose. 5. **Electronic devices**: Camera, power bank, car charger. 6. **Other**: Trekking poles, portable raincoat, thermos. --- ## **3. Western Sichuan Food Recommendations** - **Yak Hot Pot**: A Tibetan specialty with delicious meat. - **Butter Tea**: Traditional Tibetan drink, warms the body and refreshes the mind. - **Tsampa**: Unique taste, best paired with butter tea. - **Stone Pot Chicken**: Jiaju Tibetan Village specialty, delicious soup and tender chicken. - **Ya'an Spicy Fish**: Spicy, fragrant, and tender fish. --- ## **4. Travel Tips and Precautions** 1. **Altitude Sickness**: - Take Rhodiola in advance, avoid strenuous exercise, and carry an oxygen bottle. 2. **Transportation**: - Road conditions in Western Sichuan are complex. Chartering a car or joining a tour group is recommended. Self-driving is not recommended for novice drivers. 3. **Weather Changes**: - The plateau weather is changeable, so be prepared with windproof and rainproof gear. 4. **Respect Local Culture**: - Avoid taking photos at will when entering Tibetan areas and respect religious customs. 5. **Eco-friendly Travel**: - Do not litter and protect the natural environment. --- ## **5. Cost Reference** - **Six days and five nights**: Approx. CNY 1,600 per person (including transportation, accommodation, and entrance fees). - **Five days and four nights**: Approx. CNY 1,500 per person. - **Four days and three nights**: Approx. CNY 1,200 per person. Every scene in Western Sichuan is breathtaking, whether it's the snow-capped mountains, grasslands, or Tibetan culture, all are worth experiencing in depth. Plan ahead, bring essential items, and embark on an unforgettable plateau journey!