Complete Travel Guide to Ruoergai: Encounter the Green Paradise of Northwest Sichuan

Ruoergai, a dreamy land located in northwest Sichuan, is renowned for its vast endless grasslands, winding rivers, and mysterious Tibetan Buddhist culture. If you yearn for a trip away from the hustle and bustle to get close to nature, follow this guide to start your exploration of Ruoergai! 1. Best Time to Visit • June to August: Summer in Ruoergai features lush grasslands and blooming flowers, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25°C, cool and pleasant—an ideal time for escaping the heat and enjoying the blossoms. From mid-June to mid-July, wildflowers bloom all over the hills, decorating the grasslands in vibrant colors like a fairy tale world. • September to October: Autumn grasslands are painted in golden hues with colorful forests, offering a unique charm. Fewer tourists visit during this time, allowing you to fully enjoy the tranquil plateau scenery and capture stunning autumn views with your camera. • Winter: Although cold and some scenic spots are closed, snow-covered Ruoergai resembles a winter wonderland. For snow and adventure lovers, it offers a unique experience. However, be sure to prepare well for cold weather if traveling in winter. 2. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Ruoergai Grassland: One of China’s three major wetland grasslands, where vast meadows blend beautifully with blue skies and white clouds. Here, you can ride horses feeling the wind whistle past your ears; set up tents for camping under a dazzling starry sky; or quietly watch the sunrise and sunset on the grassland, immersing yourself in boundless beauty. Re’er Dam is the core area of the grassland, where wildflowers bloom in summer and cattle and sheep graze in herds, resembling a natural pastoral idyll. 2. Flower Lake: A highland wetland lake where, from June to July, the surface is covered with colorful wildflowers like stars scattered across the water. Water birds rest and soar above the lake, adding vitality to this tranquil wetland. Walking along the boardwalk feels like stepping into a painting, with every step revealing a different beautiful scene—every snapshot is a masterpiece. 3. First Bend of the Yellow River: Here, the Yellow River forms a spectacular “S-shaped” big bend. At sunset, golden light reflects on the river’s surface, shimmering beautifully. You can climb the viewing platform or take the escalator to overlook the panorama and fully appreciate this magnificent scenery. 4. Hongyuan Moon Bay: Located in Hongyuan County (neighboring Ruoergai), the river on the grassland meanders like a crescent moon. At dawn and dusk, the light turns the water golden, contrasting with the surrounding grasslands and mountains, creating a breathtaking scene that is a paradise for photographers. 5. Waqie Stupa Forest: A Tibetan Buddhist sacred site with over 80 white stupas and a spectacular array of prayer flags. When the breeze blows, the flags flutter and rustle, as if telling ancient stories. Here, you can feel a strong religious cultural atmosphere. 3. Travel Tips 1. Coping with Altitude Sickness: Ruoergai’s average altitude is 3,500 meters. Upon arrival, avoid strenuous activities like running or jumping. Prepare oxygen bottles and anti-altitude sickness medicine such as Rhodiola in advance. Try not to bathe on the first day to allow your body to adjust. If you experience headaches or difficulty breathing, stay calm, use oxygen if needed, and seek medical help if symptoms worsen. 2. Weather and Clothing: The temperature difference between day and night is huge. Even in summer, bring a windbreaker or down jacket to prevent catching a cold at night. The sun is strong during the day with high UV radiation, so sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats are essential to protect your skin and eyes. 3. Transportation Suggestions: ◦ Self-driving: Depart from Chengdu via National Highways G317 or G213, about an 8-hour drive. The scenery along the way is picturesque, and you can stop anytime to enjoy and take photos. However, be cautious of winding mountain roads, drive carefully, and control your speed. Check your vehicle beforehand and ensure sufficient fuel, as gas stations are sparse in some sections. ◦ Public Transport: There are direct buses from Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station to Ruoergai County, taking about 10 hours, but with limited frequency, so book tickets in advance. After arriving in the county, you can rent a car or take local buses to various scenic spots, though bus schedules are limited and less flexible. 4. Environmental Protection and Customs: Ruoergai’s ecosystem is fragile. Please protect the grasslands by not trampling or littering, keeping the area clean and beautiful. Respect Tibetan customs: remove hats when entering temples, keep quiet, turn prayer wheels clockwise, and do not photograph locals without permission. 4. Recommended Routes 1. Classic 3-day Tour: ◦ Day 1: Chengdu → Wenchuan → Hongyuan (Moon Bay) → Ruoergai County (overnight) ◦ Day 2: Ruoergai Flower Lake → First Bend of the Yellow River (sunset) → Tangke Town (overnight) ◦ Day 3: Tangke → Waqie Stupa Forest → Chuanzhusi → Songpan Ancient Town 2. In-depth 5-day Tour: Connect Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, and Ruoergai to enjoy Ruoergai’s grassland scenery, Jiuzhaigou’s magical waters, and Huanglong’s unique calcified landscapes, experiencing a perfect blend of nature and culture. Suggested itinerary: ◦ Day 1: Chengdu → Jiuzhaigou (overnight near Jiuzhaigou entrance) ◦ Day 2: Full day in Jiuzhaigou (overnight near Jiuzhaigou entrance) ◦ Day 3: Jiuzhaigou → Huanglong → Chuanzhusi (overnight in Chuanzhusi) ◦ Day 4: Chuanzhusi → Ruoergai Flower Lake → First Bend of the Yellow River (sunset) → Tangke Town (overnight) ◦ Day 5: Tangke → Waqie Stupa Forest → Hongyuan Moon Bay → Chengdu 5. Food Recommendations 1. Tibetan Cuisine: Yak meat hotpot is a must-try delicacy, with tender yak meat and rich broth that warms the body and satisfies the appetite; butter tea has a rich flavor, replenishes energy, and helps relieve altitude sickness; tsampa is a traditional Tibetan staple, nutritious and often eaten with butter tea; yogurt is thick, sweet and sour, and tastes even better with some sugar or honey; barley wine has a low alcohol content and fragrant aroma, and drinking moderately lets you experience Tibetan hospitality. 2. Special Experiences: If possible, visit a grassland herder’s home to taste freshly milked yak milk and experience authentic grassland life; hand-pulled mutton is another must-try, with fresh, original flavors that leave a lasting impression. 6. Accommodation Suggestions 1. Ruoergai County: Offers many hotels and guesthouses with a wide range of choices and relatively complete facilities. Prices vary from budget to high-end, meeting different travelers’ needs. Staying here provides convenient living facilities and the chance to explore local night markets and enjoy the lively atmosphere. 2. Tangke Town: Close to the First Bend of the Yellow River, convenient for watching sunset views. Recommended is the Western Pasture Hotel, which has a prime location and comfortable environment. For the best sunset viewing time, staying nearby is advised, but book in advance during peak season. 3. Grassland Tents: In summer, you can experience Tibetan-style tent camps, lying under a starry sky that seems close enough to touch the Milky Way—extremely romantic. However, keep warm as nights on the grassland are cold. Choose reputable tent camps to ensure safety and hygiene. 7. Pitfall Avoidance Guide 1. Tickets: Flower Lake tickets must be purchased together with the sightseeing bus for a total of 120 yuan; the escalator at the First Bend of the Yellow River costs 45 yuan one way. If physically able, walking the boardwalk is free and offers scenic views along the way, so taking the escalator is not mandatory. Check ticket policies and fees in advance to avoid unnecessary expenses. 2. Horse Riding Tips: Prices at roadside horse riding camps vary, generally around 30 to 50 yuan, but many horses are led by handlers. If you want to ride freely, ask beforehand. Choose official stables like the No. 3 camp at Re’er Grassland for better safety. Follow staff instructions during riding and avoid running to prevent accidents. 3. Shopping Tips: Many roadside “beef jerky” sold for a few dozen yuan per jin are actually chicken or duck meat. Buy from reputable stores and carefully check products. When purchasing specialties like dairy products or Tibetan carpets, pay attention to quality and price to avoid being overcharged. 4. Other Tips: Many grassland toilets are dry and often charge a fee. Network signals are weak during holidays, so carry some cash. When herds of cattle or sheep cross the road, do not honk; wait patiently to avoid startling the animals. Prices at scenic spot shops are usually high, so bring your own snacks and drinking water.