Aba Prefecture Travel Guide 2026: Top Attractions, Local Food & Travel Tips | Trip.com

Jiuzhaigou is beautiful! The blue of Jiuzhaigou is absolutely stunning 🌸 Huanglong's Five-Colored Pool is truly beautiful ☘️ #On May 18th, I flew to Chengdu, then transferred to the high-speed train to Huanglong Station. I stayed one night. The next day, I hired a car to visit Huanglong's Five-Colored Pool and Jiuzhaigou.

_TI***un󱱹1

Step into Bipenggou in Western Sichuan for a rendezvous with snow-capped mountains and colorful forests

Golden larches carpet the valley, and towering snow-capped peaks stand against the horizon. Crystal-clear alpine lakes reflect the silhouettes of the mountains, while the wind echoes softly through the forest. The cool highland breeze carries the scent of pine needles, washing away the restlessness of city life. Look up to see a tapestry of snow-capped mountains interwoven with colorful forests—pure healing. 📍 Aba · Bipenggou Scenic Area When you come to Bipenggou, do you prefer strolling along the lakes or hiking deep into the colorful forests?

SereneMatrix9

Finally, I understand why this place is called the "Oriental Magic World"!

Lianbao Yeze in October is the most underrated and breathtaking hidden gem in Western Sichuan during late autumn 🏔️ The core attraction, Zhagaer Cuo alpine lake, is clear and serene, with crystal-clear water reflecting the jagged peaks. Every shot is wallpaper-worthy 📸 The plateau weather is unpredictable, with clouds and mist rolling over the mountainsides at any moment. Sometimes it's clear and bright, other times it's ethereal and misty—every frame is a different magical landscape. It's absolutely stunning! ✨ ✅ Road conditions: The drive from Aba County is easy the whole way. Sedans can drive directly to the park, and self-driving into the park is allowed 🚗 ✅ Best time to visit: Enter the park in the morning! It gets foggy in the afternoon, which can obscure the panoramic views of the peaks ⏰ ✅ Must-visit spots: 4520 Observation Deck, Zhagaer Cuo Sacred Lake, and the autumn Cypress Forest 🙌 👗 Outfit suggestions It's freezing on the plateau in late autumn! Be sure to wear a thick, windproof jacket 🧥 Dark, solid-colored outfits look great against the mountain rocks and autumn scenery—sophisticated and photogenic! ⚠️ Travel tips The altitude is over 4,000 meters, so walk slowly and avoid strenuous exercise. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and oxygen. The temperature difference between day and night is huge, so stay warm! Escape the crowds and come to Lianbao Yeze in Aba for a unique, magical autumn mountain getaway in Western Sichuan ✨

LilyBakerME

Jiuzhaigou | The water is blue, unreasonably blue For some places, you might suspect the photos have filters. There is no need to doubt Jiuzhaigou. It tunes the blues and greens to a

Jiuzhaigou | The water is blue, unreasonably blue For some places, you might suspect the photos have filters. There is no need to doubt Jiuzhaigou. It tunes the blues and greens to a concentration visible to the naked eye, then tells you: this is real. First, here are three moments that made me stand still and forget to take out my phone. 💧 Five Flower Lake. From 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM, the sunlight hits at an angle, and the calcified dead wood at the bottom of the lake is clearly visible. The blue seeps into the green, and the green fades into transparency. Looking down from Tiger Mouth, the entire lake looks like a peacock spreading its tail, but you cannot capture it. Photos don't do it justice. 💧 Mirror Lake. Before 8:00 AM, there is no wind. The water surface is as flat as a piece of polished glass, and the reflection of the mountains is perfectly imprinted in the water, making it impossible to tell which side is up. It only lasts for that half hour. Once the wind picks up later, the mirror shatters. 💧 Pearl Shoal Waterfall. This is the location of the opening scene of the 1986 version of "Journey to the West." The water rolls down the calcified shoal and shatters into countless beads. Standing on the boardwalk, the mist hits your face, a refreshing chill that makes you shiver. 🗺️ Route, Y-shaped, go from top to bottom Jiuzhaigou consists of three valleys in a Y-shape. The sightseeing bus is a must, so don't try to save money here. The core logic is simple: take the bus to the top, then walk down. Spend your energy on looking at the water, not on climbing. In the morning, enter the valley and head to Rize Valley (right line) first. Take the bus directly to Arrow Bamboo Lake, then walk down to Panda Lake, Five Flower Lake, and Pearl Shoal Waterfall. Save enough time for Five Flower Lake; this is the place in the entire valley most worth standing still for. At noon, transfer at Nuorilang Center and eat the packed food you brought or simple supplies. Don't spend too much time here. The afternoon light is waiting for you. In the afternoon, walk through Zechawa Valley (left line). Long Lake is the largest lake in Jiuzhaigou; it is open, quiet, and faces snow-capped mountains. Walk for 15 minutes to Five Color Pool. It is small, but its color is the most unreasonable, as if someone poured a whole tube of paint into it. On your way out, follow Shuzheng Valley. Nuorilang Waterfall is wide and loud; you have to shout to be heard when standing in front of it. Shuzheng Lakes stack down one after another. If you still have energy, get off the bus and walk along the boardwalk for a while; if you don't, sit on the bus and watch quietly, and it will still be worth it. 🍲 After exiting the valley, your stomach needs something hot Yak beef hot pot. The broth is made from boiled bones. It is rich but not greasy. The yak beef is stewed until it falls apart at the touch of a chopstick. Dip it in a little dry dipping sauce, and you will be pulled back from that chilly state on the mountain. Look for potato mochi at the small stalls at the entrance of the village. The highland potatoes are pounded until soft, sticky, and stretchy, then topped with pickled vegetable soup and chili oil. The sour and spicy flavor hits you all at once, which is more satisfying than any souvenir. You might not be used to butter tea the first time you drink it. Pour a little bit first, and pair it with a bite of highland barley cake; the salty and savory flavor will go down smoothly. ⚠️ A few non-negotiable truths Book your attraction tickets in advance; there are no ticket windows on-site. During peak season, book three to seven days in advance. This is not a suggestion, it is a must. Do not wear pure cotton. Wear a quick-drying base layer, a fleece, and a windproof jacket. The temperature difference between the mountain and the valley is over 10 degrees. Take off layers when you get hot walking on the boardwalk, and put them back on immediately when you stop. The altitude is between 2,000 and 3,100 meters. It is not very high, but you will be out of breath walking along the Long Lake section. Go slowly, and do not run or jump. The only place to get a proper meal in the valley is Nuorilang Center, which is expensive and requires queuing. Stuff two chocolate bars in your bag; they are more useful than anything else. One last sentence: Your camera can only capture 10% of the water in Jiuzhaigou. For the rest, you have to stand there and take it in with your eyes. Jiuzhaigou isn't responsible for your "check-ins." It is responsible for making you stand in front of a lake, suddenly not knowing what to say, and not wanting to say anything at all. When the wind passes, the water surface ripples, then flattens again. You leave, but it stays there, blue.

ThrillSeeker#

The romantic autumn scenery of Bipenggou is legendary

You must visit Bipenggou at least once in autumn😭 Other places only have autumn, but here you get a mix of autumn and winter! The mountainside is filled with golden forests, while the peaks are covered in snow The lake is crystal clear; every photo looks like an oil painting📸 🚗Getting there About 3 hours from Chengdu. Road conditions are good (but expect traffic jams on weekends!!!) If you don't want to drive, you can buy tickets directly on the Tianfuxing mini-program for CNY 110/person 🎫Entry essentials Admission is CNY 140/person (required). The round-trip sightseeing bus is CNY 60/person (recommended, depending on your fitness) The scenic area is quite large, and walking the whole way will really tire you out💨 There are two sections for the sightseeing bus; just follow the route The core scenery is all in the first half, so don't head back too early! 📸Must-visit photo spots 🍁Panyang Lake (Top 1 must-visit) The star attraction of Bipenggou! Snow-capped mountains, colorful forests, and the lake all in one frame The wooden boardwalk is perfect for photos, creating an incredible atmosphere—no editing needed🔥 🍁Longwanghai The lake surface is super calm, and the reflection of the mountains and water is stunning It's perfect for taking your time to take photos or just zoning out (I arrived at Longwanghai at 8:30 AM, and there was fog) If you take the electric cart, try to sit in the first or last row for an amazing view👀 👗Autumn outfits & temperature It's really cold in autumn! The temperature difference is huge❄️ It's warm at noon when the sun is out, but the wind is strong and cold Recommendation: Windbreaker/light down jacket + comfortable sneakers ⚠️Helpful tips to avoid pitfalls 1. Mild altitude sickness! Walk slowly the whole time, don't run or jump, and have warm water ready 2. The UV rays are very strong! Be sure to bring sunglasses and sunscreen 3. Prices in the scenic area are on the higher side, so it's recommended to bring your own food 4. Try to start early! The crowds surge in the afternoon, making it hard to take photos (Oxygen bottles are CNY 15 each at the entrance and CNY 35 each inside the scenic area) Golden forests as far as the eye can see, accompanied by snow-capped mountains This is exactly what autumn in Western Sichuan should look like🍂 Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and get completely healed by nature here~ Gear: Nikon Z30➕Viltrox 25f1.7

Leo654~Foster

I thought visiting Mount Siguniang was just about checking off snow-capped mountains...

It wasn't until I actually stayed here and slowed down that I realized the most beautiful scenery in Western Sichuan isn't in the tourist spots you rush to, but in the first rays of morning light on the snowy peaks, the quiet, starry sky at night, and the slow breeze in the mountains. This time, I specifically planned a relaxed itinerary—no frantic rushing, just focusing on taking in the mountains, clearing my mind, and healing myself. 📅 My itinerary Day 1: Drive from Chengdu to Mount Siguniang The drive takes about 4 hours, and the road conditions are decent. Important! Don't overexert yourself on the first day; prioritize acclimatizing to the altitude. If you have time in the evening, head over to Maobiliang. If you're lucky, you can catch the sunset over the snow-capped mountains. 🏨 About accommodation I specifically booked a room facing Yaomei Peak with a large floor-to-ceiling window. I could lie in bed and wait for the golden sunrise over the snow-capped peaks 🌅 I was really lucky—I actually saw it! The terrace has an open, unobstructed view. Many people get up early to wait on the terrace for the golden sunrise; the photos turn out amazing, with a wider perspective than just staying in the room. The room is spacious, with a simple and comfortable interior design. It's quiet in the mountains at night with almost no light pollution, so you can see a sky full of stars just by looking up. It gets really cold at night on the plateau, but the room has constant underfloor heating and oxygen supply, which helps relieve the discomfort of not being able to sleep at high altitudes. Since it's inside the Changping Valley scenic area, I didn't have to rush early the next day to enter the park, saving a lot of hassle. Day 2: Light hike in Changping Valley, then return For most people, there's really no need to hike the entire Changping Valley! Take the sightseeing bus to Lama Temple and walk to Kushutan (Dead Tree Beach) before turning back—that's enough. It's about a 2-hour round trip, with pristine forests and streams that look great in photos. After resting, take your time driving back to Chengdu—no need to rush at night. ⚠️ Tips from someone who's been there 1. Avoid strenuous activity when you first arrive at the plateau to prevent altitude sickness 2. Haizi Valley is mainly for hiking; beginners should be cautious 3. There's a huge temperature difference between day and night; a thick, windproof jacket is a must 4. The weather in the mountains is changeable; bring sunscreen and rain gear

Grace.Butler.59

I thought Changlie Temple, known as the "Palace in the Clouds," was already stunning, but seeing it in person... it's just breathtaking.

It really didn't disappoint; the Palace in the Clouds is truly magnificent! If you're driving through Western Sichuan and passing through Barkam, don't miss Changlie Temple! It's often called the "Palace in the Clouds," and that's no exaggeration—you have to see it for yourself to truly appreciate how awe-inspiring it is.✨ ✅ Key Highlights Located on the ridge of Changlie Mountain at an altitude of 3,400m, and it's free to visit! Cars can drive directly to the summit, making it very accessible.🚗 ▫️ Dragon-coiled White Jade Pillar Corridor | The best spot for photos.📸 The corridor offers a view overlooking the valley, and on a sunny day, the atmosphere is divine. ▫️ Gilded Main Sutra Hall | With its gold-leaf dome and exquisite murals, the architectural beauty is incredible—every angle is a masterpiece. ▫️ Summit Observation Deck | Overlook the entire city of Barkam. You can catch the sea of clouds, sunsets, and evening glow here.🌄 ▫️ Prayer flags, white pagodas, and meadows—every snapshot is a healing scene.🌿 Many people ask, why is it called the "Palace in the Clouds"? Because the temple stands alone on the ridge. When the clouds and mist roll in, the red walls and golden roofs seem to float above the sea of clouds, as if detached from the mortal world.☁️ It is also a very important sacred site in Barkam—quiet, solemn, with very little commercialization, and a perfect atmosphere. 📌 Travel Tips ▪️ Attire: Wear plain-colored clothing. Avoid exposing shoulders, shorts, or short skirts to show respect for temple etiquette. ▪️ High Altitude: The temperature difference at the summit is significant, and it can be very windy. Be sure to bring a windbreaker and avoid running or jumping.🧥 ▪️ Etiquette: Photography is prohibited inside the halls. Do not take photos of monks. Walk clockwise when circling the pagoda or turning prayer wheels. ▪️ Best Time: The light is soft in the morning, and the evening is perfect for waiting for the sunset.🌇 Add this to your Western Sichuan loop route through Jinchuan and Barkam for a perfect stop along the way.~

Addison Hayes Claire-96

The most beautiful time of the year! The colorful forests are at their peak; if you miss it, you'll have to wait until next year.

🗺️ Itinerary · Day 1: Depart from Kunming, arrive at the Jiuzhaigou entrance, and check into your hotel. · Day 2: Full day exploring Jiuzhaigou in depth. · Day 3: Optional morning visit to Huanglong Scenic Area, then return to Kunming.   🚄 Transportation Guide (from Kunming) High-speed rail (cost-effective, recommended) This is currently the most popular and convenient way to travel. · Outbound: Take the D280 high-speed train from Kunming Station, departing at 7:59 AM and arriving at Huanglongjiuzhai Station at 6:27 PM. The total journey takes about 10.5 hours. · Transfer: After arriving at Huanglongjiuzhai Station, there are direct shuttle buses to the Jiuzhaigou entrance right outside the exit. The ride takes about 1.5–2 hours. You can also carpool or take a taxi to your accommodation. · Return: Take the D279 high-speed train from Huanglongjiuzhai Station, departing at 11:43 AM and arriving back in Kunming at 9:44 PM. 🏨 Accommodation & Dining · Accommodation: We recommend staying in Zhangzha Town at the Jiuzhaigou entrance. There are many hotels and guesthouses here, making it convenient for dining and shopping. You can reach the park entrance on foot or by a short taxi ride. · Dining: Try local specialties like yak meat hot pot, highland barley pancakes, and butter tea.   🍁 Jiuzhaigou Park Guide Ticket Information · Season: It is currently peak season (Nov 4), which runs from Apr 1 to Nov 15. · Price: Admission ticket CNY 190/person + sightseeing bus ticket CNY 90/person = CNY 280/person. · Booking: Be sure to book in advance via the official mini-program "Jiuzhaigou Tourism Official Platform" using your real name. Tickets are not sold on-site. Route (Classic Y-shaped tour) Jiuzhaigou is shaped like a "Y". We recommend the following route to avoid backtracking: 1. Morning (Right branch): Take the sightseeing bus directly to the top at Long Lake, then head down to visit the Five-Color Pond. 2. Noon (Center): Return to the Nuorilang Center at the center of the "Y". This is where the restaurants are located, and you can have lunch here. 3. Afternoon (Left branch): Take the bus from Nuorilang Center to Five-Flower Lake (widely considered the most beautiful lake), then head down to visit Pearl Shoal Waterfall, Mirror Lake, Rhinoceros Lake, Shuzheng Lakes, etc., before exiting the park at the entrance. Practical Tips · Clothing: As mentioned, there is a large temperature difference between day and night in Jiuzhaigou. We recommend dressing in layers (the "onion" method), such as a long-sleeved T-shirt + a light jacket + a windbreaker, so you can easily adjust. · Footwear: The park is large and requires a lot of walking, so a pair of comfortable, non-slip shoes is essential. · Sun protection: The UV rays are strong in this high-altitude area, so be sure to bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. · Altitude sickness: The altitude in Jiuzhaigou is about 2,000–3,100 meters. Most people do not experience severe altitude sickness, but you should avoid strenuous exercise when you first arrive.

Foster_~Elijah_41

Nov 5: I didn't realize how underprepared my clothes were until I arrived at Bipenggou.

Before leaving, I read guides saying the colorful forests were still there in early November, so I thought autumn clothes plus a light jacket would be enough. I was stunned the moment I got off the bus at the Shanghaizi Service Station. Standing in the sun was fine, but as soon as I hit the windy spots on the boardwalk, the cold wind cut right to the bone. My hands froze after just a few photos. When it snows on the mountain, the temperature drops instantly, and a light jacket just doesn't cut it. ❄️ Real-time scenery 🔸 The colorful forests are at their tail end in early November. Leaves fall and snow starts at a moment's notice, so go early if you want to see them. 🔸 It might still be autumn at the base, but the mountain can turn white overnight. The combination of colorful forests and snow-capped mountains is the highlight during this time. 🔸 The weather changes fast. Expect sunny, cloudy, rainy, or snowy conditions; the forecast is just a reference. 👔 Clothing advice ✔️ Don't skimp on the three-layer rule: quick-dry base layer plus fleece, with a windproof shell or thick down jacket on top. Peel off layers when hot and add them when cold. Don't rely on a light jacket. ✔️ Choose windproof, fleece-lined pants. Bring a hat, scarf, and waterproof gloves. The wind at high altitudes cuts like a knife. ✔️ Wear high-top, non-slip shoes. The boardwalk has fallen leaves and residual snow, so regular sneakers are easy to slip in. ✔️ Bright-colored clothes pop in photos against the snow and colorful forests. White and beige also look great. 🚌 Itinerary 👉 Enter the valley after 8:00 AM and take the bus to Longwanghai. Walk a short loop around the lake to take photos of the reflections, but don't spend too much time here; the scenery gets better further in. 👉 Arrive at Shanghaizi Service Station at 9:30 AM and transfer to the shuttle bus to Panyang Lake. The lake is blue with colorful forests reflected on the shore. It's perfect for portraits. 👉 Take the shuttle bus from Moon Bay to Yanziyan at 11:00 AM. Hike up to Yanziyanwo to take in the views of snow-capped mountains and meadows. Grab a quick bite at the service area for lunch. 👉 Start heading back down slowly after 1:00 PM. Stop at any spots you like along the way. You'll exit the valley around 2:30 PM without feeling rushed or tired. 🎒 Gear list ✔️ Bring a thermos with hot water. A sip in the cold wind will bring you back to life. ✔️ Apply plenty of sunscreen. At altitudes over 2,000 meters, the snow reflects light, and you can get sunburned regardless of the weather. ✔️ Bring some chocolate, beef jerky, and self-heating rice meals. Food options in the scenic area are limited and pricey. ✔️ Keep a raincoat handy; the weather in the mountains changes fast. Bring a power bank, as batteries drain quickly in low temperatures. ⚠️ Travel tips ❶ Enter the valley early. The light is better and it's less crowded in the morning. It gets congested near the entrance around noon when more cars arrive. ❷ Don't run or jump on your first day; walk slowly. If you're worried about altitude sickness, have a bottle of cola or glucose ready. ❸ Don't skip the round-trip shuttle bus ticket. Save your energy for the boardwalk and photos; it's worth more than walking the whole way. ❹ Watch your step on slippery sections of the boardwalk. Don't climb over railings; safety is more important than a good photo. ❺ Choose accommodation near the valley entrance so you can sleep in a bit longer and not waste time on the road.

WorldWandererDiaries#11

Jiuzhaigou | An autumn destination you have to visit, no matter how crowded it is!

It's definitely crowded, but Jiuzhaigou's crowd management is truly impressive 🐮 Besides, for a scenic spot with no real "off-season," you might as well brave the "peak season" and join the crowd 💪 ▲ "Micro-special forces" style: covering 2 routes in 1 day: ★ Around 9:00 AM, queued to enter the valley. Although there were many people, the line moved quite fast (it felt like the tourist army had taken over Jiuzhaigou 😂) ★ Around 10:00 AM, arrived at the right route [Arrow Bamboo Lake] p12.13 (Not enough time, so I skipped the 3 km trail hike down from the Primeval Forest), started heading down 👇 [Five Flower Lake] p1.3.4.5.6.7.11.14 A must-visit in this lifetime! Most of the most colorful scenes in the photos above are from here, and it's also one of the best spots for colorful forests ✨ (Tip: The side facing the sun looks even better ☀️) [Pearl Shoal Waterfall] p9.10 Like pearls falling onto a jade plate, this is a filming location for the 1987 version of "Journey to the West." It looks exceptionally lively and dynamic against the backdrop of the high mountains 💦 [Mirror Lake] The calmer the water, the better it looks, with snow-capped mountains and colorful forests reflected in it. I caught a glimpse from the sightseeing bus when I arrived in the morning, but when I came back, it was windy and didn't look as good 😭 ★ Around 1:00 PM, arrived at Nuorilang Center for lunch (joined the "instant noodle army" sitting on the ground like beggars 🍜. There were even staff members managing the queue for hot water—super efficient 👍) ★ Around 2:00 PM, headed to the left route: [Long Lake] p17 The combination of majestic snow-capped mountains like a Nordic fjord and the deep blue water is stunning 🏔️ [Multi-Colored Lake] p15 Colors that only exist in dreams—how often can you see them in the human world? 💎 ★ Around 4:00 PM, hiked to the boarding point for Multi-Colored Lake p18, returned to the center station, and started exploring: [Nuorilang Waterfall] p2 Silky and satin-like texture, with great sound effects 🎵 To get the panoramic view shown, you have to work hard to climb up to the daunting observation deck in the forest (it took half my life to climb up 😇) ★ At 5:30 PM, finally went to see before closing: [Rhinoceros Lake] p16 Dreamy Tiffany blue 💙 The water is wide, with reflections of the colorful forest—so beautiful it leaves you speechless! ★ At 6:00 PM, caught the last bus out of the valley, ending a fulfilling day—a perfect finish 🎉 PS: Xiaomi 17 + Fuji/Leica filters, absolutely crushed it today 📸🔥

Brown_~Ava