[2025 Xiaojin Attraction] Travel Guide for Balang Mountain Pass (Updated Jul)

🏔 Touching the Sea of Clouds at 5,040 Meters While the Chengdu Plain is still shrouded in morning mist, the sea of clouds at Balang Mountain Pass is already rolling. Known as the "Pinnacle of the Panda Kingdom," this snow-capped mountain is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in western Sichuan—offering views of the majestic Siguniang Mountain to the east and the stunning Yaomei Peak (Queen of Sichuan Mountains) to the west, with winding mountain roads snaking like silver ribbons around its slopes. **Best Seasons to Visit:** - **May-June** (Alpine rhododendron blooms) - **September-October** (Autumn foliage) - **November-April** (Snowy wonderland, but check for road closures) 🚗 **The Road Through the Clouds** 1⃣ **Pinnacle of the Panda Kingdom Photo Spot** At 4,481 meters, the pass marker is a must-visit—don’t forget a photo with the adorable panda sculpture. At dawn, cloud waterfalls often cascade down the ravines, creating a fairy-tale scene (but bundle up—it’s windy!). 2⃣ **Fritillaria Meadow Viewpoint** A perfect mid-mountain rest stop. In summer, wildflowers blanket the area, and you might spot curious marmots poking their heads out. Local Tibetans sell freshly grilled yak skewers here, spiced with chili and fragrant enough to tempt from miles away. 3⃣ **Hikers’ Hidden Gem** Walk 2 km from the pass toward Siguniang Mountain to find a little-known meadow. In June, it’s awash with blooming Meconopsis, like a spilled paint palette. 🏡 **Stay in the Clouds** - **Rilong Town Tibetan Guesthouses**: Try "Cloudland Tibetan Lodge"—their hearthside hotpot warms you up, and the host teaches stargazing. - **Siguniang Mountain B&Bs**: For sunrise views of golden peaks, "Empty Mountain B&B" has floor-to-ceiling windows facing Yaomei Peak. With luck, you’ll capture the mountain’s reflection in your coffee cup. 🍲 **Mountain Delicacies** - **Chicken Stewed with Matsutake**: Rainy-season mushrooms soak up the broth for an unforgettable umami burst (look for the "Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture" label). - **Barley Pancake Rolled with Wild Mushrooms**: Roadside vendors wrap freshly picked porcini in warm pancakes—simple yet stunning. ⚠ **Pitfall Avoidance** ❌ **Beware altitude sickness**: The pass nears 4,500 meters—avoid exertion and carry oxygen/glucose. ❌ **Don’t take "shortcuts"**: Landslides are common—stick to official trails. ❌ **Skip dubious "wild herbs"**: Most "snow lotuses" or "rhodiola" are farmed—don’t waste money. 🌄 **A Final Gentle Reminder** When clouds engulf the road, leaving just you and the snow peaks, you’ll understand: life’s grandest views often lie beyond countless hairpin turns. Bring a jar to collect wildflower seeds from Fritillaria Meadow—Balang’s gift to the bold. Roll down the car window on the descent, and let the cedar-scented wind scatter your worries along the winding road.

🌟 Balang Mountain Pass Travel Guide 🌟 (Western Sichuan’s Sky Road · Snow Mountain Viewing Platform) 📍 Location Situated at the border of Xiaojin County and Wenchuan County in Sichuan’s Aba Prefecture, with an elevation of 4,481 meters, it serves as the gateway to the **Siguniang Mountains** and the highest point of National Highway G350 (China’s Panda Highway), famously dubbed the **"Pinnacle of the Panda Kingdom"** 🐼! 🚗 Transportation 1️⃣ **Self-drive**: About 3.5 hours from Chengdu (navigate to "Balang Mountain Pass"), passing through Dujiangyan and Wolong Town. The entire route is paved but features sharp curves and steep slopes ⚠️—recommended for experienced drivers 🚙. 2️⃣ **Private/Shared Car**: Round-trip charter from Siguniangshan Town costs around ¥200-300. 3️⃣ **Cycling** 🚴: A challenging route for seasoned cyclists due to drastic altitude changes—choose carefully! 🎫 Tickets & Opening Hours • **Admission**: Free 🆓 (the pass is an open road section). • **Travel Note**: Roads may close due to snow in winter ❄️—check weather & road conditions before departure! 📸 Must-Do Experiences 1️⃣ **Sea of Clouds** ☁️ • The pass is often shrouded in mist, and post-rain clear skies offer surreal, touchable cloudscapes ✨. 2️⃣ **Panoramic Snow Mountain Views** 🏔️ • Gaze at the **Siguniang Mountains** and **Yaomei Peak**, with golden sunset vistas 🌄. 3️⃣ **Prayer Flag Tunnel** 🏮 • Dense colorful prayer flags line both sides of the pass, immersing you in Tibetan ambiance while driving through 📿. 4️⃣ **"Pinnacle of the Panda Kingdom" Stone Marker** 📍 • A must-photo spot at 4,481 meters 📸 (watch for altitude sickness!). 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations 1️⃣ **Siguniangshan Town** (1 hour from the pass): Plenty of hotels, with **"Kongshan Homestay"** offering stunning mountain views. 2️⃣ **Wolong Town** (1.5 hours away): Budget-friendly, ideal for early departures. 🍜 Food Tips • Pack snacks 🍫 + hot water (no shops at the pass, only mobile vendors selling roasted potatoes 🥔). • Siguniangshan Town specialties: **yak meat hotpot** 🍲 and **butter tea** ☕. ⚠️ Important Notes 1️⃣ **Altitude Warning**: Nearly 4,500 meters❗ Avoid strenuous activity; carry oxygen 💊. 2️⃣ **Extreme Weather**: Sudden snowstorms even in July-August ❄️—bring tire chains + heavy down gear 🧣. 3️⃣ **Vehicle Check**: Inspect brakes and tires! Some sections lack guardrails—drive cautiously 🚧. 4️⃣ **Eco-Friendly**: Pack out all trash to protect the alpine ecosystem ♻️. 📅 Best Seasons • **May-October**: Alpine meadows bloom 💐, with high visibility for mountain views. • **November-April**: Stunning snowscapes but risky—require 4WD + chains ⛓️. 💡 Pro Tip: Hiking is now banned (for ecological protection), but you can drive straight to the viewpoint. Pair your trip with **Shuangqiao Valley in Siguniang Mountains** (1-hour drive) for a perfect itinerary! 🚙 Recommended Route: **Chengdu → Dujiangyan → Wolong → Balang Mountain Pass → Siguniang Mountains → Return** ✨ Traverse the cloud-kissed pass and meet the **King of Shu Mountains**—let’s go! 🏔️🚙💨

Visiting Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture? Don't miss this curated 3-day itinerary! Hike along Lixiao Road and explore picturesque natural landscapes. Every step offers a unique view. Start your Aba adventure now! 🚩Itinerary: Day 1: Balang Mountain Pass -> Cat Nose Ridge Cross Balang Mountain and experience the vast sea of clouds, then head to Cat Nose Ridge for a stunning view of the Four Girls Mountain, embarking on a breathtaking natural journey. Day 2: Four Girls Mountain Explore the mystery and beauty of the Four Girls Mountain. Hike through the mountains and enjoy the gifts of nature, making every step a memorable experience. Day 3: Bipenggou -> Return Enter Bipenggou and experience the unique hike along Lixiao Road, immersing yourself in the tranquility and wonder of the valley. Conclude your pleasant journey with cherished memories. Must-visit attractions: Four Girls Mountain ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: Siguniangshan Town, Xiaojin County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture Opening hours: 08:00-17:00, December 1, 2024 - March 31, 2025 Duration: 1-2 days Like four girls in white veils, the four peaks stand together. Come and experience the magnificent scenery! Bipenggou ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: No. 88, Zhuangfang Village, Poutou Town, Li County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture Opening hours: 08:30-15:00 Duration: 1-2 days Bipenggou offers different colors in every season, especially the picturesque autumn foliage, where snow-capped mountains and lakes complement each other. Cat Nose Ridge ⭐⭐⭐ Address: 50 meters west of National Road 303, Xiaojin County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province Opening hours: All day Duration: 1-2 hours This is a great location to enjoy a panoramic view of the Four Girls Mountain, with Haizigou in front and the majestic Four Girls Mountain behind. Balang Mountain Pass ⭐⭐ Address: Four Girls Mountain Scenic Area, Rilong Town, Xiaojin County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province Duration: 1 day Feel like you're above the clouds, with rolling meadows stretching as far as the eye can see. Enjoy the magnificent plateau scenery. 🎒 What to prepare: 👕 Clothing: Spring and autumn clothing, warm jacket, comfortable sneakers, hat, and sunglasses. 💳 Documents: ID card, student ID or medical staff ID (if applicable for discounts). 💊 Medicine: Cold medicine, stomach medicine, altitude sickness medicine, mosquito repellent, and motion sickness medicine. 🔧 Tools: Flashlight, rain gear, power bank, and charging cable. 🍞 Food: Snacks, such as nuts and energy bars, are essential for maintaining energy. 🧴 Skincare: Sunscreen, facial mask, and moisturizer are necessary for protection against the strong UV rays on the plateau. 💰 Finances: A small amount of cash is recommended, as some places may not accept electronic payments. Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture group tours are easy and fun! Don't hesitate, join us and explore this beautiful land together!

The Qingming Festival is a great time to enjoy the outdoors. Here's a three-day itinerary for Xiaojin! We'll guide you through Xiaojin's scenic beauty, ensuring you don't miss any must-see spots. Save this guide now! 🛣️Itinerary: Day 1: Balang Mountain Pass -> Cat Nose Ridge Cross Balang Mountain and experience the magnificent scenery above the sea of clouds. Then, head to Cat Nose Ridge to enjoy a panoramic view of the Four Girls Mountain, a paradise for photography enthusiasts! Day 2: Four Girls Mountain Spend the entire day exploring Four Girls Mountain, taking in the enchanting plateau scenery, experiencing the joy of climbing, and getting up close and personal with nature. Day 3: Bipenggou Delve into Bipenggou and discover the mysteries of the primeval forest. Experience the wildness and beauty of nature, allowing your soul to be purified in its embrace. 🔙Return: Conclude your three-day adventure and embark on your journey home with cherished memories. Must-See Attractions: Four Girls Mountain ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: Four Girls Mountain Town, Xiaojin County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture Opening hours: 08:00-18:30 Duration: 1-2 days Resembling four maidens draped in white veils, these four interconnected peaks offer a breathtaking encounter with majestic mountain scenery! Bipenggou ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Address: No. 88, Zhuangfang Village, Poutou Town, Li County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture Opening hours: 08:30-15:00 Duration: 1-2 days Explore a hidden wonderland of changing seasons. In autumn, the mountains are ablaze with red leaves, while snow-capped peaks and shimmering lakes create a picturesque scene. Cat Nose Ridge ⭐⭐⭐ Address: 50 meters west of National Road 303, Xiaojin County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province Opening hours: All day Duration: 1-2 hours Standing here, you can take in the entire view of Four Girls Mountain, with Haizigou Valley in front and the majestic Four Girls Mountain behind. ## Things to Note: - Photo Spots: Don't miss the stunning scenery of Xiaojin. We recommend visiting the XX Mountain viewing platform. The sunrise is simply breathtaking!🌅 - Souvenir Prices: When buying local souvenirs, compare prices at several shops to avoid being overcharged.💰 - March Weather: Xiaojin experiences significant temperature differences between day and night in March. Remember to bring a warm jacket to avoid catching a cold.🧣 - Respect Local Customs: Please respect local customs during your visit and refrain from touching religious objects.🙏 - Safe Travel: Mountain roads can be challenging. Drivers should exercise caution and prioritize safety!🚗 That's all! The charm of Xiaojin awaits you. Remember to like and save this post so you don't get lost on your trip!

🌸 March in Western Sichuan | Jinchuan Pear Blossoms + Mount Siguniang 5-Day Secret Route! Breathtaking! 🌸 ✨ Highlights ✅ Jinchuan Pear Blossom Valley's "Spring Snow" on the Mountains ✅ Shenxianbao Sunrise and Sea of Clouds + Tibetan Village ✅ Mount Siguniang Shuangqiaogou Snow Mountain Reflection + Changpinggou Hiking ✅ Avoid the Crowds with a Secret Route and Enjoy the Whole Spring! 📅 5-Day 4-Night Itinerary D1️⃣: Chengdu - Bipenggou - Gurgou 🚗 Depart from Chengdu in the morning and head straight to "Little Switzerland in Western Sichuan" Bipenggou! In March, the ice and snow in the valley have not melted, and the fairy tale feeling of snow-capped mountains, lakes, forests, and waterfalls is full! 📸 🌙 Stay overnight in Gurgou and soak in a hot spring at the foot of the snow-capped mountains ♨️ to relieve the fatigue of the day! D2️⃣: Gurgou - Jinchuan Pear Blossom Valley - Jinchuan County 🌼 Today's main attraction - Jinchuan Pear Blossoms! The pear blossoms all over the mountains are like a spring snow, and the Tibetan villages are scattered in the sea of flowers, beautiful beyond words! 💐 📸 Must-visit spots: Overlooking Pear Blossom Valley from a high point (even better with a drone!), Tibetan houses with pear blossoms, and pear blossom reflections on the Dadu River. D3️⃣: Jinchuan - Shenxianbao - Jiaju Tibetan Village 🌅 Must-see! Shenxianbao Sunrise! In the morning mist, pear blossoms, Tibetan villages, and morning light intertwine into an oil painting, and if you're lucky, you can see the sea of clouds! 🏡 In the afternoon, drive to "China's Most Beautiful Tibetan Village" Jiaju Tibetan Village, where red and white watchtowers are hidden in the pear blossom forest. In the evening, take photos of the sunset on the top floor of a Tibetan homestay, the atmosphere is amazing! ✨ D4️⃣: Jiaju Tibetan Village - Mount Siguniang Shuangqiaogou - Mount Siguniang Town 🏔️ Rush into the embrace of Mount Siguniang! Shuangqiaogou's snow-capped mountains and lakes 🌟 Must-visit: Potala Peak Road, Longzhu Lake's blue ice, and the meadows and cattle and sheep of Ginseng Fruit Flat. 🌌 Stay overnight in Mount Siguniang Town, look up and see the starry sky and Milky Way! D5️⃣: Mount Siguniang Town - Changpinggou - Balang Mountain Pass - Chengdu 🌲 Light hiking in Changpinggou! Walk through the primeval forest, the snow-capped mountains of Muluzi Meadow are close at hand, as if entering a fairyland~ (👟 Wear non-slip shoes!) ⛰️ On the way back, cross Balang Mountain Pass, the sea of clouds and winding mountain roads are a stunning end to the journey! 📸 💡 Travel Tips 🔸 Clothing: March in Western Sichuan has a large temperature difference! Sweater + jacket during the day, down jacket in the morning and evening, bright scarves/hats for better photos. 🔸 Altitude Sickness: Altitude 2,000-3,800 meters, don't take a bath on the first day, prepare glucose and oxygen bottles! 🔸 Road Conditions: Many bends on mountain roads, pay attention to safety. 🔸 Flower Season: Pear blossoms bloom around mid to late March, keep an eye on the weather before departure! 📷 Photography Equipment Suggestions ▫️ Wide-angle lens for flower sea + snow mountain panorama ▫️ Telephoto lens for Tibetan village details/snow mountain close-ups ▫️ Drones are the best! Jinchuan pear blossoms from a god's-eye view! 💬 "Seeing pear blossom snow, Tibetan village smoke, and snow mountain soul along the way, this is what spring should look like!" 👉 Save this guide and head to the white romance of Western Sichuan in March! 🌸

Balang Mountain is a fascinating place. It is said to have been permanently closed, but its mystery and beauty are like a magnet, attracting countless travelers from far and wide. Today, let me take you to this legendary mountain range, unveil its mystery, and feel its breathtaking beauty. 🚗Transportation Guide From Chengdu, take the Rongchang Expressway to China Panda Avenue to reach Balang Mountain. The whole journey is about 190–200 km, and it takes about 2.5–4 hours by car, depending on the road conditions and driving speed. You can also take a bus to Xiaojin County and transfer to a local vehicle in Gengda Town. 🏔️Attractions • Panda Kingdom Peak: At an altitude of over 4,000 meters, it is the core attraction of Balang Mountain. Here you can enjoy the magnificent sea of clouds, continuous snow-capped mountains, and undulating meadows, as if you are in a dreamlike painting. The hike to Panda Kingdom Peak is about 6 km, and it takes about 1.5 hours to walk along the trail. There are also local transfer vehicles available for CNY 50 round trip. • Balang Mountain Pass: At an altitude of 5,040 meters, it is an excellent place to view the canyon sea of clouds and Cat Nose Ridge. The peaks around the pass offer views of Mount Siguniang, making it a paradise for photographers. You can choose to hike or take a local private car to the pass, with a round-trip ticket price of CNY 80. • Alpine Meadow: The mountains are covered with carpet-like alpine meadows, where cattle and sheep roam freely, enjoying the tranquility of the land. The natural scenery here is beautiful, making it an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers. • Sea of Clouds: Against the backdrop of blue sky and white clouds, the sea of clouds floats in the mountains, dividing the mountains into two parts. The alpine meadows above are full of wildflowers, while the primeval forests below are mysterious and deep. Whether it is the silver-clad winter or the blooming summer, it is breathtakingly beautiful. 📸Photo Spots • Panda Kingdom Peak: The sea of clouds, snow-capped mountains, and meadows here form a beautiful picture, making it an excellent background for photos. • Balang Mountain Pass: Standing on the pass, you can overlook the sea of clouds in the entire valley and the snow-capped mountains in the distance, taking breathtaking photos. • Scenery Along the Way: From Chengdu to Balang Mountain, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Dujiangyan, Minjiang River, Wenchuan, Wolong, and Mount Siguniang. Feel free to stop and take photos at suitable viewing points along the way. 🍽️Food Recommendations Although there are no permanent residents on Balang Mountain, there are snacks such as grilled skewers for sale along the way. The barbecue at the top of the mountain is particularly delicious, perhaps because of the high altitude or hunger. It always tastes especially good. It is recommended to bring simple road meals, snacks, and fruits, and a thermos for hot water. 💡Tips • Clothing Recommendations: Balang Mountain is at a high altitude with changing weather, so it is recommended to wear a thick coat and comfortable sports shoes, and avoid tight clothing. Also, bring sunglasses and a hat to protect against UV rays. • Altitude Sickness: Due to the high altitude, some visitors may experience altitude sickness. It is recommended to prepare altitude sickness medication in advance and pay attention to rest and energy replenishment. • Eco-friendly Travel: Balang Mountain is part of the Wolong National Nature Reserve, so please protect the environment, do not bring fire sources, and take all garbage with you. Also, do not cross the reserve at will. • Safety Tips: For self-driving travelers, please drive carefully and pay attention to road conditions and weather changes. Choose a route that suits you when hiking and pay attention to safety. ✨Conclusion Although there are rumors that Balang Mountain is permanently closed, its beauty and mystery still attract countless travelers to visit. Whether it is the magnificent sea of clouds, continuous snow-capped mountains, or undulating meadows, they are all unforgettable. Plan your trip to Balang Mountain now! Let your journey be full of surprises and memories!

In summer, the mountains and fields of western Sichuan are full of flowers and the green grasslands are intoxicatingly beautiful. The summer in western Sichuan is no less beautiful and is truly unique! Camping by the lake 🏕️, admiring the flowers, streams 🌊 and leisurely horses, what a healing experience! Even if it is cloudy and rainy🌧️, it can't stop us from looking for beauty🚶‍♂️ As summer is approaching and the holidays are approaching, let’s feel the wings of freedom with friends~ When it comes to traveling, many people may think of 🚘🚘 traffic jams or 👭👩‍👩‍👧‍👧 crowded tourist attractions. However, if you are not careful when traveling in western Sichuan, it is easy to fall into a trap❎ For example, blindly pursuing a sunset 🌄 viewing spot may end up being a wasted trip and disappointing 😡 🔥This time, I will share with you the pitfall prevention strategy in western Sichuan to make your trip smoother! 1⃣️West Sichuan is divided into Ganzi and Aba. It is recommended to visit Ganzi first, and then visit Siguniang Mountain in Aba on the way back🏔️ 2⃣️To escape the summer heat, you don’t have to go to Jiuzhaigou, Bipenggou is a good choice! 3⃣️Plan your time and itinerary in advance. Generally speaking, it takes at least 3 days to travel in western Sichuan. 4⃣️If you can choose a small group tour, don’t drive yourself; if you drive yourself, try to avoid taking a large bus 🚌 group! 5⃣️Don’t be lazy when traveling. Depart from Chengdu at 6:00 in the morning, arrive in Kangding around 12 noon, and enjoy the scenery near Tagong in the afternoon. 6⃣️There are many accommodation options in the off-season, but in the peak season, you must book 5 days or even half a month in advance, otherwise you may not be able to find a place to stay (and the price will soar!) 7⃣️During the May Day holiday, it is recommended to depart 2-3 days in advance, otherwise the road from S434 Zhonggu Hot Spring to Xinduqiao may be severely congested, and you may not arrive until 1 am. 8⃣️Don’t worry about the diet in western Sichuan, most places can offer delicious Sichuan cuisine. 9⃣️Buy oxygen cylinders online in advance, it will be more expensive to buy them locally! 🔟The ticket price for Moshi Park💰 will increase from 30 yuan to 80 yuan during the peak season, so it is recommended that you go and visit. In some places in western Sichuan, flying drones is prohibited and you need permission from local people to operate them. Do not touch the Mani piles or touch the heads of local children at will. Travel essentials: 🔺Some scenic spots in western Sichuan require you to show your ID card, please prepare it in advance. 🔺In terms of clothing, it is hot at noon in summer, but the temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so bring several sets of clothes. 🔺When traveling in summer, it is very useful to carry a portable electric fan. 🔺Take good sun protection and apply SPF100 sunscreen to prevent sunburn. 🔺Bring snacks and water, as well as convenience foods such as instant noodles, self-heating pots, chewing gum and chocolate. 🔺Essential medicines: altitude sickness medicine, cold medicine, motion sickness medicine, headache medicine, gastrointestinal medicine. 🚗【5 days and 4 nights itinerary in western Sichuan】 D1: Chengdu - Kangding - Airport Road - Gediram - Xinduqiao D2: Xinduqiao - Jiagenba to see the Ose flowers - Moon Lake - Xinduqiao D3: Xinduqiao-Seda Buddhist College-Seda County D4: Seda - via Jinchuan - Guanyin Bridge - Danba D5: Danba - Shuangqiaogou, Siguniang Mountain - Balang Mountain - Chengdu I wish you a pleasant trip to western Sichuan!