Changping Valley (长坪沟), nestled in the heart of Xiaojin County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, spans 29 kilometers with an area of approximately 100 square kilometers. Steeped in history, this valley bore witness to fierce battles during the Qing Dynasty’s Qianlong era between the imperial forces and those of Jinchuan. Dominating this landscape is the towering peak of the Four Sisters Mountains, with the Yaomei Peak majestically perched within the valley.
Accessible only by specific sections for vehicular traffic, much of the valley demands traversal on foot or horseback. This path through Changping Valley leads directly to the foot of the Four Sisters Mountains and also provides a route via Bipeng Valley to Lixian County.
Within this scenic expanse lie wonders like the ancient cypress-lined pathways, the traditional Tibetan villages of Jiarong, the Lama Temple, Ganhai Lake, and cascading waterfalls, some reaching remarkable heights. The landscape transforms with each season, painting the valley in a canvas of colors. Spring sees a riot of mountain flowers and rapeseed blossoms while autumn sets ablaze the hillsides with fiery hues of birch and maple.
Amidst ancient cypresses and verdant pines, the gushing streams harmonize with the murmurs of the dense forest. The ancient trails crisscrossing through the wilderness recount tales of bygone eras. Changping Valley stands as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, serving as the base camp for climbers venturing to conquer the third and fourth peaks of the Four Sisters Mountains. Moreover, it offers an ideal terrain for rock climbing and ice climbing aficionados alike.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Location and Transportation
- Highlights of Changping Valley
- Map and Recommended Route
- Video about Changping Valley
- Useful Tips from Genuine Reviews
- Attractions near Changping Valley
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | Over 3 hours |
| Ticket Price | Admission: 70 RMB Sightseeing Bus: 20 RMB |
| Opening Hours | 8.00 – 17.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0837-2791063 |
Location and Transportation
Changping Valley is nestled amidst the towering peaks of the eastern Tibetan Plateau, at an altitude of approximately 3,800 meters (12,500 feet) above sea level. Its geographical location in the high-altitude region contributes to its unique and awe-inspiring landscapes.
To reach Changping Valley, travelers usually fly to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, and then embark on a scenic journey by road to Siguniang Mountain Scenic Area (四姑娘山). From the mountain, it takes another few hours of driving along winding mountain roads to reach Changping Valley.
One important thing to notice is that there is no paved road in some sections of the Changping Valley, you have to walk or ride a horse to get through.
Highlights of Changping Valley
Ancient Postal Route
The Ancient Path in Changping Valley, situated within the scenic expanse of the Three Sisters Mountains, spans approximately three kilometers. Legend has it that this path served as a Tang Dynasty-era postal route heading north towards Lixian County. This segment traverses a forested area known for its ancient and robust fangzhi cypress trees, with an elevation ranging from 3400 to 3550 meters, extending for five kilometers. Due to excessive logging, such well-preserved and typical communities are now rare. The majestic and towering trees, with diameters reaching up to 115 centimeters and heights of 30 meters for giant cypresses, and 116 meters by 50 meters for spruces, create a unique and awe-inspiring landscape, showcasing the grandeur of nature.
Yaomei Peak
Yaomei Peak, located within Changping Valley, stands at an elevation of 6250 meters. Second only to Mount Gongga in Sichuan, it is often referred to as the “Queen of Sichuan Mountains.” Climbing Yaomei Peak is an immensely challenging feat, demanding climbers to possess exceptional technical skills and robust mental and physical qualities. Since the first ascent by a Japanese mountaineering team in 1981, very few have reached its summit, underscoring the peak’s formidable difficulty and its status as a rarely conquered pinnacle in the region.
Tibetan Villages
Amidst extensive virgin forests in Changping Valley, ancient cypresses stand tall, accompanied by dense branches of verdant pine, thickets of cedar and willow trees, creating a canopy that obscures the sky. Scattered like stars within this natural tapestry are Tibetan villages, each a testament to the unique cultural landscape. Notably, Zhangmu Village is a sizable Jiarong Tibetan settlement, characterized by the distinctive architectural style of the Jiarong Tibetans. Here, the local community preserves a simple and authentic way of life, offering visitors a glimpse into the purity of their traditions amidst the breathtaking natural surroundings of Changping Valley.
Various Wildlife
Changping Valley in Sichuan is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of animal species in its pristine ecosystem. The valley is home to elusive and rare creatures such as the snow leopard, golden monkey, and various bird species. Trekking through the valley’s rugged terrain, visitors may catch a glimpse of these magnificent animals in their natural habitat. The rich biodiversity also includes other mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, making Changping Valley a treasure trove for wildlife observation and conservation.
Map and Recommended Route
Visiting Changping Valley involves a scenic trek from the entrance to Muluozi, which is considered the best viewpoint in the area. The entire route is approximately 9.5 kilometers one way (19 kilometers round trip), with the outbound journey featuring a significant uphill climb, making it somewhat challenging. Here are three options for your visit:
Option 1: Horseback Riding: You can take a horse all the way to Muluozi for 660 yuan. The ride up takes about 2.5 hours. However, the horseman allows only a 30-minute stop at Muluozi, which might feel a bit rushed. During our visit, we opted for this option to ride up and then walked back down. This way, we enjoyed unlimited time at Muluozi and could appreciate the scenery along the path on our return.
Option 2: Combined Horse and Hike: For 260 yuan, you can take a horse to Xiagan Haizi. From there, it’s a 3.6-kilometer hike to Muluozi, which takes a little over an hour. This option is quite friendly for visitors who want a mix of riding and hiking.
Option 3: Full Hiking: If you’re an experienced hiker, you can choose to walk the entire route. The hike is 9.5 kilometers one way (19 kilometers round trip) and is entirely uphill, with an average elevation above 3,500 meters. It can be tiring, and altitude sickness might occur, so consider bringing an oxygen bottle. This option will be time-consuming, and hiking both ways is quite tight. We planned for a 4-hour hike back, including a 30-minute break along the way.
Video about Changping Valley
Useful Tips from Genuine Reviews
Ideal Visitors and Activities: Changping Valley is recommended for those who enjoy horseback riding or hiking. Weekends tend to have more visitors, so plan accordingly if you prefer a quieter experience.
Horse Riding Experience: Some horses in the valley are older and move at a slower pace, while others are more lively, resulting in a bumpy ride. Consider your preference for a leisurely or more adventurous horse riding experience.
Best Routes and Timing: For the outbound journey, it is suggested to take the horse trail. In the morning, when the sun emerges, the sunlight filtering through the tree-lined path creates a beautiful and refreshing atmosphere. The return journey can be done via either the wooden plank path (栈道) or the horse trail. The horse trail involves some uphill sections, but they are not overly challenging. The round trip covers a distance of 23-25km, though individual measurements may vary.
Transportation Tips: The sightseeing cars operate until 17:00, so plan your visit accordingly. If you miss the last car, you can catch a ride with a local for 20 yuan per person.
Weather Considerations: Wear comfortable clothing for walking, but be prepared for fluctuations in temperature. It can get hot during the day, so consider wearing light and breathable clothing. Bring a jacket or outer layer, as evenings in the valley can be quite cold. Ensure you have adequate warm clothing to stay comfortable.
