Update (October 2026): This article has been reviewed and updated with current information about Siguniangshan’s three valleys, entrance tickets, transportation, mountaineering regulations, and access to longer trekking routes. The mountain remains an outstanding expedition destination, but climbing, camping, and multi-day traverses require separate arrangements and may be affected by seasonal closures or protected-area restrictions. Our original journey and firsthand observations remain unchanged.
Far away, at the easternmost edge of the Great Tibetan Plateau, there are four sisters, four maidens. They have been stayed still since unknown times, rising over the valleys and the forests around. The youngest one is the highest, and she is the Queen. And her three elder sisters are lower, all standing in a chain, like holding their hands. These four sisters have formed one of the highest mountains in Asia, called Siguniang Mountain, another wonder of Eastern Tibet. Let’s go on an adventurous journey to Siguniang and enjoy its breathtaking image!
Table of Contents
Where is Siguniang Mountain
Let’s open the physical map of China, or better the map of the Great Tibetan Plateau, and focus on its eastern edge, where the high mountains descend toward the Sichuan Basin. Here we can see several mountain ranges stretching roughly from north to south. One of the most prominent is the Qionglai Mountains, where Siguniang Mountain forms the highest and most spectacular group of peaks. Other famous mountains of western Sichuan, such as Emeishan and Erlangshan, rise farther south, but belong to different parts of the region’s complex mountain system. Siguniang is located about 200 km northwest of Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province.
About Siguniang Mountain
Siguniang Mountain is a mountain range with a complex shape, cut into many summits and valleys between them. There are many peaks in the range that rise above 5000 m altitude, but four of them are the most spectacular. And the name “Siguniang” comes from them- in Chinese, it means “Four sisters” or “Four maidens”.
The Four Sisters (Maidens)
The highest one is Yaomei- 幺妹峰 (6250 m)- a technically demanding alpine giant, climbed by relatively few mountaineers. The next one is Sanguniang- 三姑娘 (The Third Sister)- 5355 m, and its neighbor Erguniang- 二姑娘 (The Second Sister)- 5276 m. They are more accessible than Yaomei, but still require mountaineering experience and preparation. The lowest one is Daguniang- 大姑娘 (Big Sister)- about 5025 m, which is generally the easiest of the Four Sisters to climb, often without technical rock climbing in favorable conditions. However, its high altitude, steep terrain, and changing weather make it a serious mountain ascent rather than an ordinary hike. Climbing activities require compliance with the park’s current mountaineering registration and guide regulations.
The Sisters’ guards
Besides the Four Sisters (Maidens), there are many other peaks, standing on the summits of the Siguniang Mountain range and its branches, like the “sister’s guards”. More significant among them are Riyue Baojing (Sun and Moon Treasure Mirror- 日月宝镜峰)- 5609 m, Yeren (Wild Man- Yeren (Wild Man- 野人峰)- 5592 m, Yangmantai (Full Sheep Stage- 羊满台)- 5666 m, Yutu (Jade Rabbit- 玉兔峰)- 5580 m, and particularly Dahuangfeng (Big Yellow Peak- 大黄蜂)- 5922 m and its neighbors.
All of these peaks and summits are separated by many valleys, leading to different water basins. Of them, the most popular are Shuangqiaogou (Double Bridge Valley- 双桥沟), Changpinggou (Long Plain Valley-长坪沟), and Haizigou (Sea Valley- 海子沟). These three valleys, along with the Four Sisters (Maidens) and several neighboring peaks are included in Siguniang National Park which covers the most popular part of the Siguniang Mountain Range.
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Our journey to Siguniang Mountain
I knew about Siguniang Mountain long before our trip there. And finally, when we built one of our Eastern Tibet itineraries, I found that it was a great opportunity to include the Four Sisters (Maidens) in our journey.
So, we came by rental cars from the west, from Yilhun Lhatso Lake, Garze, Bamei, and Danba. We spent two nights in the Siguniang National Park, in the main town at the entrance of the park- Rilong, now renamed into Siguniang Town. From here, a part of us explored Changpinggou Valley, but I and a friend from our group hiked Haizigou Valley, in an attempt to reach Daguniang Peak. Due to bad weather, we couldn’t reach it, but we still had a great hiking experience in the wild mountain.
We partly explored Siguniang Mountain, but if we had more time, and better weather, we could do much more there. So, let’s take a look at what we experienced, and what more you can experience there.
How to explore Siguniang Mountain
In general, exploring Siguniang Mountain includes the three main valleys- Shuangqiaogou, Changpinggou, and Haizigou, as well as the mountain routes toward the Four Sisters (Maidens). These valleys are managed as separate scenic areas within the wider Siguniangshan protected landscape, each with its own visitor entrance. The surrounding mountain range contains many more hiking and climbing routes, but not all of them are officially open. Some routes require specific outdoor activity permits, registered guides, or organized expeditions, while access to undeveloped or protected areas may be prohibited. The absence of a tourist entrance gate doesn’t necessarily mean unrestricted access.
Let’s start with the national park and its valleys.
Shuangqiao Valley
This is the longest of the three valleys- 34,6 km. The entrance to this valley is located at a 2910 m altitude. It is the most touristy developed valley in the national park, revealing the best of the most beautiful places and views in the whole mountain range. Here you can enjoy a deep glacial canyon, plain meadows, a pristine glacial lake, gorgeous alpine forest, and stunning sharp alpine peaks at both sides of the valley. Among them, you can see Yeren (Wild Man), Yutu (Jade Rabbit), Abi Peak- 5694 m, and several others.
The only problem in this valley is that you can’t see the Four Sisters (Maidens) because they are hidden behind the eastern summit (with Yeren and Yutu peaks). The valley is best arranged for tourists. There is a road for sightseeing buses that go to its bottom and stop in many places.
Places to see in Shuangqiao Valley
The most interesting places to see in Shuangqiao Valley are:
- Yin Yang Valley– a smaller side canyon with steep slopes, a river with crystal clear water, and alpine forest.
- Ten-mile Polar Trees– the lowest forest zone in the valley with deciduous trees.
- Sanguozhuang– a beautiful peak with a strange tripod shape, related to one of the legends about the Four Sisters.
- Sapodila Meadow– a stunning meadow, full of flowers in summer.
- Bonsai Beach– a small lake and two streams, where you can see Bonsai (Sea-buckthorn) trees.
- Five-color Mountain– It is one of the peaks, located at the eastern side of the valley, not far from the entrance. The peak is 5190 m high, and its neighbor Rainbow Mountain is 5420 m. These peaks are composed of various kinds of rocks in different colors, from where the name is derived.
- Fishing Bay– another incredibly beautiful meadow, where you can see yaks, as well as some Tibetan symbols like prayer flags and more.
- Larch Forest– this is the highest-located forest, in the bottom of the valley, surrounded by several 5000-ers.
You can take the sightseeing bus and walk between designated stops, enjoying the spectacular scenery of the valley. Some local horse-riding activities may also be available. The published regular admission fee is 80 CNY, plus 70 CNY for the sightseeing bus, but check the latest prices before visiting. Under the arrangements introduced in April 2026, the regular entry period is from 8:00 to 15:00, although holiday schedules and seasonal adjustments may differ. Tickets should be reserved through the official channels, particularly during busy periods. See the official Siguniangshan announcements.
Changping Valley
This is the middle valley, 29 km long. It is not such touristy as Shuangqiao Valley, with fewer places to see, but of course, it is still very beautiful. And most importantly, from here you can observe directly the Four Sisters (Maidens). The valley is more proper for hiking and horse riding. And it still features alpine forests, fresh meadows and ponds, and small side valleys. Besides, here you can see a Tibetan monastery- this is Lama Monastery (喇嘛寺).
There is a road for sightseeing buses in this valley too, but this road is only to Lama Monastery. From there, you can explore the valley only by hiking or horse riding.
Places to see in Changping Valley
- Lama Monastery– a Tibetan monastery belonging to the Gelug sect, built in the 15th century. It is the last stop of the sightseeing bus and the starting point for hikers and horse riders.
- Withered-Tree Beach– an area with beautiful withered trees, again like a “Chinese traditional Bonsai” type of trees.
- Sea Buckthorn Forest– an area with sea buckthorn trees, located further beyond the Lama Monastery.
- Upper and Lower Dry Seas– two former ponds, now dried by changing the riverbed. Currently, this is a nice alpine area with a wetland.
- Red Stone Beach– a place with reddish stones, with a great view to the Four Sisters (Maidens). According to a legend, these stones were made by the blood tears of the Sisters, when their beloved turned into peaks.
- Muluozi– the endpoint for horse riders, located at 3650 m altitude. It is a large meadow with stunning alpine views. From here, only hikers can proceed further to the end of the valley.
You can take the sightseeing bus toward Lama Monastery, then continue on foot or by horse along the officially accessible part of Changping Valley. The lower sections include arranged tourist paths and wooden walkways, but farther into the valley the terrain becomes more rugged, and longer mountain routes require additional preparation and may be subject to separate access rules. Horse-riding prices vary depending on the distance and local arrangements. The published regular entrance fee is 70 CNY, with an additional 20 CNY sightseeing bus ticket. Since April 2026, the regular entry period has been 8:00 to 14:30, although schedules can change during holidays or special conditions.
Now, let’s get to the shortest, but wildest valley in the national park- Haizi Valley
Haizi Valley
This is the easternmost and the shortest valley- only 19 km long. The Four Sisters are situated on its western side. Its name “Haizigou” (海子沟), which means “Valley of Seas” comes from the series of glacial lakes, located on its upper part.
Haizi Valley is also one of the main starting points for mountaineering and longer trekking expeditions in Siguniangshan. However, there is an important difference between following an open day-hiking trail and entering the high mountains for climbing, camping, or a multi-day traverse. These activities are managed separately and require the appropriate registration and arrangements. Some outdoor routes in Haizi Valley reopened in April 2026, but access to other areas can remain restricted because of forest fire prevention, conservation, weather, or safety conditions. Always check the current route-specific rules before proceeding into the upper valley.
Haizi Valley is a not-so-touristy place, and it is more proper for adventurous hikers. There are no roads and sightseeing buses, and there are no plank walkways, only wild dirt trails, a bit muddy in some places due to the horse traces. And it reveals more alpine views of the whole mountain range, especially from the shores of the glacial lakes.
Hiking trails in Haizi Valley
There are two trails. When you enter the valley, you can choose which trail you want to hike. The first trail follows the summit between Haizi and Changping valleys, reaching the Sisters. And the second trail follows the river of the valley to the lakes
When you enter the valley, some of the first places that you will reach are Guozhuangping and Chaoshanping, picturesque meadows, mixed with fir and polar trees with one of the best views of the Four Sisters (Maidens). Here is the place where you have to decide whether you will follow the summit or the river.
The river and the lakes
If you follow the river, there are two “sub-trails” that you can walk. But have in mind that these trails also branch and some of the branches just end in nowhere. So, if you walk on the right trail, after 4-5 hours walking you will reach the first and the largest lake- Dahaizi (Big Sea), with clear waters and stunning views to the Sisters and the other peaks around.
Then, the trail proceeds further upward to the next lake- Huahaizi (Flower Sea). Actually, it is not exactly a lake, but a marsh with a maze of small canals, which becomes amazingly colorful in the warm seasons. And if you proceed further, eventually you will reach the last two lakes of the valley- Shuanghaizi (Double Seas)- typical alpine lakes, surrounded only by rocks and glaciers.
There are two entrance points for Haizi Valley- one from the Siguniang Town, and one from the road bend on the way to Chengdu. The entrance fee is 60 CNY in the high season or 40 CNY in the low season, and the working hours are from 7:30 to 16:00 in summer, and from 8:00 to 15:30 in winter.
Now, let’s take a look at the other trail that follows the summit of the Four Sisters.
The Four Sisters (Maidens) summit
To hike in this direction, you have to enter Haizi Valley again, but from Guozhuangping and Chaoshanping you choose the left trail. It gradually starts ascending, from about 3200 m altitude, passing through the alpine bush, then alpine tundra in higher elevation. It reaches a small shelter on 4500 m and steeply ascends to Daguniang Peak- the Big Sister (5025 m).
From here, proceeding to the higher summits requires mountaineering preparation, suitable equipment, and knowledge of the route. Routes toward Erguniang (5276 m) and Sanguniang (5355 m) involve serious high-altitude terrain, and their difficulty depends on the chosen line, snow conditions, and season. These are mountaineering objectives rather than ordinary hiking trails. Before planning an ascent, confirm which routes are currently authorized, what guiding and registration arrangements are required, and how many days are needed for acclimatization.
Yaomei Peak
Finally, Yaomei (6250 m), the highest peak of the whole range, is a technically demanding alpine mountain with challenging rock, ice, and mixed climbing routes. Its approaches and base-camp areas lie deep in the surrounding high valleys, including routes from the Changping Valley side. Reaching these locations is a high-altitude expedition in itself, rather than a normal sightseeing trip. Access depends on the current status of the route and the mountaineering permissions and support arrangements required by the local authorities.
In general, this is what you can do within the borders of Siguniang National Park. But this park doesn’t cover the whole mountain range of Siguniang Mountain. There are more summits, more valleys, more lakes, and more forests- inside and outside the national park.
More valleys, peaks, and hiking trails
If you are not just a tourist, but an adventurous explorer who looks at the Siguniang Mountain just like a natural formation, not a tourist destination, you can penetrate even deeper into this mountain range.
An important distinction must be made between the physical existence of these high-mountain routes and their current legal accessibility. Some historical crossings and expedition routes pass through protected or undeveloped areas that are not open for independent trekking. Under the regulations reinforced in 2026, mountaineering and multi-day expeditions must follow the applicable registration, guiding, and approval procedures. Some routes may be temporarily closed, while others may not be authorized at all. The descriptions below are intended to illustrate the geography and potential route connections, not to confirm that every crossing is currently permitted. For the applicable framework, see the official Aba Prefecture outdoor activity regulations.
For example, you can pay the entrance fee for Changping Valley, and just like a normal tourist, you can go to Lama Monastery, then you can hike to the Changping Wei campsite, to the end of the valley. But then, instead of returning back to the entrance, you can proceed on a much more difficult trail to a Chazi Pass (4668 m), between Joey Shan (5178 m) and Jiangjun (5202 m) peaks, and descend to the neighboring Bifeng Valley. From there, you can reach a dirt road, then a paved road to Zhuangfang Village, at the north end of the mountain range.
The hiking trail connecting Changping, Haizi and Wolong
Another adventurous option, again from Changping Valley, is to turn right earlier, in front of the sided Luercong Valley, to ascend on Changgou (Long Valley) to a mountain pass north of Qijiemei (Seven Sisters) peak (these are other, minor “sisters”) at 4910 m, and to descend to the neighboring Zheng Valley to 2750 m altitude. Then start ascending on another valley to the south (camp on Longyan Terrace campsite at 4540 m altitude), cross another mountain pass (4705 m), then other two summits and valleys, until finally reach Haizi Valley at Shuanghaizi lakes. This route would take you about 4-5 days.
Or, another version of this route is from Longyan Terrace to turn left and proceed 3 days more hiking to Wolong Reserve, where you can see wild pandas (of course, if you are enough lucky).
All these kinds of experiences can bring you unforgettable impressions of the Siguniang Mountain paradise. However, this is about nature. But how about the local people and their culture?
Siguniang Mountain- the culture of the locals
Siguniang Mountain is located in the lands of Tibet, at the edge of the Great Tibetan Plateau. And the local people are Tibetans, but just a local branch of Tibetans, who belong to the Qiangic group. They are called Gyalrong Tibetans, and they live mainly in Ngawa Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province.
A significant part of their life and traditions are the same as the other Kham Tibetans who live in Eastern Tibet, probably just because they live in the same mountainous environment. Just their language is different, some differences can be seen in their house architecture- many houses look like towers with four horns on the roof corners, which can be seen mainly in the nearby Danba area.
The local Tibetans are friendly, hospitable, and ready to assist travelers. But as in most touristic places in the world, there are always people who just think about how to get more money from the travelers, and there is nothing strange about it. They work in the Siguniang National Park and the horses for riding are theirs. Anyway, their local culture contributes to the whole mountainous environment and adds to your unique local experience.
How to reach Siguniang Mountain
The most common way to reach Siguniang Mountain is from Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan. Road connections normally follow the route through Yingxiu and Wolong, with a total distance of about 175 km. Public buses and coaches operate from Chengdu’s Chadianzi Bus Station toward Siguniang Town, and services may also be available from Dujiangyan. However, departure times and fares can change, so don’t rely on a fixed number of daily buses. Check the current services through the Sichuan intercity bus booking system or local transport operators before traveling. Road conditions and travel times may also be affected by weather, landslides, and temporary restrictions.
Or, you can include Siguniang Mountain as a part of your Eastern Tibet itinerary and reach it from the west- from Bamei, Danba, and Xiaojin. One of the best ways to explore this region is by private car. Foreign visitors cannot legally drive in mainland China using only their foreign driving licence or International Driving Permit. However, eligible visitors can apply for a Chinese Temporary Motor Vehicle Driving Permit, which may allow them to drive a rental vehicle. The rental company’s requirements and any local road restrictions must also be checked. Hiring a car with a local driver remains another convenient option.
To the gates of the valleys
Once you reach Siguniang Town, you have to choose which valley you want to explore. Shuangqiao Valley is about 7 km west of the town and can be reached by locally arranged transport. Changping Valley and Haizi Valley have separate entrances near the eastern part of the settlement. However, don’t assume that you can always buy tickets on arrival. The scenic areas operate an advance reservation system, and tickets may sell out during holidays and peak travel periods. You can check availability and book through the official Aba Tourism booking platform or the park’s official WeChat channels. Remember that mountaineering and multi-day trekking require separate arrangements.
Accommodation
Since Siguniang is a popular mountain destination, there are plenty of hotels and guesthouses, mainly in Siguniang Town and the Changping Village area. Accommodation ranges from simple local guesthouses to more comfortable hotels, with prices varying considerably between ordinary days and busy holiday periods. It is worth booking in advance, especially during the main hiking and autumn photography seasons. Foreign visitors can generally stay in regular hotels under China’s national accommodation policy, although confirming the passport registration arrangements beforehand is still useful.
Check for your hotel in Siguniang!
However, Siguniang Town is only your starting point for exploring the mountain. If you make one-day trips in the valleys, the town can be your base camp. But if you want to explore deeper into the mountains on a multi-day expedition, you will need proper camping equipment and the necessary outdoor activity arrangements. Camping is not freely permitted everywhere in Haizi Valley or the other valleys. Overnight stays in the mountains must follow the designated routes, approved camping locations, and registration procedures. Ordinary scenic-area entrance tickets do not authorize independent overnight trekking or camping.
Spending the night in the national park
For a two-day or longer expedition, you must follow the current outdoor activity registration procedures, which include appropriate guiding and organizational arrangements. This is not merely a recommendation based on your experience level. During our own journey, we hiked in Haizi Valley until dark, after the ticket office had closed, and nobody came looking for us. However, this was our experience at that time, not evidence that independent camping or unregistered overnight trekking is legally permitted today. Before planning such a trip, contact the Siguniangshan Outdoor Activity Management Center and confirm the route, required guide, camping locations, and permissions.
Aside from that, there are also stations (chalets) or just shelters where you can spend the night too- in Laoniuyuanzi (老牛院子), Jipengzi （鸡棚子)， Dahuangpengzi (大黄棚子), and a shelter under Daguniang Peak, all in Haizi Valley. And in Changping Valley, you can find a place to sleep in Lama Monastery and Muluozi (木落子).
Siguniangshan has a separate system for registered outdoor activities, including mountaineering, multi-day trekking, camping, and certain mountain crossings. The published outdoor activity ticket is 150 CNY per person for up to three days, with an additional 30 CNY per extra day, although the applicable fees and route permissions should be reconfirmed before booking. This is separate from the arrangements for ordinary sightseeing. Registration is handled through the local Outdoor Activity Management Center, and the required documentation, guides, and approved itinerary depend on the type of expedition.
Weather and seasons
As in many other places in the world, Siguniang has a high, and a low season. The high season is in summer, especially May-June, and September-October. This is the time with the most beautiful colors. Also, it is warm and nicely cool, and not freezing cold in the morning.
August is nice, beautiful, warm, and colorful too, but the problem is in the rain. This month is the rainiest time of the year, and you can likely go to Siguniang Mountain, but can’t see the Four Sisters (Maidens), especially the most beautiful one- Yaomei since they would be hidden in clouds and fog.
The rest of the year is low season. Yes, it is mainly dry, with rare snowfalls. But it is very cold- sometimes the temperature can drop to -30°C. The mountain is mostly covered by snow, and you can’t see flowers and other colorful things. The lakes are covered by ice, and hiking is much more difficult, requiring a lot of winter equipment. At least, you can see and enjoy the Four Sisters (Maidens) in their gorgeous beauty.
Leaving Siguniang Mountain
Our journey to Siguniang Mountain was in August, so we almost couldn’t see the Sisters. But at least we enjoyed an exciting hike (although partly in rain). We experienced the best of the forests, meadows, and lakes of Haizi Valley. We spent two nights in Changping Village, hiking the whole day between the nights.
On the next day, we left Siguniang on our way to Chengdu. Again, after visiting such a fantastic place, Siguniang remained an important part of our “big sharing” after the trip. I always want to go to new places that I haven’t been to before. But there are some old places too that impressed me so much that I’d like to back there again. And Siguniang Mountain remained one of these places.
For more impressions, take a look at the video below:
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Hi, we are Krasen and Ying Ying. Krasen is from Bulgaria, and Ying Ying is from China. We are passionate about geography and history, and we believe that the best way to experience it is by exploring the Earth in reality, not in a school, and not virtually.
So, we created this blog Journey Beyond the Horizon, where we share geographical knowledge, travel guides and tips how to experience it when you explore our planet, and a lot of inspiration.
And we wish you a happy journey, not just virtually, but most of all- in reality.
Enjoy!
Krasen and Ying Ying
Hi, we are Krasen and Ying Ying. Krasen is from Bulgaria, and Ying Ying is from China. We are passionate about geography and history, and we believe that the best way to experience it is by exploring the Earth in reality, not in a school, and not virtually. So, we created this blog Journey Beyond the Horizon, where we share geographical knowledge, travel guides and tips how to experience it when you explore our planet, and a lot of inspiration. And we wish you a happy journey, not just virtually, but most of all- in reality. Enjoy!
