Written by Veronica |
As one of the three picturesque valleys in the Mount Siguniang National Park in Sichuan Province, Shuangqiao Valley is the largest and most accessible one, which stretches 40 kilometers long and covers an area of 216 square kilometers. As it shows amazing views of snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, lush forests, serene lakes, and magnificent waterfalls, this scenic valley is a paradise for nature lovers, photographers, and hikers.
There are three valleys in Mount Siguniang National Park – Shuangqiao Valley, Changping Valley, and Haizi Valley. Shuangqiao Valley is the easiest to explore and is equipped with mature facilities. Besides, it is one of the best ice-climbing areas in China, and you can enjoy ice-climbing in Shuangqiao Valley. If you plan to visit there, we can customize your Sichuan tours to the Shuangqiao Valley of Mount Siguniang.
Shuangqiao Valley Facts
- Location: About 7 km west of Mt. Siguniang Town, Xiaojin County, Aba Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China
- Opening time: It opens all year round. 07:00-17:00 (Apr. 1-Nov. 30); 08:00-17:00 (Dec.1 – next Mar. 31).
- Ticket price: CNY 80 per person in peak season( Extra CNY 70 will be charged for the sightseeing bus); CNY 50 per person in slack season (Extra CNY 50 will be charged for the sightseeing bus)
- Time Needed: Half a day or one day
- Best time to visit: June to September
- Suited to: Hikers, photographers, and nature lovers
What to See and Do at Shuangqiao Valley
1. Take a Sightseeing Bus or Hike along the Boardwalk
By taking a sightseeing bus to explore Shuangqiao Valley, you can visit as many scenic spots as possible and discover a variety of beautiful landscapes. Besides, if you prefer hiking, you can walk along the 40-kilometer wooden boardwalk and indulge in the scenic views of the surroundings.
2. Admire the Diverse Landscape and Vegetation
Shuangqiao Valley harbors diverse landscapes and vegetation encompassing three distinct forest belts: broad-leaved, mixed, and coniferous. You will be amazed by its wide range of tree species, including birch, cypress, maple, fir, redwood, and many other kinds of flowers and plants.
3. Explore the Tourist Spots and Attractions
Stop for the following tourist spots and attractions, and you will be amazed by the beautiful scenery.
- Ten-mile Polar Trees: This should be your first stop on your Sichuan tours to Shuangqiao Valley. It is a magnificent forest with thousands of tall and straight polar trees growing vigorously by the mountains and rivers.
- Hunter Peak: A snow-capped mountain with a sharp peak that looks like the head of an arrow.
- WuseMountain: A crescent-shaped mountain covered with stones and rocks in five different colors.
- Bonsai Beach: A large beach planted with many seabuckthorn trees of various peculiar shapes.
- Sapodilla Plateau: A must-visit plateau that presents beautiful scenery like a sea of flowers in the spring when wildflowers are blossoming.
- Stone Buddha Temple: A Tibetan temple housing a magnificent stone Buddha statue.
Best Time to Visit Shuangqiao Valley
You can visit Shuangqiao Valley in China during the peak tourism season from April to November. But the best time to visit is between June and September when the climate is milder and the surroundings are more pleasant. Besides, you are advised to visit Shuangqiao Valley in the morning to get a better experience, as the weather is usually sunny in the morning and turns cloudy in the afternoon.
By the way, if you want to try ice climbing in Shuangqiao Gou Valley, visit there during the ice season, which is generally from mid-December until February next year.
How to Get to Shuangqiao Valley
After you arrive in Chengdu, you can follow the ways below to travel to the Shuangqiao Valley of Mount Siguniang.
By bus: There is an express bus to Shuangqiao Valley from Chengdu. Just make your way to the Mirui Shopping Mall on Chunxi Road and board the express bus. The whole journey takes about 3-4 hours and costs CNY 108. You can also take a bus from Xinnanmen Bus Station to the Mount Siguniang Scenic Area.
By train: Though there is no direct train from Chengdu to Shuangqiao Valley, you can take a train from Chengdu East Railway Station to Ya’an Railway Station, then take a bus from Ya’an to Xiaojin County and get off at Siguniang Town halfway. Finally, you are near the entrance of Shuangqiao Gou Valley.
By car: Since Chengdu is 200 kilometers from Shuangqiao Valley, driving there is also a good option for you. It takes around 4 hours to reach Shuangqiao Gou Valley, during which you can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
Attractions Nearby Shuangqiao Valley
- Changping Valley: Being the most classic valley of Mount Siguniang National Park, Changping Valley is ideal for hiking with its winding trails and spectacular scenery. You can drop by this valley on your trip to the Shuangqiao Valley of Mount Siguniang.
- Haizi Valley: This is the most challenging valley in Mount Siguniang National Park. If you like hiking and prefer adventurous trails, visit this place.
- Wolong National Nature Reserve: This is one of the largest breeding centers for pandas in China. Located 70 km from Shuangqiao Valley in Mount Siguniang National Park, this tourist attraction is a wonderful place for you to see pandas in their natural habitats.
- Danba Tibetan Village: Danba is said to be home to the most beautiful villages in China, and Danba Tibetan Village is a type of village that intersects the watchtowers and residences to form a unique Tibetan architect