Aba's Color Palette I Choose Heishui

Named after the "Heishui River" within its borders A blend of Tubo, Qiang, and Han cultures Unique scenic resources and ethnic customs Previously hidden away due to poor transportation Now famous for its abundant tourism resources Majestic snow peaks: Dagu Glacier, San'ao Snow Mountains Alpine lakes: Luoli Lake, Zena Lake, Dagu Lake, Hamu Lake Colorful forests: Naizi Valley, Zhimu Colorful Forest Calcified pools: Kalong Valley Distinctive Tibetan villages: Se'ergu Tibetan Village, Yangrongha De ⛰️Elevation Heishui County town: about 2,350 meters 🚖Transportation 1. 🚗Self-driving: Heishui County is about 300 km from Chengdu, 230 km from Dujiangyan, and 160 km from Wenchuan 2. 🚌Public transport: Three direct buses daily from Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station (7:40/9:30/12:00) and one transit bus (9:25) to Heishui County Bus Station; Heishui-Chengdu (6:40/7:20/8:00); Public buses available from Heishui Bus Station to downtown and Dagu Glacier, taxis (CNY 10) are definitely more convenient. 🍜Food Dachef Delicacies, Huitou Ke Sichuan Cuisine, Legend Fresh Braised Food, Cuoqu Tibetan Restaurant, Ama Tea House 🛏Accommodation Hotels on Changzheng Road and West Street are older but convenient for shopping, dining, and transportation; hotels on Cailin Road have slightly newer facilities. 🏝Attractions 🎈Dagu Glacier: (2,900-4,860 meters) A scenic area combining snow mountains, glaciers, alpine lakes, highland pastures, and Tibetan villages. It is commercialized with high ticket prices: CNY 120/admission + CNY 70/shuttle bus + CNY 180/cable car. The scenic area is 20 km from downtown; transportation options include self-driving and taxis (CNY 30-40 one way). 🎈Kalong Valley: (2,400-4,100 meters) Legend says it's the little sister of Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, but in reality, it can't compare with them. However, it's more pristine with fewer visitors. The highest point, Fairy Pool, offers beautiful scenery. CNY 60/admission, CNY 15/shuttle bus. Located 60+ km from downtown on paved roads. Besides self-driving, you can only hire a car (about CNY 300). The "Zhimu Colorful Forest" along the way is comparable to Naizi Valley in autumn. 🎈Naizi Valley: (2,500-4,743 meters) Known as Asia's largest natural colorful forest, symbolizing beauty, prosperity, happiness, and peace. Located on the main road between Heishui and Markang, connected to Hongyuan Prairie. It stretches from 5 km outside the county town all the way to Yakexia Snow Mountain, spanning 80 li (40 km). In autumn, the multicolored valley resembles a painting. Attractions along the way include Luoli Lake and Yangrongha De. Car hire costs about CNY 200. 🎈San'ao Snow Mountains: From the viewing platform, you can see three snow mountains (Aotaiji, Aotaimei, Aotaina) in one frame. Although the actual summit is only 4,730 meters, Aotaina has a low climbing difficulty, making it ideal as your first snow mountain climb. Transportation options are limited to self-driving or hiring a car (CNY 200 to the viewing platform, CNY 80 one way to the visitor center). Climbing management fee is CNY 520, including shuttle bus, insurance, medal, and rescue fee. 🎈Se'ergu Tibetan Village: (about 1,800 meters) The Tibetan name means "a place rich in gold." This stone village built along the Heishui River resembles a tower-shaped castle with layers stacked upon each other. Located 60 km from Heishui County town. Besides hiring a car, you can take buses to Chengdu, Dujiangyan, or Maoxian and get off at Se'ergu (admission CNY 30). 🎬Recommended Itinerary D1: Arrive in Heishui, visit Naizi Valley in the afternoon D2: Dagu Glacier, Kalong Valley D3: Climb Aotaina or visit the San'ao Snow Mountains viewing platform, then return, visiting Se'ergu Tibetan Village on the way 💊Common Medications Rhodiola, headache powder, glucose, cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine