Zimei Pass: A Stunning Viewpoint of Gongga Mountain

Located in Kangding, Ganzi, Sichuan, Zimei Pass is the perfect spot to admire the "King of Sichuan Mountains"—Gongga Mountain. At an altitude of 4,500 meters, you can not only overlook the main peak but also witness the breathtaking sunrise over the golden mountain and the rolling sea of clouds, as if you were in a fairyland. If you are a nature lover and photography enthusiast, Zimei Pass is an absolute must-visit destination! ✨ 🕘【Opening Hours】 Open year-round. The best time to visit is from October to April (stable weather with a higher chance of seeing the sea of clouds and sunrise over the golden mountain). Suggested visiting time: 1–2 days (suitable for photography and hiking). Precautions: The pass is at a high altitude, so take precautions against altitude sickness. The temperature difference between day and night is significant, so dress warmly. 💴【Ticket Price】 Free admission currently, but an environmental fee is required by local villagers (approx. CNY 20–30/person). Other expenses: Horse riding or guide services require additional fees (approx. CNY 100–200/person). ⛺【Activities】 Sunrise over the Golden Mountain Highlight: In the early morning or evening, the sun illuminates Gongga Mountain, turning the entire peak golden—a truly magnificent sight! Suggested itinerary: Check the sunrise time in advance, depart for the pass at dawn, and secure the best viewing spot. Important notes: The temperature is extremely low in the early morning, so wear a thick down jacket, gloves, and a hat. Sea of Clouds Highlight: The sea of clouds at Zimei Pass resembles rolling waves, with Gongga Mountain looming in the distance, creating a dreamlike landscape. Suggested itinerary: The sea of clouds is most likely to appear after rain or in the early morning, so it's recommended to wake up early. Important notes: The sea of clouds changes quickly, so seize the moment to capture its beauty. Stargazing and Photography Highlight: Far from light pollution, Zimei Pass offers a brilliant starry night sky, perfect for capturing the Milky Way. Suggested itinerary: Camp at the pass at night to photograph the stars and star trails. Important notes: The temperature is extremely low at night, so dress warmly. Hiking Highlight: Hike from Zimei Pass to Gongga Monastery and enjoy the stunning scenery along the way—ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Suggested itinerary: Depart in the morning; the hike to Gongga Monastery takes about 4–5 hours. Important notes: The hiking trail is relatively undeveloped, so it's recommended to hike with companions and bring supplies. 🚌【Transportation】 Self-driving: The drive from Chengdu to Zimei Pass takes about 8 hours. SUVs or off-road vehicles are recommended due to some rough road sections. Route: Chengdu - Kangding - Xinduqiao - Shangmuju Village - Zimei Pass. Chartered car: If you are unfamiliar with the road conditions, consider hiring a car with a local driver who knows the route better. Public transportation: Take a bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station to Kangding, then hire a car to Shangmuju Village (approx. 4 hours), and finally hike or ride a horse to Zimei Pass. 👉【Itinerary】 Day 1: Chengdu - Xinduqiao Depart from Chengdu in the morning, pass through Kangding, and stay overnight in Xinduqiao to acclimatize to the high altitude. Day 2: Xinduqiao - Shangmuju Village - Zimei Pass Drive to Shangmuju Village in the morning, hike or ride a horse to Zimei Pass in the afternoon, and camp or stay overnight at a villager's home. Day 3: Zimei Pass - Gongga Monastery - Xinduqiao Wake up early to photograph the sunrise over the golden mountain and the sea of clouds, hike to Gongga Monastery in the morning, and return to Xinduqiao in the afternoon. Day 4: Xinduqiao - Chengdu Return to Chengdu, concluding the awe-inspiring Gongga Mountain journey. 🧡【Preparation】 Clothing: The temperature difference between day and night is significant on the plateau, so bring a thick down jacket, thermal underwear, a hat, gloves, etc. Shoes: Non-slip hiking boots are essential due to the undeveloped hiking trails. Sunscreen: The plateau has strong UV radiation, so bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Food: There are no dining services at the pass, so bring your own food and water. Camping gear: If you plan to camp, bring a tent, sleeping bag, moisture-proof mat, etc. Photography equipment: Camera, tripod, spare batteries (essential for capturing the sunrise over the golden mountain and the starry sky). Zimei Pass is a truly awe-inspiring place. Whether it's the sunrise over the golden mountain, the sea of clouds, or the starry sky, it will leave you with unforgettable memories. Embark on a spontaneous nature adventure! 🚗💨