Gulong Village, a Secret Place in Western Sichuan: A Camping Paradise Under the Snow Mountain

A Trip Into a Wonderland "I thought Mount Siguniang was already the most beautiful place in the world, until I met Gulong Village." This is what I wrote in my WeChat Moments. Last summer, I accidentally discovered this secret place in Tagong Grassland—the snow mountain is close at hand, the stream flows by the tent, and the starry sky is within reach. At that moment, I truly understood the profound meaning of "life is a wilderness." Today, I want to share this healing and freedom with you and take you to see this "Shangri-La" on the western Sichuan plateau! --- **1. Gulong Village: A Western Sichuan Painting Privately Hidden by God** **Location and Features** Gulong Village is located in Tagong Town, Kangding City, Garze Prefecture, Sichuan Province, with an altitude of about 3,700m. It is backed by Yala Snow Mountain and faces Tagong Grassland. It integrates snow mountains, meadows, streams, and starry skies, and is known by backpackers as the "ceiling of camping in western Sichuan." Compared with the scenery of Switzerland, it has more primitive wildness and the profoundness of Tibetan culture. **Why must go?** - **Snow Mountain is within reach**: The panoramic view of Yala Snow Mountain is unobstructed. The "Golden Mountain under the Sunshine" at sunrise is shocking, and the snow peaks are dyed pink and purple at sunset. You can take a blockbuster photo with a casual shot. - **Starry sky camping ceiling**: The Milky Way is clearly visible at night, and outside the tent are the gurgling streams and silhouettes of snow mountains, which are full of romance. - **Humanistic Secret Realm**: Tibetan houses, scenes of herdsmen grazing, and the aroma of butter tea are all uncommercialized simplicity. --- **2. How to get there: Self-driving or public transportation?** **1. Self-driving route (recommended!)** - **Starting from Chengdu**: Along Chengya Expressway → Yakang Expressway → 318 National Highway, the journey is about 6 hours. Cars can pass, and the scenery along the way is picturesque. Mount Zheduo and Tagong Grassland are all check-in points. - **Navigation and positioning**: Search directly for "Gulong Village, Tagong Town". There is an open river beach at the entrance of the village. The parking fee is CNY 20/person, and the tent rental is CNY 100/top. **2. Public transportation** - **Bus + Chartered Car**: Take a bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Station to Kangding (about 4 hours), and then charter a car to Gulong Village (about 1.5 hours). It is recommended to contact the local driver in advance, and the cost is about CNY 200–300/car. --- **3. Must-see experiences: Unlock N ways to play in Gulong Village** **1. Ultimate camping under the snow mountain** - **Location recommendation**: The river beach or stream next to the village entrance, facing Yala Snow Mountain, sleeps with the starry sky at night. - **Equipment recommendation**: You can bring your own tent or rent local equipment (awnings and tables and chairs are all available). Remember to bring a thick sleeping bag, the temperature is close to 0℃ at night. - **Atmosphere bonus**: Cooking hot pot and barbecue at the foot of the snow mountain, with a bottle of iced beer, this is life! **2. Paradise for photographers** - **Best location**: - **Panoramic view of Yala Snow Mountain**: Any open grassland in the village, a wide-angle lens can easily produce a blockbuster. - **Stream reflection**: In the early morning or evening, the snow mountain is reflected in the stream, and the picture is as pure as a mirror. - **Starry sky shooting**: Tripod + long exposure, the shock of the Milky Way and the snow mountain in the same frame, the mobile phone can also shoot! **3. Immersive Tibetan cultural experience** - **Visit Tibetan homes**: Drink a bowl of hot butter tea, learn to make zanba, and listen to herdsmen tell the legend of the snow mountain. - **Horseback riding**: The cost is about CNY 50–100/hour, shuttling through the meadows and accompanied by cattle and sheep, as if you are in the movie scene of "Heidi and Grandpa". **4. Secret extension: Balang Shengdu Village** - **Distance**: A 10-minute drive north from Gulong Village, more niche and original. - **Play**: Climb the viewing platform to overlook Yala Snow Mountain and enjoy the Milky Way at night (cleaning fee is CNY 20/person). If you want to avoid the crowd, this is the first choice. --- **4. Seasonal Limited: The Aesthetics of Gulong Village in Four Seasons** - **Spring (Apr–May)**: The grassland is green and wildflowers are everywhere, suitable for flower viewing and light hiking. - **Summer (Jun–Aug)**: A summer resort, about 20℃ during the day, and a windbreaker is required at night. - **Autumn (Sep–Oct)**: The meadow is golden, and the forests are dyed, which is the golden period for photography. - **Winter (Nov–Mar)**: The snow mountain is more sacred, and you can experience skiing (you need to bring your own equipment). --- **5. Practical Information: A Complete Guide to Eating, Living and Traveling** **Accommodation recommendation** - **Tibetan B&B**: Muxue Villa, Tianshan Yeke·Yunjv, you can see the snow mountain when you open the window, the price is CNY 150–300/night. - **Camping**: There are multiple campsites in the village to choose from, providing toilets and hot water. It is recommended to book in advance. **Food list** - **Must-try Tibetan food**: Yak jerky, butter tea, highland barley cake, Tibetan barbecue. - **Sichuan Restaurant**: There are several small restaurants in the village, recommended boiled yak meat and sauerkraut potato soup. **Cost reference** - **Tickets**: Free! Only a parking fee of CNY 20/person is charged, and a cleaning fee of CNY 20/person is charged for Balang Shengdu. - **Per capita consumption**: About CNY 500 for 2 days and 1 night (including food, accommodation and transportation). --- **6. Avoidance Guide: Essential Tips for Plateau Travel** 1. **Anti-altitude sickness**: At an altitude of 3,700m, do not exercise vigorously when you first arrive, and prepare oxygen cylinders, glucose, and Coke (personally tested and effective!). 2. **Sun protection and warmth**: The ultraviolet rays are super strong! Sunglasses, hats, and SPF50+ sunscreen are essential; the temperature difference is large at night, bring a down jacket or windbreaker. 3. **Environmentally friendly travel**: Please take away the garbage and respect the herdsmen's grass