Experience the perfect blend of the pure holy lake and majestic snow-capped mountains at Mugecuo

🌟 Highlights • The "Sapphire of Western Sichuan": Mugecuo (Wildman Sea) sits at an altitude of 3,780 meters and is the largest alpine lake in northwest Sichuan. The lake water changes from blue to green with the weather, reflecting the snow mountains like a mirror. It is known as the "Pearl of the Plateau." • Four Seasons Aesthetics: Enjoy rhododendron seas in spring, summer camping and cooling, colorful forests and red leaves in autumn, and snowy landscapes and ice waterfalls in winter—scenery all year round. • Tibetan Secret Realm: Along the way, Tibetan villages, temples, and prayer flags offer a deep experience blending nature and culture. • Popular Photo Spots: Golden Coast, Seven-Color Sea, Medicinal Pool Hot Spring, Red Sea Grassland, and more—every snap is a masterpiece. 🗺️ Classic Route Recommendations 🔥 One-Day Highlights (for time-limited visitors) Scenic Area Entrance → Sightseeing Bus → Mugecuo Lake → Golden Coast → Seven-Color Sea → Medicinal Pool Hot Spring → Return • Highlights: • Mugecuo Lake: Take a boat ride on the shimmering lake surface with snow mountain reflections scattered like a starry river; or hike along the lakeside boardwalk to capture snow mountains, lake, and forest in one frame. • Golden Coast: A rare highland beach with fine golden sand, glowing brilliantly under the sunset—perfect for couples to capture hand-in-hand silhouettes. • Seven-Color Sea: The lake water changes through seven colors with light and shadow, most beautiful at dawn when mist rises; picnic on the lakeside meadow for a healing experience. • Medicinal Pool Hot Spring: Experience natural plateau hot springs, boil "tofu egg" (cooked at 90°C spring, 5 RMB each), or soak your feet (20 RMB per person). 🌿 Two-Day In-Depth Version (for nature and culture lovers) Day 1️⃣: Mugecuo Lake → Golden Coast → Seven-Color Sea → Medicinal Pool Hot Spring → Camp at Scenic Area Day 2️⃣: Rhododendron Gorge Hike → Red Sea Grassland → Fragrant Grassland → Return • Highlights: • Rhododendron Gorge: Sea of rhododendrons in summer, colorful forest tunnel in autumn, hike along an 8 km boardwalk with splashing streams and towering ancient trees. • Red Sea Grassland: Take a boat to capture stunning scenes of meadows, gesang flowers, lake water, and Gongga Mountain in one frame. • Fragrant Grassland: A 500-square-meter green carpet where yak herds stroll, herders hum love songs, embodying the original meaning of "the galloping mountain." 📸 Must-Visit Photo Spots 1️⃣ Mugecuo Lake: Capture snow mountains, lake, and forest in one frame; snap the sparkling lake surface while boating. 2️⃣ Golden Coast: Shoot hand-in-hand silhouettes at sunset or wear bright dresses for dramatic "till the seas dry and rocks crumble" themed photos. 3️⃣ Seven-Color Sea: Photograph the "Mirror of the Sky" in early morning mist; in autumn, capture red leaves reflected on the lake; use telephoto to frame mani stones and snow mountains on the opposite shore. 4️⃣ Medicinal Pool Hot Spring: Capture the steaming "tofu egg" in the hot spring mist or interact with the adorable marmots peeking around. 5️⃣ Red Sea Grassland: Sit by the boardwalk with snow mountains as the backdrop, shooting magazine-cover-worthy photos of grassland, gesang flowers, and lake water. 6️⃣ Fragrant Grassland: Capture running and jumping shots or set up a picnic scene reminiscent of a Studio Ghibli animation. 💡 Practical Tips • Ticket Information: • Scenic Area Package: Entrance + sightseeing bus 195 RMB/person (bus covers 20 km, 90 RMB/person) • Boat Ticket: 66 RMB/person (to see forests from a different perspective). • Medicinal Pool Hot Spring: Foot soak 20 RMB/person, boiled eggs 5 RMB/3 eggs. • Opening Hours: • Scenic Area: 08:00-17:00 (last entry at 16:30). • Transportation Guide: • Self-drive: About 3.5 hours from Chengdu via Yakang Expressway; from Kangding city, drive northwest along National Highway 318 for about 30 km. • Public Transport: Take a bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station to Kangding (about 5 hours), then transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus (15 RMB/person, 1 hour direct). • Avoid Scams: Unlicensed cars from Kangding to the scenic area charge 50 RMB/person—do not take them! • Clothing Suggestions: • Keep Warm: Large temperature difference between day and night on the plateau; bring a down jacket even in summer. • Sun Protection: Strong UV rays on the plateau; wear sunglasses, sunscreen, and a sun hat. • Non-slip Shoes: The boardwalk can be slippery; wear non-slip hiking shoes. • Other Tips: • Altitude Sickness: Prepare glucose oral solution in advance, more effective than Rhodiola; children should carry oxygen cans. • Weather Magic: Kangding has "four seasons in one valley"; it can be sunny at the foot of the mountain but snowing on top—carry a raincoat. • Animal Safety: Meadow cattle and horses are not afraid of people but do not feed them your own food; keep a 1-meter distance when photographing. • Best Photo Times: One hour after sunrise (7-8 am) and one hour before sunset (5-6 pm) for soft light and snow mountains not backlit. • Shopping Tips: Avoid buying Tibetan incense and medicinal herbs randomly in the scenic area; prices are better in Kangding Old Street downtown. • Seasonal Highlights: Rhododendrons in April, meadow flowers from June to August, red leaves in October, snow scenes from December to February. Mugecuo Scenic Area