Winter Wonderland Guide for Western Sichuan

In December, Western Sichuan is covered in ice and snow, with fewer tourists and more sunny days, making it an ideal time to enjoy the snow off-peak and catch the golden sunlight on the mountains. This guide covers routes, attractions, transportation, and accommodation to help you easily explore Western Sichuan: 1. Classic Route Recommendations - 3 days 2 nights short loop (beginner-friendly): Day 1 Chengdu - Maobixiang (panoramic view of Mount Siguniang) - Siguniangshan Shuangqiaogou (enjoy the rime corridor and redwood forest) - overnight at Danba Tibetan Village; Day 2 Yala Snow Mountain Viewing Platform - Moxi Park (photograph the icy stone forest) - Tagong Grassland - Yuzixi (view snowy mountain Milky Way) - overnight at Xinduqiao; Day 3 Xinduqiao - 434 Airport Road - Honghaizi (photograph the ice lake) - Mugecuo (see the ice bubble wonder) - return to Chengdu. - 4 days 3 nights in-depth route (photography & secret spots): Day 1 Chengdu - Wanggangping (take the cable car to see Gongga Snow Mountain, stay in a forest cabin); Day 2 Wanggangping sunrise - Moxi Park - Tagong Monastery (photograph the golden summit snow scene) - overnight at Xinduqiao; Day 3 Xinduqiao - Litang - Daocheng; Day 4 Daocheng Yading (visit Xianuoduoji, Milk Lake frozen spectacular) - return or extend stay. 2. Must-Visit Attractions - Mount Siguniang: Clear snowy views of Yaomei Peak, the redwood forest in Shuangqiaogou covered in snow, the quiet and serene Changpinggou with few people, walking on the wooden plank path through snow is very poetic, Maobixiang is an excellent spot for panoramic snow mountain photos. - Dagu Glacier: Take the world's highest sightseeing cable car to the glacier peak at 4,860 meters, beneath you lies billions of years of continuous ice and snow, and the ice-eroded lake sparkles like a gem when frozen. - Seda: Red houses covered in white snow, the scenery around the Buddhist Academy is stunning, visitors should keep quiet and respect local religious culture, and must obtain a border permit in advance before visiting. 3. Travel and Accommodation Tips - Transportation: Self-driving requires snow chains; sections like Zheduo Mountain are prone to ice. Beginners are advised to choose local charter cars or 2-8 person off-road small groups; most core scenic spots are 3-5 hours from Chengdu, some road sections have black ice and require slow driving. - Clothing: Dress in layers using the "onion method"—moisture-wicking base layer, fleece mid-layer, windproof and waterproof thick down jacket outer layer, plus fleece-lined hiking pants, anti-slip snow boots, and bring a Lei Feng hat, waterproof gloves, and hand warmers. Sunglasses and SPF50+ sunscreen are also essential. - Food and Accommodation: Choose guesthouses with heating or floor heating; Xinduqiao and Danba Tibetan Village offer good value lodging; prioritize yak hotpot, butter tea, and highland barley cakes for warmth and to suit the plateau stomach. Avoid trying homemade highland barley wine with strong aftereffects lightly. 4. Precautions Take Rhodiola three days in advance, carry an oxygen bottle and glucose. Avoid running, jumping, or heavy lifting upon arrival at the plateau; try not to wash hair or bathe on the first day. Some power banks may cause altitude sickness; choose models suitable for high altitudes. Some toilets lack sinks, so bring wet wipes and portable toiletries.