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Winter at Hailuogou! Totally worth the trip! Hiking and hot springs are simply legendary!!

Who gets it, fam! Winter at Hailuogou maxes out romance and healing✨ Trekking through the pristine white snow to see glaciers, then soaking in a natural hot spring to warm your toes when tired—this experience is truly legendary, unforgettable once you’ve been! Here’s a detailed guide, even those who hate the cold can confidently go~​ . 📍About transportation:​ ✈️Out-of-towners fly to Chengdu Shuangliu / Tianfu Airport, then take a bus to Moxi Ancient Town (3.5 hours), followed by a scenic shuttle bus into Hailuogou (20 minutes). The whole trip is smooth and direct!​ 🚗Driving from Chengdu takes 3.5 hours straight to Moxi Ancient Town, passing through Erlang Mountain Tunnel, accompanied by snowy mountains and sea of clouds—self-driving fans will be thrilled~​ 🚌Budget travelers can take a direct bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station, ticket price 80+, super cost-effective, and the bus stops right at the ancient town entrance, very convenient!​ . 🏡Accommodation recommendations: Choose either the ancient town or near the scenic area!​ ✅Moxi Ancient Town: Many lodging options, from budget hostels costing tens of yuan to guesthouses costing hundreds. Convenient for evening strolls and dining, and you can catch the first scenic shuttle bus into the park in the morning to save time~​ ✅Hot spring hotels inside the scenic area: For private hot spring baths, choose here! Some hotels open right onto snowy fields, soaking in hot springs while watching snowflakes fall creates an amazing atmosphere. Prices are a bit higher but the experience is unbeatable~​ . 🥾Hiking to see snow: Immerse yourself in a winter wonderland!​ ✨Hailuogou Glacier Forest Park (core scenic area):​ Tickets + shuttle bus 140+, take the shuttle to Camp 3, then transfer to the cable car up to Camp 4 (cable car 130+), overlooking the huge ice waterfall, with snowy mountains and glaciers right before your eyes—every photo is a masterpiece!​ If you don’t want to take the cable car, hike from Camp 3 to the glacier tongue (1.5 hours), stepping on thick snow, passing through primeval forest with beautiful rime and ice formations, like walking into a fairy tale~​ ✨Red Stone Beach: Passed during the hike, red stones covered by white snow create a stunning red-and-white contrast. Remember to wear light-colored clothes for better photos~​ ✨Yajiageng: A lesser-known hiking spot, quiet and pure in winter, with snow mountains, meadows, and streams blending together. Easy hiking suitable for beginners, and you might even spot some small animals~​ . 🌈Hot spring tips:​ ⭕️Soaking in hot springs after hiking is super relaxing, but don’t soak immediately after exercise—rest for 30 minutes first~​ ⭕️Remember to bring swimwear and towels; towels can be rented inside the park but it’s more hygienic to bring your own. Dry off promptly after soaking to avoid catching a chill~​ ⭕️Outdoor pools are great for photos; wear bright-colored swimwear to stand out against the snowy backdrop!​ . 😋Local food: Warm and satisfying!​ ▫️Yak meat hot pot: A winter must! Fresh yak meat + various ingredients cooked in a spicy, fragrant broth, steaming hot, warming body and stomach. Around 60+ per person to eat until full~​ ▫️Roast whole lamb: Many shops in the ancient town offer this, crispy outside and tender inside, sprinkled with chili powder for extra aroma. Perfect for sharing with a group, full of atmosphere~​ ▫️Tibetan yogurt: Sweet, sour, and rich, a great palate cleanser after hot pot, very comforting~​ ▫️Highland barley cake: Crispy outside, soft inside, savory and delicious. Can be a staple or a snack, the more you chew, the better it tastes~​ . 📝Winter travel tips:​ ☝️Climate: Winter temperatures at Hailuogou range from -5℃ to 10℃, even colder inside the park. Be sure to wear thick down jackets, snow boots, scarves, gloves, and hats to stay warm!​ 💪Gear: Bring crampons (available inside the park for 10-20 yuan per pair) to prevent slipping on snow; sunglasses are essential to protect your eyes from strong snow glare~​ 3️⃣Altitude sickness: The park’s elevation is 2000-3000 meters, usually no altitude sickness, but bring some glucose in advance and avoid strenuous exercise~​ ⚠️Avoid pitfalls: Food prices inside the park are a bit high, so buy snacks and water in Moxi Ancient Town to bring in; the shuttle bus is a must-buy ticket since the park is large and impossible to explore on foot alone~​ . Winter at Hailuogou offers both the romance of hiking in snow and the healing warmth of hot springs—definitely worth rushing to! Everyone, save this guide and this winter go on a date with ice, snow, and warm baths~
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Posted: Dec 11, 2025
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Hailuogou of Gongga Mt.China

4.3/54193 reviews | Natural scenery
Luding
No. 4 of Best Things to Do in Ganzi Prefecture
PLN 10.19
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