Western Sichuan "Instead of longing, just set off"

Below is a minimalist 2-day 1-night travel guide for Siguniang Mountain in Western Sichuan with a budget of 200 RMB per person (based on off-peak non-holiday periods; actual costs may vary depending on season and transportation, so adjustments are needed): 1. Core Principle: Budget Travel Mindset + Light Hiking The Siguniang Mountain Scenic Area tickets are relatively expensive (150 RMB and up for Shuangqiao Valley/Changping Valley/Haizi Valley in peak season). With a 200 RMB budget, avoid paid scenic spots and choose free hiking routes (such as the outskirts of Shuangqiao Valley, around the entrance of Changping Valley, or the wild areas near Siguniang Mountain Town), focusing on experiencing the natural scenery of snow-capped mountains, meadows, and streams. 2. Itinerary (2 days 1 night) Day 1: Chengdu → Siguniang Mountain Town (stay in town) - Morning: Transportation (about 50 RMB) - Take a bus from Chengdu Chadianzi or Xinnanmen Bus Station to Siguniang Mountain Town (ticket about 50 RMB/person, approximately 3.5 hours). - Tips: Check schedules in advance (6-8 buses daily), choose early buses to save time; to save on transport costs, try carpooling (common from Chengdu Jinniu or Pidu District to Siguniang Mountain, about 40-50 RMB per person, but confirm safety). - Noon: Meal in town (about 20 RMB) - Recommended small restaurants for vegetarian rice dishes or egg fried rice (10-15 RMB), or bring your own snacks (bread, compressed biscuits, etc., cheaper). - Afternoon: Free hiking experience (0 RMB) - Route 1 (beginner-friendly): From town, walk along the rural road towards Haizi Valley for about 2 hours to Guozhuangping (altitude about 3800m). This is one of the best spots to view the full panorama of Siguniang Mountain (Yaomei Peak and Third Sister Peak in full view), with alpine meadows and streams along the way, perfect for photos and rest. - Route 2 (for those with better stamina): From town, hike towards Changping Valley for 1 hour to the Lama Temple Ruins (free area), the starting point of Changping Valley, offering distant views of snow mountains and close views of primeval forest, suitable for a short light hike. - Tips: Wear non-slip shoes for hiking (military rubber boots can be rented in town for about 10 RMB/day), bring enough drinking water (mineral water in town 3 RMB/bottle); if experiencing altitude sickness (above 3000m), avoid strenuous exercise and walk slowly. - Evening: Accommodation (about 80 RMB) - Choose a dorm bed in a youth hostel in town (such as "Siguniang Mountain International Youth Hostel"), bed price about 40-50 RMB/person; or a standard room in a family guesthouse (off-season may negotiate down to 80 RMB/room, shared by 2 people). - Tips: Contact the owner in advance to confirm prices; some guesthouses provide free hot water and simple breakfast (such as porridge, steamed buns). Day 2: Light hiking around Siguniang Mountain Town → Chengdu - Early morning: Sunrise and sea of clouds (0 RMB) - If weather is good, get up early (around 6 am) to the nearby Maobiliang Viewing Platform in town (free, 15-minute walk or 5 RMB taxi), a classic spot for photographing Siguniang Mountain sunrise and sea of clouds (arrive early to secure a spot). - Morning: Free hiking (0 RMB) - From town, hike towards Shuangqiao Valley for 1 hour to Kushutan (free area), the front section of Shuangqiao Valley entrance, with clear streams, dead trees, and meadows, ideal for artistic photos. - Alternative: If stamina is limited, stroll around town and visit the Siguniang Mountain Ecological Museum (free, learn about local ecology and culture). - Noon: Meal in town (about 20 RMB) - Same as Day 1, choose vegetarian rice dishes or bring your own snacks. - Afternoon: Return trip (about 50 RMB) - Take a bus back to Chengdu (last bus around 15:00-16:00, ticket 50 RMB), or carpool back (40-50 RMB per person). 3. Total Cost Reference (per person) Transportation (round trip) 50-100 RMB Bus 50 RMB / Carpool 40-50 RMB Accommodation 40-80 RMB Youth hostel bed or family guesthouse Meals (2 meals) 20-40 RMB Vegetarian rice dishes/snacks Others (water/shoe rental) 10-15 RMB Mineral water + non-slip shoe rental Total 120-235 RMB Can be controlled within 200 RMB in practice 4. Notes 1. Safety first: Siguniang Mountain is high altitude (town about 3200m), avoid strenuous exercise, prepare glucose oral solution (to prevent altitude sickness); choose established hiking routes, do not enter undeveloped areas on your own. 2. Weather impact: Weather in Western Sichuan is changeable; check real-time weather on the "Siguniang Mountain Scenic Area" official WeChat account in advance; roads may close due to rain or snow, adjust plans flexibly. 3. Equipment suggestions: Backpack (20-30L), sun hat, sunglasses, light down jacket (large temperature difference between morning and evening), power bank, small amount of cash (some areas have weak signal). 4. Environmental protection principle: Take all trash with you, do not damage vegetation, respect local Tibetan customs (do not touch prayer flags or mani stones casually). Summary: This guide compresses costs by avoiding ticketed areas, choosing free hiking routes, and staying in youth hostels, suitable for budget-conscious travelers who love nature. If time allows, extend to 3 days 2 nights to experience richer mountain scenery (such as the free hiking route "Mu'erzhai Valley" on the outskirts of Shuangqiao Valley).