Encountering Siguniang Mountain: A Romantic Rendezvous with Snow-Capped Peaks

If there truly exists a fairyland on earth, it must resemble Siguniang Mountain. This sacred mountain, located in Xiaojin County of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan Province, is like a poetic chapter of the earth, each page filled with nature's grandeur and mystery. Siguniang Mountain consists of four continuous peaks, from lowest to highest: Dagu Peak, Ergu Peak, San'gu Peak, and Yaomei Peak. The main peak, Yaomei Peak, stands at 6,250 meters above sea level, resembling an aloof goddess crowned with snow and draped in mist, towering majestically between heaven and earth. As the second-highest peak in Sichuan, it enjoys the reputation of "Queen of Sichuan Mountains." Legend has it that four fairy maidens transformed into these four peaks to save the people from a demon's torment, and they have guarded this land ever since. When the first rays of morning light touch the snow-capped peaks, the golden glow outlines the mountains in a dreamlike splendor, creating the breathtaking "Sunlit Golden Mountain" scenery that inspires awe and emotion. The three valleys within the scenic area—Shuangqiao Valley, Changping Valley, and Haizi Valley—each have their unique charm, like three secret paths to a fairyland. Shuangqiao Valley is the most developed valley, with sightseeing buses running throughout, making it easy to explore even with elderly or young children. The valley boasts diverse landscapes, from towering snow-capped mountains to dense forests, picturesque meadows, and crystal-clear lakes. Taking the sightseeing bus from the entrance, the first stop is the Redwood Forest, where the high altitude and surrounding snow-capped peaks create a fairy-tale atmosphere. The redwoods, a local endemic species and a nationally protected plant, date back to the Quaternary glacial period, offering different scenery in each season—especially enchanting when snow-covered in winter. Further ahead, Budala Peak comes into view, named for its resemblance to the Potala Palace. Its majestic form overlooks an open grassland at its base, perfect for photography. Sigu Lake's transparent waters mirror the surrounding snow-capped peaks and forests like a giant mirror. Nianyu Dam presents another scene, with lush water plants and babbling streams, where visitors can experience high-altitude rafting in summer for a refreshing thrill. At Renshenguo Meadow, herds of cattle and sheep graze leisurely amid hundreds of acres of grassland flanked by dense seabuckthorn forests, resembling giant flower baskets, with rolling snow-capped mountains in the distance—a serene tableau of plateau scenery. Other attractions in Shuangqiao Valley include the Sun-Moon Mirror, Five-Color Mountain, and Eagle Beak Rock. The Sun-Moon Mirror Peak, at 5,609 meters, features tightly folded anticline formations covered in ice and snow year-round, resembling a mirror. Five-Color Mountain, 9 kilometers from the valley entrance at 5,430 meters, is a typical folded mountain with semicircular colored arcs in red, yellow, blue, green, and white, glowing brilliantly under sunlight like a divine halo. Eagle Beak Rock, at 5,307 meters, is named for its resemblance to an eagle's beak, formed by glacial movement into a horn-like peak. Changping Valley is a paradise for hikers, with well-preserved primitive ecology. Starting from Lama Temple, visitors can choose to hike or ride horses. Along the winding trails, towering trees cast dappled sunlight on the ground. At Dead Tree Beach, withered trees of various shapes seem to whisper tales of time. Further in, Muzi Meadow is an ideal resting spot, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and flat grasslands perfect for camping. The unique peaks of Pomo and Camel also stand here, complementing the forests and meadows in picturesque harmony. In Changping Valley, visitors can admire Yaomei Peak up close, marveling at nature's craftsmanship with every step. For a light hike, the route from Lama Temple to Dead Tree Beach and Lower Ganhaizi takes about 4 hours round-trip, with chances to spot squirrels and pick wild berries. A deeper trek from Muzi Meadow to Chazigouwei requires a guide, traversing primeval forests and alpine meadows with stunning views and distant glimpses of Yaomei Peak. Hidden experiences include learning the Tibetan "Aga" dance from local monks—a traditional rammed-earth dance—or enjoying open-air KTV on the grasslands at dusk. Haizi Valley exudes mystery, being the highest and most pristine of the three valleys. Dominated by alpine meadows and lakes, it requires hiking or horseback riding throughout. Guozhuang Meadow offers a panoramic view of Siguniang Mountain's four peaks. Chaoshan Meadow is where local Tibetans hold their annual mountain-worship festival on the fourth day of the fifth lunar month, dressed in festive attire to pray for peace and happiness. Further along the trail, Flower Lake and Big Lake sparkle like gems set among colorful wildflowers, their azure waters breathtakingly beautiful. This area is also an adventurer's playground, ideal for foraging wild mushrooms or attempting climbs of Dafeng or Erfeng peaks, though prior registration and professional gear are required. Beyond its natural splendor, Siguniang Mountain is rich in cultural heritage. Home to the Gyarong Tibetans, the area preserves ancient traditions and customs. Visiting a Tibetan home, guests are welcomed with white hada scarves and sweet butter tea, offering warmth and hospitality. During traditional festivals, vibrant song and dance performances showcase unique folk culture. The annual Chaoshan Festival on the fourth day of the fifth lunar month sees locals in festive attire ascending the mountain for solemn rituals, including incense-burning and horse-offering ceremonies. Led by lamas chanting scriptures, the procession scatters "lungta" prayer flags for good fortune, accompanied by suona horns, conch shells, gongs, and drums, culminating in the burning of straw effigies—a spectacle now drawing tourists to experience authentic folk culture. The best times to visit Siguniang Mountain are spring and autumn. In spring (April-May), alpine rhododendrons bloom in profusion, creating a floral sea against snow-capped peaks, with high oxygen levels ideal for light travel. Autumn (September-October) paints the forests in gold, weaving a tapestry with the white peaks, especially photogenic for "Sunlit Golden Mountain" shots at Maobiliang Viewing Platform. Summer (June-August) offers cool escapes with temperatures of 15-22°C, though afternoon showers require rain gear. Winter (December-March) blankets the mountain in pure snow, with Haizi Valley ideal for "wilderness hiking" (ice cleats recommended), and Huayanzi Tunnel offering dramatic snow-capped peak photo ops. Accommodations in Siguniangshan Town range from boutique guesthouses like Siguniang Mountain Stargazing·Vacilando Resort, where Tibetan robes and sunrise views await, to upscale options like Vala Toms Cliffside Stream Hotel with 24-hour oxygen supply for high-altitude comfort. The Dream Awakening Hotel places guests inside Shuangqiao Valley for direct access to 5A-level scenery. Local cuisine is a must-try: Tibetan hotpot simmers yak bone broth with local yak meat, Tibetan pork, wild mushrooms, and herbs, paired with sweet barley cakes for a memorable feast. Snow Mountain Love Restaurant's yak meat hotpot and barley cakes are equally delightful, with wild mushroom platters that dazzle the palate. Other specialties include roasted whole lamb (crispy-skinned and tender), hand-torn boiled lamb (aromatic and lean), and yogurt (fermented from fresh milk, best with sugar). Medicinal dishes like fritillary bulb chicken soup (with local herbs) and cordyceps duck stew offer both flavor and health benefits. Grilled matsutake mushrooms and marinated ribs are savory treats, while seabuckthorn products—rich in vitamin C—include juices, lozenges, wines, and more, perfect for hydration and circulation during hikes. Siguniang Mountain is a visual feast, a spiritual cleanse, and an unforgettable journey. Here, you can converse with snow-capped peaks, embrace nature, and feel both the insignificance and grandeur of life. Come to Siguniang Mountain—fulfill your romantic rendezvous with the mountains.