Super Detailed Guide to Niubeisan - One of China's Most Beautiful Sunrise Spots!!!
👍🏻Why We Recommend:
Friends! Niubeisan is truly a must-visit destination in your lifetime! 🌄Here you'll find magnificent seas of clouds and cloud waterfalls, with rolling clouds at sunrise that create a fairyland-like scene. You can also see the snow-capped Gongga Mountain, the king of Sichuan mountains - when the sun hits it, the golden mountain view will leave you speechless! ✨At night, with minimal light pollution, you can see the stunning Milky Way with your naked eyes - perfect for spectacular photos! 🌌Plus, from May to June, the mountain rhododendrons bloom everywhere, making the entire mountain incredibly romantic~ 🌸Every view here will amaze you!
🗺Attraction Introduction:
The most spectacular spot is the 3,666m viewing platform! 📸It features popular photo spots including road signs, sky ladders, swings, and photo frames - perfect for pictures from any angle! The area's five natural wonders are extraordinary: the magnificent sea of clouds and cloud waterfalls cascade down like waterfalls; during golden hour, sunlight bathes dozens of snow peaks including Gongga Mountain in golden light - absolutely breathtaking; at night, the brilliant starry sky reveals a clear view of the Milky Way, thrilling astrophotographers! 🌟After rain, you might even see the magical Buddha's light phenomenon with its dreamlike colorful halos~ 🌈
🚗Transportation:
- Self-driving/Private car: About 4-5 hours from Chengdu, first to Yingjing County or Lengqi Town, then take the scenic area shuttle for about 1 hour to the summit. Drivers should navigate to "Changhaizi parking lot" - SUVs are more convenient~ 🚙
- Public bus: Take a bus from Xinnanmen Station to Lengqi Town, then transfer to a local van. 🚌
🗺Recommended Itinerary:
Here's an excellent 2-day itinerary~ 🗺
D1: Meet at Chengdu Yangxi Interchange Exit A1 at 8:30am, pass through Luding, lunch in Lengqi Town, then take the scenic area shuttle (two sections: Pangou→Changhaizi→Summit, about 1.5 hours total). After reaching Niubeisan camp, hike to the 360° viewing platform to see the sea of clouds, snow mountains, and sunset! 🌅
D2: Wake up early at 6:00-7:00 to catch the sunrise at the viewing platform - super refreshing! 🌄Take the shuttle back around 10:00-11:00, return to Chengdu Yangxi Interchange Exit A1.
🍱Food Recommendations:
At Niubeisan, you must try the fresh mountain delicacies! 🍄Also, enjoy hot pot while taking in the views at the summit - absolutely delightful~ 🥘Every bite offers unique rural flavors, a true feast for your taste buds! 😋
💰Costs:
Entrance fee is CNY 160/person (including round-trip shuttle CNY 80). Tent camping requires additional fees. If you book online one day in advance, the ticket is CNY 115 (shuttle is free, just show your ID card on-site). Remember to plan your budget ahead~ 💸
📌Other Tips:
- Niubeisan is 3,666m above sea level. Walk slowly to prevent altitude sickness, and consider bringing oxygen bottles! 💨
- Weather is crucial! Check forecasts using "Windy" or "Astronomical Calendar" apps. If cloud height is around 3,000m, chances of seeing the natural wonders are high~ 🌤You might not see the sea of clouds on rainy days, so check weather before going!
- For accommodation, choose summit tent camps (like Xingyun Camp) or container hotels - book in advance! 🏕Choose Xingyun or Xingchen for Gongga Mountain views, Xingbo or RV camps for sunrise and sea of clouds.
- For clothing, wear moisture-wicking underwear + fleece liner + windproof jacket + warm down jacket; thick cotton pants, thermal pants, and hiking pants. Must wear non-slip shoes! 👢Don't carry too much while climbing - stairs are narrow and slippery in rain/snow, safety first!
- Photographers, bring wide-angle lenses, tripods (essential for starry sky photos), and spare batteries~ 📷Also bring hand warmers, thermal bottles, and don't forget your ID card! 🆔