Must-Visit Attractions in Western Sichuan During the May Day Holiday
First time visiting Western Sichuan and not sure where to go? Here's a list of top attractions curated by locals to ensure a great experience without any disappointments. Save it now!
1⃣ Mount Siguniang (Shuangqiao Valley)
⏰ Opening Hours: 07:30-17:30 (Last entry at 15:30)
🎫 Ticket Price: 150 RMB (includes shuttle bus)
📸 Highlights: Red Cedar Forest (snow-capped mountains + forest), Budala Peak (scenic road shots), Siguniang Lake (lake reflections)
⚠️ Note: Altitude is over 3800m, avoid running or jumping, and bring an oxygen tank!
2⃣ Daocheng Yading
⏰ Opening Hours: 07:10-19:00
🎫 Ticket Price: 266 RMB (includes shuttle bus)
📸 Highlights: Luorong Pasture (snow-capped mountains + meadows), Five-Color Lake (dreamy sunlight reflections), Chonggu Monastery (Tibetan-style architecture)
⚠️ Note: Long hikes can be exhausting, bring enough snacks and water! Altitude is 4600m, proceed according to your ability.
3⃣ Jiuzhaigou
⏰ Opening Hours: 06:30-17:00 (No entry after 14:00)
🎫 Ticket Price: 190 RMB (off-season)
📸 Highlights: Five-Flower Lake (blue-green gradient), Nuorilang Waterfall (featured in "Journey to the West"), Mirror Lake (stunning reflections)
⚠️ Note: The park is huge, wear comfortable shoes! Don’t forget your camera for amazing photos.
4⃣ Seda (Sertar)
⏰ Opening Hours: All day (last downhill bus at 21:00)
🎫 Ticket Price: Free (reservation required)
📸 Highlights: Panoramic view of red houses (viewing platform), Mandala (prayer and blessings), Night view (breathtaking lights)
⚠️ Note: Altitude is over 4000m, avoid intense activities! Respect local beliefs, and don’t take close-up photos of monks.
5⃣ Yuzixi
⏰ Opening Hours: All day (best sunset view from 17:30-19:00)
🎫 Ticket Price: 20 RMB cleaning fee
📸 Highlights: 360° Snow Mountain Viewing Platform (Gongga + Yala), Starry Sky Camp (stunning Milky Way at night)
⚠️ Note: It’s very windy, dress warmly! The road conditions are poor, SUV recommended for self-driving.
6⃣ Moxi Park
⏰ Opening Hours: 08:30-17:30
🎫 Ticket Price: 60 RMB
📸 Highlights: Alien Planet (black stone mountains), Zanggu Valley (full of sci-fi vibes), Boardwalk (cool aerial shots)
⚠️ Note: Strong UV rays, use sunscreen! Wear bright-colored clothes for better photos.
8⃣ Bipeng Valley
⏰ Opening Hours: 08:30-17:30
🎫 Ticket Price: 40 RMB (off-season) + 60 RMB for shuttle bus
📸 Highlights: Panyang Lake (snow-capped mountain reflections), Longwang Lake (crystal blue water), Red Stone Beach (unique terrain)
⚠️ Note: Snow may still be present in March, wear sunglasses to prevent snow blindness! Altitude is 3500m, avoid jumping around.
9⃣ Xinduqiao
⏰ Opening Hours: All day
🎫 Ticket Price: Free
📸 Highlights: Ten-Mile Gallery (amazing light and shadow), Tagong Grassland (snow-capped mountains + prayer flags), Juri Monastery (hidden gem)
⚠️ Note: Large temperature difference between day and night, bring a down jacket! Photographers should catch the morning mist.
🎒 Travel Essentials
🆔 Documents: ID card, student ID
🍽️ Snacks: Chocolate, beef jerky, glucose, bread, candy
👔 Personal Items and Clothing: Toiletries, slippers, umbrella, thermos, thick coat, windbreaker, base layers (both long and short sleeves), long pants
🛀 Skincare: Moisturizer, lip balm, toner, sunscreen, facial cleanser, makeup remover, cosmetics
Other: Medicine for colds/stomachache/pain relief, glucose, motion sickness patches, oxygen tank