Siguniang Shan

Siguniang Shan (四姑娘山), or “Four Sisters Mountain,” lies in the heart of Sichuan’s Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture. Among the four peaks, the First Peak (大峰) , the shortest of the four, stands at 5025 meters. This is also one of the most easily accessable peak out of the four, with direct routes to the peak and requiring no mountaineering gear. The most popular of these is the Dafeng/Erfeng Base Camp Trail, which brings you on a free trail from Rilong town or Siguniangshan town to the peak. The most scenic leg begins in Rilong Town (日隆镇) and passes through the Changping Valley (长坪沟). The valley trail runs roughly 29km round trip and is well-maintained with plank paths, river crossings, and a final stretch that transitions into alpine wilderness. Trekkers can camp at Mutang Grassland (木塘草甸) and push higher to the Yakou Pass, where they’ll be met with a wide face-to-face view of the mountain herself—often wreathed in cloud, but always sublime. Be warned: this is no easy forest stroll. While the trail starts gentle, the elevation gain past 3,600m will test your lungs and legs. Pack warm layers, hiking poles, and a tent rated for alpine nights. Altitude sickness is no joke here—go slow, hydrate, and stay an extra day in Rilong if needed before climbing high. For the final leg of the journey, it is recommeded to wake up at 3:00-4:00 am and be ready for the sunrise, for the jagged path to the peak would be a long and arduous one. (My personal suggestion: carry a bottle of glucose drink or energy gel to give yourself a boost when you think you can't push harder.)

Return is along the same route, but few complain of repetition when each turn offers new angles on glacier-fed rivers and silent Tibetan valleys. Autumn (October) is the golden time to visit, when forests blaze red and yellow under the snow-capped peaks. But be warned, Siguniangshan would close in certain parts of the year, depending on the weather and snow, so always check the current status before planning your hike.

Siguniang Shan (How to Get There) Though deep in Sichuan’s mountains, Siguniang Shan is reachable from Chengdu—the provincial capital with a well-connected airport (CTU, ICAO: ZUUU). Direct flights arrive daily from major hubs including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Singapore, Seoul, and Bangkok. For international travelers, connecting via Hong Kong, Chengdu, or Chongqing is the most straightforward option. From Chengdu, you can either hire a private driver or take a long-distance bus to Siguniangshan Town or Rilong Town. The drive takes approximately 5-7 hours, climbing steadily through the Tibetan Plateau via the Balang Mountain Pass (巴朗山口, 4,500m), which alone is worth the journey for its sea of clouds, steep cliffs, and wild yak sightings. It is recommeded to have an experienced Chinese speaker along with you and expected limited English communication. A pre-installed offline translator app is also an helpful option.

Transport options to Siguniang Shan Base Trails:

• By Private Car or Charter Van (Recommended for flexibility):Departure: Chengdu (Any downtown area)Arrival: Rilong Town, near Changping and Haizi ValleysDuration: ~5 hours (no stops), 6-7 hours with scenic pauses

• By Public Bus:Departure: Chadianzi Bus Station (茶店子客运站)Schedule: 1–2 daily buses to Xiaojin County (小金县) via RilongDuration: ~7-8 hoursNotes: May not be available in off-season; expect limited English

• By Train:Currently no direct rail to Rilong—nearest major station is in Dujiangyan, from which you must switch to bus or private vehicle.

Trail Entry Points and Key Logistics:

• Changping Valley Entrance (长坪沟景区):Location: East edge of Rilong TownEntry Ticket: ~80 RMB (Additional shuttle bus fee applies)Time: Open 07:00–17:30 (Check seasonal updates)

• Camping at Mutang or Yakou Pass:Bring own gear or hire porters/mules in RilongPermits: Required for overnight stays beyond valley checkpointsGuide recommended for higher routes