Holy Aba · Fairyland on Earth

Sichuan Aba — a gathering place of world natural heritage sites. Explore Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, pilgrimage to Four Girls Mountain, experience Tibetan and Qiang ethnic culture and grassland scenery.

3 Sites
World Heritage Sites
Tibetan & Qiang
Ethnic Cultures
4000m+
Average Altitude
940,000
Population

Aba Prefecture 5-Day-4-Night World Heritage In-Depth Tour

Explore Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong, pilgrimage to Four Girls Mountain, experience grassland Tibetan and Qiang ethnic customs

Duration
5 Days 4 Nights
Main Destinations
Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong, Four Girls Mountain, Ruoergai Grassland
Suitable For
Nature lovers, photography enthusiasts, cultural experience seekers, outdoor sports lovers
Per Capita Budget
¥1500-¥3000
01
Jiuzhaigou Fairyland
Exploring the Fairy-Tale Water World
Itinerary Highlights

Full-day tour of Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area, admiring 108 alpine lakes and multiple waterfall groups.

Attraction Arrangements
Jiuzhaigou
A World Natural Heritage site, renowned for its "Six Wonders": emerald lakes, cascading waterfalls, colorful forests, snow-capped peaks, Tibetan charm, and blue ice. Known as the "Fairy-Tale World" and "King of Water Scenery."
Five-Flower Lake
The essence of Jiuzhaigou, the lake water is crystal clear, named for the colorful and vibrant hues reflected by underwater sediments and aquatic plants.
Practical Information
Accommodation Recommendations
  • Hotels at Jiuzhaigou Entrance
  • Tibetan-style Homestays
  • In-scenic-area Accommodation
Food Recommendations
  • Yak Beef
  • Butter Tea
  • Highland Barley Wine
  • Tibetan Hot Pot
Travel Tips
  • High altitude — take precautions against altitude sickness
  • Sightseeing bus is required within the scenic area
  • Best photography time is in the morning
02
Huanglong Jade Pool
Travertine Color Pool Spectacle
Itinerary Highlights

Full-day tour of Huanglong Scenic Area, admiring the world's largest open-air travertine landscape.

Attraction Arrangements
Huanglong
A World Natural Heritage site, famous for its "Four Wonders": colorful pools, snow-capped mountains, deep gorges, and primeval forests. Home to the world's largest open-air travertine landscape.
Five-Color Pond
Huanglong's most famous attraction, consisting of hundreds of colorful travertine pools of varying sizes. The water displays a kaleidoscope of colors due to different mineral content.
Practical Information
Transportation Guide
  • Jiuzhaigou to Huanglong: approx. 2 hours by car
  • Cable car is available within the scenic area
Ticket Information
  • Huanglong: ¥170
  • Cable Car: ¥80 (one way up)
Special Experiences
  • Hiking to view travertine landscapes
  • Photographing the colorful pools
  • Experiencing high-mountain ecology
03
Four Girls Mountain
The Alps of the East
Itinerary Highlights

Full-day pilgrimage to Four Girls Mountain, experiencing high-mountain outdoor sports.

Attraction Arrangements
Four Girls Mountain
A World Natural Heritage site, consisting of four continuous mountain peaks. The highest peak, Yaomei Peak, stands at 6,250 meters and is known as the "Alps of the East."
Shuangqiao Valley
The most beautiful valley of Four Girls Mountain, featuring snow-capped peaks, forests, alpine meadows, and streams — the best vantage point for viewing the full panorama of Four Girls Mountain.
Practical Information
Outdoor Experiences
  • Hiking and Mountaineering
  • Horseback Riding Tours
  • Photography Expeditions
  • Alpine Camping
Precautions
  • Exercise within your limits at high altitude
  • Bring warm clothing
  • Hire a local guide
04
Grassland Pastoral Song
Ruoergai Wetland Grassland
Itinerary Highlights

Full-day experience of Ruoergai Grassland, feeling Tibetan nomadic culture.

Attraction Arrangements
Ruoergai Grassland
China's largest plateau wetland grassland, an important water conservation area for the Yellow River, hailed as "China's Most Beautiful Wetland Grassland."
Flower Lake
The most beautiful lake on the Ruoergai Grassland, the lake surface is covered with wildflowers in summer, reflecting the blue sky and white clouds — a spectacular sight.
Practical Information
Cultural Experiences
  • Tibetan Family Visit
  • Horseback Riding and Archery
  • Bonfire Party
  • Taste Butter Tea
Photography Tips
  • Best lighting at dawn and dusk
  • Capture pastoral life scenes
  • Photograph wild animals
05
Qiang Village Charm
Taoping Qiang Village Cultural Experience
Itinerary Highlights

Visit Taoping Qiang Village in the morning, return journey in the afternoon.

Attraction Arrangements
Taoping Qiang Village
The world's best-preserved living fossil of Qiang ethnic architectural art and culture, hailed as the "Oriental Ancient Fortress," with a history of over 2,000 years.
Practical Information
Return Journey Suggestions
  • Allow ample time for the return trip
  • Local specialties can be shipped by mail
  • Pay attention to altitude sickness adjustment
Shopping Recommendations
  • Yak Beef Jerky
  • Qiang Embroidery Crafts
  • Tibetan Medicine
  • Highland Barley Wine

Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture Must-Try Foods

Yak Beef Hot Pot

An Aba specialty, made with highland yak beef, local wild mushrooms, and vegetables. The broth is fresh and delicious, rich in nutrition.

Butter Tea

A traditional Tibetan beverage, brewed with yak butter, tea leaves, and salt. Fragrant, smooth, and mellow — an essential drink for hosting guests.

Zanba (Roasted Barley Flour)

A traditional Tibetan staple food, made from roasted highland barley ground into flour. It is eaten by mixing with butter tea and kneading into balls — nutritious and easy to carry.

Qiang Cured Pork

A traditional Qiang delicacy, made from local free-range pork through a special smoking process. The meat is firm in texture and unique in aroma.

Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture Travel Tips
Best Travel Time
  • May-October: Best travel season, pleasant climate
  • September-October: Most beautiful autumn colors, spectacular colorful forests
  • July-August: Grassland flower sea, ideal summer retreat
Must-Experience Programs
  • Jiuzhaigou water scenery viewing
  • Huanglong travertine pool observation
  • Four Girls Mountain hiking
  • Grassland horseback riding
  • Tibetan and Qiang family visits
Budget Reference
  • Tickets: Jiuzhaigou ¥220 + Huanglong ¥170 ≈ ¥400
  • Accommodation: ¥400-1000/night
  • Dining: ¥200-400/day
  • Transportation: ¥300-500
  • Total: ¥1500-3000
Plateau Travel Tips
  • Take preventive measures for altitude sickness in advance
  • Pay attention to cold weather protection
  • Avoid strenuous exercise
  • Prepare commonly used medications