The Palette of the Plateau: Bipenggou Valley and the Wonderland of Red Leaves

The "Eastern Alps" of Western Sichuan

1.Located in Putou: Township, Lixian County, within the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province, Bipenggou Valley (Bipenggou) is a breathtaking natural reserve often hailed as the "Eastern Alps." Situated on the northern face of the majestic Siguniang Mountain range, roughly 200 kilometers from Chengdu, it serves as a pristine ecological gateway to the plateau. The valley stretches for approximately 30 kilometers with an altitude ranging from 2,000 to over 4,500 meters, creating a dramatic vertical landscape belt that encompasses primitive forests, alpine meadows, glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and cascading waterfalls. As a core component of the Miyaluo Scenic Area and a buffer zone for the World Natural Heritage Giant Panda Habitat, Bipenggou is celebrated for its accessibility and relatively untouched beauty, making it a favorite "back garden" for travelers seeking a high-altitude escape without the arduous trek required for more remote locations.

A World of Color: The Red Leaf Kingdom

Bipenggou is most famous for its spectacular autumn scenery. It is renowned as one of the "Most Beautiful Red Leaf Viewing Spots in China." Every autumn (typically late September to November), the valley transforms into a riot of color. The slopes are blanketed with maple, birch, and larch trees that turn fiery red, golden yellow, and deep orange. These vibrant hues contrast sharply with the emerald green of the coniferous forests and the glistening white of the snow-capped peaks above, creating a visual feast often described as a "Palette of the Plateau" or a "Flaming Forest",. The "Red Leaf Corridor" near Yanziyanwo (Swallow Rock Nest) is a particularly stunning section where visitors walk through a tunnel of color, with fallen leaves paving the path like a golden carpet, offering a romantic and immersive experience of the highland autumn.

Glaciers, Lakes, and Waterfalls

2.Water is the soul of: Bipenggou. The valley is dotted with crystal-clear alpine lakes (Haizi) such as Shanghaizi (Shanghai Lake) and Zhuoma Lake. Shanghaizi, located at the deeper end of the valley at about 4,100 meters, acts as a mirror reflecting the towering pyramid-like snow peaks and the blue sky, creating a tranquil, dreamlike atmosphere known as the "Goddess's Tear Lake". The valley is also home to spectacular waterfalls, such as the Bailong Waterfall (White Dragon Waterfall), which cascades down hundreds of meters from the cliffs. In summer, these waters flow with vigor, creating refreshing mists; in winter, they freeze into magnificent ice curtains and icefalls, adding a layer of crystal-like enchantment to the landscape. Visitors can also view the No. 1 and No. 2 Glaciers hanging from the peaks, witnessing the raw power of geological forces.

A Sanctuary of Four Seasons and Culture

Bipenggou offers distinct beauty in every season. Spring brings a sea of blooming azaleas (rhododendrons) that cover the mountainsides; summer offers a cool retreat with lush greenery and high negative oxygen ions, perfect for hiking and camping; and winter transforms the valley into a "Silver World" ideal for skiing and ice sports at the Bipenggou Ski Resort,. Culturally, the area is rich in Qiang and Jiarong Tibetan heritage. The name "Bipeng" derives from the Qiang language, meaning "the place where the divine eagle flies." Local legends speak of mountain gods and goddesses protecting the valley. At the entrance, visitors can explore Putou Qiang Village and Tibetan settlements, experiencing authentic folk customs like the Guozhuang dance, "Zhajiu" (sucking wine), and stone watchtowers. Monuments commemorating the Red Army's passage during the Long March add a layer of historical depth to this natural wonderland,.