Hailuogou Glacier Park: A Symphony of Ice and Fire at the Foot of the King of Sichuan Mountains

The Kingdom of Ice and Fire

1.Located on the eastern slope of Gongga: Mountain (Minya Konka), the "King of Sichuan Mountains," in Luding County, Garzê Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Hailuogou (Conch Gully) is a geological wonder where extreme cold meets boiling heat. It is renowned globally as a low-altitude modern oceanic glacier park, offering a rare opportunity for visitors to easily access a massive glacier without requiring professional mountaineering skills,. The scenic area spans a vast vertical drop, ranging from the subtropical Moxi Town at 1,600 meters to the towering peak of Gongga at 7,556 meters, creating a diverse landscape that includes primitive forests, boiling hot springs, massive icefalls, and red stone shoals,.

The Magnificent No. 1 Glacier

2.The core attraction of Hailuogou is the: No. 1 Glacier, which stretches for 14.7 kilometers (some sources note the total glacier area extends further) and is the longest among the glaciers on Gongga Mountain,. Unlike most glaciers located at high altitudes, the ice tongue of Hailuogou extends down into the primitive forest to an altitude of about 2,850 meters (some sources say 2,730 meters), forming a unique landscape where "green forests and white glaciers coexist",. The most spectacular feature is the Grand Ice Cascade (Da Bingpu). It is over 1,000 meters high and 1,100 meters wide, making it one of the largest icefalls in China, often compared to a solidified Milky Way pouring down from the sky,. Standing at the No. 4 Camp, visitors can witness this majestic wall of ice, which occasionally cracks with thunderous roars, demonstrating the dynamic power of nature.

Hot Springs in the Snow

Hailuogou is famous for its "Ice and Fire" experience. The park is rich in geothermal resources, with hot springs gushing out at temperatures as high as 90°C,. The No. 2 Camp is the primary location for these thermal baths. In winter, visitors can soak in the steaming hot pools while snow flutters down around them, surrounded by ice-covered forests and towering snow peaks,. This contrast of soaking in natural hot water while surrounded by a winter wonderland is considered one of the most romantic and healing experiences in Western Sichuan,.

Sun Shining on the Golden Mountain

3.One of the most coveted sights in: Hailuogou is the "Rizhao Jinshan" (Sunlight on the Golden Mountain). When the weather is clear, the first rays of the morning sun strike the snow-capped summit of Gongga Mountain. In an instant, the silver peak transforms into a brilliant golden pyramid, radiating light against the blue sky,. This phenomenon is fleeting and weather-dependent, making it a lucky and spiritual moment for those who witness it,.

The Red Stone Shoal and Moxi Old Town

Beyond the ice, Hailuogou is home to the mysterious Red Stone Shoal (Hongshitan). Here, rocks are covered by a unique orange-red algae that can only survive in this specific high-altitude environment, creating a vibrant red river of stones that contrasts sharply with the green forests and white snow,. At the entrance to the park lies Moxi Old Town, a historic stop on the ancient Tea Horse Road. The town preserves a mix of architectural styles, including a Catholic church built in the 1920s, and served as a significant site during the Long March. It provides a cultural anchor to the natural grandeur of the region, offering local delicacies and a glimpse into the history of trade and exchange between Han and Tibetan people,.