Mount Siguniang: The Oriental Alps and Queen of Sichuan's Peaks

The "Oriental Alps" and the Queen of Sichuan

1.Located in the Qionglai Mountains of Xiaojin: County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Mount Siguniang (Four Girls Mountain) is a stunning alpine sanctuary widely revered as the "Oriental Alps". As a UNESCO World Heritage site (part of the Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries) and a National Nature Reserve, the area is characterized by rugged, jagged peaks, pristine glaciers, and crystal-clear high-altitude lakes. The massif consists of four continuous peaks that stand side by side, resembling four graceful sisters. From north to south, they are Daguniang (Eldest Sister, 5025m), Erguniang (Second Sister, 5276m), Sanguniang (Third Sister, 5355m), and the majestic Yaomei (Youngest Sister, 6250m),.

• 2.Yaomei Peak: Known as the "Queen of Sichuan Mountains" (second only to Gongga Shan, the King), Yaomei is a sharp, pyramid-shaped spire of silver ice and rock that pierces the sky. Its steep ridges make it a formidable challenge, often compared to the Matterhorn, and it is a dream destination for technical mountaineers.
• 3.Mountaineering Paradise: While Yaomei is for the elite, the other three peaks—particularly Dafeng (Daguniang) and Erfeng (Erguniang)—are considered excellent "entry-level" snow mountains. They offer outdoor enthusiasts the rare opportunity to summit a 5,000-meter peak without requiring highly technical climbing skills,.

The Three Valleys: A Trio of Landscapes

The scenic area is composed of three distinct valleys, each offering a unique way to experience the highlands:

1. 4.Shuangqiao Valley (Double Bridge Valley): Extending over 30 kilometers, this is the most accessible and developed valley. Visitors can take a sightseeing bus deep into the valley to witness a panoramic array of over 10 snow peaks, glaciers, forests, and redwoods. It is described as the place with the most concentrated snow mountain scenery, where peaks rise abruptly to form a majestic skyline.
2. 5.Changping Valley: Ideal for hikers and horseback riding, this valley is 29 kilometers long and features primitive forests and significant cultural sites like the Lama Monastery,. It offers a closer, side-profile view of the four sisters. The valley is rich in vegetation, featuring the "Withered Tree Beach" (Kushutan), where dead trees stand starkly against the stream, creating a desolate yet beautiful landscape,.
3. 6.Haizi Valley: Named after the numerous alpine lakes ("Haizi") scattered throughout, such as Dahaizi and Huahaizi, this valley is the premier spot for photography and camping,. It is the best location to photograph the reflection of the snow-capped Yaomei Peak in the still water. Hiking here reveals vast meadows and, in winter, stunning frozen waterfalls and "Blue Ice".

Jiarong Tibetan Culture and the Tea Horse Road

7.Mount Siguniang is deeply rooted in Jiarong: Tibetan culture. Legend says the four peaks were originally four beautiful and kind-hearted girls who turned themselves into mountains to protect their people from a fierce leopard demon,. The region preserves traditional Jiarong customs, including unique stone watchtowers (Diaolou), colorful attire, and the Guozhuang dance,. Historically, this area was a crucial link on the ancient Tea Horse Road, where mule trains would rest after crossing the dangerous clamp of the mountains, leaving behind a legacy of trade and cultural exchange.

A Seasonal Masterpiece

8.The beauty of Mount: Siguniang changes vividly with the seasons. In summer, the meadows are carpeted with wildflowers, including the famous blue poppies and gentians. In autumn (particularly October), the valleys turn into a riot of colors with red leaves and golden birch forests contrasting against the white snow peaks and blue sky,. In winter, the landscape transforms into a serene, silver fairyland of ice waterfalls and snow-covered trees. Whether you are a professional climber, a photographer, or a leisure traveler, Mount Siguniang offers a profound connection to the raw beauty of the highlands.