The Most Accessible Fairyland of the Eastern Alps: Shuangqiao Valley and the Vertical Gallery of Mount Siguniang

The "Eastern Alps" Within Reach

1.Located in Xiaojin: County, within the Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province, Shuangqiao Valley (Shuangqiaogou) is the most easily accessible and scenically diverse valley within the Mount Siguniang (Four Girls Mountain) National Park. Stretching approximately 34.8 kilometers with an area of about 216.6 square kilometers, it is often hailed as the "Most Beautiful Valley of the Eastern Alps." Unlike its sister valleys (Changping and Haizi) which require extensive hiking or horseback riding, Shuangqiao Valley is the only one fully equipped with a sightseeing bus road that runs from the entrance (2,900 meters) all the way to the valley's end at the Red Sequoia Forest (3,840 meters). This makes it the premier choice for families, photographers, and travelers of all fitness levels to witness the grandeur of the Sichuan highlands without the physical strain of high-altitude trekking.

A Vertical Gallery of Four Seasons

The valley is a geological masterpiece, shaped by ancient glaciers into a dramatic "U" shape. As you travel deeper into the valley, the altitude rises by nearly 1,000 meters, creating distinct vertical vegetation zones that allow visitors to experience "four seasons in one day." The journey begins at the Yinyang Valley (Yinyang Gu) near the entrance, where steep cliffs block the sun on one side while illuminating the other, creating a stark contrast of light and shadow. Moving inward, the landscape shifts from the lush Willow Bridge belt to seabuckthorn forests, then to birch and maple trees, and finally to the alpine Red Sequoia Forest and lichens at the foot of the glaciers. In spring, the valley is carpeted with blooming azaleas; summer brings emerald greenery and refreshing coolness; autumn transforms the slopes into a riot of gold and red; and winter covers the landscape in a pristine blanket of silver snow and ice waterfalls.

The Spectacle of Peaks and Lakes

Shuangqiao Valley is surrounded by more than 10 snow-capped mountains exceeding 4,000 meters, offering a visual feast of jagged peaks and glaciers. Notable summits include the Hunter Peak (Lieren Feng), which resembles a sharp pyramid, and Mount Potala (Budala Feng), a massive rock face that uncannily resembles the Potala Palace in Lhasa. The valley is also dotted with crystal-clear alpine lakes. Sigunacuo (Four Girls Lake) reflects the withered trees and snowy peaks in its mirror-like waters, creating a hauntingly beautiful scene often compared to a "Fairyland on Earth." Further down, Bonsai Beach (Penjingtan) features ancient seabuckthorn trees growing directly in the flowing water. These trees, some dead but standing for centuries, twist into artistic shapes resembling giant potted bonsais, set against a backdrop of snowy mountains and blue sky.

A Cultural and Historical Corridor

The name "Shuangqiao" translates to "Double Bridge," derived from two ancient wooden bridges that once spanned the river—one at the entrance (Yangliu Bridge) and one at the end (Red Sequoia Forest). Historically, this valley was a vital passage for the Jiarong Tibetan people and trade caravans. It also bears the footprints of the Red Army during the Long March in 1935. The troops passed through here, respecting the local customs and leaving behind a legacy of unity with the Tibetan people. Today, the valley is infused with rich Tibetan culture. Visitors can see white pagodas (stupas), piles of Mani stones carved with mantras, and colorful prayer flags fluttering in the wind. The Renshenguo Ping (Ginseng Fruit Meadow) near the entrance is a vast alpine meadow where yaks graze peacefully, and local legends speak of mountain gods and goddesses protecting the land. Whether you are rafting down the icy stream at Nianyuba or simply gazing at the glaciers from the boardwalk, Shuangqiao Valley offers a profound connection to the spiritual and natural heritage of the Tibetan plateau.