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Mt. Siguniang

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The 'Sacred Mountain of the Orient', the 'Alps of China', Mt. Siguniang, is located in Rilong Town of Xiaojin County of Aba, about 220 km (137 mi) from Chengdu. This scenic spot is awarded with several titles: national nature reserve, national geopark and world natural heritage site (part of Sichuan Giant Panda Habitat). It is always known for 'four seasons can be seen in a day and all are fit for traveling'. Spring is the best time to view snow scenery. But it is during summer that 'four seasons can be seen in a day'; it is the best time to see flowers and snows. Autumn is also good for seeing red maples in the forests; while winter is fit for those challengers who want to climb mountains and ice.

Mt. Siguniang is composed of four continuous mountains. Legend has it that they are the embodiment of four maidens, hence the name. The main peak - the Fourth Girl Mountain, with an altitude of 6,250 meters (20,505 feet), is the second highest mountain in Sichuan. The altitudes of Elder Girl Mountain, Second Girl Mountain and Third Girl Mountain are respectively 5,355 meters (17,569 feet), 5,454 meters (17,894 feet) and 5,664 meters (18,583 feet). The four mountains are known for their steepness and magnificence. The peaks are capped with snow all the year round. It is said that no one has ever conquered the Fourth Girl Mountain until modern times.

The scenic area consists of Mt. Siguniang, Shuangqiaogou Valley, Changpinggou Valley and Haizigou Valley; an area of 450 square kilometers (111,197 acres). It offers all kinds of landscapes, including imposing peaks, dense forests, limpid streams, fast waterfalls, zigzag valleys, splendid glaciers, alpine lakes, green grasses, and bountiful flowers. Besides Mt. Siguniang, there are over 20 other snow-capped mountains. This area is brimming with rare fauna and flora. The animals include giant pandas, golden monkeys, bharals, black bears, snow leopards, yaks and many kinds of birds and fishes. Within the area, various ethnic groups, such as the Tibetan, Qiang, Hui, Han and Yi, still live. The Jiarong Tibetan culture is especially deep-rooted and brilliant. The largest Jiarong Tibetan village - Zhangmu Village lies at the entrance of Changpinggou. Also found in the valley is a Tibetan Buddhist temple - Siguna Lamasery.

The best spot to view Mt. Siguniang is at Guozhuangping, which is a vast grassland at the entrance of Haizigou. Locals often consider the mountain as the dragon head and Guozhuangping as the dragon tail. The spot is especially beautiful in the summer when many flowers are in bloom. During the Mountain Worshipping Festival (lunar May 4th), the local Tibetans will worship Mt. Siguniang, and congregate here to hold various activities to celebrate.

Transportation/Lodging/Dining/Shopping
 Travelers from Chengdu can take the regular bus to Xiaojin County in the Ximen (Chadianzi) Bus Station and get off at Rilong Town, and then rent a car to Siguniang mountain. The bus from Chengdu departs at 06:30, 07:30 and 12:00, taking about 5 hours. For travelers in Dujiangyan, there are also buses to Mt. Siguniang, which depart at 06:30, 10:00 and 12:00.

 Rilong Town has 18 hotels, including 2 four-stars, with good service. Besides, the local Tibetan home hostels can also be tried, which are cheaper.

 All the hotels have restaurants, with featured dishes of wild fungi and fatty meats. There are also many restaurants in Rilong Town, which mainly serve Sichuan dishes.

 Souvenirs available include Mt. Siguniang apples, green peas, mountain potherbs, sea backtherns, white marbles and the arts and crafts of Jiarong Tibetans.

 Tips
1. The valleys in the scenic spots are very long (over 20 kilometers (12 miles)), so please plan your trip schedule well.
2. There are no banks in the town, so you'd better bring enough cash.
3. The town and many places of the valleys are covered by communication networks. China Mobile has the best coverage.
4. When joining in special travel or activities, such as rock climbing, camping, hiking, and mountain climbing, be sure to first contact the protection office of the scenic spot (tel: 0837-2791106) and follow instructions, so as to obtain timely help if something happens.

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