Bipenggou Scenic Area is located in Putou Town, Lixian County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, bordering the Sichuan-Tibet North Line G4217 Expressway to the north and Siguniangshan Town to the south. It is the core component of the national human-nature protection circle - Miyaluo Nature Reserve, enjoying the reputation of "Little Switzerland in Western Sichuan". The scenic area is a national 4A-level tourist attraction.
The scenic area covers an area of about 172 square kilometers, with an altitude ranging from 2,015 meters to 5,922 meters. It gathers landforms such as glaciers, snow-capped peaks, waterfalls, wetlands, and hot springs. With extremely rich biodiversity, it has 1,010 species of higher plants, accounting for about 1/5 of the national plant species, and is inhabited by many rare animals including the national first-class protected animal giant panda.
History and Culture
Lixian County, where Bipenggou is located, is inhabited by three main ethnic groups: Tibetan, Qiang, and Han. According to historical records, the Jiarong Tibetans in Lixian County migrated from Tibet in the 4th century AD and have a history of more than 1,300 years. The Qiang people are known as living fossils of the nation and were active in the upper reaches of the Minjiang River as early as the 4th century BC.
For a long time, various ethnic groups have not only completely preserved and continued their own languages, religious beliefs, cultural customs, and lifestyles but also formed a unique cohabiting culture. The Tibetan-Qiang folk Guozhuang is a classic representative of this unique cohabiting culture, loved by people of all ages, regardless of Tibetan, Qiang, or native Han.
During festivals or wedding banquets, people light bonfires, roast mutton, wave string bells and leather drums, and sing and dance around Zajiu all night, fully demonstrating the rich ethnic connotations.
Main Attractions
Red Leaf Valley
Red Leaf Valley is 11 kilometers in total length, with an altitude between 2,200-2,900 meters. It is lush with vegetation, growing tall trees, subalpine dark coniferous forests, coniferous-broadleaved mixed forests, as well as large stretches of arrow bamboo, red birch, and sea buckthorn. The valley is inhabited by national first and second-class protected animals such as Sichuan golden monkeys and red pandas. Water flows down the canyon, forming spectacular overlapping waterfalls. In autumn, the forest sea is dyed by autumn colors, with distinct layers of red, yellow, and green. The fiery red autumn leaves are a unique scenery of Bipenggou, with the best viewing period from October to November.
Dragon King Lake
Dragon King Lake is about 2,950 meters above sea level, with a water accumulation area of 334,000 square meters. It is an alpine lake, about 11 kilometers away from the tourist center. The area has landscapes such as Jinghai, Qingquan Lake, ecological trails, and waterfalls. As one of Sichuan's 100 best viewing spots, Dragon King Lake has different scenery in four seasons: green mountains and forests in spring and summer, red leaves all over the mountains in late autumn, and magnificent snow-capped mountains in winter.
Banji Peak
On May 4, 2004, seven climbers successfully summited the Banji Peak Glacier in Bipenggou, measuring the peak altitude at 5,430 meters. Banji Peak has a unique shape, connecting the Yaomei Peak of Siguniangshan, the second highest peak in Aba Prefecture, and not far to the northeast is the Dahuang Peak with an altitude of 5,922 meters. The route from Changping Valley of Siguniangshan to Bipenggou was selected by Chinese National Geography magazine as one of the "Top 10 Classic Hiking Routes in China", ranking sixth, attracting a large number of Chinese and foreign outdoor sports enthusiasts to challenge every year.
Bipenggou has large-scale and rare ancient glaciers at home and abroad, and has now developed five glacier attractions: Banji Peak, Daogou, Chazigou, Yanziyan, and Daxuetang.
Zhuoma Lake
Zhuoma Lake is about 3,612 meters above sea level, with a water storage area of 40,000 cubic meters, an average depth of 5 meters, and a maximum depth of 10 meters. The lake water is gathered from upstream, snowmelt, precipitation, etc. It is named because its clear lake surface and gurgling water are as beautiful as the Tibetan girl "Zhuoma". On the Zhuoma Beach by Zhuoma Lake, there are entertainment projects such as beach motorcycles and speedboats.
Zhuoma Beach Ski Resort
Zhuoma Beach Ski Resort and Panyang Lake Ice and Snow Entertainment Field are the two major ski resorts in Bipenggou Scenic Area. The ski resort was originally formed by a natural slide washed out by a debris flow and was moved to a larger site in November 2020. Here, the snow quality is excellent, and beautiful scenery can be enjoyed. The field has beginner slides, special slides for children, special lanes for snow boats, and a snow playground including double-board and single-board, snow boats, snow rings, and other entertainment projects. The expanded area outside the ski resort also has rich entertainment projects such as snowmobiles, children's snowmobiles, and all-terrain off-road motorcycles.
White Dragon Waterfall
White Dragon Waterfall is about 3,671 meters above sea level, 10 meters wide, and has a drop of about 100 meters. It is one of the largest waterfalls in Bipenggou Scenic Area. Due to its terrain, altitude, and drop characteristics, the water flows down from the mountain top, withlarge stretches momentum, and its shape is just like a white dragon, hence the name.
Panyang Lake
Panyang Lake is about 3,676 meters above sea level, with a water accumulation area of 450,000 square meters and a water depth of 2-6 meters. It is an alpine lake. The lake water mainly comes from glacier meltwater, mountain springs, and groundwater. The water volume changes with the season, and the river flow is gentle. The lake is surrounded by mountains, with cold-water fish, rock fish, etc., in the lake, and lush water plants and shrubs around the lake, where wild ducks and other birds often perch. Because this is the most frequent area for Panyang activities, it is named "Panyang Lake".
The lake is surrounded by lush forests and towering rocks, and the famous pyramid-shaped snow-capped mountains can be seen layer by layer. Next to Panyang Lake is Moon Bay, which needs to cross a red wooden plank road in the middle.
Hongshan Lake
Hongshan Lake Scenic Area is about 3,750 meters above sea level and is a concentrated viewing area for colorful forests, red stones, lakes, and alpine rhododendrons. The red stone slope at the upper end of the lake is dotted with large stretches of red stones like agates, surrounded by red fir trees and rhododendron forests.
Swallow Rock Nest
Swallow Rock Nest leans against Siguniangshan, with an altitude of 3,837 meters, and has the reputation of "the back of Siguniang". It is surrounded by Chazigou Glacier, General Peak, and Queen Peak on three sides. The scenic area has a variety of ecological landscapes, including primeval forests, alpine lakes, alpine meadows, alpine rhododendrons, waterfalls, and unique peaks and rocks, as well as famous scenic spots such as Niangzi Peak, Twelve Talented Women Peak, and Monkey Head Peak.
On the cliff of Swallow Rock Nest, there is a "Flying Dragon Waterfall" about 500 meters high and 12 meters wide. The surrounding alpine rhododendrons are all over the mountains, reflecting the mountain red, so alpine rhododendrons are also called Ying Shan Hong. Surrounded by ancient Minjiang cypresses and red fir trees, Swallow Rock Nest is green with mountains and lush with vegetation. It is also the earliest viewing spot for red leaves in the scenic area, which can be viewed in late September.
Nam Lake Hot Spring
Nam Lake Hot Spring is located in Putou Township, Lixian County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, and is the core area of Bipenggou Scenic Area. It integrates sightseeing, leisure, summer vacation, vacation, health preservation, and entertainment. Visitors can enjoy sunshine, air, blue sky, white clouds, snow-capped mountains, hot springs, glaciers, primeval forests, and natural oxygen bars.
Delicacies
Yak Beef Hot Pot
Selected from the characteristic yak beef in the Bipenggou area, the meat is tender. The hot pot is matched with fresh vegetables such as radishes and cabbages, and the boiled soup is rich and delicious, which can not only replenish physical strength but also bring warmth in cold weather.
Tibetan Style Baked Cake
A local characteristic staple food, with a crispy outer skin and a soft interior, exuding a lighto (highland barley) aroma. It tastes better with homemade yak beef sauce.
Yogurt
The yogurt in Bipenggou is thick, sweet, and sour, very appetizing, and is one of the local characteristic foods.
Yak Cheese
Available in a variety of flavors, with a mellow taste and unique flavor.
Roast Whole Lamb
The whole lamb is carefully roasted, with a golden and crispy outer skin and tender and juicy inner meat, which is a very characteristicf (feast).
Wild Mushroom Stewed Chicken
During the Spring Festival, the early local wild mushrooms are stewed with local chickens. The chicken soup is delicious, and the wild mushrooms absorb the oil of the chicken, making the taste delicious.
Highland Barley Wine and Butter Tea
Butter tea is made from butter, tea, salt, etc., with high calories. Drinking it in cold weather can quickly replenish energy. Highland barley wine is also a local characteristic beverage.
Tickets
The ticket price (including the scenic area traffic bus) is 130 yuan per person.
You can search for the official public account "毕棚沟旅游景区" in WeChat to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online. As of May 29, 2025, the ticket purchase entrance of the official public account is the mini-program option.
Opening Hours
Ticket sales time is 8:00-15:30 on working days and 7:30-15:30 on non-working days. The last return trip of the scenic area sightseeing bus is 6 pm. Subject to the actual opening hours of the scenic area.
Tour Routes
Relaxing Route: Suitable for family outings or first-time visitors. In the morning, start from the scenic area gate, take a sightseeing bus to Dragon King Lake to enjoy the beauty of the alpine lake; then go to Zhuoma Lake to feel its clear lake water and surrounding scenery; after lunch in the scenic area, go to Panyang Lake to enjoy the lake and mountain scenery; in the afternoon, go to Hongshan Lake to view colorful forests, red stones, etc., and then take a sightseeing bus back.
Challenging Route: Suitable for visitors who like adventure and challenge. In the morning, take a sightseeing bus from the scenic area gate to Shanghaizi Reception Center, then start hiking, walk along the trail in the primeval forest, pass through White Dragon Waterfall and Panyang Lake in turn, and feel the grandeur of nature; then go to Swallow Rock Nest to enjoy the surrounding unique peaks and rocks, alpine rhododendrons, etc.; after that, hike down the mountain, return to Shanghaizi Reception Center, and take a sightseeing bus to leave the scenic area. This route has many climbing sections and requires certain physical strength.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Start from Chengdu, pass through Chengdu-Dujiangyan Expressway and Dujiangyan-Wenchuan Expressway to Wenchuan, then drive along National Highway 317 to Lixian County, and finally reach Bipenggou along the scenic area road. The whole journey is about 210 kilometers, and the driving time is about 3.5 hours.
- Public Transportation:
- Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station has direct buses to Lixian County (multiple shifts daily, about 4 hours' drive). After arriving in Lixian County, you can charter a car or share a car to Bipenggou.
- Chengdu Xin Nanmen Station has direct buses to Bipenggou Scenic Area.
- Lixian Bus Station has buses to Bipenggou Scenic Area, about 30 minutes' drive.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Banji Peak: With an altitude of 5,430 meters, it is a yearning place for climbers, connecting famous peaks around and having spectacular ancient glacier attractions.
- Panyang Lake: An alpine lake with a large water accumulation area, beautiful scenery around the lake, and rich animal and plant resources.
- Swallow Rock Nest: Diverse ecological landscapes, including unique peaks, waterfalls, alpine rhododendrons, etc., and can also enjoy red leaves.
Tour Tips
- The scenic area is at a high altitude. Visitors new to the plateau should pay attention to slow adaptation, avoid strenuous exercise, and prevent altitude sickness.
- In winter, the scenic area has thick snow, up to more than 60 centimeters. It is necessary to prepare non-slip and warm shoes and clothing.
- If time permits, you can choose to hike part of the route to feel the natural scenery such as primeval forests at close range, but it is necessary to allocate physical strength reasonably.
- Check the weather forecast in advance and choose to go when the weather is fine to better enjoy the scenery.
Notes
- Respect the local ethnic culture and customs to avoid unnecessary conflicts.
- Smoking is strictly prohibited in the scenic area. Protect forest resources and the ecological environment and prevent forest fires.
- When taking the scenic area sightseeing bus and battery car, obey the order, pay attention to safety, and do not walk around or play in the car at will.
- Carry some common medicines, such as cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, anti-altitude sickness medicine, etc., to deal with possible physical discomfort.
- The temperature difference between day and night in the scenic area is large. Even in summer, it is recommended to carry warm clothing.
- When visiting the scenic area, do not climb trees or rocks, and do not view or take photos at the edge of the lake without guardrails to prevent accidents.
- In accordance with relevant regulations, the measure of temporarily suspending the reception of personnel for mountaineering, crossing, and other related outdoor activities in the area is strictly implemented. Please follow the regulations.
- When visiting scenic spots or getting on and off the bus, be sure to take your personal belongings with you. If you lose anything, please contact the staff in time.