Bipenggou Scenic Area is located in Putou Town, Lixian County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It borders the G4217 Expressway (North Sichuan-Tibet Line) to the north and Siguniangshan Town to the south. As a core part of the Miyaluo Nature Reserve—a national-level man-nature reserve—it is renowned as the "Little Switzerland of Western Sichuan". Classified as a national 4A-level scenic spot, it covers an area of approximately 172 square kilometers, with an altitude ranging from 2,015 meters to 5,922 meters. The scenic area boasts diverse landforms including glaciers, snow-capped peaks, waterfalls, wetlands, and hot springs, and is rich in biodiversity. It houses 1,010 species of higher plants, accounting for about 1/5 of China’s total plant species, and is home to many rare animals such as the giant panda, a national first-class protected animal.
History and Culture
Lixian County, where Bipenggou is situated, is inhabited by three major ethnic groups: Tibetans, Qiang people, and Han people. According to historical records, the Jiarong Tibetans in Lixian County migrated from Tibet in the 4th century AD, with a history of over 1,300 years. The Qiang people, known as the "living fossils of ethnic groups", have been active in the upper reaches of the Min River since 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 co-residential culture. The Tibetan-Qiang Guozhuang Dance is a classic representation of this unique co-residential culture, loved by people of all ages and ethnic groups—whether Tibetan, Qiang, or long-residing Han. During festivals or wedding gatherings, people light bonfires, roast mutton, wave bell-adorned leather drums, and sing and dance around Zajiu (a traditional Tibetan wine) all night long, fully demonstrating rich ethnic connotations.
Major Attractions
Red Leaf Valley
Red Leaf Valley stretches 11 kilometers, with an altitude between 2,200 meters and 2,900 meters. It is covered with lush vegetation, including tall arbors, subalpine dark coniferous forests, coniferous-broadleaf mixed forests, as well as patches of arrow bamboo, red birch, and sea-buckthorn. The valley is home to national first and second-class protected animals such as Sichuan golden monkeys and red pandas. Water rushes down the canyon, forming spectacular cascading waterfalls. In autumn, the forest is dyed with autumn colors, showing distinct layers of red, yellow, and green. The fiery red autumn leaves are a unique scenic feature of Bipenggou, with the best viewing period from October to November.
Longwang Lake
Longwang Lake, an alpine lake, sits at an altitude of approximately 2,950 meters, with a water area of 334,000 square meters. It is about 11 kilometers away from the tourist center. The area features landscapes such as Jinghai Lake, Qingquan Lake, ecological trails, and waterfalls. As one of the 100 best viewing spots in Sichuan, Longwang Lake presents different sceneries in four seasons: lush green mountains in spring and summer, mountains covered with red leaves in late autumn, and magnificent snow-capped mountains in winter.
Banji Peak
On May 4, 2004, seven mountaineers successfully summited the Banji Peak Glacier in Bipenggou, measuring the peak’s altitude at 5,430 meters. Banji Peak has a unique shape; it connects to Yaomei Peak (the second-highest peak in Aba Prefecture) of Siguniang Mountain, and not far to the northeast is Dahuang Peak, which stands at 5,922 meters above sea level. The route from Changping Valley of Siguniang Mountain to Bipenggou was selected by Chinese National Geography magazine as the "6th of China’s Top 10 Classic Hiking Routes", attracting a large number of Chinese and foreign outdoor sports enthusiasts every year to take on the challenge. Bipenggou is home to large-scale and rare ancient glaciers in China and abroad, with 5 developed glacier attractions: Banji Peak, Daogou, Chazigou, Yanziyan, and Daxuetang.
Zhuoma Lake
Zhuoma Lake is located at an altitude of approximately 3,612 meters, with a water storage capacity of 40,000 cubic meters, an average depth of 5 meters, and a maximum depth of 10 meters. The lake water is formed by the convergence of upstream water, glacial meltwater, and precipitation. It gets its name because its clear surface and gurgling water resemble the beauty of a Tibetan girl named "Zhuoma". On Zhuoma Beach beside the lake, there are recreational activities such as beach motorcycles and speedboats.
Zhuoma Beach Ski Resort
Zhuoma Beach Ski Resort and Panyang Lake Ice and Snow Amusement Park are the two major skiing venues in Bipenggou Scenic Area. The ski resort initially formed a natural ski slope due to mudslide erosion and was relocated to a larger site in November 2020. It has high-quality snow and offers beautiful scenery. The resort has primary ski slopes, dedicated children’s slopes, dedicated snow boat lanes, and a snow amusement park with activities including double-board skiing, single-board skiing, snow boats, and snow tubes. The expanded area outside the ski resort also has a variety of recreational activities such as snowmobiles, children’s snowmobiles, and all-terrain off-road motorcycles.
Bailong Waterfall
Bailong Waterfall is one of the largest waterfalls in Bipenggou Scenic Area, with an altitude of approximately 3,671 meters, a width of 10 meters, and a drop of about 100 meters. Due to its terrain, altitude, and drop characteristics, the water rushes down from the mountain top with great momentum, and its shape resembles a white dragon—hence the name "Bailong" (White Dragon) Waterfall.
Panyang Lake
Panyang Lake is an alpine lake with an altitude of approximately 3,676 meters, a water area of 450,000 square meters, and a water depth of 2-6 meters. The lake water mainly comes from glacial meltwater, mountain springs, and groundwater; its water volume changes with the seasons, and the river flows gently. The lake is surrounded by mountains, with cold-water fish and rock fish in the water. The lakeside is covered with lush aquatic plants and shrubs, and is often inhabited by waterfowl such as wild ducks. It is named "Panyang Lake" because it is the area where blue sheep (Panyang in Chinese) are most active. The lake is surrounded by lush forests and unique rock formations, and visitors can also enjoy the view of the famous pyramid-shaped snow-capped mountains surrounding it. Next to Panyang Lake is Moon Bay, and a red wooden boardwalk connects the two.
Hongshan Lake
Hongshan Lake Scenic Viewing Area sits at an altitude of approximately 3,750 meters, serving as a concentrated spot to enjoy colored forests, red stones, lakes, and alpine rhododendrons. At the upper end of the lake lies the Red Stone Slope, where clusters of red stones are dotted like agates, surrounded by red fir trees and rhododendron forests.
Yanziyanwo (Swallow Rock Nest)
Backed by Siguniang Mountain, Yanziyanwo stands at an altitude of 3,837 meters and is known as "The Back View of Siguniang Mountain". It is surrounded by Chazigou Glacier, Jiangjun Peak (General Peak), and Nuhuang Peak (Empress Peak) on three sides. The scenic area boasts a rich variety of ecological landscapes, including primeval forests, alpine lakes, alpine meadows, alpine rhododendrons, waterfalls, and exotic peaks and rocks, as well as scenic spots such as Niangzi Peak (Maiden Peak), Shier Cainü Peak (Twelve Talented Maidens Peak), and Houtou Peak (Monkey Head Peak). On the cliff of Yanziyanwo flows the "Feilong Waterfall" (Flying Dragon Waterfall), which is approximately 500 meters high and 12 meters wide. The surrounding area is covered with alpine rhododendrons that dye the mountain tops red—hence, alpine rhododendrons are also called "Yingshanhong" (Mountain-Red Flowers). Surrounded by ancient Min River cypresses and red fir trees, Yanziyanwo features green overlapping peaks and lush vegetation. It is also the earliest spot in the scenic area where red leaves appear, with the viewing period starting in late September.
Tour Routes
Leisure Route: Suitable for family trips or first-time visitors. In the morning, start from the scenic area entrance, take a sightseeing bus to Longwang Lake to enjoy the beauty of the alpine lake; then head to Zhuoma Lake to experience its clear water and surrounding scenery; after lunch in the scenic area, go to Panyang Lake to admire the lake and mountain views; in the afternoon, visit Hongshan Lake to see colored forests, red stones and other landscapes, then take the sightseeing bus back.
Challenging Route: Suitable for adventure and challenge enthusiasts. In the morning, take a sightseeing bus from the scenic area entrance to Shanghaizi Reception Center, then start hiking along the trail in the primeval forest, passing Bailong Waterfall and Panyang Lake in sequence to experience the grandeur of nature; then go to Yanziyanwo to enjoy the surrounding exotic peaks, alpine rhododendrons and other landscapes; afterwards, hike down the mountain, return to Shanghaizi Reception Center, and take the sightseeing bus to leave the scenic area. This route has many uphill sections and requires a certain level of physical fitness.
Travel Tips
- The scenic area is located at a high altitude. Visitors who are new to the plateau should adapt slowly, avoid strenuous exercise, and prevent altitude sickness.
- In winter, the snow depth in the scenic area can reach over 60 centimeters. Prepare non-slip and warm shoes and clothing.
- If time permits, you can choose to hike part of the route to experience the natural scenery such as primeval forests up close, but make sure to allocate your physical strength properly.
- Check the weather forecast in advance and visit on a sunny day for a better viewing experience.
Notes
- Respect the local ethnic cultures and customs to avoid unnecessary conflicts.
- Open flames are strictly prohibited in the scenic area to protect forest resources and the ecological environment, and prevent forest fires.
- When taking the scenic area's sightseeing buses or battery cars, observe order, pay attention to safety, and do not walk around or play in the vehicles at will.
- Bring some commonly used medicines, such as cold medicine, gastrointestinal medicine, and anti-altitude sickness medicine, to deal with possible physical discomfort.
- The temperature difference between morning and evening in the scenic area is large. Even in summer, it is recommended to bring warm clothing.
- During the tour, do not climb trees or rocks, and do not view scenery or take photos at the edge of lakes (haizi) without guardrails to prevent accidents.
- In accordance with relevant regulations, the measure of suspending reception for personnel engaging in mountaineering, crossing and other related outdoor activities in the area shall be strictly implemented; please abide by the regulations.
- When visiting attractions or getting on/off vehicles, be sure to take good care of your personal belongings. If any items are lost, contact the staff in a timely manner.
Transportation
- Self-Driving: Depart from Chengdu, take Chengguan Expressway and Duwen Expressway to Wenchuan, then drive along National Highway 317 to Lixian County, and finally take the scenic area road to Bipenggou. The total distance is approximately 210 kilometers, with a driving time of about 3.5 hours.
- Public Transportation:
- Chengdu Chadianzi Coach Station has direct buses to Lixian County (multiple trips daily, with a travel time of about 4 hours). After arriving in Lixian County, you can take a chartered car or shared car to Bipenggou.
- Chengdu Xinnanmen Coach Station has direct buses to Bipenggou Scenic Area.
- Lixian County Coach Station has buses to Bipenggou Scenic Area, with a travel time of about 30 minutes.
Opening Hours
Ticket sales hours are 8:00-15:30 on workdays and 7:30-15:30 on non-workdays. The last return trip of the scenic area's sightseeing bus is at 6:00 p.m. Please refer to the actual opening hours of the scenic area.
Tickets
The ticket price (including the scenic area's shuttle bus) is 130 yuan per person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account of the scenic area "毕棚沟旅游景区" to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online. As of May 29, 2025, the ticket purchase entrance on the official public account is available through the mini-program option.