Dagu Glacier is located in Maqiao, Luhua Town, Heishui County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China. It is a national 4A-level scenic area. The tourist area covers 210 square kilometers, and the protected area of the scenic spot is 632 square kilometers, with an altitude of 3,800-5,100 meters. It belongs to a plateau climate zone, with distinct dry and rainy seasons, sufficient sunshine, small annual temperature difference, large daily temperature difference, and an average annual temperature of 9.5°C. There are 13 modern glaciers in the scenic area, with an ice area of 6.04 square kilometers. Dagu Glacier is the closest modern mountain glacier to large cities at the easternmost edge of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China, and it is also the glacier with the lowest altitude, largest area, and youngest age in the world, featuring the significant characteristics of "viewing mountain flowers in spring, colorful forests in autumn, glaciers in summer, and snow scenes in winter."
History and Culture
The area where Dagu Glacier is located is a settlement of Tibetans and Qiang people. The special geographical location and history have formed unique folk customs. The local intangible cultural heritage "Armored Dance" is rough, bold, and infinitely charming; the multi-voice folk songs have elegant tunes and unique characteristics; and the religious culture is broad, profound, and has a long history.
In 1992, Japanese scientists discovered Dagu Glacier from a satellite. In August of the same year, scientists climbed Dagu Glacier and conducted a week-long investigation, concluding that Dagu Glacier is the glacier with the lowest altitude, largest area, and youngest age in the world, and it is also the closest glacier to cities.
Main Attractions
Golden Monkey Lake
It is named because Tibetan macaques often gather here. Every winter, Tibetan macaques stay at Golden Monkey Lake for about five months. When visitors enter Dagu Mountain, the first thing they see is Golden Monkey Lake surrounded by mountains and forests, as well as the clear lake water.
Zena Co
In Tibetan, it means "release". The lake is broad and clear, with the reflections of snow-capped mountains and forests shining in the lake.
Dagu Lake
It is formed by the convergence of ice water from the melting of thousand-year-old icebergs, and the lake color changes with the seasons.
Lover's Beach
Located at the foot of Dagu Glacier, it was originally a blind date resort for Tibetans. Situated at the foot of pure snow-capped mountains, it implies that the love of lovers is pure and flawless; located at the foot of perennial glaciers, it represents that the love of lovers is unswerving.
Loges Holy Mountain
In Tibetan, it means "Guardian God of Mountains". It integrates alpine meadows, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks, with a warm climate, abundant water, lush forests, and high vegetation coverage, suitable for leisure and summer retreat. It is also a pilgrimage site for Tibetans. Every May and September, Tibetans in the villages pray by chanting sutras, dancing gods, etc., to pray for favorable weather for the coming year.
Dagu Glacier National Geological Park Museum
The exhibition area is about 1,700 square meters, divided into 9 functional halls: Preface Hall, Ice-adorned Dagu, Beautiful Water Kalong, Ecological Homeland, Natural Classroom, Science Popularization Theater, Construction and Development, Ethnic Culture, and Red Army Culture. The museum collects and displays more than ten types of rock and mineral specimens and dozens of animal and plant specimens, using various display methods such as sound, light, electricity, and multimedia to comprehensively introduce the unique geological heritage resources, diverse species, rich culture, and research achievements of Dagu Glacier Geological Park.
Food
Yak Meat
It is a local characteristic food with fresh and tender meat and rich nutrition. It can be made into various dishes such as braised yak meat and clear stewed yak meat, with a mellow taste.
Highland Barley Wine
Brewed from highland barley, it has a low alcohol content and a fresh, fragrant, and mellow taste. It is a beverage often consumed by local Tibetans during festivals or gatherings.
Butter Tea
Made from raw materials such as butter, tea, and salt, it has a rich taste and can help visitors resist the cold in the plateau. It can be tasted in local Tibetan homes or restaurants around the scenic area.
Cheese Dumplings
The dumpling skin is made by mixing cheese and flour, and the filling is usually cheese and sugar. It has a sweet taste and a rich milk flavor.
Tickets
Ticket + shuttle bus: 110 yuan/person.
Ticket + shuttle bus + cable car: 220 yuan/person.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "达古冰川" in WeChat to get the latest updates or purchase tickets online.
Opening Hours
Ticket sales time is 8:30-15:30. The scenic area is usually open from about 8 a.m. to about 5 p.m., and the specific time may be adjusted according to seasons and weather conditions.
Tour Route
Visitors can first take a sightseeing bus to visit attractions such as Golden Monkey Lake, Zena Co, and Dagu Lake, enjoying the natural scenery and wild animals along the way. Then take the cable car to the glacier viewing platform to admire the spectacular glacier scenery. They can also experience the feeling of overlooking from a height on the world's highest-altitude cable car, taste coffee in the "Loneliest Coffee Shop," and enjoy the beautiful scenery. After that, they can go to Loges Holy Mountain to feel the religious culture and natural scenery of Tibetans. Finally, visit the Dagu Glacier National Geological Park Museum to understand the geological history and cultural connotations of the scenic area. The whole tour is recommended to arrange one day.
Transportation
- Self-driving: Start from Chengdu, follow Rongchang Expressway, National Highway 347, etc., to reach the scenic area. The whole journey is about 309 kilometers, and the driving time is about 4-5 hours.
- Bus: There are buses from Chengdu Chadianzi Bus Station to Heishui County. After arriving in Heishui County, you can transfer to a local taxi or van to the scenic area.
Must-visit Attractions
- Dagu Glacier: The glacier with the lowest altitude, largest area, and youngest age in the world. It has three spectacular glacier sections, covering an area of about 8.25 square kilometers. The glacier snow never melts, maintaining the most primitive state for thousands of years.
- Loges Holy Mountain: Integrating alpine meadows, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks, it is a pilgrimage site for Tibetans. Every May and September, Tibetans pray here. It has a warm climate, lush vegetation, and is suitable for leisure and summer retreat.
- Dagu Glacier National Geological Park Museum: With an exhibition area of about 1,700 square meters, it comprehensively introduces the geological heritage resources, species, culture, and research achievements of the scenic area through various display methods, allowing visitors to deeply understand the history and culture of Dagu Glacier.
Tour Tips
- The scenic area is at a high altitude. It is recommended to prepare anti-altitude sickness drugs in advance, such as rhodiola. During the tour, pay attention to maintaining physical strength and avoid strenuous exercise.
- The weather in the scenic area is changeable, and the temperature difference between morning and evening is large. Even in summer, prepare thick coats and warm clothes, such as down jackets and hard-shell jackets.
- If you want to take beautiful photos, it is recommended to carry a wide-angle lens and a telephoto lens to capture different scenery.
- During the tour, you can stay appropriately at different attractions according to your interests and time to fully enjoy the tour process.
Notes
- Abide by the regulations of the scenic area, do not arbitrarily damage the environment and facilities of the scenic area, do not trample on the lawn, or break flowers and trees.
- Respect local religious beliefs and customs, and do not arbitrarily enter religious places or interfere with religious rituals.
- When taking the sightseeing bus and cable car, follow the arrangements of the staff, fasten the seat belt, and pay attention to safety.
- Some areas in the scenic area are at high altitudes with low oxygen content. If you feel unwell, such as headache or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention in a timely manner or go to the oxygen absorption points in the scenic area for oxygen.