Mounigou Scenic Area Travel Guide - Recommended Attraction for a Winter Jiuzhaigou Tour

Where is Mounigou

Located in the Songpan county of Aba Tibetan and Qiang Prefecture at the northern Sichuan Province in China, Mounigou (or Munigou) is famous for its charming natural view, traditional ethnic culture, highland lakes, hot springs, giant calcified waterfall, calcified colorful pools and virgin forest. It is 300km away from Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan and 140km from Jiuzhaigou National Park. Although it’s less famous than Jiuzhaigou Valley and Huanglong Valley, the scenery there is NOT less splendid.

Mounigou Location Map

Mounigou was developed in 2011, covering an area of 160 km2, with an average altitude of 3400m. After years of development, this unknown valley has been regarded as the World Biosphere Reserve, World Natural Heritage and the Green Globe 21 of UN. The annual temperature is 7 degrees on average. It is divided into two main scenic areas that respectively named Zhaga Scenic area and Erdaohai scenic spot.

In winter, some scenic spots in Huanglong National Park closed, which makes Mounigou a perfect alternative. The ticket price of Zhaga is 70 RMB in the peak season and 60 RMB in the slack season, so is the Erdaohai. The ticket package including theses two area sold 100 RMB in the peak season and 60 RMB in the slack season. The discount price for students, teachers and disabled are 70 RMB.

Mounigou scenery in winter

Main Attractions in Mounigou

1. Zhaga Scenic Area

In Tibetan, Zhaga means torrent of Baiyan Mountain. Inside Zhaga Scenic Area, the most attractive scenery is the Zhaga Waterfall. Among all the waterfalls, Zhaga Waterfall is like a supernatural existence in the world. Situated at the altitude of 3270m and hiding in a dense forest, Zhaga Waterfall is 93.2m high and 35m wide. The water coming from the west part of Minshan Mountain gathers together in Zhaga and fall down from a high dyke, on which the waterfalls is like a silver curtain hanging. When the waterfall rushes down from 3 stages of the calcified cliff, it creates a large spray and mist with various sounds echoing throughout the forest, which would astonish all the tourists. Behind the curtain of the second calcified cliff, there is a big water curtain cave, within which the climate is strange.

The Zhaga Waterfall in Mounigou

Another famous attraction is the Mounigou Temple hiding in the 3000m-high forest as well, which is a place for tourists to know more about the local Tibetan Buddhist Culture. In lunar Jan 15th and lunar May 15th, tourists are going to enjoy big religious activities.

Mounigou Temple

When touring this area, tourists should obey the “right hand rule” that going up along the right side and going down along the right side so that you would not repeat the route.

2. Erdaohai Scenic Area

Erdaohai Scenic Area covers an area of 6800 km2 in the jungle, where could be reached by riding a horse or by foot. There is abundant amount of continuous highland lakes fishes in the water. Being different from other highland lakes, Erdaohai Lakes have flowers and plants growing up inside the lakes. The most magic thing in Erdaohai is the sulphureted hot spring under an ancient pine tree, which is the shower place of fairies according to local legend. In fact, because of the sulfur, this hot spring does be helpful to people’s health.

Erdaohai Lakes have flowers and plants growing up inside the lakes

In Erdaohai, there are more than 400 lakes like Swan Lake and Ginseng Lake. The plank road connecting every lake is well constructed for trek.

When visiting Erdaohai, tourists should obey the “left hand rule” that going along the left after you entering the entrance and going down to the entrance along your left as well.

3. Other Recommended Spots

Flower Lake is one of the most adorable lakes in Mounigou. The surface of the green-blue lake is covered by countless blossoming nameless colorful flowers. The types and colors of the flowers change according to the season and weather, which makes this lake different now and then.

Flower Lake is one of the most adorable lakes in Mounigou

You should never miss the chance of riding a horse in Mounigou, in which way you can fully enjoy and closely feel the nature. Tourists would camp in the forest for a night.

Mounigou is friendly to wild animals that many wild ducks come there and nest there. Even in winter, you can see the ducks playing in the lakes and nest in the reeds.

The Climate in Mounigou

Owing to its high altitude, Mounigou (or Munigou), which is located in Sichuan Province, has a mountainous climate like Jiuzhaigou. The average temperature is low and the UV level is high.

In winter, the average temperature of Mounigou is 7 degrees in day time and -5 degrees in the night. Even the highest temperature is below 10 degrees. Most of the lakes and waterfalls are frozen, which creates a peaceful quiet wonderland.

The UV level is still high especially without the shield of thick clouds.

The precipitation is low, and the average monthly precipitation is only 5-20mm, so that there are less natural disasters like landslide and rock flows.

Equipment You Should Bring Along

For the high altitude, you should pay attention to your health. Tourists who suffer from altitude sickness ought to prepare some medicine as well as a bottle of oxygen in case. It is not recommended to drink or over-exercise there.

For the strong UV level, it is necessary to wear sunscreen and keep touch up. Wearing a long sheet shirt as well as hats. Taking an umbrella if needed.

For the low temperature, you have to wear thick down jacket and sweaters and gloves to keep yourself warm. Especially in the night, the temperature is extremely low.

The restaurants in Mounigou are rare, and some of them are Tibetan cuisine and Sichuan cuisine, which may be not your cup of tea. You can bring some snacks and breads with you.

How to Get to Mounigou

At present, there is no direct public bus connecting Mounigou and other places. You should go to Chengdu at first.

1. Chengdu-Jiuzhaigou-Mounigou

Tourists can take the bus at Chadianzi Bus Station to Jiuzhaigou every morning. The first bus departs at 06:00 am. The ticket price is from 160 RMB to 260 RMB according to different levels of comfort. It would take you 9-10 hours to arrive at Jiuzhaigou.

Pictursque scenery in Jiuzhaigou

Taking the plane from Chengdu to Jiuzhaigou is the fastest choice. After visiting Jiuzhaigou, you can book a car to Mounigou at a price of 200 RMB and arrived in 2 hours.

2. Chengdu-Songpan County-Mounigou

Tourists should take the public bus at Chadianzi Bus Station. The ticket price is about 110 RMB and this journey takes you 5-6 hours. After arriving at Songpan, you can book a car or ride a horse to Mounigou. Booking a car may cost you 150 RMB and 1 hour when riding a horse costs 800 RMB which is a 2-day journey.

Songpan Ancient Town

Where to Live in Mounigou

The living condition in Mounigou is normal. There are some local guests house accepting tourists to stay. The price which is about 100 RMB is relatively lower.

There are some local guests house accepting tourists to stay in Mounigou

Most tourists choose to stay in Songpan County where there are some high-end hotels which are well equipped as well as ordinary hotels. Others would stay at Chuanzhu Temple which is 40km away. In winter, the price of accommodations usually decreases.