Shuangqiao Valley Travel Guide: The Easiest Way to Visit Mount Siguniang

Bordering the small and humble Rilong Town is the mighty Mt. Siguniang, famously known as the Four Sisters Mountain. Mt. Siguniang is famous for being the highest peak of Qionglai Mountains, or for being the ultimate destination for hikers and mountaineers in Asia and around the world. Rilong Town also known as Siguniangshan is not only famous for Mt. Siguniang, it also famous for the three main valleys in the scenic area. These are ideal for travellers who are not ardent hikers but still want to explore and get a piece of how it would be to trek Mt. Siguniang. The three valleys are—Shuangqiao Valley, Changping Valley, and Haizi Valley. In this article we will be seeing all about Shuangqiao Valley.

The Landscape of Shuangqiao Valley in Mount Siguniang

Where is Shuangqiao Valley?

Shuangqiao Valley entrance is located 7km from Rilong Town. As accommodation options are available only in Rilong you will be required to travel a little bit. From the town you can take the local buses to go to Shuangqiao Valley. There will also be a lot of local vans that you can flag down to get to the valley entrance. The valley is surrounded by snow mountains which makes every direction from the valley postcard picture worthy. The valley is about 40km long and is located at an altitude of 3000m. Shuangqiao Valley is the longest and most accessible of the three valleys. To make walking in the valley easier, a wooden boardwalk is built for 30 kms.

Best Time to Visit Shuangqiao Valley

July, August, October, and November are the best months to visit Mount Siguniang and all the attractions around them. These months are not only ideal in terms of weather, but it is also during these months that the leaves are brighter, the air is lighter, and the views are clearer. During these months due to the high inflow of tourists, the costs are usually higher. There is prominent chillness in air and the flowers in the mountains will be in full bloom. If you are visiting during these months it is advisable to book the accommodations in advance. The entrance tickets costs 80 CNY from April-November and 60 CNY from December-March.

How to Visit Shuangqiao Valley

The entrance of Shuangqiao Valley is 7km from the town. You can go in local bus or vans to arrive at the entrance. Once you arrive at the valley, walking is not the option available for exploring. There is sightseeing shuttle bus that takes you all the attractions inside the valley. The best way to explore the valley is to take a sightseeing bus while going in, visit all the attractions inside and then take along walk while coming back. It takes about 4-5 hours to see all the attractions. The valley is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. The tourist shuttle bus costs 60-70 CNY per person. You can get off in the stops near the attractions, take pictures, and then choose to walk or take the bus from one of the stops again. There are no big restaurants inside the valley, there are some small shop selling Tibetan snacks and local herbs. You can pack your food in advance and carry it to the valley if you want.

Major Attractions in Shuangqiao Valley

There are more than ten attractions in this valley. The buses drop you off at each attraction and you can get on the shuttle buses to go to the next attraction or walk to the next attraction. Here are some of the attractions in the valley.

As soon as you enter into the valley, you will find yourself in the Yin-Yang Valley. You see the sunshine being replaced by the chill, silvery skies with a skyline of snow peaked mountains.

Sun-Moon Mirror Mountain is one of the mighty mountains you will see upon entering. It is a rock mountain covered by silvery snow all around the year. The division in the mountain makes it look like two mirrors hanging from the sky.

Next is the Five-coloured Mountain towering to an altitude of 4,478m. It is called so because of the five different colours of rocks in the mountains. Colours like red, green, blue, yellow, and white.

The left one is the Sun-Moon Mirror Mountain and the right one of the Five-color Mountain.

Ginsenguo Flatland is one of the most colourful attractions in the valley. The flowers are in full bloom during spring. The contrast of white snow peaked mountain backdrop and colourful flowers in the foreground, make this spot the most photographed attraction in the valley.

Ginsenguo Flatland of Shuangqiao Valley in Summer

Jiujia Lake is a group of 13 lakes. It consists of 9 perennial and 4 seasonal lakes. Legend says that the four girls used to bathe in this lake. Jianzi Mountain at an altitude of 5,472m and Hunters Peak at an altitude of 5,362m are some of the towering peaks you will see while going in the bus. In between the two peaks there are huge stone pillar. From far the mountain looks like as if a hunter is standing with his gun. There is also a waterfall close to the Hunters peak.

Jianzi Mountain of Shuangqiao Valley, Mt.Siguniang

Dumu Peak consists of a range of granite peaks. From far it is said to look like a woman giving birth. Other mountains and attractions you will see are: Abi Mountains, Wild Man Peak, Cattle Heart Mountain, Cattle Cote, and Changheba.

Winter View of Penjingtan in Shuangqiao Valley

How to Get to Shuangqiao Valley from Chengdu

There are two ways to get to Rilong, the nearest town to Shuangqiao Valley - by car or by public bus. Rilong is 220km from Chengdu and it would take only 4-5 hrs. The bus starts from Chengdu at 6:00 am in the Chandianzi bus station. Take the bus that goes towards Xiaojin County and get down in Rilong.

There are different routes to get to Rilong, the shortest route to go will be: Chengdu-Dujiangyan-Yingxiu-Wolong-Mt Balang-Rilong Town. This is the route used by the bus and car drivers. The drive might get a little bumpy but the views accompanying in the route are worth the discomfort. There are lot of attractions like Dujiangyan Irrigation System, Yingxiu Earthquake Site, Wolong Giant Panda Reserve, Mount Balang to visit en route.

The winding road from Mount Balang to Mount Siguniang

Shuangqiao is the perfect place for non-trekkers to explore. It is not very physically demanding, easily accessible, and undeniably beautiful. It is also the biggest of the three valleys.