Autumn in Western Sichuan: A 5-Day Journey to Discover Snow-Capped Mountains and Vibrant Forests

✨ Each day is a visual feast, featuring golden grasslands, azure lakes, and majestic snow-capped peaks all in one trip.

🚗 Day 1: Chengdu - Zheduo Mountain - Rainbow Road - Yuzixi - Xinduqiao
At the Zheduo Mountain Pass, prayer flags flutter in the wind as a sea of clouds rolls beneath your feet. The Rainbow Road winds forward, with the Gongga Mountain range shimmering under the sunlight. At sunset in Yuzixi, both Yala Snow Mountain and Gongga Snow Mountain are bathed in golden hues, with the twilight painting the entire sky red. Spend the night in Xinduqiao, soaking in the autumn charm of this "photographer's paradise."

🚗 Day 2: Xinduqiao - Tianlu Eighteen Bends - Litang - Shangri-La Town
The poplar trees in Xinduqiao have turned a brilliant gold, with light and shadow dancing along the streams. The Tianlu Eighteen Bends snake through the mountains like a giant dragon, with snow-capped peaks stretching into the distance. In Litang, the world's highest town, the red walls and golden roofs of Letong Ancient Town stand solemnly amidst the autumn scenery, with fallen leaves forming a golden carpet along the prayer paths. Arrive in Shangri-La Town by evening to prepare for the next day's adventure in Yading.

🚗 Day 3: Full Day in Yading Scenic Area
Streams in Chonggu Meadow reflect the golden poplar trees, while the towering Xianuoduoji Snow Peak stands majestically. Hike to Milk Lake, where the turquoise waters are set like a jewel among the snow-capped mountains, and Five-Color Lake shimmers with shades of blue and green under the sunlight. The golden meadows of Luorong Pasture are dotted with grazing yaks, and wild goats leap across the cliffs, creating a scene straight out of a fairy tale.

🚗 Day 4: Daocheng - Haizi Mountain - Gulong Village - Balangshengdu - Bamei Town
The white stupa in Daocheng glows with sacred serenity in the morning light, while prayer wheels spin with devotion. On Haizi Mountain, ancient glacial relics are scattered with countless small lakes like stars in the sky. In Gulong Village, the clear streams mirror the perfect conical peak of Yala Snow Mountain. From the 360° viewing platform at Balangshengdu, the snow-capped mountains gradually turn rose-gold in the evening light.

🚗 Day 5: Danba - Shuangqiaogou in Siguniang Mountain - Chengdu
The red cedar forests in Shuangqiaogou are cloaked in golden hues, with the snowline of Mount Buddha clearly visible. The surface of Siguniang Lake reflects the vibrant forests and distant snow-capped peaks like a mirror. The golden meadows of Renshenguo Ping are dotted with yaks leisurely grazing by the streams, while the autumn sunlight casts a warm glow over everything.

🍂 Autumn Highlights:
- Golden tunnels of poplar trees
- Snow-capped mountains framed by vibrant forests
- Lakes at their most picturesque
- Grasslands and pastures in golden splendor

📸 Photography Tips:
- Capture the mystical landscapes in the morning mist
- Shoot the vibrant lakes in the afternoon for rich colors
- Wait for the golden hour to photograph the sunlit peaks
- Stargaze at night for a dazzling celestial display

✨ This journey feels like stepping into a painting, with surprises at every turn. Autumn in Western Sichuan is worth traveling thousands of miles to experience.