Located in Luding County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, Hailuogou Scenic Area is a national 5A-level tourist attraction famous for its low-altitude modern glaciers, giant ice waterfalls and snow mountain hot springs, known as the "Glacier Forest Park".
Overview
Geographical Features
Covers an area of 906 square kilometers, with glacier tongues extending 6km into primeval forests at just 2,850m above sea level.
Home to the world's lowest-altitude modern maritime glaciers at this latitude, featuring unique glacier-forest coexistence landscapes.
Name Origin
Named after its conch-shaped glacial landforms, called "Daquga" in Tibetan meaning "white glacier".
Designated as a national 5A-level tourist attraction in 2017.
Main Attractions
Glacier Landscapes
- Great Ice Falls: 1,080m high and 1,100m wide, China's largest ice waterfall
- Glacier Tongue: 6km long, like a silver dragon entering the forest
- Ice Caves: Crystal-clear natural ice sculpture galleries
- Glacier Gate Cave: Natural arched ice cave at glacier terminus
Natural Wonders
- Golden Mountain Sunrise: Spectacular sunrise glow on Gongga Mountain's main peak
- Red Stone Beach
: Orange-red algae-covered rocks along the river valleyPrimeval Forest: Well-preserved vertical vegetation zones from subtropical to cold temperate
Special Experiences
Seasonal Scenery
- Spring: Blooming mountain flowers contrasting with glaciers
- Summer: Cool retreat with melting glaciers forming waterfalls
- Autumn: Colorful foliage framed with glaciers
- Winter: Snow-covered kingdom of ice and snow
Featured Activities
- Glacier Trekking: Guided glacier exploration
- Snow Mountain Hot Springs: Natural hot springs at 2,600m altitude
- Tibetan Village Visit: Experience Tibetan folk culture
- Stargazing Photography: Pristine night skies on the plateau
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Open year-round. Best visiting season: April to November
Daily hours: 07:00-15:00 (last entry at 15:00)
Ticket Prices
- Peak season (Apr-Nov): 160 CNY/person (including sightseeing bus)
- Off season (Dec-Mar): 120 CNY/person (including sightseeing bus)
- Cable car: 150 CNY/person (round trip)
Transportation
- Self-driving: About 4 hours from Chengdu via Yaan-Kangding Expressway
- Public transport: Direct buses from Chengdu Xinnanmen Station
- Airplane: Nearest airport is Kangding Airport
Notes
Protect against sun and cold at high altitude - bring sunglasses and sunscreen.
Follow guides' instructions in glacier areas - do not enter dangerous zones.
Respect Tibetan customs - do not touch religious items like prayer flags.