 |
| Shuangqiaogou Valley |
On my 51st birthday, I finally set off to Chengdu despite my knee not being in the best condition. Armed with a walking stick and a stubborn spirit, I pushed through the pain of osteoarthritis. My fear was simple: leaving this world without completing my goal of exploring every renowned province in China. China is vast, beautiful, and full of nature’s wonders. I couldn’t let my health stop me.
For this Western Sichuan adventure, I hired a private driver for 3 days, 2 nights to cover the route: Chengdu – Shuangqiaogou Valley – Bipenggou – Heishui – Dujiangyan. This blog series will be split into three posts, starting with Day 1.
I woke up at 4:30am, and by 6:00am my driver arrived. The journey from bustling Chengdu into the serene alpine world of Mount Siguniang was long but rewarding. The drive itself felt like part of the adventure.
Driving Timeline
• Chengdu → Maobiliang Deck: ~4 hours
• Maobiliang Deck → Shuangqiaogou Valley: ~15–20 minutes
• Shuangqiaogou Valley → Lixiao Road: ~30 minutes
• Lixiao Road → Gurgou (overnight in Bipenggou): ~1–2 hours
Including scenic stops, toilet breaks, and snack detours, the total journey stretched to about 12 hours. I finally checked into my hotel in Bipenggou just after 6:00pm, exhausted but deeply satisfied.
 |
| View near Maobiliang Deck |
Stop 1: Maobiliang Deck (猫鼻梁观景台)
A roadside gem offering a postcard-perfect panorama of Mount Siguniang, famously known as the “Four Sisters Peaks.” The snow-capped summits often play hide-and-seek with drifting clouds, making every glance feel magical. Accessibility is easy and no hiking required, just a quick stop with parking available. Most visitors spend about 30 minutes here, enough for photos, fresh air, and soaking in the view.
Practical perks: there’s a toilet stop (decent enough for a quick break) and plenty of local vendors selling snacks. I tried yak milk balls, which were surprisingly tasty. I regret not daring to order a coffee though. My introvert mode held me back, and I ended up missing my morning caffeine fix for the rest of the day. Lesson learned!
Stop 2: Shuangqiaogou Valley (双桥沟)
This was the highlight of Day 1. A vast alpine valley stretching nearly 35 km, filled with shimmering lakes, meadows, Tibetan villages, and snow peaks. I booked my ticket in advance through Trip.com, which included both the entrance fee and the sightseeing bus ride.
Travel Time
• From Maobiliang Deck → Shuangqiaogou Valley Tourist Center: ~15–20 minutes by car.
• Parking is limited, so drivers usually stop a little distance away. Be prepared to alight quickly as cars queue behind.
Ticketing & Access
You’ll need to exchange your online booking for a physical ticket at the tourist center. From there, hop on the sightseeing bus. The ride itself takes about 45 minutes, winding deep into the valley. Most visitors ride all the way to the last stop, then explore on the way back down.
My Experience
With my walking stick and aching knee, I kept exploration minimal. It was raining at the top, so I took shelter before continuing. On the way down, I stopped at a few scenic points but avoided long walks. The valley is stunning even from the bus window, so you can tailor stops to your energy level.
Recommended Duration
Plan to spend 4 -5 hours here. That gives enough time for the bus ride, photo stops, and gentle exploration without rushing.
Must-See (Knee-Friendly Stops)
• Hongshanlin (红杉林): Easy boardwalk loop, flat and accessible.
• Siguniang Lake (四姑娘措): A short 20–25 min loop trail, manageable if taken slowly.
• Fishing Bay (捡鱼坝): Meadows, waterfalls, grazing yaks. Choose between a short scenic walk (~30 min) or simply enjoy from the shuttle.
• Ginseng Meadow (人参果坪): Sweeping alpine meadow with shuttle re-boarding—perfect for minimizing walking.
• Five-Color Mountain (五色山): Mineral-rich slopes glowing in red, yellow, green, blue, and white under sunlight.
Practical Tips
I carried mushroom soup powder and snacks, hot water is available for free at some stops. Toilets are available at the tourist center. I used them before entering and held on until I returned, since facilities deeper in the valley are more basic.
Since it will be a long journey ahead to Bippengou, so I make sure to toilet before get on the car.
 |
| Shuangqiaogou Valley view on October 2025 before Autum crowds. I went there right after the Golden Holiday and before the peak Autumn season |
 |
| I managed to catch a sea buckthorn |
Travel Note:
After Shuangqiaogou Valley, the journey continues:
• Shuangqiaogou → Lixiao Road: ~30 minutes
• Lixiao Road → Gurgou (Bipenggou overnight): ~1–2 hours
 |
| This is the view along the Lixio road |
 |
| My driver made a few stop along the way to Bipenggou. The Gurgou view will be more stunning in late October because the tree will turn red and yellow in colors. |
Stop 3: Lixiao Road (理小路)
• What to See: A scenic drive connecting Li County and Xiaojin County. Snow peaks, forests, and valleys unfold like a painting.
• Accessibility: Entirely by car and perfect for travelers who prefer to admire landscapes without walking.
• Tips: Pause at roadside pull-outs for photos. This is a “restful sightseeing” segment, ideal after the valley exploration. Hire a driver who knows a good photo spot.
 |
| This is near the Hotel I stayed in Bipenggou |
Overnight in Bipenggou
End the day with a cozy overnight stay in Bipenggou, a scenic area known for glaciers and forests. Rest well and tomorrow’s journey continues deeper into Sichuan’s alpine beauty. I booked Lixian Bipeng Shiguang Hot Spring Hotel which located around 10 minutes drive to Bipeggou scenic area.
Final Thoughts for Day 1
Day 1 balances long drives, short scenic stops, and accessible exploration. For travelers with knee pain, Shuangqiaogou Valley is a gem: you can see world-class alpine scenery without strenuous hiking. The sightseeing bus system makes it easy to tailor the experience to your comfort level.
Comments