Sichuan is a vast southwestern province of China renowned for its fiery cuisine, spectacular natural scenery, and rich cultural heritage. Home to UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Jiuzhaigou, Mount Emei, and the Leshan Giant Buddha, Sichuan captivates visitors with its dramatic landscapes ranging from lush river valleys to towering Tibetan-fringe highlands.
Top trails
Routes worth lacing up your boots for.
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1
Siguniang Mountain Shuangqiao Valley Trail
The most accessible trail in the Siguniang Mountain area, following a U-shaped glacial valley through dense fir and birch forests with stunning views of the Four Girls peaks. Wooden boardwalks and flat paths make it suitable for most fitness levels. Horse riding is available for those who prefer not to walk the full distance.
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2
Siguniang Mountain Haizi Valley Trail
A more demanding full-day hike to a series of alpine lakes (haizi) reflecting the Four Girls peaks. The trail passes through dense forest before opening onto dramatic highland meadows at 4,000m. Horses are available for the upper sections if needed.
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3
Mount Emei Golden Summit Trail
The classic pilgrimage route up China's most sacred Buddhist mountain passing through zones of subtropical, temperate, and alpine vegetation. Multiple temple stops en route including Qingyin Pavilion and Xixiang Pool. The cable car takes hikers to Jieyin Hall from which the Golden Summit is 30 min walk.
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4
Daocheng Yading Pearl Lake – Milk Lake Trail
A high-altitude circuit connecting the sacred Luorong Cattle Farm, turquoise Milk Lake (Niunai Hai), and vivid Five-Color Sea (Wuse Hai) beneath the flanks of Chanadorje Peak (5,958m). Altitude sickness is a serious consideration — acclimatize in Daocheng for 1–2 days before attempting.
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5
Mount Qingcheng Front Mountain Trail
A well-maintained trail through ancient Taoist temple complexes on the UNESCO-listed Front Mountain of Qingcheng. Stone steps wind through dense bamboo and forest past the Heavenly Master Cave, Jianfu Palace, and Summit Temple. A cable car serves the upper section.
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6
Minya Konka Base Camp Trek
A challenging multi-day trek to the base camp of Minya Konka (Gongga Mountain) — the highest peak in Sichuan at 7,556m. The circuit passes glacial moraines, alpine lakes, and Tibetan villages with breathtaking views of the Konka massif. Requires experienced guide and full camping equipment.
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7
Hailuogou Glacier Trail
A relatively gentle boardwalk trail through old-growth forest to the terminal face of Hailuogou Glacier — Asia's lowest-altitude glacier. Cable car access brings visitors to Camp 3, from where a short walk reaches the glacier viewing platform. Combine with hot spring bathing at the park base.
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8
Jiuzhaigou Valley Floor Walk
A leisurely walk along the boardwalk system connecting the three main valleys of Jiuzhaigou National Park. This accessible route allows visitors to cover all major lakes and waterfalls at a comfortable pace, mixing walking sections with the park's shuttle bus service.
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9
Dagu Glacier Upper Trail
An exhilarating high-altitude walk at the edge of the Dagu Glacier reached by cable car to 4,560m. The short trail provides dramatic close-up views of the glacier and panoramic highland views. Altitude sickness is common — take it very slow and carry altitude medication.
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10
Longcanggou Forest Park Trail
A pleasant forest walk in the lush river valley of Longcanggou — a less-visited gem near Luding with ancient trees, crystal streams, and hanging bridges. The area is recovering ecologically after the 2008 Sichuan earthquake and showcases remarkable forest regeneration.
Trail difficulty levels
Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.
Mostly flat, well-marked paths. Suitable for families and casual walkers.
Some elevation gain, longer distances. Requires basic fitness.
Significant climbs and exposure. Requires good fitness and route-finding.
Technical terrain, scrambling, or alpine conditions. Experience essential.
When to hike
Seasonal conditions in Sichuan.
- Spring
- April–May: Wildflowers bloom at lower elevations; trails mostly clear; ideal for Emeishan and Qingcheng. Some highland areas still have snow.
- Summer
- June–August: Best for western highland treks (Siguniang, Daocheng); lush green vegetation; afternoon rain showers common; Jiuzhaigou lush but crowded.
- Fall
- September–November: Best overall season; Jiuzhaigou autumn colors; excellent visibility; cooler temperatures ideal for strenuous highland hiking.
- Winter
- December–March: Many highland trails inaccessible due to snow and ice; Mount Emei cable car still operates; winter scenery on lower Emeishan trails is beautiful but cold.
Local hazards
What to watch out for on the trail.
Hazard: Altitude sickness above 2,500m — ascend gradually, watch for symptoms (headache, nausea, breathlessness), and descend immediately if symptoms worsen
Hazard: Extreme UV radiation at highland altitudes — use SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip protection even on overcast days
Hazard: Sudden weather changes in western Sichuan — afternoon thunderstorms are common; carry a waterproof layer
Hazard: Landslide risk on mountain roads during summer rainy season (June–August) — check road conditions
Hazard: Bold monkeys at Mount Emei — secure food, glasses, and bags; do not feed or approach them
Hazard: Limited mobile phone signal in remote western Sichuan valleys and gorges — download offline maps
Hazard: Trail markings may be in Chinese only — hire a local guide for off-piste routes in western Sichuan