Magnificent Mountains In China

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Chengdu
is the provincial capital of Sichuan and a major transport hub for the area. Since Sichuan extends up on to the Tibetan Plateau this means that Chengdu is an ideal base to see some of China's most magnificent peaks. The following mountain areas are amongst the most popular and therefore also the easiest to arrange and enjoy.



(Please note: this article is written only for those intending to see the mountains. Those wishing to climb need look for more specific information).

Emei Shan is a relatively small mountain for this group in that it stands at just over 3000 metres and not cloaked in snow year-round. The mountain is sacred to Buddhists and therefore has dual interest for many visitors (Scenic and cultural). This is reflected in its UNESCO World Heritage inscription as a Mixed Site.

The town of Emei can be reached by road or rail. Only a few hardy visitors hike up the mountain. Most choose to drive up to the road-head and then take the short walk to the cable-car. There are a couple of hotels on the slopes below the main temple complex and summit area and an overnight stay is well worthwhile. Sunsets can be glorious but the sunrises are more famous as this is when the peak sits above 'a sea of clouds'. If light conditions are right, visitors may see the phenomena known as Buddha's Halo (or Brocken-spectre).

Gongga Shan (aka Minya Konka): stands at over 7500 metres and rates as the highest mountain in Sichuan Province and as the third highest outside of the main Himalaya chain.

Access is usually via the town of Moxi to the east though it is also possible to approach from Kangding to the north. The main attraction on the east side is the Hailuoguo Glacier, a spectacular ice-fall visible to regular tourists. Mountaineers do not choose this route.

The best seasons for a visit are spring and autumn, though the weather here is notoriously fickle and so you should be prepared for the worst.

The Min Shan range is not amongst the grandest of mountains but do contain some of the most fabulous valleys anywhere. Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong are inscribed separately on the UNESCO World Heritage List as outstanding natural wonders.

Jiuzhaigou (Nine Village Gully) is a Y-shaped valley with a series of lakes and waterfalls that defy description. High mineral concentrations in the water bring out amazing shades of blue and green, especially when conditions are calm and the lakes have a mirror surface.

Huanglong (Yellow Dragon) is a much smaller site but can claim more colourful walls to its many pools as they cascade down the valley. A new cable-car makes the site much more accessible.

Siguniang Shan

The 'Four Girls Mountain' National Park lies in Aba Prefecture about 200 kilometres to the west of Chengdu. Access is via to the town of Rilong. Only simple accommodation is available and some visitors do camp to be able to extend their stay in the park.

The main attraction is the stunning mountain scenery though the chance of seeing rare wildlife such as a Giant Panda or leopard brings in some budding naturalists.

Xiling Xueshan

This 'snow mountain' is the closest to Chengdu and now a popular getaway for the city dwellers looking for a bit of light relief. The ski slopes are always busy though it is possible to do other winter sports such as dog-sledging or snowmobiling.

There are a number of hotels near the top though none of these are cheap. Other fees soon add up too.

By Ian Ford