Attractions · Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture

A World Natural Heritage site famed for 114 travertine lakes, waterfalls and autumn forests; “after returning from Jiuzhaigou, no other water is worth seeing” is its best footnote. Highlights include Five Flower Lake, Nuorilang Waterfall, Long Lake and the Shuzheng Lakes. Tip: Book ahead in peak season and enter early; take the sightseeing shuttle to Long Lake or the primeval forest and then walk down; at 2,000–3,000 metres, walk slowly to prevent altitude sickness. Practical info: located at Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba, Sichuan; ticket peak season ¥190 (sightseeing shuttle extra); opening hours 07:00–17:00 (timed entry in peak season). Best season: September–October has the most beautiful autumn colour in Jiuzhaigou; summer is for escaping the heat and winter for ice waterfalls. On the plateau, watch sun protection and keep warm. It can be combined with Huanglong, Songpan Ancient City and Munigou in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture for a half-day or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before setting out, and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead, travel off-peak and allow time for queues and security checks.

• Address: Zhangzha Town, Jiuzhaigou County, Aba, Sichuan
• Ticket: Peak season ¥190 (sightseeing shuttle extra)
• Opening: 07:00–17:00 (timed entry in peak season)

A World Natural Heritage site known for the “jade pools of the human world”, where more than 3,400 coloured pools cascade down a valley; the highest point is about 3,576 metres. Highlights include the Five-Colour Pool, Zhengyan Pool, Huanglong Temple and the snow mountains. Tip: Going up by cable car and walking down is the least tiring; altitude sickness is noticeable here, so carry oxygen and warm clothing. Practical info: located at Huanglong Township, Songpan County, Aba, Sichuan; ticket peak season ¥170 (cable car extra); opening hours 07:00–17:00. Best season: September–October has the most beautiful autumn colour in Jiuzhaigou; summer is for escaping the heat and winter for ice waterfalls. On the plateau, watch sun protection and keep warm. It can be combined with Jiuzhaigou, Songpan Ancient City and Munigou in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture for a half-day or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before setting out, and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead, travel off-peak and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy.

• Address: Huanglong Township, Songpan County, Aba, Sichuan
• Ticket: Peak season ¥170 (cable car extra)
• Opening: 07:00–17:00

A plateau town on the tea-horse road, where Ming dynasty walls and gates stand in the same town as a mosque and Tibetan Buddhist temples; it is the transport hub of northwestern Sichuan. Highlights include the Songzhou ancient city gate and the multi-ethnic lanes. Tip: The old town is not large and can be seen in half a day; mornings and evenings are cold, so stay one night to adjust to the altitude. Practical info: located at Jin'an Town, Songpan County, Aba, Sichuan; ticket free (city walls and exhibition halls extra); opening hours open all day (exhibition halls 09:00–17:00). Best season: September–October has the most beautiful autumn colour in Jiuzhaigou; summer is for escaping the heat and winter for ice waterfalls. On the plateau, watch sun protection and keep warm. It can be combined with Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong and Munigou in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture for a half-day or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before setting out, and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead, travel off-peak and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy.

• Address: Jin'an Town, Songpan County, Aba, Sichuan
• Ticket: Free (city walls and exhibition halls extra)
• Opening: Open all day (exhibition halls 09:00–17:00)

A quiet valley beside Huanglong, known for Zhaga Waterfall and the Erdao Lake highland lakes, with fewer visitors than Huanglong. The paths in the valley are gentle, good for easy hiking. Highlights include the forest. Tip: A hired car can combine it with Huanglong on the same day, but time is tight; it suits visitors who want to avoid the crowds. Practical info: located at Muni Township, Songpan County, Aba, Sichuan; ticket about ¥70 (subject to official notice); opening hours 08:00–17:00. Best season: September–October has the most beautiful autumn colour in Jiuzhaigou; summer is for escaping the heat and winter for ice waterfalls. On the plateau, watch sun protection and keep warm. It can be combined with Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong and Songpan Ancient City in Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture for a half-day or full-day itinerary. Check the day's opening and booking policy before setting out, and allow plenty of time for the visit. In peak season or on holidays, book ahead, travel off-peak and allow time for queues and security checks. Plan your length of stay around the opening hours and your energy. If carrying luggage or travelling with children, allow extra time for security checks and walking.

• Address: Muni Township, Songpan County, Aba, Sichuan
• Ticket: About ¥70 (subject to official notice)
• Opening: 08:00–17:00