Updated 2026 · 10 min · by NebulaTrip local experts
Mount Siguniang, the Four Sisters Mountain, rises on the eastern edge of the Tibetan plateau in western Sichuan, a cluster of four snow peaks the highest of which, Yaomei Feng, tops 6,250 metres and is known as the Queen of Sichuan's Mountains. Below the icy summits spread three glorious glacial valleys, Changping, Haizi and Shuangqiao, a UNESCO-listed wonderland of alpine meadows, rushing streams, Tibetan villages, mani stone walls and forests that blaze gold and crimson in autumn. For trekkers this is some of the most rewarding hiking in China: high, wild, genuinely Tibetan in feel, and far less crowded with foreign visitors than Yunnan's circuits. The valleys range from gentle, partly boardwalked day walks to serious multi-day crossings into neighbouring Bipenggou over high passes. This guide is for fit, adventure-minded travellers who want big alpine scenery and real altitude, the kind of people happy to sleep simply, ride a horse part of the way if needed, and earn their views with sustained effort above 3,000 metres. It covers how to get there, the main valley routes, what the altitude really demands, and how to time and organise a trip so the Four Sisters reward rather than overwhelm you.
The base for Mount Siguniang is the small town of Rilong (also written Ri'long), which sits at roughly 3,200 metres at the mouth of the valleys. Almost all trips start in Chengdu, the Sichuan capital, from where it is a long mountain drive northwest into the high country. The classic route climbs over the Balang Shan pass, a dramatic switchbacking road that crests above 4,400 metres with sweeping views, before dropping to Rilong; a newer tunnel has cut the journey time but the old pass remains spectacular. Reckon on a long half-day to full day of driving depending on the route and stops, and note that the altitude gain from Chengdu's near-sea-level basin to a 4,000-metre-plus pass is abrupt. Public buses run from Chengdu toward the Aba region, but most travellers hire a private driver or join a tour for comfort and flexibility on the winding roads. Whichever way you come, plan to arrive in Rilong and spend a night there before any hard hiking, both to acclimatise and because the trailheads for all three valleys are reached from the town. Rilong itself has guesthouses, simple hotels and restaurants serving Sichuan and Tibetan food, making it a natural and necessary staging point.
Three valleys radiate from Rilong, each with its own character. Shuangqiao (Double Bridge) Valley is the most developed, with a sightseeing bus and boardwalks, making it the easy, accessible option for non-trekkers, lovely but more scenic drive than hike. Haizi (Sea-of-Lakes) Valley is the classic acclimatisation and day-hike trek: a steady climb past Tibetan chortens to a string of alpine tarns beneath the peaks, gaining serious height to around 3,800 metres or more, a moderately strenuous full day. Changping (Long Plain) Valley is the showpiece for walkers, a long, gently rising glen of meadows, forest, streams and mani walls running deep toward the foot of the Four Sisters, where you can walk for hours or even camp toward the upper reaches; horses are available to ease the distance. The most ambitious option is the multi-day Changping to Bipenggou crossing, a committing high-altitude trek that climbs out of Changping Valley over a lofty pass and descends into the alpine wilderness of Bipenggou. This is real backcountry trekking, several days of remote, high terrain, and the kind of trip best done with support, horses and a guide rather than solo.
Mount Siguniang is high, and altitude is the single most important thing to take seriously here. Rilong sits at about 3,200 metres, the valley hikes climb well above that, and any approach over Balang Shan crosses passes above 4,000 metres, so you are firmly in territory where altitude sickness is a genuine risk for everyone, regardless of fitness. The drive itself gains altitude fast, which is why an acclimatisation night in Rilong before hard exertion is essential, not optional. On the trail, walk slowly, hydrate constantly, eat well and watch for worsening headache, nausea or breathlessness; descend if symptoms become severe. Fitness-wise, the valley treks demand sustained uphill walking at altitude where every step costs more breath than at sea level, and the multi-day Bipenggou crossing is genuinely tough, long days over high passes on rough ground. You do not need technical mountaineering skills for the valley hikes, but you do need stamina, good boots and trekking poles. Hiring a horse for part of Changping or Haizi is common and sensible, not a cop-out. If you have never been at altitude, build in extra rest days and choose the gentler valley routes before attempting anything that crosses a pass.
Autumn is the crown jewel season at Mount Siguniang. From roughly late September through October the valleys erupt into colour, golden larch, red shrubs, clear skies and crisp air, with the best odds of seeing the snow peaks unveiled and the most spectacular photography of the year; it is also the busiest time for domestic visitors, so book ahead. Late spring and early summer, roughly May to June, bring blooming meadows, wildflowers and green valleys, a beautiful and quieter alternative, though with slightly less stable skies. Mid-summer, July and August, overlaps with the rainy season, when afternoon storms and cloud are common and trails get muddy, still hikeable, especially in the mornings, but views are less reliable. Winter, December to February, is cold and snowy: high passes including Balang Shan can be icy or closed, and many higher routes become impractical, though Rilong and the lower valleys take on a stark beauty under snow. Whatever the season, the weather at this altitude is changeable and temperatures swing sharply between sunny afternoons and freezing nights, so layered clothing, a warm midlayer, gloves and a waterproof shell are needed year-round. Mornings generally offer the clearest views before cloud builds on the peaks.
The Mount Siguniang area is a managed scenic reserve, and each valley has its own entrance and, in some cases, transport fees collected at the gates, so carry your passport and cash. Because this is a sensitive Tibetan-region zone within Sichuan, access rules can change and some routes, particularly remote crossings, may require local arrangement, registration or a guide, so confirm current rules before you go. Lodging centres on Rilong, with a range of guesthouses and simple hotels; on multi-day treks into Changping or the Bipenggou crossing you camp or use very basic shelters, with horses or porters carrying loads. Bring layers for sharp temperature swings, strong sun protection, a sleeping bag if camping, basic altitude first aid and a power bank. As throughout Tibetan areas, pass mani walls and chortens clockwise, leave them undisturbed, ask before photographing people, and carry out all your rubbish in this pristine UNESCO landscape. This is also where a guide shifts from convenience to near-necessity. The logistics, the long transfer from Chengdu over Balang Shan, the separate gate systems for each valley, the shifting access rules, and, for the Bipenggou crossing, arranging horses, camping support and route-finding over remote high passes, are hard to organise solo. A capable local guide manages permits, paces the altitude, knows which valley to do first for acclimatisation, reads the weather that makes or breaks a high crossing, and brings the legend of the Four Sisters and valley life to life.
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