Siguniangshan (Four Maidens Mountain) features a quartet of snow-capped peaks and three major gorges, prompting at least one person to refer to the Swiss Alps as “the European Siguniangshan.” According to local legend, the peaks are the incarnations of four virginal girls dressed in pure white and following Tibetan lore, the area is home to a divine mountain queen. The highest peak, known as the fourth girl (Siguniang) reaches 6,250 m (20,505 ft), making it the second highest in Sichuan. The rugged approaches to the four summits take hikers through dense forests, alpine grasslands and mountain creeks, featuring beautiful views. Popular with climbers, three of the peaks have been conquered, while the precipitous and unstable fourth has yet to be summitted.
Most visitors spend their time in the three deep valleys. Changpin Valley is home to a large Tibetan <>and a gorgeous waterfall. Shuangqiao Valley’s landscape features extensive alpine grasslands and meadows. Haizi Valley is renowned for its ten crystal-clear lakes. If you’re looking for a rugged outdoor weekend in relatively unspoiled nature, you can pay park fees to hike, camp and climb. Only experienced and well equipped mountain climbers should tackle an attempt on one of the summits. For the less rugged traveler, the area is being subjected to development efforts making once-remote spots more accessible to the typical bussed-in shutterbug mobs.
Still, the most stunning sights and experiences require some real hiking and a guide. Valley bus tours are available in the high season, as are guided horseback excursions. High season runs from June into October.
This is an alpine climate, so be sure to dress in warm layers and wear strong sun block, no matter the season. Hotels are available in nearby Rilong, and you can easily stage day hikes from there. If you want to stay within the official Siguniangshan Scenic Area, you’ll need to make your own provisions.
