Haizi Valley Scenic Area

Haizigou’s appeal is its change of pace and scenery: the first half opens onto broad alpine meadows with views of Siguniang Mountain’s main peak, while the later valley holds clear lakes such as Huahaizi, Fuhaizi, and Lanhaizi. The route is 19.2 kilometers long, so this is a mountain outing, not a quick stop.

I like two things in particular: the broad peak views from the meadows and the chance to reach a string of alpine lakes farther into the valley. You can hike, arrange horseback travel at an extra cost, or use the valley as a base for permitted outdoor activities.

The main consideration is the altitude and effort. There are no sightseeing vehicles, the full valley is long, and the area advises caution about strenuous activity. Go only if you are ready for a high-altitude day and have a realistic plan for how far you want to travel.

Haizigou at a glance

• Meadows first, lakes later: The valley’s first half is mostly open alpine meadow; the latter half contains more than a dozen lakes.
• A big route: Haizigou stretches 19.2 kilometers and covers 126.48 square kilometers.
• No park shuttle: You need to hike the route or pay separately for horseback travel.
• Peak-view territory: The meadows offer the best panoramic views of Siguniang Mountain’s main peak.
• Outdoor rules matter: Hiking and mountaineering activities require advance registration with the outdoor management center.
• Single-entry ticket: Your ticket is valid on the selected date for one entry, with no re-entry after you leave.

The first half: open meadows and peak views

Haizigou is one of the three core valleys in Siguniang Mountain Scenic Area, and it is the highest-altitude area among them. Its entrance is in Siguniangshan Town, in Xiaojin County, within Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province.

The valley’s first half is mainly open alpine meadow. That openness is a treat for anyone hoping to see the main peak of Siguniang Mountain without a wall of trees blocking the view. The meadows are also a sensible place to take your time, check how your body is responding to the altitude, and decide whether to continue farther.

There are 12 scenic spots and 46 natural attractions across the area, but that number should not make you expect a neatly paced series of stops. Haizigou is a large natural area, and the available details do not set out a fixed walking itinerary or specify the distance between individual sights. Think of it as a valley to explore at your own pace, not a short loop with a guaranteed finish time.

The panoramic views are the clearest reason to come even if you do not plan to reach the lakes. If you have limited energy or time, an out-and-back walk through the meadow section may be a more sensible plan than trying to cover the full valley. The important thing is to decide on a turnaround point before setting out, rather than letting the 19.2-kilometer total tempt you into an ambitious day.

Farther in: Huahaizi, Fuhaizi, and Lanhaizi

The character of the valley changes farther along. The latter half is dotted with more than a dozen alpine lakes, including Huahaizi, Fuhaizi, and Lanhaizi. Their clear water is described as transparent to the bottom, and the valley preserves ancient scaleless fish.

That lakeside stretch is the main reward for hikers who want more than a peak view. It also asks more of you: there are no sightseeing vehicles to carry you between the meadow and lake sections. You must hike or arrange a horse ride, with horseback fees charged separately according to mileage.

The name Haizigou refers to this lake-filled character, but you should not assume every lake is close to the entrance or easy to reach. The supplied details do not give walking times, trail gradients, or the exact distances to the named lakes. Ask at the tourist center about current route conditions and how far you can reasonably go before you commit to a longer outing.

The valley also serves as an access point for climbing Siguniang Mountain’s Grand Peak and Second Peak. That does not make a scenic-area ticket a climbing permit or a substitute for mountaineering arrangements. Formal outdoor procedures must be completed in advance for hiking and mountaineering activities, and the area recommends hiring a professional guide.

Choosing your pace without a shuttle

Haizigou is best suited to people who are comfortable with a day on foot and who can be flexible about how far they go. You can hike the route, or choose horseback travel within the valley and pay based on mileage. The ticket does not include horse riding or other self-funded activities.

This flexibility is useful, but it is not the same as easy transport. You need to plan your effort, keep an eye on the time, and avoid setting out with the assumption that a vehicle will take you back. The last entry time is 14:30, so arriving late leaves less room for walking, especially if you hope to go beyond the meadows.

If you are heading out for outdoor hiking or mountaineering, register in advance at the outdoor management center. Follow staff instructions and stay on designated routes. The area specifically warns against leaving the approved route without permission, a rule worth treating as a safety measure rather than red tape.

Horseback travel may help you cover some ground, but it is not included in the first-entry ticket and its price depends on mileage. Ask about the available distance and cost before setting off. The information provided does not give a fixed riding schedule, route, or fare, so budget for it separately rather than assuming it is a low-cost add-on.

High altitude calls for a modest plan

The area is at high altitude, and its own guidance advises against strenuous exercise and alcohol. Take altitude precautions, keep your pace conservative, and be ready to turn back if you feel unwell. The meadows and lakes are not worth pushing through symptoms for.

Older or physically frail people, and anyone with high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, or heart disease, are advised to proceed with caution. This is a practical trip to reconsider if a long walk at elevation is not suitable for you. The information does not give the valley’s altitude in meters, so I would not use a single number to judge whether it is safe for you.

Sun exposure is another part of the day to plan for. UV radiation is strong, so bring sun protection. Open flames are prohibited throughout the area, and you should take care to protect the local environment by carrying out your rubbish.

The valley is in a region with local ethnic minority communities. Visitors are asked to respect local lives and beliefs. A quiet, considerate approach is the right one: follow posted rules, listen to staff, and treat the area as a living place as well as a natural attraction.

What the ticket covers, and what it does not

The ticket is for first entry to Haizigou Scenic Area. It does not include round-trip transport, meals, personal insurance, horseback travel, other entertainment facilities, or unspecified personal expenses. The ticket is valid only on the date selected when booking, for one entry. If you leave the area, you need a new ticket to enter again.

The stated starting prices do not match: the package option gives a price from US$7.49, while the activity summary says from US$8.25. Treat either figure as a starting point, not a guaranteed final amount, and check the price shown at checkout for your chosen date and ticket type.

At either listed starting price, the entry ticket can be good value if you intend to spend time on the valley’s meadows or hike toward the lakes. But the ticket is only one part of the cost. Add transport to the area, meals, and any horseback travel you choose, then consider whether you can use the day fully given the altitude and your walking pace.

There is one five-star rating, with a short note describing the outing as a hiker’s paradise and Klook booking as convenient. That is a positive signal, but a single rating is too small a sample to settle questions about trail conditions or service. The strongest case for value comes from the place itself: a large alpine valley, open peak views, and lakes reached by walking or horseback.

Getting in and choosing the right date

The ticket exchange point is the manual window at Haizigou Tourist Center in Siguniangshan Town. Bring the original valid ID used for the reservation so staff can verify it before you enter. Ticket exchange is listed as available from 08:00 to 14:00, and the park entrance is at the main entrance of the Haizigou Tourist Center.

From June 25 through November 30, 2026, listed opening hours are 08:00 to 18:00, Monday through Sunday. From December 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027, hours are 08:30 to 18:00, also daily. In both periods, last entry is 14:30. Check the schedule for your date, and do not confuse the closing time with the last time you can start your visit.

Booking guidance suggests reserving 5 to 10 days ahead during peak season and 1 to 3 days ahead during off-peak periods. Confirmation is effective immediately after a successful booking. The ticket cannot be changed or split. If it remains unused and unexchanged, a full refund can be requested more than 24 hours before the visit date; within 24 hours, after exchange or entry, or after expiry, refunds and rescheduling are not available.

The age categories are stated as adult tickets for ages 7 to 64, children under 6 or under 1.2 meters tall, and seniors under 65. Because the senior category is worded in a way that overlaps with the adult range, confirm the correct ticket category before buying rather than guessing.

Who will get the most from Haizigou?

I would choose Haizigou if I wanted a serious mountain outing rather than a quick sightseeing stop. Hikers and landscape photographers have the clearest reasons to come: the meadow section gives the best panoramic views of the main peak, while the lakes make the longer route worthwhile for people prepared to cover more ground.

It can also work for someone who wants a shorter walk and is content to turn back after the open meadows. The lack of a shuttle means you control your pace, but it also means you cannot count on a vehicle to solve a tired-leg problem. If you need an easy, predictable ride between sights, this is not the right valley.

For climbers, Haizigou is an important entrance for the Grand Peak and Second Peak, but that role comes with formal procedures. Register in advance, obey the safety rules, and consider the recommended professional guide. A scenic-area ticket alone does not cover those arrangements.

Should you book Haizigou?

Book if you are ready for high altitude, want open views of Siguniang Mountain, and are comfortable hiking or paying separately for a horse ride. The combination of broad meadows and far-off alpine lakes gives the valley real range, but you need to choose a realistic route and start early enough to make the most of it.

Skip it, or plan a shorter meadow walk, if a long uphill outing is not right for you or if you are counting on a sightseeing vehicle. Haizigou rewards patience and preparation. It is worth the modest entry price when you can enjoy the walk safely, not when you feel obliged to cover every kilometer.

FAQ

Is there a sightseeing vehicle in Haizigou?

No. There are no sightseeing vehicles in the scenic area. You need to hike or choose horseback travel, which is charged separately according to mileage.

How long is Haizigou?

The valley is 19.2 kilometers long and covers 126.48 square kilometers.

What can I see in the first half of the valley?

The first half is mainly open alpine meadows and offers the best panoramic views of Siguniang Mountain’s main peak.

Which lakes are named in Haizigou?

Huahaizi, Fuhaizi, and Lanhaizi are among the more than a dozen alpine lakes in the latter half of the valley.

What are the opening hours and last entry time?

From June 25 to November 30, 2026, hours are 08:00 to 18:00. From December 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, hours are 08:30 to 18:00. Last entry is 14:30 in both periods.

Where do I exchange the ticket?

Exchange it at the manual window at Haizigou Tourist Center in Siguniangshan Town. Bring the original valid ID used for the reservation. Ticket exchange hours are listed as 08:00 to 14:00.

Does the ticket include horseback riding or transport?

No. It covers first entry only. Round-trip transport and horseback travel are separate expenses, as are meals, insurance, and other personal costs.

Can I re-enter after leaving the scenic area?

No. The ticket is for single entry on the selected date. You need to buy another ticket if you leave and want to return.