Siguniang Mountain

Siguniangshan, the four sisters, rises west of Chengdu where the Sichuan basin gives way to the Tibetan plateau, its highest summit at 6,250 metres and technical enough that it is climbed rather than walked; the three lower sisters are correspondingly serious. Most visitors come for the three valleys below: Shuangqiao, the most developed, driven by shuttle bus past larch, meadows and rock spires; Changping, entered on a boardwalk and horse trail with the peaks ahead; and Haizi, a steeper climb to lakes. The area sits above 3,000 metres, high enough that altitude is felt, and Tibetan villages line the valleys.

What you actually see

• The four peaks - the massif above the valleys, snow-capped much of the year.
• Shuangqiao valley - the accessible valley with shuttle buses and boardwalks.
• Changping valley - a longer walk or horse trail toward the peaks.
• Haizi valley - a steep climb to high lakes.

When to go

May to October, with wildflowers in June and July and larch turning gold in October, which is the classic season. Winter is cold and snowy with limited transport. Altitude affects most visitors.

Honest expectations

Each valley charges separately and shuttle buses are extra. Altitude above 3,000 metres causes headaches for many. Weather changes fast and cloud often hides the peaks entirely.

Nearby

Danba lies northwest; Chengdu is east.