Hailuogou

Background

Hailuogou lies in Luding County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, on the eastern slope of Mount Gongga, more than 300 km from Chengdu; its gateway is Moxi Town, at about 1,580 metres. The name Hailuogou literally means "conch-shell ravine". The Hailuogou Glacier rises on Mount Gongga and is about 14.7 km long. Its lowest point is about 2,850 metres above sea level, and its ice tongue reaches into primeval forest, creating a landscape where glacier and forest coexist. The great icefall drops more than 1,000 metres and is up to about 1,100 metres wide; it is described as the largest icefall in China. The valley has several hot springs whose water can exceed 80°C, and the rocks of the Red Stone Beach are red because they are covered in red-orange algae. Moxi was once an important post station on the Ancient Tea Horse Road.

Local customs

• Take the scenic area shuttle bus into the valley and follow the trails to see the glacier tongue and the great icefall
• soak in the hot springs
• visit the Red Stone Beach
• on a clear day, gaze at the main peak of Gongga
• stroll the old street of Moxi and see the town's Catholic church.

Travel tips

• The valley is at a fairly high altitude, so walk slowly and bring drinking water
• temperatures vary greatly between morning and evening, so bring a windproof jacket
• ticket and shuttle prices follow the scenic area's official information
• in the rainy season and in winter, check the scenic area's opening notices.
• Go to Chengdu or Luding first, then take a bus to Moxi Town and the Hailuogou scenic area, where you transfer to the shuttle bus
• arrangements follow the scenic area's official information. The glacier and snow peaks are clearest in autumn and winter
• in summer the forest is lush and the streams are full
• the rainy season is often cloudy, so seeing the peaks is a matter of luck
• the hot springs can be enjoyed all year.