MANDATORY: All overnight trekkers must hire a certified local guide (1:3 guide-to-trekker ratio) and obtain an Outdoor Activity Permit from the Siguniang Mountain Outdoor Activity Management Center. Daily limit of 340 trekkers. Direction restriction: only Changping Valley IN → Bipeng Valley OUT; reverse traversal is prohibited. Commercial groups (3 days/2 nights) cost ¥1,980-2,280/person including guide, pack animals, and basic meals.
The Changping–Bipeng Traverse (长穿毕) is one of China's 'Ten Classic Trekking Routes,' a 37km point-to-point journey through the Mount Siguniang massif in western Sichuan. Over three days, the route transitions from ancient conifer forests and turquoise streams to vast alpine meadows carpeted with rhododendrons, culminating in a pre-dawn ascent of the 4,668m Kaza Pass (叉子沟垭口) where 360° panoramic views reveal the four peaks of Siguniang — including the 6,250m 'Queen of Sichuan's Peaks' (幺妹峰). The descent into Bipeng Valley reveals glacial lakes and, in autumn, some of China's most spectacular fall foliage. The route's staircase-like elevation gain (3,200m → 3,760m → 3,900m → 4,668m) provides natural acclimatization, making it the 'graduation test' for aspiring high-altitude trekkers.
Moderate to challenging. Days 1-2 are gentle to moderate (5-8 hours, gradual elevation gain on good trails). Day 3 is the crux: a pre-dawn start at 2-3 AM, 800m steep ascent on loose scree to the 4,668m pass, followed by a hazardous 1,000m descent on loose rock. The pass is the most dangerous section — crampons essential if snow is present. Pack animals cannot cross the pass on Day 3, so you must carry your own pack (12kg limit) or hire a porter (¥300-350/bag). Altitude sickness is a real risk above 4,000m.
The standard Changping–Bipeng Traverse — the route that earned its place among China's top ten treks.
Add a night in Siguniang Town (3,200m) for altitude acclimatization before starting the traverse — strongly recommended for those coming from sea level.
Hike into Changping Valley to Mulezi Camp and return the same way — avoids the challenging pass crossing. Ideal when the traverse is closed or for those not ready for the 4,668m pass.
Best: May-June (rhododendron bloom, snow-melt streams, possible residual snow on pass requiring crampons) and September-October (clear skies, spectacular fall foliage in Bipeng Valley, golden meadows). July-August is the rainy season — heavy rain, landslides, leeches, and cloud-obscured peaks make it the least desirable time. Winter (November-April): the traverse is CLOSED — the scenic area prohibits overnight outdoor activities. The outdoor season runs approximately April 10 to October 31 each year.
Everything you need to know as an international traveler planning this route in China.
Standard Chinese visa required. The nearest international gateway is Chengdu, which has direct flights from major cities worldwide. The 144-hour transit visa exemption applies at Chengdu airport for eligible nationalities transiting to a third country. From Chengdu, it's a 3.5-4 hour drive to Siguniang Town.
MANDATORY: Outdoor Activity Permit + certified guide (1:3 ratio). Foreign trekkers must provide passport and visa copies for registration. Sichuan's western Ganzi region may have temporary closures for foreigners — contact us to confirm current trail status before departure. Daily limit: 340 trekkers. Permits are obtained through the Siguniang Mountain Outdoor Activity Management Center and cannot be purchased separately from guide services. We handle all permit paperwork for our clients — contact us to arrange.
Contact us to arrange your Daocheng Yading trek — we provide 3-4 day packages including guide, pack animals, meals, and basic camping gear (¥1,980-3,280/person). Book 1-2 weeks ahead in peak season (Sep-Oct, May-Jun). NOTE: As of July 2026, the full traverse route has NOT fully reopened — confirm with Siguniang Mountain Management (400-688-6250) or a reliable agency before booking.
Cash and WeChat Pay/Alipay accepted at scenic area entrances. Commercial trekking companies typically require full payment via bank transfer or WeChat. Budget: ¥1,980-3,280/person for a 3-4 day commercial group (all-inclusive except personal gear). Independent guide hiring: ¥200-300/guide/day. Pack animals: ¥200-300/animal/day.
Chengdu → Siguniang Town: Bus from Chadianzi Station (4-5h, ¥95-120), shared car (3.5-4h, ¥120-150/person), or self-drive via Rongchang Expressway → Yingxiu → Wolong → Balang Mountain tunnel. NOTE: Balang Mountain tunnel may have ice restrictions in winter; holidays often cause Chengdu-Yingxiu congestion. From Bipeng Valley exit: Lixian → Chengdu by bus or private car (3-4h). Since this is a point-to-point trek, arrange vehicle transfer or use commercial group transport.
Siguniang Town (3,200m): numerous guesthouses ¥120-450/night; some offer oxygen equipment and mountain-view terraces. Mulezi Camp (3,760m): wooden shelter with hot water, pit toilets, small shop — bring your own tent or use commercial group camping setup. Chazigouwei Camp (3,900m): basic wooden shelter, pit toilets only, no hot water guarantee. Cold and basic — sleeping bag essential. Post-trek: Lixian town hotels from ¥150/night.
Local guides speak almost ZERO English — this is the single biggest barrier for foreign trekkers. Contact us to arrange an English-speaking group leader for your trek, or bring a translation app with offline Chinese-English capability. Useful phrases: 垭口 (yà kǒu) = mountain pass; 向导 (xiàng dǎo) = guide; 高反 (gāo fǎn) = altitude sickness; 背夫 (bèi fū) = porter; 木骡子 (mù lí zi) = Mulezi camp
Mobile signal at Mulezi Camp (weak) and Chazigouwei shelter (very weak). ZERO signal on 90% of the trail and at the pass. No WiFi at camps. Download all offline maps (Gaode/Amap recommended) and inform contacts of your 3-day itinerary before departure. Satellite communicators (Garmin inReach) are advisable — available for rent from Chengdu outdoor shops.
Siguniang Town Health Center: 0837-2791120. Rilong Town Hospital: limited high-altitude capability. Nearest major hospital: Chengdu (3.5-4h away). Ambulance: 120, but response to remote trail locations takes hours. Helicopter rescue: extremely limited and expensive. Your guide should carry emergency communication. Altitude sickness: descend immediately if symptoms worsen — Diamox can help prevent but not cure AMS.
The pass at dawn was transcendent — the four peaks glowing gold above a sea of clouds. Day 3 is brutal but the reward is unmatched. This is the trek that made me fall in love with China's mountains.
Beautiful but underestimated the pass. Started at 2 AM in snow, reached the top by 7 AM. The descent on loose scree was scarier than the climb. Crampons were absolutely essential — several people turned back without them.
Last verified: August 1, 2026