Mounigou Valley
Mounigou Valley, located to the west of Songpan Ancient Town, occupies an area of 160 square kilometers (62 square miles). It has an elevation between 2,800 meters and 4,070 meters with an annual average temperature of 7°C. It belongs to the western part of Huanglong National Scenic Reserve. After ten years of development, this unknown valley has now been listed as the World Biosphere Reserve, World Natural Heritage as well as the Green Globe 21 of UN. Its spectacular mountain scenery, large waterfall and the surrounding culture combine to create an attractive landscape.
What to see?
Holding the primary area of virgin forest in Huanglong Scenic and Historic Interest Area, the Mounigou Valley comprises Erdao Lake and Zhaga Waterfall which is the biggest calcified waterfall in all China.
Erdao Lake
Located in the northern part of Mounigou Valley, Erdao Lake is the largest in the area and around the lake are many underground limestone caves which connect Erdao Lake with other lakes in the area. The color of Erdao Lake varies with the seasons, harmoniously complementing the lake with its surrounding of colored limestone. When standing by the lake, it seems very tranquil and calm; this belies a strong undercurrent that is very active. Erdao Lake holds attractions such as Swan Lake, Baihua Lake, etc. Beside the Baihua Lake, there is a mysterious cave which embraces wonderful and magnificent naturally-formed stalactites.
Zhaga Waterfall
Zhaga Waterfall scenic spot stretches for about 5 kilometers (3 miles), where water flows around trees and trees grow in water and this scenic spot boasts many attractions. At the bottom of Zhaga Waterfall, there is a round-shaped stone onto which the waterfall cascades. In the sunlight, the spattering water is like jade, exhibiting wonderful colors. This is the Jianyu Tai (spattering jade platform).Guhuashi (ancient fossils) is the place where a number of prehistoric, fossilized animals, plants and fish are well preserved and remain intact. Feicui (Emerald) Spring is one of the ten most famous springs in China due to its water's medicinal value, and many have recovered from stomach sickness and arthritis after drinking or bathing in its water. The local population considers Feicui spring divine and allows nobody to cause damage.
The Huanglong National Scenic Reserve gained its fame for its magical landscape of limestone formations, as well as the forest ecosystems and animals on the brink of extinction, such as the giant panda and Sichuan golden snub-nosed monkey.
More things to do
In addition to the two scenic spots, there are many other things to see in Mounigou Valley, such as Tibetan Buddhist temples and Flower Lake. Also, they can experience the horse riding tour.
Tibetan Buddhism is an essential part of the local residents' daily life. There are two main temples in the scenic area: Xiaobao Temple and Hou Temple. They all belong to Gulug (Yellow hat) of Tibetan Buddhism.
There is a lake called Flower Lake because the green water surface is covered by hundreds of blossoming nameless flowers. The types as well as the colors of these flowers change according to the season. When you come here, you will find yourself standing in a flower sea as people described in a fairy tale.
Horse Riding Tour is another attraction in the valley. Since it began in 1982, more and more visitors choose this way to appreciate the amazing scenery each year. It can make them feel closer to the nature. There are two tour lines: bivouac and living in little inns. Visitors can decide which one to choose or change the tour line according to their needs.
Travel Tips
Add: Songpan County,Aba Prefecture,Sichuan Province
Opening Hours:08:00-17:30
Entrance Fees: CNY70 for Zhaga Waterwalls or Erdaohai Lake alone; CNY100 for both Zhaga Waterfalls and Erdaohai Lake.
Ask Questions ?