This section is dedicated to take away all your "I wish someone had told me that before I went!" experiences. This way, you can spend less time settling in, and more time making new friends in your chosen hostel. We share our insider knowledge of tips, tricks and important things to look out for in Four Girls Mountains.
Nestled in China’s Qionglai Mountains, in western Sichuan, the Mount Siguniang National Park comprises the Four Girls Mountains and the three accessible valleys that surround the impressive formation – which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2006.
With a unique geographical location and diverse landforms, the Four Girls Mountains provide a perfect home for a wide variety of animals and plant species. Tourists exploring these mountains and valleys can expect to see the Sichuan golden monkey, clouded leopard, white-lipped deer, snow leopard, and, if you’re lucky, the occasional giant panda. Birdwatchers can keep an eye out for the Chinese hazel grouse, bearded vulture, Chinese monal pheasant, Tibetan snow-cock, blood pheasant, and Sichuan pheasant partridge.
There are a number of hostels and hotels in the area, as well as bed and breakfasts and resorts. A hostel stay near the park provides plenty of opportunities to find tour guides to take you on excursions and treks into the mountains – on a mule, even, if you’re not up to any athletic activity.
The climate here is perfectly suited to outdoor recreation – cool and dry, with temperatures hovering around the freezing point. However, there is little snowfall here, and skies are generally cloudless and blue, with lots of warm sun. Summer temperatures can get up to 30C, with possible thunderstorms.
Many restaurants in the area serve Sichuan-style food, and there is a restaurant in the Shuangqiao Valley that features traditional Tibetan food – including yak butter, yak and potato stew, and yak butter tea. Hostels and hotels will be able to give recommendations to ensure guests can find an eatery that suits their needs.
Buses are available to bring visitors to the park from Xiao Jin County in Xi Men station in Chengdu, and to Xiao Jin County from Cha Zi Dian station. Getting around the park is easy by foot, or on horseback or mule – but be prepared to deal with the change in air pressure.
Written by local enthusiast for Four Girls Mountains hostels
Jakob Lombardi
