How Far Is Aba Prefecture, Really?

How far is Aba Prefecture, really?

Many might answer:

Aba is too remote! Too far!

Poor transport, sparse population...

But what most people don't know is

that Aba Prefecture in western Sichuan is separated from the provincial capital Chengdu

only by Dujiangyan,

just an hour and a half's drive away.

On one side, bustling city life with neon lights;

on the other, snow-capped mountains and natural paradise.

With expressways and airports now in place,

stepping into this unique snowy plateau

is not far at all!

Chengdu – Wenchuan: 1.5h

Wenchuan is the southern gateway of Aba Prefecture, one of only four Qiang-populated counties in China. Here you can experience ancient Qiang culture and search for rare flora and fauna in the dense primeval forests.

Yingxiu Earthquake Ruins: Yingxiu was the epicenter and severely affected area of the Wenchuan earthquake. Most buildings collapsed. The site has been reinforced but retains most of the original destruction.

Luobuzhai Village: Located on the must-pass route to Jiuzhaigou, it's the largest and oldest yellow-mud Qiang village discovered so far, full of primitive and rustic charm.

Wolong Nature Reserve: This is the home of giant pandas. Within its 200,000 hectares of nature reserve, forests are lush and air is fresh.

Chengdu – Mao County: 2.5h

Jiuding Mountain: Standing among the misty clouds feels like being in a dreamlike paradise.

Diexi Songping Gully: In autumn, the lake becomes more azure, reflecting the red leaves all over the mountains. God gave stunning beauty to Jiuzhaigou, but gave breathtaking views to Diexi Songping.

Ancient Qiang City of China: Qiang girls embroider by hand under the shade of trees. Time seems to stand still here—it's the norm.

Chengdu – Li County: 2.5h

Bipeng Gully: Hiking here, you can see Mount Siguniang in the distance. In autumn, the mountains are covered with red leaves, and the lake and mountains look like a palette overturned by God.

Taoping Qiang Village: The wisdom of the people created houses that are cool in summer and warm in winter. After a short stay, you won't want to leave.

Guer Gully Hot Springs: Known as 'Heavenly Mountain Jade Pool, Holy Spring of Spiritual Water.' The most desirable are the infinity pools.

Erguxi Village: No commercialization; it's a pristine village.

Chengdu – Xiaojin County: 4h

Mount Siguniang: The sacred mountain of the East, the queen of Sichuan. Many travel thousands of miles just to see its beauty.

Shuangqiao Gully: High mountains, meadows, and lakes—all included. Take the sightseeing bus from inside out, and each view amazes you.

Chengdu – Heishui County: 5.5h

Dagu Glacier: Covered with snow, the blue sky and clouds feel very close. You must go with your loved one.

Naizi Gully: Come in autumn. The prayer flags by the lake flutter in the wind, the lake ripples gently, undisturbed and quiet.

Chengdu – Songpan County: 5.5h

Huanglong (Yellow Dragon): The earthly fairy pool. Seen from a drone, it's God's skirt; up close, it's layers of cake.

Songzhou Ancient Town: The cultural center of Songpan. This thousand-year-old ancient town accommodates Tibetan, Qiang, Hui, and Han peoples living together.

Chengdu – Jiuzhaigou County: 7h

Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area: As the saying goes, 'After visiting Mount Huang, no other mountain is worth seeing; after visiting Jiuzhaigou, no other water is worth seeing.' The picturesque green mountains and dreamlike lakes earn Jiuzhaigou the title 'King of Waterscapes.'

Jiawu Lake: A generous gift from nature. Spring, summer, autumn, winter—a paradise in every season. The newly built Jiawu Lake Giant Panda Conservation and Research Park is located here, currently housing four giant pandas.

Chengdu – Jinchuan County: 5h

Jinchuan: The pear blossoms in Jinchuan can't wait for spring. Sitting under the tree, you'll be covered in the fragrance of pear blossoms—how romantic.

Guanyinqiao Town: Here, you'll unconsciously be touched by the power of faith and feel deep respect for the devout Tibetans.

Sha'er Township: The famous Immortal's Bundle is here. Behind it, a path spirals up, offering a panoramic view of the pear blossoms in Sha'er.

Chengdu – Barkam City: 3.5h

Zhuokeji Tusi Official Residence: The Suomo River flows through here, leaving behind history of the Long March. Stroll around and feel its uniqueness and history.

Songgang Fortress Cluster: Looking up from the Suomo River Valley, the sky street seems to reach the clouds. These are typical Gyalrong residential buildings.

Suomo River Grand Canyon: Both sides are steep cliffs, with high forest coverage, lush vegetation distributed vertically, and distinct climatic zones, forming different seasonal and forest appearances.

Chengdu – Hongyuan County: 5.5h

Hongyuan Moon Bay: Clear rivers draw graceful arcs across the vast grassland, just like a crescent moon.

E'mutang Flower Sea: You can camp here—earth as bed, sky as blanket, with flowers and stars as the most beautiful ornaments.

Chengdu – Zoigê County: 7.5h

Zoigê Re'er Prairie: Rich water and grass, endless expanse. The clouds are very low, composing a love letter of its own—truly the oasis of northwestern Sichuan.

First Bend of the Yellow River: Clear, slow water flows through the vast seagrass, cattle and sheep graze carefree, and even the sunset seems favored.

Chengdu – Aba County: 6.5h

Shenzuo: Mysterious and quiet, pristine and comfortable. Drive here, and you'll see its local customs everywhere.

Lianbao Yeze: Stand before it—clouds, peaks, lakes... clean and solemn, awe-inspiring.

Chengdu – Zamtang County: 7.5h

Zamtang, a place as mysterious as a holy land. Nestled by mountains and rivers, with lush forests and simple folk, it's known as 'Little Lhasa.'

Xiangla Dongji Sacred Mountain: Nature's workmanship creates strange peaks, highland lakes, nomadic customs, spring flowers and autumn leaves that intoxicate you... It's one of the ten sacred mountains in Tibetan legend.

Jonang Cultural Center: The first in China and the only one in the world. Composed of Que'erji Monastery, Zangwa Monastery, and Zebuji Monastery, it's grand in scale and long in history.

Haizi Sacred Mountain: Named after lakes. 35 high-altitude lakes of various shapes are scattered like pearls on the plateau at an average altitude of 3760 meters. Strange rocks by the lakes resemble shepherds, milkmaids, and more, lifelike.

Xuanti Xiuka Tibetan Village: Built on the mountainside with three sides facing cliffs, it's perilous—a Tibetan village on the precipice.

If Sichuan has ten parts of beauty,

surely seven belong to Aba.

After reading this, do you still think Aba Prefecture

is a remote and backward 'poor place'?

Here, waterfalls, lakes, snow mountains, and colorful forests are all available,

right next to Chengdu, reachable by car.

Come and learn more about Aba Prefecture!

(Note: Some scenic spots within the counties may be farther, and due to road conditions, policies, weather, and other factors, there may be slight variations. Please check real-time traffic conditions before departing and travel safely.)