Personally tested, Bipenggou at the end of October is breathtakingly beautiful—the autumn ceiling of Western Sichuan
Who understands! Just got back from Bipenggou, and the scenery at the end of October has me glued to my social circle✨ The mountains are covered in colorful forests turning deep red and purple, the snowy peaks wrapped in fresh snow, and the lakes sparkle like scattered diamonds in the valleys. Here’s a personally tested 3-day, 2-night itinerary that won’t disappoint—follow it to easily capture legendary photos!
🌟3-day, 2-night personally tested itinerary (leisurely pace, unlocking hidden spots)
Day 1: Chengdu → Bipenggou → Goukou Hot Spring Hotel
- Transportation: Personally tested, carpooling is the best! 150 RMB/person, departs from Chengdu at 7 AM, 3.5 hours direct. The driver stops at service areas where you can grab a hot coffee to recharge☕, much more flexible than the bus.
- Afternoon: Enter the valley and head straight to Longwang Lake! The lake surface is as still as a mirror, reflecting the red, yellow, orange, and green colorful forests. Standing on the boardwalk in a white dress, every angle looks like a painting🌊 Key tip: avoid the main road, walk along the lakeside trail to capture pure scenes without people.
- Evening: Take the sightseeing bus to Namu Lake, where the sunset dyes the maple leaves golden red, and sunlight filters through the branches creating light spots. Every snap is atmospheric; the last sightseeing bus leaves at 8 PM, don’t miss it!
- Night: Stay at Bipenggou Century Hot Spring Hotel (personally tested, includes a super soothing hot spring). Soak in the hot water while watching the distant mountain shadows, fatigue instantly disappears~ For dinner, try the Tibetan-style earthen hot pot with yak meat and morel mushrooms bubbling away, paired with butter tea that warms your stomach—salty food lovers will love it.
Day 2: Core scenic area hike (unlock colorful forests + snowy mountains + lakes)
- Morning: Get up early for the first sightseeing bus (departs at 7:30 AM), head straight to Haizi Reception Center. The electric shuttle is a must-buy round trip! 30 RMB/person direct to Panyang Lake—the prime spot for Bipenggou’s colorful forests! Golden poplars, fiery red maples, and dark green spruces intertwine, with Mount Siguniang’s Yaomei Peak so clear it feels like it’s right in front of you🏔️ Hike the wooden boardwalk for 1 hour, every step brings new surprises.
- Noon: Eat yak beef rice bowl at Haizi simple meal area (generous portions, 25 RMB/serving), or bring your own sandwich to picnic by the lake, dining with the sound of wind and falling leaves, pure happiness.
- Afternoon: Check in at Zhuoma Lake! The water is transparently blue, colorful forests reflect on the shore, and when the wind blows, leaves fall like stepping into a fairy tale~ Those with good stamina must rush to Swallow Rock Nest, personally tested at 3800 meters altitude, not tiring. From the top, you can overlook the entire colorful forest and snowy mountains in one frame, stunning beyond words.
- Evening: On the way back, stop at Bailong Waterfall! The sunset sprays mist from the flowing water, and you’re very likely to see a double rainbow🌈 Photo tip: use slow shutter speed to capture the water flow, maximizing atmosphere.
- Night: Return to the hotel to soak in the hot spring and relax. The hotel restaurant’s whole roasted lamb requires a one-day advance reservation, crispy outside and tender inside, paired with barley wine. Slightly tipsy while stargazing is super cozy.
Day 3: Bipenggou → Ganbao Tibetan Village → Chengdu
- Morning: Buy yak jerky at the valley entrance (personally tested, vacuum-packed and very fragrant, half the price of inside the scenic area), then drive 1 hour to Ganbao Tibetan Village (free entry). Stone Tibetan houses are arranged neatly, prayer flags flutter in the wind, and the panoramic view from the viewing platform is spectacular📸 Don’t miss the handmade yogurt in the village, sweet and sour to refresh your palate.
- Noon: Eat Tibetan fragrant pork stir-fried with green peppers (firm and very tasty) + stir-fried barley noodles in the village. The owner will offer homemade tsampa, which tastes authentic dipped in butter tea.
- Afternoon: Depart at 1 PM back to Chengdu, enjoy the Western Sichuan plain scenery along the way, reminiscing about Bipenggou’s beauty, ending a perfect autumn trip.
🍜 Personally tested must-eat foods (no disappointment list)
- Main dishes: Tibetan earthen hot pot, yak beef rice bowl, whole roasted lamb, Tibetan fragrant pork stir-fried with green peppers, stir-fried barley noodles
- Snacks: Butter tea (salty or sweet options), handmade yogurt, tsampa, roasted potatoes (sprinkled with chili powder is amazing)
- Drinks: Barley wine (low alcohol, slightly sweet), hot milk tea (10 RMB/cup inside the scenic area, warms hands and heart)
- Pitfall warning: Water and snacks inside the scenic area are expensive, bring a thermos and chocolate to replenish energy.
🏡 Personally tested accommodation recommendations (choose by need)
- Hot spring first choice: Bipenggou Century Hot Spring Hotel (close to scenic area + comfortable hot springs, best value)
- High-end comfort: Bipenggou Ramada Hotel (well-equipped, rich breakfast, suitable for families)
- Budget and convenient: Goukou guesthouse (150-200 RMB/night, friendly owner, some include breakfast)
📌 Personally tested practical tips (pitfall avoidance guide)
1. Clothing: Day-night temperature difference over 15℃! Wear a thin windbreaker + long sleeves during the day, add a down jacket at night; wear non-slip sports shoes for hiking, bring a hat and scarf (very cool early and late).
2. Sun protection: Strong UV on the plateau! SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and sun hat are must-haves, or you’ll get sunburned and peel.
3. Altitude sickness: Swallow Rock Nest is at 3800 meters, drink Rhodiola 3 days in advance, avoid strenuous exercise, drink plenty of water.
4. Transportation: Scenic area sightseeing bus 60 RMB/person is a must-buy, electric shuttle round trip 30 RMB/person is essential, carpooling is more flexible than the bus, book 1 day in advance.
5. Photography: Best light before 9 AM and after 5 PM, wear light-colored clothes, avoid strong midday light.
6. Pitfall avoidance: Don’t buy overpriced souvenirs inside the scenic area, prices at the valley entrance are better; ask locals for permission before photographing in the Tibetan village.
At the end of October, Bipenggou is nature’s most generous palette—the passion of colorful forests, the purity of snowy mountains, the clarity of lakes, every spot is worth the trip~ Save this personally tested guide, quickly gather your friends and set off, don’t wait until the colorful forests have fallen to regret it!