Why Hailuogou is special
Hailuogou (海螺沟, “Conch Gully”) is a glacier valley on the eastern slope of Mount Gongga (贡嘎山, also known as Minya Konka), Sichuan’s highest mountain, in Luding County, Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. What makes it unusual is how close the ice comes to forest and warm valleys. The scenic area’s management describes its glacier as large and low in altitude, and promotes it as one of the most accessible modern glaciers in the world. You can see ice falls, snow peaks, primeval forest and hot springs on the same trip.
For international travellers it is also a good alternative to higher, harder destinations in western Sichuan such as Daocheng Yading. The gateway town, Moxi (磨西), sits at an average altitude of about 1,580 metres, according to the official scenic area website. That is far lower than Yading or Kangding, so you can sleep comfortably and go up into the high country by bus and cable car for the day.
Autumn 2026: what the official calendar says
The official Hailuogou website (hailuogou.com) publishes a simple viewing calendar:
- Autumn red leaves: early October to mid-November
- Snow play: November to March
- Glacier viewing: all year
- “Golden mountain” sunrise on Gongga (日照金山): around 06:30 in autumn, around 07:20 in winter
So mid-October to mid-November 2026 is a sweet spot: autumn colour in the forest, fresh snow on the peaks, and the glacier in view, with the National Day crowds (1–7 October) gone. Weather is the big variable. Gongga is often in cloud, so build in at least one spare morning if the sunrise view matters.
Important: winter hours start on 10 October
Hailuogou switches schedules in early autumn. According to the official ticket notice:
- Winter–spring season (10 October to 30 April): ticket sales and entry 8:00–14:00; the scenic area closes at 17:00.
- Summer–autumn season (1 May to 9 October): ticket sales and entry 7:00–15:00; closes at 18:00.
That means from Saturday 10 October 2026, your last chance to buy and enter is 14:00. You must complete your booking before the same-day cut-off, or you will not be able to buy a ticket. In practice, plan to enter in the morning so you have enough time for the bus, the cable car and the viewpoints before closing.
Tickets and booking
The official site lists these prices (2026):
- Scenic area entrance: 90 yuan per person
- Sightseeing bus: 70 yuan per person, return
- Cable car: 135 yuan per person, return
- Entrance + sightseeing bus (full price): 160 yuan
Key booking rules from the official notice:
- Tickets are real-name, and one ID document can book only one ticket per day. The ticket is valid only for its first use on the day of the visit.
- Entry uses timed slots. If you arrive early or late for your slot, you have to change or refund and rebook.
- Visitors without their original ID document, or using special local passes or concessions, must go to the ticket window.
- Unused tickets can be refunded through the original platform or at the ticket window before they are checked.
The official site directs visitors to book by scanning its QR code with WeChat and choosing the scenic area ticket. Passport holders should carry the original passport and allow time at the window if online booking does not accept it. See our attraction reservations guide for general tips.
What you will see
The official site highlights these sights:
- The Great Ice Waterfall (大冰瀑布), a huge icefall pouring from the upper glacier, one of the signature views
- Red Stone Beach (红石滩), boulders coloured red by algae growth
- Primeval forest along the valley
- Sunrise and sea of clouds over the peaks
Inside the park, the official guide describes Camp 4 as the core viewing area for the glacier and Gongga, with Moon Lake and the Chengmendong area for glacier science and snow play, and forest walks around the lower camps. The sightseeing bus links the camps, and the cable car takes you higher for the classic glacier and peak views.
Altitude and weather
Hailuogou is lower and easier than many western Sichuan destinations, but the upper viewpoints are still high, cold and exposed. Practical advice:
- Dress for winter at the top, even if Moxi feels mild. Bring a warm jacket, hat and gloves.
- Walk slowly at the upper viewpoints and stop if you feel dizzy or breathless.
- Bring sun protection. Snow and ice reflect strong UV.
- Shoes with grip for wet or icy boardwalks.
- Expect sudden cloud. Views can come and go within minutes. Patience pays.
Getting to Hailuogou
Hailuogou is in Luding County, on the road between Ya’an and Kangding. Most travellers come from Chengdu:
- By car or private driver: Expressway toward Ya’an and Luding, then up to Moxi town, the gateway to the park. A driver is the most flexible option, especially if you want to combine Hailuogou with Kangding.
- By coach: Long-distance buses run from Chengdu toward Luding and Moxi. Check current departures on the official Sichuan coach ticketing website (scqckypw.com) and book a day ahead.
- Onward travel: The official site lists nearby destinations including Luding Bridge, Kangding, Mugecuo, Xinduqiao, Tagong Grassland and Danba.
For mountain roads in late autumn, avoid driving at night and leave extra time for weather. Arriving by air? See our Chengdu Tianfu airport arrival guide.
Moxi town: where to stay
Moxi is the natural base. The official site describes the town as mild, with forest all around and plentiful hot springs; many hotels and guesthouses offer hot-spring baths, which are lovely after a cold day on the glacier. Moxi also has Long March history sites listed by the scenic area, including the former residence where Mao Zedong stayed and a Red Army Long March exhibition hall.
Local food tips from the official site include Moxi roast chicken, yak hotpot and Tibetan dishes. If you prefer milder food, ask for bú yào là (no chilli). Our Sichuan hotpot first-timer guide covers ordering basics.
A calm two-day autumn plan
1. Day 1: Travel from Chengdu to Moxi. Check in, walk the town, have an early hot-spring soak and an early night.
2. Day 2: Wake before dawn and check whether Gongga is clear for the 06:30-ish autumn sunrise. Enter the park in the first time slot, take the sightseeing bus and cable car up for the glacier and Great Ice Waterfall, then come down through the forest and Red Stone Beach area. Exit well before the 17:00 closing time.
3. Optional Day 3: Continue to Kangding and the grasslands beyond, or return to Chengdu.
Responsible visiting
- Stay on official paths and boardwalks; do not walk onto the glacier unless a guided activity is officially offered.
- Do not litter, especially plastic, in the forest and glacier areas.
- Respect local communities, homes and religious sites.
- Follow staff instructions on weather and closures.
For more ideas in the region, read our Garze travel guide and our autumn packing list.
FAQ
Is Hailuogou worth visiting in autumn?
Yes. The official calendar lists red leaves from early October to mid-November, and the glacier is visible all year. Autumn also often brings fresh snow on Gongga.
What are Hailuogou’s opening hours in October and November 2026?
From 10 October to 30 April, ticket sales and entry run 8:00–14:00 and the scenic area closes at 17:00, according to the official site. Check for daily notices.
How much does Hailuogou cost?
Official 2026 prices are 90 yuan for entry, 70 yuan for the return sightseeing bus and 135 yuan for the return cable car; entry plus bus is 160 yuan.
Is Hailuogou high altitude?
Moxi town is about 1,580 m, which is comfortable for most people. The upper viewpoints are much higher and colder, so walk slowly and dress warmly.
What time is sunrise on Gongga at Hailuogou?
The official site gives around 06:30 in autumn and around 07:20 in winter for the “golden mountain” sunrise, weather permitting.
Lovely China was founded in 2025 to help English-speaking travellers and expats plan calmer, deeper trips in China. Spotted an outdated detail? Email [email protected].
Cover photo: Chatsven / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0). Hailuogou Glacier on the eastern slope of Mount Gongga, Sichuan.
