M A Y 2 7 - J U N E 2 , 2 0 1 6 CHINA DAILY ASIA WEEKLY P A G E 2 3 Sichuan special Stunning scenery of Sichuan’s summits Province’s mountain areas offer visitors unique flora and fauna,Li Jing reports. The vast mountain areas of Sich- uan province are blessed with a diverse range of alpine wild flow- ers and plants. Due to the different growing environments at different altitudes, one can find broad-leaved forests, coniferous forests, alpine bosk and meadows thriving simul- taneously. Sichuan’s Siguniang and Gongga mountains boast well-preserved pri- meval forests with intact ecosystems. Mount Siguniang, meaning “Four Girls Mountain” or “Four Sisters Mountain”, is the highest peak of Western China’s Qionglai Moun- tains. It encompasses four continu- ous peaks, with the main peak reach- ing 6,250 meters. The mountains are home to abun- dant alpine wild flowers and plants. Blossom season, which is from March to October, sees colors spread over the expanse of mountains, plains, meadows, and on the icy edges of the snow peaks. There is also an amazing diversity of animal life, featuring many national first-class protected species, including the Sichuan golden monkey, white- lipped deer, clouded leopard, snow leopard and occasional giant panda. The mountains’ attractions include: • Bipenggou Valley Bipenggou is famous for primi- tive forests, lakes, waterfalls, glaciers A diverse range of alpine wild flowers adds to the charm of Sichuan province in Southwest China. PHOTOS PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY and azaleas. Located in Li county, Aba Tibetan and Qiang autonomous prefecture of Sichuan province, the meters, between Siguniang Mountains valley is blessed with primrose flow- and Wolong National Park, is blessed ers, azalea, and red woods. It is also with a diversity of landscapes, includ- consider one of the best places to see ing alpine meadows, river valleys, and fall foliage in China. alpine flowstone slope. Nearby attractions include Taop- More than a century ago, British ing Qiang ethnic village, located in botanist and horticulturist Ernest Li county. It has the world’s largest Henry Wilson visited the pass and number of well-preserved buildings was impressed by the green poppy erected by the Qiang people. Thanks meconopsis integrifolia, which fea- to the mountains that surround tures silk-like petals and appears it, the village is equipped with an transparent in sunlight. underground water supply system. The nearby Wolong National • Mengbi Mountain Nature Reserve is the oldest, larg- Mengbi Mountain, located 30 kilo- est and best-known panda breed- A variety of alpine wild flowers bloom at high altitude on Siguniang and Gongga mountains meters from the town of Barkam, ing center in China. The reserve is a is one of the best places to see beautiful location for both sightsee- meconopsis. The genus of flowering ing and observation tours. area offers a bird’s- eye view of the vivid green grassland, streams, moun- lage and Yaha Pass is rimmed with plants in the family Papaveraceae Mount Gongga, bordering the old town. On the eighth day of April tains, and Tibetan houses. assorted alpine flowers, ranging flourish in late spring and early sum- eastern edge of the Qinghai-Tibet in the Chinese lunar calendar, there • Yajiageng Pass from primulas to snow saussurea mer, creating a riot of color. Plateau and between Dadu River is a traditional festival to celebrate Yajiageng Pass on Mount Gongga and rhododendron. Along the way, Barkam town is not a common and Yalong River, is the highest the Buddha’s birthday, along with a is famous for its glacier valley filled visitors can also marvel at the sprawl- tourist haunt and offers a quiet mountain in Sichuan province, with horse racing event. with peculiar red stones, which you ing alpine grassland and meadows retreat for those who want to the main peak reaching 7,556 meters. • Zimei Pass are unlikely to see anywhere else. In and exotic, local ethnic houses. explore Gyarong Tibetan culture at • Laoyulin village in Kangding Zimei Pass, at an altitude of 4,600 late May and June, the mountains Perched in the west of Mount their leisure. Gyarong is a traditional Kangding, located between Qin- meters above sea level, features alpine are shrouded by blooming azalea. Gongga on the way between Shang- term that refers to the area hidden ghai-Tibet Plateau and the Sichuan plants and also provides perfect views Hailuogou valley lies on the east muju village and Yaha Pass, Qua- between the Qionglai and Minshan Basin, is a key town on the ancient of the snow-capped Mount Gongga. slope of Mount Gongga and features nhua Beach has a fountain where Mountains in northwestern Sich- Tea Horse Road. To the north of the Nearby attractions include Xinduq- China’s largest ice waterfalls, which tourists can bathe and admire the uan, as well as the group of Tibetan town is Laoyulin village, which is iao town, which is known as “the pho- reach a height of 1,080 meters and charming soft water plants. people that dwell there. famous for its irises and orange-col- tographer’s corridor”, and is a high- are 1,100 meters wide. • Balangshan Pass ored primula. light for many travelers. It offers stun- • Yaha Pass Contact the writer at The pass, lying at an altitude of 4520 Paoma Mountain in the Kangding ning seasonal views, which include The way between Shangmuju vil- [email protected].