Moxi (Hailuogou)
A 3-day journey from Chengdu to Hailuogou Glacier, mixing historic Luding Bridge, Moxi Old Town, a 1,080-meter icefall, red stone beaches, and mountain hot springs.
moxi (hailuogou) at a Glance
Everything you need to know before you go.
This three-day journey from Chengdu leads through the 4.1-km Erlangshan Tunnel and across the historic 1705 Luding Bridge to Moxi Old Town. In Hailuogou, ride a scenic shuttle and cable car to see the 1,080-meter ice waterfall and, on clear days, the summit of Gongga Mountain, the 'King of Sichuan.' Explore red stone beaches, optional glacier walks, primeval forests, and soak in natural hot springs surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Where to Stay
Choose the neighborhood that fits your style.
Moxi Old Town
Base for exploring stone-paved streets, the 1918 French Catholic church, and the Red Army memorial site; enjoy Tibetan-style dinners with yak meat, butter tea, and barley wine at a cozy guesthouse.
Best for culture, history, and local Tibetan diningHailuogou Scenic Area (Camp 2/3 area)
Stay near the scenic shuttle to Camp 3, the cable car to Camp 4, red stone beach, and hot spring pools surrounded by snow-capped peaks; ideal for glacier views, forest hikes, and soaking sore muscles.
Best for glacier access, trekking, and hot springsmoxi (hailuogou) Highlights
The city's essential experiences, grouped by what you love most.
Round-trip ride offers stunning aerial views. At 3,600m, see the 1,080m-high icefall and Gongga's summit on clear days.
Easy trail through primeval forest; first glimpse of the glacier tongue. Wear warm layers even in summer.
Explore the unique red rocks along the riverbed. A guided glacier walk (extra fee) requires moderate fitness.
Pools surrounded by snow-capped peaks; perfect for sore muscles. Bring a swimsuit.
Walk across the historic chain bridge, built in 1705; enjoy a Sichuan lunch in Luding town.
Stroll stone-paved streets; visit the 1918 French Catholic church and the Red Army memorial site.
Try local yak meat, butter tea, and Tibetan barley wine at a cozy guesthouse.
Highway to Ya'an, then mountain roads; scenic drive including the 4.1km Erlangshan Tunnel along the way.
Best Time to Visit
Each season offers a different side of the city.
Spring · Mar–May
Mild weather and blooming landscapes — comfortable for exploring.
Summer · Jun–Aug
Warm days; highland areas stay cool while lowland cities get hot and humid.
Autumn · Sep–Nov
The best season in most of China — crisp air, clear skies, and golden light.
Winter · Dec–Feb
Cold in the north, mild in the south. Fewer crowds and lower prices outside holidays.
Suggested Itineraries
Three carefully-paced plans for your trip.
1-Day Express
Take the scenic shuttle bus to Camp 3 through lush rhododendron and spruce forests, then hike an easy trail through primeval forest to the glacier viewing platform for a first glimpse of the glacier tongue. Ride the cable car to Camp 4 at 3,600m to witness the massive 1,080-meter ice waterfall and panoramic views of Gongga's summit on clear days. Explore the surreal red stone beach along the riverbed, and finish with a hot spring soak at Camp 2 surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
2-Day Classic
Day 1: Depart Chengdu by private car, drive through the legendary Erlangshan Tunnel with scenic views, cross the historic Luding Bridge (built in 1705) and enjoy a Sichuan lunch. Arrive in Moxi Old Town to stroll stone-paved streets, visit the 1918 French Catholic church and Red Army memorial site, then have a Tibetan-style dinner with yak meat, butter tea, and barley wine. Day 2: Take the scenic shuttle to Camp 3, hike to the glacier viewing platform, ride the cable car to Camp 4 to see the 1,080m icefall, explore red stone beaches, soak in hot springs at Camp 2, and return to Chengdu via Luding with panoramic views of the Dadu River gorge.
Local Tips
Insider knowledge for a smoother trip.
Visit November to April for clear glacier views, or May to October for lush greenery and trekking.
Even in summer, wear warm layers at the glacier viewing platform (3,600m). Bring a swimsuit for the hot springs.
Board the scenic shuttle bus to Camp 3 early to avoid queues.
The hike to the glacier viewing platform is easy, but a guided glacier walk requires moderate fitness and an extra fee. Hire a local guide for Yanzigou trekking if going deep.
Sample yak meat, butter tea, Tibetan barley wine, local mushrooms, and wild vegetables.
FAQs About moxi (hailuogou)
Quick answers to common questions.
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