13 Best Tours & Experiences In Aba Sichuan

Aba Sichuan is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural richness, making it a prime destination for diverse tours and experiences. Whether you’re captivated by vibrant lakes, towering mountains, or Tibetan traditions, Aba offers something truly special. We’re particularly fond of Huanglong’s stunning Five-Colored Ponds—a surreal landscape that delights photographers and nature lovers—as well as Jiuzhaigou’s crystal lakes and Tibetan villages. Each experience showcases the region’s unique geology and vibrant culture, making it well worth exploring.

If you’re trying to decide how to spend your time, this list offers a variety of options—from immersive cultural tours to scenic hikes. For instance, the 7-day Gannan Monasteries & Grasslands reveals Tibet’s surreal rock portals and nomadic life, perfect for those wanting a deeper cultural dive. On the other hand, quick escapes to Bipeng Valley or Huanglong Scenic Area make for excellent day trips that pack in remarkable scenery and fresh air.

Below, we explore each of these standout tours in detail—highlighting what makes them special, who they’re perfect for, and practical tips to help you choose the right experience for your trip.

1. Huanglong Scenic Area: Explore Stunning Five-Colored Ponds

At number 1, the Huanglong Scenic Area offers a jaw-dropping landscape of colorful travertine ponds—the largest collection in the world. The pools shimmer with shades of blue, green, yellow, orange, and white thanks to mineral deposits, water quality, and sediments. This area is also home to ancient trees and the stunning Golden Sand Pavement, a flowing travertine formation that looks like a natural sculpture garden.

The tour includes easy access to breathtaking viewpoints, with options for a scenic cable car to reduce walking. Visitors rave about the natural beauty that rivals the most spectacular nature scenes in China, with some saying it’s “like walking through an artist’s palette.” The tour is simple to book, with confirmations often within 10 minutes, and costs just $17 per person—an absolute bargain given the scenery.

Bottom Line: Perfect for short visits, Huanglong’s surreal pools and primeval forests are ideal for travelers seeking world-class geology and easy access. It’s a great budget-friendly choice for a single-day adventure.

2. Amdo Tibet Discovery: 7 Days Gannan Monasteries & Grasslands

For those craving an extended immersion, the Amdo Tibet Discovery offers a private 7-day journey through Tibet’s east, exploring surreal rock formations, snow-capped peaks, and crystal lakes. Experience Tibetan culture firsthand—ride horses on flower-filled plains, learn to paint thangkas with monks, and dance around bonfires under a star-filled sky.

This tour features private car service and flexible itineraries tailored to your interests. With opportunities to explore the Gansu-Qinghai Grand Loop, you’ll see dramatic landscapes you won’t find elsewhere. Though priced at $1,458 per person, the trip’s personalized approach and cultural depth make it a compelling choice for serious culture enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

Bottom Line: If you want a deep dive into Tibetan traditions combined with breathtaking scenery, this tour offers an enriching, customizable experience that’s worth the investment.

3. 2-Day Jiuzhaigou Tibetan Culture Exploration Tour

The 2-Day Jiuzhaigou Tibetan Culture Exploration combines Jiuzhaigou’s stunning natural beauty with an authentic look at Tibetan life. This tour not only showcases the park’s mesmerizing lakes and waterfalls but also offers hands-on activities: make your own Tibetan incense or Thangka painting, and dress in traditional attire for memorable photos.

The highlight is the chance to explore Jiuzhaigou Valley comprehensively in just two days, with time dedicated to cultural experiences and scenic walks. A local performance adds to the immersive atmosphere. The tour is perfect for travelers who want both nature and culture and are eager for a meaningful, engaging experience.

Bottom Line: This tour balances natural wonders and Tibetan cultural activities, ideal for those who want a well-rounded experience without sacrificing depth for convenience.

4. Flexible Jiuzhaigou Day Tour Options: Shared or Private

Looking for a flexible day in Jiuzhaigou? The Flexible Jiuzhaigou Day Tour offers a choice: a shared bus or private guide with a boat ride and transfer from Chengdu. You can explore at your own pace, visiting highlights like Five-Flower Lake and Pearl Shoal.

The private option includes a guide and customized itinerary, making it perfect for travelers who want to avoid crowds or focus on particular sights. The bus pass option suits those on a tighter budget or with limited time. The tour includes local cultural experiences like Tibetan butter tea-making, adding a flavorful local touch.

Bottom Line: Whether you prefer a guided, curated experience or a budget-friendly self-guided day, this tour offers flexibility and access to Jiuzhaigou’s best spots.

5. From Chengdu: Bipeng Valley Day Trip

For a quick escape from Chengdu, the Bipeng Valley Day Trip offers stunning glaciers, alpine lakes, and redwood forests in just one day. The 4-hour bus ride takes you to scenic spots like the “Mini Alps,” with snow peaks and crystal-clear lakes that make for perfect photos.

This tour is ideal if you want a day surrounded by nature without spending too much time traveling. The guided walk covers about three hours, giving you plenty of time to soak in the scenery and breathe the mountain air. It’s suitable for fit travelers who don’t mind some walking but want to avoid strenuous hikes.

Bottom Line: Perfect for nature lovers with limited time, this trip offers dramatic mountain scenery and peaceful forests close to Chengdu.

6. Sichuan: Huanglong National Park Ticket

Skip the guided tour with the Huanglong National Park Ticket, which grants you direct access to explore this UNESCO-listed landscape at your own pace. The park features 693 colorful pools and pristine ecosystems that are home to pandas and other wildlife.

You can choose to hike along the scenic boardwalks or take the optional cable car for panoramic views. The park’s well-preserved travertine pools and mountain scenery are perfect for independent travelers comfortable with navigating on their own. Entry is straightforward—just swipe your passport at the gate.

Bottom Line: For independent travelers wanting freedom to explore, this ticket offers a flexible way to experience Huanglong’s stunning landscape without a guided group.

7. Jiuzhaigou Valley: UNESCO Colorful Lakes & Tibetan Village

A full-day guided experience, the Jiuzhaigou Valley UNESCO Tour takes you through the park’s main valleys—seeing waterfalls, crystal lakes, and colorful forests. The tour includes park shuttle services and visits to Tibetan villages where you can experience local culture and enjoy a traditional afternoon tea.

You’ll explore three main valleys, each offering unique sights: submerged forests, multicolored lakes, and spectacular waterfalls. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, it’s a hassle-free way to see Jiuzhaigou’s highlights in about nine hours. This tour is especially great for first-timers wanting a rundown.

Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a guided, all-in-one experience that balances natural beauty and cultural encounters.

8. Sichuan: Bipeng Valley Ticket

The Bipeng Valley Ticket offers access to snow-capped peaks, forests, and alpine lakes during opening hours from 8:30 to 17:30. With fewer crowds than Jiuzhaigou, it’s a peaceful alternative for exploring Sichuan’s high-altitude scenery.

Trails are easy to walk, with shuttle buses to access key points. This ticket suits travelers who want to avoid busy spots but still enjoy dramatic scenery and fresh mountain air. It’s perfect as a quick day trip or a quiet retreat in nature.

Bottom Line: For those seeking tranquility and alpine scenery minus the crowds, Bipeng Valley provides a scenic, accessible experience.

9. Sichuan: Huanglong Scenic Area Ticket

The Huanglong Scenic Area Ticket grants self-guided access to explore the UNESCO site’s limestone terraces and travertine pools. Operating from June to December, it’s perfect for travelers wanting flexibility and independence.

Walk along scenic boardwalks with options for a cable car to view the landscape from above. The area is especially beautiful in the summer and fall, with vibrant colors and mountain vistas. It’s a great choice for those comfortable navigating on their own and seeking a personalized experience.

Bottom Line: Independent travelers who enjoy scenic walks and panoramic views will appreciate the freedom this ticket provides.

10. Sichuan: Mount Siguniang Scenic Area Ticket

The Mount Siguniang Scenic Area Ticket offers access to three valleys—Shuangqiao, Changping, and Haizi—each with its distinctive scenery. The “Queen of Sichuan Mountains” features towering snow peaks, alpine meadows, and high-altitude lakes.

You can choose your adventure: relax on scenic roads, hike through lush forests, or photograph high peaks. The area is suitable for outdoor enthusiasts of varying fitness levels. The valleys’ diversity means you can tailor your day to fit your interests, whether that’s easy sightseeing or challenging trekking.

Bottom Line: This flexible scenic area is ideal for hikers and photographers eager to explore Sichuan’s mountain grandeur.

11. Sichuan: Ramada Guergou Hot Springs Tickets

Relax and rejuvenate at the Ramada Guergou Hot Springs. Open from 09:00 to 22:00, these mineral-rich springs are perfect after a day of sightseeing or hiking. The heated infinity pool offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains.

The springs are certified for therapeutic benefits, and the setting makes for a soothing escape, especially in winter or autumn. Soaking in warm waters while surrounded by nature is a simple but memorable way to unwind in Aba.

Bottom Line: Great for travelers seeking relaxation, the hot springs provide a peaceful end to active days amid scenic mountain views.

12. Jiuzhai Valley National Park: Visit Colorful Fairy Tale World

The Jiuzhai Valley National Park Tour is the ultimate immersion into one of China’s most iconic landscapes. Featuring over 114 lakes, waterfalls, and lush forests, the park’s vibrant scenery seems almost unreal.

Travelers can enjoy a self-guided walk through its colorful plateaus and waterfalls, with plenty of photo opportunities. The Tibetan culture is woven into the experience, with local music and dance performances. The tour’s flexible schedule and short duration make it accessible even for those with limited time.

Bottom Line: Perfect for first-time visitors wanting a comprehensive introduction to Jiuzhaigou’s stunning landscapes and culture.

13. Private Huanglong Park Day Tour by Bullet Train from Chengdu

Taking advantage of modern transport, the Private Huanglong Park Day Tour allows you to visit Huanglong from Chengdu via bullet train—saving time and energy. The tour includes hotel transfers, a private guide, and the option to upgrade to first class train seats.

Once there, you can explore the colorful pools at your own pace, with plenty of time for photos and walking. The train ride itself adds a smooth, scenic part to your day, making it an excellent choice for travelers who want comfort and efficiency.

Bottom Line: For a hassle-free, luxurious day trip with a touch of adventure, this bullet train tour hits the mark.

How to Choose

When deciding among these tours, consider your budget, time available, and interests. For example, if you want a quick, budget-friendly scenic outing, Huanglong’s self-guided ticket or Bipeng Valley’s ticket offer excellent value. For a deeper cultural experience, the Gannan Monasteries or Tibetan-focused tours provide insight into Tibetan traditions and landscapes.

If your goal is to see Jiuzhaigou’s lakes and waterfalls, choose the guided UNESCO tour for ease or the self-guided park ticket to explore independently. For those pressed for time but wanting maximum scenery, the bullet train day tour combines comfort with efficiency.

Booking early is advisable during peak seasons (June to October), especially for popular sites like Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong. Consider your physical ability—some tours involve walking or hiking, while others offer easy shuttle access.

To sum it up, Aba Sichuan offers an impressive variety of tours—from scenic lakes and mountains to Tibetan cultural experiences. Whether you’re after a quick day trip or a multi-day adventure, options abound that cater to different interests and budgets. For travelers eager to see the region’s natural wonders, these carefully selected experiences promise memorable moments. Be sure to book early, especially in high season, and enjoy the stunning landscapes and rich culture that make Aba a truly special destination.