Situated 3,200 meters above sea level on the Tibetan plateau in northwestern Sichuan, Aba is the major city of Aba County, which has 70,000 inhabitants, around 8,000 of which are Tibetan monks, and features 37 monasteries, two of the largest being in the city itself.
Aba is a perfect starting point from where to explore the surrounding breathtaking environs. Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area is found in a beautiful valley that features nine Tibetan villages. A 60-kilometer-long scenic line is scattered with various picturesque zones where travelers can marvel at the stunning scenery of waterfalls, lakes and snow-capped mountains.
Located 100kms from Jiuzhaigou, Huanglong Scenic Area is renowned for its layered calcium carbonated deposits, virgin forest, colorful lakes and snowy mountains. Another captivating spot is Wolong National Natural Reserve, which is known as the habitat of giant pandas and boasts enchanting landscapes, including mountains, forests and caves.
Getting There & Away
Aba is the main transport hub in the prefecture and is well linked with many provincial cities and towns. Long-haul buses head from Chengdu City to Aba, with the roughly 450-kilometer journey taking 8 to 10 hours. Jiuhuang Airport is 44kms from Huanglong and 88kms from Jiuzhaigou. The airport can be accessed from Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport within 40 minutes, while a flight from Beijing to Chengdu takes 2 hours.
Things to Do
Aba Attractions
- Jiuzhaigou Scenic Area
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Comprising nine tibetan villages harmoniously set
within gorgeous landscapes, including lakes, waterfalls and snow-covered
mountains.
- Wolong National Natural Reserve
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Known as a home for giant pandas, this area offers delightful scenery such as mountains and caves.
- Huanglong Scenic Area
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Famous for its layered calcium-carbonated sediments,
this spot features lush forests and multi-colored lakes.
- Four Maiden’s Mountain
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Consisting of four snowy sister peaks, the mountain