YuZiXi Travel Guide: Sunrise Views, Stargazing & Tibetan Life in Sichuan
Introduction
I arrived at YuZiXi before dawn, breath visible in the cold air at 4,200 meters. As the first light touched Mount Gongga, the entire horizon slowly turned gold. In that moment, it was clear why travelers call YuZiXi one of Western Sichuan’s most unforgettable viewpoints.
Hidden deep in the highlands near Xinduqiao, It isn’t a polished resort or a mass-tourism hotspot. It’s a raw, high-altitude platform where snow mountains, star-filled skies, and everyday Tibetan life exist side by side. If you’re looking for dramatic landscapes, quiet reflection, and a sense of true remoteness, YuZiXi delivers.
Where Is YuZiXi?
It’s located in Qu Mo Gong, Yuzixi Third Village, Xinduqiao Town, Kangding City, within Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. Sitting at approximately 4,200 meters (13,780 ft) above sea level, it’s one of the highest accessible scenic viewpoints in the region.
The area was once known for the gold-dredging ship Chuan-Zang No.1, built in 1989. Today, YuZiXi is better known as a 360-degree snow mountain viewing platform, offering sweeping views of Mount Gongga and Mount Yala.
In Tibetan, “YuZiXi” translates roughly to “The Abode of the Lotus Born,” a name tied to local Buddhist legends and meditation traditions.
Why YuZiXi Is Special
Sunrise and Sunset Over Snow Mountains
YuZiXi is famous for Rizhao Jinshan—the moment when sunrise or sunset paints snow-covered peaks in glowing gold. On clear days, you can see:
- Mount Gongga, the highest peak in Sichuan and often called the “King of Shu Mountains”
- Mount Yala, one of the four sacred mountains in Tibetan Buddhism
Watching these peaks change color as the light shifts is reason enough to wake up early or stay until dusk.
Stargazing at 4,200 Meters
With almost no light pollution, YuZiXi becomes a natural observatory after dark. On moonless nights, the Milky Way stretches clearly across the sky. Lying on the grass with nothing but wind and stars around you feels surreal—especially knowing how rare skies like this have become.
The Cliffside Swing
Yes, there’s a swing—suspended at extreme altitude, facing open mountains and sky. It’s often described as one of the highest swings in the world. Whether you ride it or not, it’s one of YuZiXi’s most photographed spots.
Traces of Tibetan Life
YuZiXi doesn’t feel isolated from local culture. It’s embedded within it.
- Traditional Tibetan houses with white walls, red trim, and golden roofs sit near the viewing platform
- Prayer flags ripple constantly in the wind, carrying mantras across the valley
- Mani stone piles, carved with Buddhist scriptures, mark paths and open spaces
These details quietly remind visitors that YuZiXi is not just a viewpoint—it’s part of a living cultural landscape.
Things to Do at YuZiXi
Photography Tips
- Best viewpoints: The eastern rock piles allow you to frame Mount Gongga and Mount Yala together
- Best timing: Arrive at least one hour before sunset; for astrophotography, avoid full-moon nights
- Iconic shots: Silhouettes near the red heart-shaped sculpture at the stargazing camp
Hiking and Outdoor Exploration
Short hikes through alpine meadows start near the camp area. Along the way, you may spot wildflowers, marmot burrows, and wide-open grasslands that feel untouched.
Cycling is also possible for experienced riders, but at this altitude, even gentle slopes feel demanding.
Food Experiences
Most travelers eat in Xinduqiao Town, where Tibetan restaurants serve:
- Yak meat hot pot with wild mushrooms
- Highland barley cakes
- Yak butter tea—salty, rich, and surprisingly energizing at high altitude
Some visitors bring picnic gear and snacks to enjoy dinner while waiting for sunset at the viewpoint.
How to Get to YuZiXi
Self-Driving (Recommended)
Route: Chengdu → Ya’an → Luding → Kangding → Zheduo Mountain → Xinduqiao → YuZiXi
- Distance: ~330 km
- Time: 6–7 hours (without long stops)
- Vehicle: SUV recommended; snow chains in winter
Driving offers flexibility, especially for sunrise and sunset visits.
Public Transportation
- Bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station to Kangding (~6 hours)
- From Kangding, hire a car or join a shared ride to YuZiXi (~1.5 hours)
Tickets, Hours & Practical Info
- Entrance fee: ¥30 per person (ecological maintenance)
- Opening hours:
- Normal weather: 5:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Rainy or snowy days: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Traffic control: One-way uphill traffic from 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM; no vehicle movement during peak sunset hours
Where to Stay
- YuZiXi Stargazing Camp: Tent rentals (~¥200/night) with sleeping bags and moisture-proof mats
- Xinduqiao Town: Tibetan-style guesthouses with floor heating (~¥300–¥500/night), better for altitude adjustment
Health & Safety Tips
- Expect altitude symptoms; take it slow on arrival
- Consider Rhodiola supplements and carry portable oxygen
- Dress in layers; weather changes quickly
- Respect local customs and pack out all trash
Final Thoughts
YuZiXi isn’t about luxury or convenience. It’s about stillness, space, and perspective. Standing between snow mountains and stars, you begin to feel how small—and how connected—you really are.
If your idea of travel includes quiet mornings, cold air, and landscapes that don’t feel staged, YuZiXi may stay with you long after you leave. Furthermore, to explore more highlights of a Sichuan journey, don’t miss our page on Chengdu Tourist Attractions!
