How to Get from Chengdu to Siguniang Mountain by Public Transport (2026)

Quick Answer

Take a long-distance bus from Chengdu's Chadianzi Bus Station (茶店子客运站) to Siguniangshan Town (四姑娘山镇, formerly Rilong). Buses depart approximately every 1–2 hours from 07:30 to 15:40, cost ¥90–120, and take 4–5 hours. This is the only realistic public transport option. There is no train or flight.

Mount Siguniang (四姑娘山, "Four Girls Mountain") is located in Xiaojin County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, about 200 km northwest of Chengdu. The base town of Siguniangshan (formerly Rilong / 日隆) sits at approximately 3,200 m (10,500 ft). The area is known as the "Alps of Sichuan" for its snow-capped peaks, alpine valleys, and Tibetan culture.

[!IMPORTANT] At 3,200 m, altitude sickness is a real consideration. If you are arriving from sea level (Chengdu is ~500 m), spend your first day acclimatizing — avoid strenuous hiking, drink plenty of water, and avoid alcohol. Small oxygen canisters are available at pharmacies in Chengdu (¥15–25) and at the park entrance. Note: security screening at Chadianzi prohibits carrying oxygen canisters onto the bus — buy them on arrival.

Compare Your Options

There is no train to Siguniang Mountain. The Chengdu–Lanzhou high-speed railway under construction may eventually serve the region, but as of 2026 it does not reach Siguniangshan.

Option 1: Direct Bus from Chadianzi (Recommended)

Step-by-step

1. Get to Chadianzi Bus Station (茶店子客运站). Take Chengdu Metro Line 2 to Chadianzi Station and use Exit A. The bus station is connected to the metro.

2. Buy a ticket to Siguniangshan (四姑娘山) or Xiaojin (小金). Buses to Xiaojin County pass through Siguniangshan Town. Ask the driver to drop you at "Siguniangshan" or "Rilong."

   • Fare: ¥90–120 depending on the bus type
   • Departure times: Buses run from approximately 07:30 to 15:40, roughly every 1–2 hours. Morning departures (before 10:00) are most reliable.
   • Booking: Buy at the counter, via the official "茶店子客运站" WeChat mini-program, or on Ctrip/Trip.com bus booking. The mini-program requires a Chinese phone number; ask your hotel to help if needed.

3. The journey. The bus travels via Dujiangyan → Yingxiu → Wolong → Balang Mountain Pass (巴朗山, 4,523 m) → Siguniangshan Town. The road is paved but winding, especially over Balang Mountain. If you get carsick, take motion sickness medication before departure.

   • The bus makes a rest stop at Wolong (卧龙) for about 20–30 minutes, where you can use the toilet and buy snacks.
   • Sit on the left side of the bus for the best views of the mountains and valleys on the approach.
   • Bring a jacket — even in summer, it is significantly cooler at altitude, and the bus may not be well-heated.

4. Arrive at Siguniangshan Town. The bus drops you on the main road in town, within walking distance of hotels, restaurants, and the national park entrance. Confirm with the driver where the return bus picks up.

[!TIP] During peak season (July–October, especially National Day holiday week), buses sell out. Book 1–2 days ahead. Ask your Chengdu hotel concierge to purchase tickets via their WeChat account if you don't have a Chinese phone number.

Bus schedule reference (2026)

Based on Ctrip and chinabusguide.com listings:

[!WARNING] Exact departure times change by season and day. Check Ctrip/Trip.com or the Chadianzi WeChat mini-program for your travel date. Do not rely solely on this table.

Option 2: Customized Passenger Van (定制客运)

In recent years, "customized passenger transport" (定制客运) services have appeared on this route. These are smaller vans (usually 7–9 seats) that offer hotel pickup in Chengdu and drop-off in Siguniangshan Town.

• Book through WeChat mini-programs (search "茶店子客运站" or "成都定制客运")
• Fare is around ¥120 per person
• Slightly faster (about 4 hours) and more comfortable than a large bus
• English support is limited — ask your hotel to help book

How to Get Back

Return buses from Siguniangshan to Chengdu are limited — this is the most important thing to plan.

• Return buses depart Siguniangshan Town in the morning and early afternoon, typically from around 08:30 to 16:50. There are approximately 8 departures per day.
• Fare: ¥120
• Duration: About 4 hours
• Buy your return ticket as soon as you arrive — either at the bus stop in town or through your guesthouse.

[!IMPORTANT] If you miss the last return bus, you will need to stay an extra night. Guesthouses in Siguniangshan Town start at around ¥150/night. There are no late-night taxis back to Chengdu — the mountain road is not safe to drive at night.

Practical Information

Altitude

• Siguniangshan Town: ~3,200 m
• Shuangqiao Valley sightseeing bus: up to ~3,800 m
• Changping Valley hiking: up to ~3,700 m
• Dafeng summit: 5,025 m (requires guide and permit)

Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. The best prevention is slow acclimatization — do not hike on your first afternoon. If symptoms are severe, descend immediately.

Park entry and valleys

Most first-time visitors choose Shuangqiao Valley for its panoramic 360° views and easy sightseeing bus.

What to bring

• Warm layers (it can be 10–15°C cooler than Chengdu, even in summer)
• Rain gear (afternoon thunderstorms are common in summer)
• Hiking shoes or sturdy trainers
• Sunscreen and sunglasses (UV is strong at altitude)
• Cash (many small shops and guesthouses do not accept international cards; some have poor mobile signal)
• Snacks and water for the bus journey

Chinese Names You May Need

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Treating this as a day trip. The round-trip bus takes 8–10 hours. You will have almost no time at the mountain. Plan at least one overnight stay — ideally two.

2. Not booking the return bus in advance. Buses back to Chengdu fill up, especially during autumn (October). Buy your return ticket the moment you arrive.

3. Forgetting about altitude. Chengdu is 500 m; Siguniangshan is 3,200 m. Do not arrive and immediately hike. Spend your first afternoon resting and hydrating.

4. Bringing oxygen canisters on the bus. Security at Chadianzi prohibits compressed oxygen canisters in luggage. Buy them after you arrive in Siguniangshan or in Wolong.

5. Underestimating the road. The Balang Mountain pass is winding and can be foggy or icy. If you get carsick, take pills before the bus starts. In winter (November–March), check that the road is open.

6. Not bringing cash. Mobile signal can be patchy, and smaller guesthouses and shops may not accept international cards. Carry ¥500–1,000 in cash.

Related Guides

• Chengdu Travel Guide — full city guide
• Chengdu to Dujiangyan by Train — an easier day trip on the way
• 12306 High-Speed Rail Guide — train travel within China

Need Help?

Planning a trip to western Sichuan can be complex — permits, altitude, road conditions, and accommodation all need coordination. Our Sichuan-based team can arrange private drivers, guides, and multi-day itineraries. Send us your request.

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Bus schedules and fares are based on Ctrip/Trip.com bus listings, chinabusguide.com, and the official Siguniang Mountain geopark website (sgnsgeopark.cn). Road conditions and bus times can change due to weather, construction, and season — verify locally before departure.

Last verified: August 2026