Nianbao Yezé: China’s Most Otherworldly Landscape – A Foreign Hiker’s Guide from Chengdu Without a Private Car
- cometodolphinunion
- Oct 28
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 29
If you think China is just cities and pandas, think again.Deep in Sichuan, Nianbao Yezé (Niánbǎo Yèzé, 年宝叶则) looks like Middle-earth on another planet—jagged peaks, turquoise lakes, and silence so deep you hear your own heartbeat.
But here’s the catch:Most blogs say “Go to Nianbao Yezé!” but don’t tell you how to get there without a tour.
And one French friend once got stuck in Aba County for three days—because no one told him return bus tickets aren’t online.
This guide fixes that.
I’ll show you exactly how to reach Nianbao Yezé from Chengdu using only public transport, where to stay, what to pack, and which hiking trails actually work (hint: skip the “summit café”—it’s just a shack!).
All tested.
All real.
No fluff.
（Best way to visit Nianbao Yezé in China for foreign travelers from Chengdu）
Getting to Nianbao Yezé from Chengdu – No Private Car Needed
The Problem:
Nianbao Yezé is remote.
No train.
No direct bus to the park.
The Solution:
Take a long-distance bus to Aba County (Ābà Xiàn, 阿坝县), then hire a local driver for the last hour.
Step-by-Step:
Chengdu → Aba County:
Depart from Chadianzi Bus Station (Chádiànzi Kèyùn Zhàn, 茶店子客运站).
Bus leaves at 7:30 AM daily.
Ticket: ¥176, takes 8 hours.
Road is paved. Driver stops twice for bathroom/food.
Aba County → Nianbao Yezé Scenic Area:
No public bus.
Ask your hotel to arrange a driver (¥200–300 round-trip, 1-hour drive).
Confirm return pickup time—no taxis at the park!
Return to Chengdu:
Bus leaves Aba County at 7:00 AM.
Buy ticket in person at Aba Bus Station—not online.
Cost: ¥170.
Pro Tip:
Stay one night in Aba County before and after your hike.
Hotels near the bus station cost ¥100–150/night.
Where to Stay & What to Eat in Aba County
Don’t skip Aba County—it’s not just a transit stop.
This Tibetan town has real life:
Milk tea shops (Mixue Bingcheng, Cha Ba Dao).
Night market with yak meat skewers and butter tea.
Temples like Gêmo Monastery (Gémò Sì, 各莫寺)—just 10 minutes by taxi.
Where we stayed:
Qianqian Mango Tree Hotel (Aba Branch) (basic but clean, hot water, Wi-Fi).
Walk to bus station in 5 minutes.
Food to try:
Tsampa (roasted barley flour) with butter tea.
Yak dumplings at street stalls (¥10 for 6 pieces).
Avoid:
Pre-packaged snacks at the bus station—they’re overpriced and stale.
Nianbao Yezé Hiking Trails – Which One Should You Take?
Entry fee: ¥120
No food or signal inside.
Bring all water, snacks, and power banks.
Trail 1: Lakes Loop (Easy – 5km, 2–3 hours)
Best for: First-timers, photographers, short visits.
Route: Park entrance → Zharina Lake (Zhārìnà Hú, 扎日纳湖) → Zhaga Lake (Zhāgá Hú, 扎嘎湖) → back.
Flat path. Stunning reflections of peaks in water.
Trust me: This is the most magical part of Nianbao Yezé.
Trail 2: Summit Viewpoint (Hard – 8km round-trip, 4–5 hours)
Best for: Fit hikers who want panoramic views.
Route: Lakes → wooden boardwalk → 4,200m viewpoint.
Warning:
The “summit café” is just a tent selling instant noodles (¥25).
Altitude hits fast—walk slow.
Snow possible even in July—wear waterproof boots.
Trail 3: Full Circuit (Expert – 15km, full day)
Not recommended for foreigners—no signs, easy to get lost.
One Canadian hiker wandered for 3 hours before a herder guided him out.
Our pick: Do the Lakes Loop.
It’s 90% of the beauty with 10% of the risk.
What to Pack for Nianbao Yezé
Essentials:
Power bank (no charging in park).
Sunscreen SPF 50+ (UV is brutal at 4,000m).
Sunglasses + hat (glare off snow/water hurts eyes).
Thermos with hot water (helps with altitude).
Glucose tablets (for dizziness).
Clothing:
Layer up: T-shirt + fleece + windproof jacket.
Waterproof hiking shoes—trails get muddy or icy.
Avoid cotton—it stays wet and makes you cold.
Food:
2–3 liters water.
Instant noodles, bread, chocolate, self-heating rice.
No trash bins—pack out everything.
Why Nianbao Yezé Beats Other Sichuan Parks
I’ve hiked Siguniangshan, Yading, and Gongga.
But Nianbao Yezé feels untouched.
No crowds (max 50 visitors/day).
No fake “Tibetan” shops.
Real herders, real silence, real magic.
And yes—it looks like Mordor meets Shangri-La.
Black rock spires.
Ice-blue lakes. Endless sky.
Don’t waste time on overhyped spots.
Come here instead.
Real Stories from Foreign Hikers
“The Lakes Loop felt like walking through a dream. No one else around—just me and the mountains.”— Lena, Germany
“I tried the summit trail. Got dizzy at 4,000m. But the view? Worth every gasp.”— James, UK
“Aba County surprised me—great food, friendly people, and cheap hotels. Made the trip stress-free.”— Oliver, New Zealand
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