Dagu Glacier
Stunning Sichuan glacier at 4,800m, with ancient ice formations, alpine lakes, and rare wildlife. A natural wonder in China.
1. Attraction Introduction
Dagu Glacier, located in Heishui County, Sichuan Province, is the world’s lowest-altitude, youngest, and most accessible modern glacier. At 4,800–5,000m, its snow-capped peaks, ice lakes, and year-round glacial vistas create a "fantasy ice world." The scenic area combines Tibetan culture, primeval forests, and rare wildlife (e.g., golden monkeys). Highlights include the glacial cable car (highest in the world), Love Lake, and Zogye Monastery.
2. Historical Background
Discovered in 1992, Dagu Glacier gained fame as a filming site for The Romance of Heaven and Earth (2008). Geologically, it formed 1 million years ago. Local Tibetans revere it as a sacred "Jade Dragon.Dagu Glacier, is one of the youngest and most accessible modern glaciers in China. Unlike many ancient glaciers formed thousands of years ago, Dagu Glacier is relatively young, estimated to have formed around 10,000 years ago during the last Ice Age.
For centuries, the region was home to Tibetan and Qiang ethnic groups, who considered the glacier and surrounding mountains sacred. Due to its remote location, Dagu Glacier remained largely unexplored until the early 21st century, when geological surveys confirmed its significance. In 2009, the Dagu Glacier Scenic Area was officially opened to the public, featuring high-altitude cable cars, well-preserved natural landscapes, and unique alpine ecosystems.
Today, Dagu Glacier is a popular destination for high-altitude sightseeing, photography, and adventure tourism, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks, blue lakes, and colorful autumn forests. It is also notable for being one of the highest-altitude tourist-accessible glaciers in the world, with a cable car reaching 4,860 meters.
3. Map & Key Spots
Glacial Cable Car: 15-min ride to 4,860m (stunning aerial views).
No. 1 Glacier: Main viewing platform with year-round ice.
Love Lake: Turquoise glacial lake surrounded by forests.
Zogye Monastery: 1,000-year-old Tibetan Buddhist site.
Hongyuan Prairie: Nearby grassland for cultural tours.
4. Suggested Route
Day 1: Entrance → Eco-bus → Cable Car → No. 1 Glacier → Love Lake.
Day 2: Zogye Monastery → Hongyuan Prairie (optional).
5. Best Season / Seasons to Avoid
Best: Winter (Dec–Feb) for pristine snow; Autumn (Oct–Nov) for clear skies.
Avoid: July–Aug (melting ice, rain obscures views).
6. Transportation Guide
Location: Heishui County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, China
From Chengdu:
Bus: Chadianzi Station → Heishui County (6hrs, 150RMB), then shuttle to park (30min, 20RMB).
Private Car: 5hrs via G213 (tolls about 200RMB).
7. Ticket Prices & Fees
Entrance: 120RMB (low season) / 170RMB (peak season).
Eco-bus: 70RMB (mandatory).
Cable Car: 220RMB (round-trip).
Optional: Tibetan cultural show (150RMB).
8. Special Notes
Altitude: Over 4,800m at the summit; oxygen cans sold onsite (50RMB).
Closed Areas: Cable car may halt in extreme weather.
Luggage Storage: Available at the visitor center (free).
Dress Code: Winter temps drop to -10°C; wear thermal layers.