Bawang Gully

Bawang Gully

Bawang Gully is situated within Youfang Village and Pengba Village in the southern part of Lianghe Township, 16 kilometers from the seat of Lianghe Township government and 54 kilometers from Xiaojin County. It borders S210 Highway. The gully runs east-west, with higher terrain in the west and lower in the east. The entrance is at an elevation of 2,935 meters, while the end (Dongniupeng) reaches 3,520 meters, spanning 18 kilometers, with a scenic area covering over 100 square kilometers. The mountains on both sides of the gully have significant elevation differences compared to the valley floor, and there are nine peaks over 5,000 meters high at the gully’s end, with modern glaciers connecting between the snow-capped peaks. The area features distinct polar-like landforms and is a typical high-mountain canyon terrain. As you move up the gully, the climate transitions from temperate at the entrance to alpine frigid zone conditions at the end due to the increasing altitude.

The scenic features of Bawang Gully consist of natural landscapes such as peculiar peaks, sheer cliffs, grasslands, forests, waterfalls, mountain streams, polar zones, and glaciers, along with unique highland pastoral scenes. Together, they showcase the landscape characteristics of beauty, serenity, grandeur, and ruggedness. Traveling up the gully, stunning scenery unfolds on both sides, endless and ever-changing.

Peculiar Peaks. From the gully entrance to the end, towering peaks line the way. Below Liangchaha, the peaks exhibit an elegant and serene beauty, while above Liangchaha, they present a majestic and rugged spectacle. Among them, the “Nine Peak Range” led by Bawang Mountain (elevation 5,551 meters) is particularly spectacular. These nine uniquely shaped peaks stretch about 4 kilometers in a row (all above 4,500 meters in elevation), appearing as if they have emerged from the earth with an overwhelming and unstoppable presence.

Sheer Cliffs. The cliffs around Ma’anjiao, Feishuigou, and Bawangding are masterpieces of nature, exuding imposing and breathtaking grandeur. The cliff top of Ma’anjiao has a drop of over 100 meters from the valley floor and spans 400 meters in width, with its yellow-brown surface resembling the shape of a horse saddle. The cliffs of Bawangding are rugged and rough, with a near-vertical drop of nearly 1,000 meters and a gray-brown surface, showing distinct polar-like features.

Glaciers. The glaciers lie between Bawang Mountain and Shisun Mountain (approximately 4,800 meters in elevation), with ice thickness reaching over 70 meters. Viewed from afar, the ice appears blue. They are located about 2 kilometers from Zigongzi-Dong (elevation 3,740 meters), with a vertical drop of less than 500 meters, making them accessible by hike. It is said that a peculiar animal known locally as “ice maggots” lives within the glaciers.

Highlights. Marvel at the interplay of strength and grace in the peculiar peaks, the extraordinary craftsmanship of the sheer cliffs, experience the vitality of life in the polar zones and glaciers, and accompany the journey with flowers, grasses, birds, beasts, mountain streams, and waterfalls. It is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life and an ideal destination for climbing and mountaineering enthusiasts.

Transportation to the scenic area is divided by Santandian (8 kilometers from the gully entrance). Below Santandian, minibuses can access the area, but above Santandian, the roads are not maintained for vehicles. Only wide horse trails are suitable for walking or horseback riding. The paths throughout the scenic area are all dirt roads.

A one-day trip is recommended, with farm-style meals being the main dining option.

Best travel seasons: July to August, October to November.