Wang Gang Ping

Chinese Name: 王岗坪（Wang Gang Ping）
Location: Xiangxin village, Shimian County, Ya’an City, Sichuan
Ticket: Entrance ticket CNY208.00 include cable car and sightseeing bus
Estimated tour time: Half day to one day
Recommended time to visit: Oct to Mar
Nearby attractions: Dawagengzha; Anshunchang; Hailuogou glacier park, etc.

Wanggangping is a newly opened scenic site in Sichuan for out door lovers. It is in Shimian County, Ya’an City. It is about 300km southwest of provincial capital Chengdu, and requires a 4 hour commute on G5 motor way and provincial high ways. Considering the long commute, a 2-3 day trip would be recommended. 

Wanggangping is one of the nearest place to view mighty snow mountains in west Sichuan setting off from Chengdu.One of the main motives to visit Wanggangping is to enjoy the majestic view of Gong’ga shan (Minya Konka), a mighty alpine mountain and the highest point in Sichuan Province. This site is only 30km away from the peak of Minya Konka.

It’s thought after infrastructures such as cable cars and shuttle buses making it an easy and family friendly site to visit.  It doesn’t require hours of hiking or trekking to climb to the view point. Cable car service is available for visitors, which mean a trip to Wanggangping is kids friendly and suitable for family visit. 

Despite the fact that most of the sites are at 3000 meters, altitude related symptoms are not so prominent thanks to its rich vegetation and dense forestation.

● Highlights of Wanggangping

Sea of clouds

This phenomenon is a common sight on mountains with high altitude and high humidity rate. When clouds cluster at the waist of the mountain, it present a vast carpet of whiteness for spectators. 

Ri zhao jin shan (golden sun light)

Sunbeams casting on the slope of snow caped peaks of Minya Konka, when timing is right (often in the early morning), are a sight of majesty to visitors’ eyes. The sky would be painted in orange and golden with glow of sunlight.

Du juan hua hai (rhododendron fields)

Wanggangping, with its rich forestation, is not in short of animals and plants. From early April to late June, for 3 months, the rhododendron flowers are in full blossom on the mountain. It is a treat to the eyes of photographers and plant lovers.  

Star gazing

Sitting at the altitude of 3500 meters, Wanggangping offers clear skies to visitors. For star gazers, this is a rare site as most parts of Sichuan are dominated by hazy and foggy weather. 

Virgin forests

A stretch of virgin forests are opened to visitors. You can simply take a walk and explore the surrounding of the forests. 

Accommodation

Tents and lodges with heating system are available for people who plan an overnight on top of the mountain. There are also inns at the foot of the mountain. Star rated hotels are not yet optional. Plans to build them are underway.