Niubei Mountain

Chinese Name: 牛背山 (Niu Bei Shan)
Location: Junction between Yingjing County and Luding County, Sichuan.
Ticket: Entrance ticket CNY198.00 include sightseeing bus
Estimated tour time: Half day to one day
Suggested time of visit: Nov to Mar
Nearby attractions: Bifengxia Scenic Area, Mengding Mountain, Labahe Nature Reserve, Longcang Valley, Wawu Mountain,etc.

Niubei Mountain is a popular camping and hiking site for out door lovers in Sichuan Province. It tops 3660 meters at its peak. Its popularity dates back to 2009 when National Geographic made a theme article about mountains in west Sichuan. Photographers found an unnamed hillside on top of a mountain from which a panoramic view of the surrounding alpine mountains was made possible. Out door enthusiasts quickly noticed this photogenic site and rushed in from all parts of China. This site quickly gained popularity through internet and social media. 

● Highlights of Niubei Mountain

Sea of clouds

Sea of clouds is normal sight on many high altitude mountains, and Niubei Mountain is no exception. When weather permits, top of Niubeishan is the ideal venue to view this magnificent sight. 

Sunrise and sunset

Sunrise and sunsets on Niubeishan are photogenic on clear days. 

Minya Konka sighting

Minya Konka (or Gongga Snow Mountain) is the highest among all the mountain ranges in west Sichuan. It is staggering 7556 meters above sea level, making it the 41st highest piont in the world. Niubei Mountain happens to be the best site to view this magnificent mountain. What is special about Niubei Mountain is that it is also the ideal site to enjoy the complete view of many other major mountains in Sichuan, such as Mt.Emei, Mt.Wawu, Mt. Erlang and Mt. Jiajin. 

Star gazing

Niubei Mountain offers a clear night skies as compared to mostly cloudy climate in other parts of Sichuan province. Gear up with your telescope or other gadgets if you are a star gazer. 

● Niubei Mountain travel tips

The best time to visit Niubei Mountain is from April to May when the top of mountain is relatively dry. Sightings of sea clouds, sunrise or sunset are more frequent in dry and clear days. That doesn’t mean other ten months are excluded or not suggested. Niubei Mountain offer diverse views to visitors in all seasons. Pay special attention if you plan to visit in winter days as roads could be tricky with ice and snow. Niubei Mountain is more than 3500 above sea level, which indicates the possibility of altitude related symptoms. Do consider your physique and basic health condition before setting out, as medical resource in Niubei Mountai is scarce and medical facilities are miles away from the site. Always bring your winter jackets as it could get freezing cold even in summer months. 

Commute from Chengdu to Niubei Mountain requires a 5 hour drive on G5 Motor Way before a short local shuttle from Lengqi town to a village name Pumaidi. It would be ideal to settle in this village before your hiking next morning. A 2-3 day trip is recommended.