Chasing an Autumn Fairytale: Crossing Dangling's Gourd Lake and Climbing the Mysterious Xiqiangla

Meta Description: Discover the ultimate Western Sichuan autumn trek: cross Gourd Lake's fairytale landscapes and summit the mysterious 5,470m Xiqiangla Peak. Your guide to this hidden alpine paradise.

When the autumn of 2020 quietly arrived, I shouldered my backpack and set out on a journey to Western Sichuan. This was no ordinary hike—it was a rendezvous with a snow-capped peak. My destination was the little-known Xiqiangla (Xiqiangla Peak), a 5,470-meter mountain revered as the "Goddess Mountain," and my fifth 5,000-meter summit.

In this guide, I'll take you through every step of this unforgettable adventure—from the seed of inspiration planted in a Chengdu bar to standing atop one of China's most secluded snow peaks. Whether you're a seasoned mountaineer or a dreamer planning your first high-altitude trek, this story will fuel your wanderlust.

How It All Began: Discovering Xiqiangla Peak

A Seed Planted in a Bar

The story starts with an online group called "Mountain Five in a Crowd" on Mafengwo, a Chinese travel platform. This community brought together people who loved the wilderness—sharing trip reports, swapping tips, and bonding over their shared passion. Before long, I became a regular. The group founder created a WeChat chat and added me, and suddenly my life was filled with like-minded "mountain friends."

At a casual gathering this summer in a small Chengdu bar, a few drinks in, the conversation naturally turned to mountains. Someone lamented that peaks like Que'er Mountain (Que'er Shan) and Animaqing (Animaqing) had been closed for various reasons. Then someone else excitedly mentioned a mountain almost no one had heard of: Xiqiangla.

A friend from a mountaineering company said that since the first recorded summit, almost no commercial team had set foot there. It was, he said, a秘境 within a秘境—a secret place within a secret place. In that moment, the seed of Xiqiangla was planted in my heart.

Researching the Unknown Peak

Back home, I scoured every resource I could find. Information about Xiqiangla was pitifully scarce. All I learned was that it sits on the border of Danba County and Daofu County in Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, as the main peak of the Dangling Snow Mountains (Dangling Xue Shan), rising to 5,470 meters. Even Baidu Baike had no entry for it. Summit records were few and far between.

But when I saw photos and videos from that mountaineering company's successful ascent, I knew instantly: in autumn, this place must be a paradise. So this year's climbing goal was set—Xiqiangla or nothing.

A Glimpse of Paradise: Gourd Lake and Zhuoyong Lake in Autumn

Before we set off, let me show you a few photos to give you a taste of this magical place.

Gourd Lake's Autumn Colors: Otherworldly or What?

Gourd Lake (Hulu Hai) is the most famous spot in Dangling. In autumn, the forests burst into color, the lake is a mirror reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and distant snowy peaks. Walking along its shore feels like stepping into a fairytale.

[Link: Best autumn hiking routes in Western Sichuan]

Zhuoyong Lake: Even More Enchanting, Even More Secluded

Above Gourd Lake lies an even more beautiful and tranquil alpine lake—Zhuoyong Lake (Zhuoyong Cuo), known locally as the "Great Lake." Hardly any tourists ever make it here; only climbers like us get to see its face. Standing on its shore, gazing at the turquoise water mirroring the snow mountains, I felt a profound peace.

Snow Above, Autumn Below

From Camp 2 (C2), looking down, the alpine lakes scattered below like pearls beneath distant peaks. Above, the snow was dazzling white and magnificent. Below, the forests blazed with autumn color. Scenes like these make you marvel at nature's artistry.

Night at C2: A Sky Full of Stars

On the night before summit day, the sky above Camp 2 was ablaze with stars. Our climbing leader, An'gen, braved the strong winds to capture this precious photo. Beneath the snow mountain, the faint lights of our tents mingled with the starlight above—as if everything was perfectly arranged.

Setting Off: From Chengdu to Dangling

Preparing for the Adventure

After the National Day holiday, Western Sichuan is at its most beautiful in autumn. A few of us from the "Mountain Five in a Crowd" group settled on a departure date. A few more joined later, and finally we had a full team. On the evening of October 23, we all gathered in Chengdu.

The most troublesome part before departure was sorting out gear. Mountaineering isn't like a regular hike—your equipment is a matter of life and death, and there's no room for carelessness. My method for packing is pretty old-school: I spread everything out on the floor and then pack it up piece by piece.

[Link: Essential mountaineering gear checklist for beginners]

The Journey Begins

On October 24, after a full day of driving, we finally arrived at our starting point for the climb: Danba Dangling. From Chengdu, at under 500 meters above sea level, we reached Dangling at over 3,300 meters in a single day, stopping only for lunch and a break in Danba County town. Such a rapid altitude gain required some adjustment.

Meet the Team: Wonderful Teammates Made the Fairytale Complete

A climbing team is nothing without its members. Let me introduce our crew one by one.

Climbing Leader: Zelaang Enbo (An'gen)

Everyone calls him "An'gen" or "Captain An." In a commercial climbing team, the climbing leader's role is critical. Our safety was in his hands.

High-Altitude Photographer: @Tiangong

A big name on Mafengwo and the main organizer of our trip. Being a high-altitude photographer takes more than just photography skills—you also need the stamina to carry heavy gear. Just look at his camera bag.

Little Sheep: The Joker Who Also Breaks Trail

A Tibetan brother, Little Sheep won everyone over with his humor and sense of responsibility. He's the group's mascot.

Gege: National First-Class Mountaineer

Her drinking capacity is unfathomable, and her climbing speed is equally unmatched. She has summited Muztagh Ata (Muztag Feng) and was the first in our team to reach the top of Xiqiangla. Her sun-protection outfit is something else.

Huo Ge: Seasoned Outdoor Enthusiast

Though he only started climbing in 2018, he's already bagged Haba Snow Mountain (Haba Xue Shan), Nama Peak (Nama Feng), and Que'er Mountain. I hear he's setting his sights on Muztagh Ata next year.

Miaomiao: The Beauty

When we posted our group photo in the chat, someone immediately "noticed" Miaomiao and asked if this young lady was pretty. Little Sheep said Miaomiao gets stronger the lower the altitude—on the descent day, she ran down faster than a rabbit.

Tina, Little Elephant's Mom: Tricked into Joining

She's a friend of one of the group's big shots, who told her Xiqiangla was "easy," so she was tricked into the team. Every evening she'd get altitude sickness, but every morning after breakfast she'd be fully revived.

Paomian: An Old Hand at the Outdoors

A friend of Tiangong's and also a member of the "Mountain Five in a Crowd" group. Apparently, he's a serious drinker.

M.meng: A Brave Newcomer

Though a beginner, she has strong willpower and is both bold and cautious. This trip officially got her hooked.

Jackie: The Cool Girl

She has the best fitness and climbing rhythm, freely smoking and drinking on the mountain, but usually quiet and reserved.

Me: A Low-Grade Elementary Student in Mountaineering

My climbing career started a full fourteen years after Tiangong's, our high-altitude photographer. Every time I see him, I have to call him "Uncle Tiangong."

Day 1: Dangling to Base Camp – Taking It Easy

On the first official day, we hiked from Dangling Village to the "Airstrip" Base Camp (BC). Early in the morning, we packed our gear, which was carried by horses directly to Camp 1 (C1). We carried only our personal essentials and set off for BC.

According to Tiangong, when he's drunk, he can do this stretch in two hours round trip. Since it was a short distance, today's main goal was altitude acclimatization and warming up. Captain An'gen kept telling us not to rush—take it slow, enjoy the scenery, and listen to our bodies.

The weather was perfect—crisp autumn air, golden leaves, and views of distant snow peaks. This gentle start was exactly what our bodies needed after the rapid altitude gain from Chengdu.

[Link: Altitude acclimatization tips for high-altitude trekking]

Frequently Asked Questions About Xiqiangla and Dangling

Q1: How difficult is climbing Xiqiangla Peak?

Xiqiangla (5,470m) is considered a technical mountaineering challenge. While not the most extreme peak in Western Sichuan, it requires proper acclimatization, basic glacier travel skills, and good physical fitness. Most climbers should have experience on 5,000m+ peaks before attempting it.

Q2: When is the best time to visit Gourd Lake and climb Xiqiangla?

The optimal window is mid-October to early November for autumn colors. The weather is stable, temperatures are moderate (though cold at altitude), and the autumn foliage around Gourd Lake and Zhuoyong Lake is at its peak. Spring (April-May) is also possible but less predictable.

Q3: Do I need a guide or can I go independently?

Given the lack of marked trails, limited information, and technical sections, a professional guide is strongly recommended. Commercial mountaineering companies in Chengdu offer guided trips. Attempting this solo without local knowledge is dangerous.

Q4: What permits are required for Xiqiangla?

You'll need permits from the local forestry department and mountaineering association. Most commercial guides handle this paperwork. Note that some areas in Western Sichuan have restrictions, so always check current regulations before planning.

Q5: How do I get to Dangling from Chengdu?

Drive from Chengdu to Danba County (about 6-7 hours), then continue to Dangling Village (another 1-2 hours). The road is paved but winding. Alternatively, take a bus from Chengdu to Danba, then hire a local car. Total distance is approximately 350km.

Conclusion: Your Autumn Fairytale Awaits

Crossing Gourd Lake and climbing Xiqiangla was more than just a mountaineering achievement—it was a journey into one of Sichuan's last hidden paradises. The autumn colors reflecting off turquoise lakes, the camaraderie of fellow climbers, and the silent majesty of a rarely-summitted peak created memories that will last a lifetime.

Whether you're drawn by the fairytale landscapes of Gourd Lake, the challenge of a 5,470m summit, or simply the call of the wild, Dangling and Xiqiangla offer an adventure unlike any other.

Ready to chase your own autumn fairytale? Start planning your Western Sichuan adventure today. Gather your gear, find your team, and answer the call of the mountains. The secret paradise of Xiqiangla is waiting.

Have you climbed Xiqiangla or visited Gourd Lake? Share your experience in the comments below. For more Western Sichuan trekking guides and mountaineering tips, explore our related articles.

[Link: Top 10 underrated peaks in Western Sichuan for climbers] [Link: Complete guide to Danba County attractions] [Link: Autumn photography spots in Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture]