This isn't Switzerland, it's the picturesque Western Sichuan of China, absolutely worth a visit!

Western Sichuan is located in the western part of China's Sichuan Province, situated in the transition zone from the Chengdu Plain to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, marking the area where the first step of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau transitions to the second. Its geographical coordinates range between 97°21′ to 106°3′ east longitude and 27°10′ to 34°19′ north latitude, bordering Qinghai, Tibet, and Yunnan. To the east lie the Minshan and West Qinling Mountains, to the west the northern Tibetan Plateau, to the south the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, and to the north the Laji Mountain, Burhan Budai Mountain, Qilian Mountains, and Qaidam Basin. 🚌 Transportation Options - **Self-drive**: Ideal for travelers with ample time who enjoy freedom, allowing stops at scenic spots along the way. - **Chartered car**: No need to drive yourself, making it easier to enjoy the scenery while customizing the itinerary based on your schedule and interests. - **Public transport**: Buses from Chengdu to various parts of Western Sichuan are relatively affordable, though less flexible in terms of timing and route. 🚞🌴 Classic Itineraries - **Grand Western Sichuan Loop**: Chengdu → Balang Mountain → Shuangqiao Valley of Siguniang Mountain → Danba → Sertar → Garze → Litang → Daocheng Yading → Xinduqiao → Zheduo Mountain → Kangding → Moxi Ancient Town → Hailuogou → Chengdu. The entire loop is about 2,400 km and takes 8-10 days. - **Small Western Sichuan Loop**: Chengdu → Dujiangyan → Siguniang Mountain → Jiaju Tibetan Village → Bamei → Mosi Park → Tagong → Xinduqiao → Zheduo Mountain → Kangding → Luding → Moxi Town → Chengdu. The entire loop is about 1,100 km and can be completed in 3-5 days. 🌴🌴 Attraction Recommendations - **Siguniang Mountain (Four Sisters Mountain)**: Comprising four continuous snow-capped peaks, known as the "Queen of Sichuan Mountains," ideal for hiking, mountaineering, and ice climbing. - **Mosi Park (Black Stone Park)**: Features unique karst landscapes with black stone forests that change color and form under different seasons and lighting. - **Sertar Larung Gar Buddhist Academy**: One of the world's largest Tibetan Buddhist academies, with tens of thousands of red monastic dwellings densely packed in the valley, creating a spectacular sight. - **Daocheng Yading**: Dubbed the "Last Shangri-La," its snow-capped mountains, meadows, alpine lakes, and Tibetan faith form a breathtaking landscape. 🍜🍜 Food Recommendations - **Yak meat products**: Such as yak jerky and yak meat hotpot—yak meat is firm and flavorful. - **Tibetan hotpot**: Made with yak meat, Tibetan pork, various mushrooms, and vegetables, offering a rich and delicious broth. - **Butter tea**: A traditional Tibetan drink that helps alleviate altitude sickness, with a strong, savory taste. - **Barley wine**: A lightly alcoholic beverage brewed from barley, known for its refreshing flavor. 🏡🏡 Accommodation Suggestions - **Siguniang Mountain**: Options include Skura Manor, Anzhi Ruosu Inn, etc. - **Daocheng Yading**: Recommended stays include Adventure·Yunshantai and Yading Zhaxi Kongshu Tibetan Culture Theme Hotel. - **Barkam**: Dust Settles Memory Hotel and Anyin Snow Mountain Canyon Glamping Camp are great choices.