Hailuogou Glacier Glacier

Glacial valley on Mount Gongga with icefalls

Hailuogou Glacier on the eastern slopes of Mount Gongga features glacier tongues, icefalls, red fir forests and nearby hot springs; tourists use cable cars and trails to view the ice.

Main image

Hailuogou Glacier at a Glance#

About Hailuogou Glacier#

Hailuogou Glacier is a glacier and scenic area on the eastern slopes of Mount Gongga (Minya Konka) in Sichuan province, China, known for a large modern glacier tongue that descends into a forested valley. The site combines glacial ice, moraine scenery and hot springs in a compact mountain setting.

Visitors to the scenic area encounter glacier views, icefalls and a tree-lined glacial valley; there are park facilities and trails that provide viewpoints of the glacier and surrounding peaks. The area is valued for both its glaciological significance and its accessibility compared with higher, less accessible peaks.

The glacier sits on the slopes of Mount Gongga within Sichuan province and is reached via local roads and the gateway settlement often used by visitors to the Gongga Snow Mountain region.

  • Low-elevation glacier: The glacier descends from the eastern slopes of Mount Gongga and is noted for its low-elevation glacier tongue, which reaches much lower than many other glaciers in the region.

How to Get to Hailuogou Glacier#

Hailuogou Glacier is accessed via regional roads in Sichuan province; reach the park through the nearest county-level towns and follow park signage to parking and trail areas. Road conditions can be variable; tour operators often offer organized transport from larger cities.

Tips for Visiting Hailuogou Glacier#

  • High-altitude glacier areas can shift quickly-follow local park or guide instructions for safe routes.
  • Bring warm layers and sturdy boots; crevasse danger and meltwater streams appear in marginal seasons.
  • Check for seasonal access restrictions and organized hiking or guide services, as some approaches may require permits.

Best Time to Visit Hailuogou Glacier#

Warmer months provide safer, more reliable access to glacier margins; winter is technical and hazardous.

Late spring to early autumn
May-September · 0-15°C (32-59°F) depending on altitude
Easier access beneath the glacier margins and clearer weather windows.
Winter
December-February · -20-0°C (-4-32°F)
Harsh conditions and heavy snow-only for experienced mountaineers.

Weather & Climate near Hailuogou Glacier#

Climate

Hailuogou Glacier's climate is classified as Subarctic (Dry Winter) - Subarctic (Dry Winter) climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -12°C to 16°C. Moderate rainfall (851 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 58 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
DecemberNovemberJanuary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
22°
Warmest Month
-22°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Good -12° - 3° -9° 8 mm some cloud 61% 2.9 m/s 1.0 high 10.4h
February Acceptable -10° - 4° -7° 8 mm partly cloudy 61% 2.8 m/s 1.4 high 11.0h
March Acceptable -7° - 7° -4° 13 mm partly cloudy 64% 3.2 m/s 1.8 very high 11.9h
April Acceptable -2° - 10° 1° 41 mm overcast 70% 3.1 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.8h
May Acceptable 2° - 13° 5° 92 mm overcast 75% 3.2 m/s 2.3 extreme 13.5h
June Poor 5° - 14° 8° 176 mm overcast 82% 3.0 m/s 2.2 extreme 13.9h
July Acceptable 7° - 15° 11° 163 mm overcast 86% 2.5 m/s 2.1 extreme 13.7h
August Acceptable 7° - 16° 11° 126 mm overcast 87% 2.5 m/s 2.0 extreme 13.1h
September Poor 5° - 13° 8° 139 mm overcast 87% 2.5 m/s 1.8 very high 12.2h
October Acceptable 0° - 10° 3° 62 mm partly cloudy 82% 2.6 m/s 1.6 very high 11.3h
November Good -6° - 6° -3° 14 mm some cloud 71% 2.4 m/s 1.1 high 10.6h
December Good -10° - 4° -7° 9 mm mostly sunny 64% 2.8 m/s 0.9 moderate 10.2h