Zheduo Mountain, located in Kangding County, is your first sighting of the big mountains and wide open nature that Western Sichuan has to offer.

About Mount Zheduo

Drive about 40km out of Kangding along an absolute beaut of a road that zigzags it's way up the mountain and you'll be treated to your first view of the mountains that lay in wait for you.

It'll be tempting to stop along the way a few times but just wait, the views to come are worth it.

Mount Zheduo is a 'small' mountain that sits around 4,500-5,000 metres that offers incredible views of the moutnains beyond.

From the roadside parking spot, wander along the path, following the faint trail as far as you fancy really. Just be wary of the altitude. You'll have just driven up from around 2,000 metres to almost 5,000 metres and the effect can really start to kick in.

I suggest heading out to one of the further peaks to get around the side of the mountain in front of you. If you use a telephoto lens, you should be able to get a stunning image of Mount Gongga - Sichuan's king!

Getting to Mount Zheduo

Follow the road out of Kangding, along the winding trail as it leads up the mountain and voila.

There'll be a white pagoda and a small parking area at the top indicating where to stop.

If you're heading there, be sure to go early to avoid potential traffic jams on what is a single mountain lane.