Luoji Mountain, rising southeast of Xichang to its highest point at 4,359 metres, is the most dramatic natural feature accessible from the city with proper planning. The mountain's 72 peaks above 4,000 metres contain glacial lakes, hot springs at the lower altitudes, and high-alpine terrain that sees very few Western visitors. The standard approach from the village of Maxiang on the western slope takes two to three days round trip.
The hot springs near the mountain base are accessible on a day trip from Xichang and are used year-round by local visitors. The combination of Xichang's warm valley climate and the hot springs at a slightly cooler altitude makes the thermal baths particularly pleasant outside the summer peak. The full mountain approach requires gear, acclimatisation time, and a guide for the upper section — the mountain is serious hiking rather than a park walk. The descent offers views across the full extent of Qionghai Lake.