Ya'an Travel Guide: Exploring the Hidden Gem of Western Sichuan

Ya'an, located on the western edge of the Sichuan Basin, is known as the "City of Rain." It is the hometown of the giant panda and the starting point of the Ancient Tea Horse Road. It boasts stunning natural scenery and a rich cultural heritage. Here is a carefully crafted travel guide to Ya'an: Must-Visit Attractions Natural Landscapes 1. Bifengxia: A national 5A scenic area with a forest coverage rate of 95%. The valley features interconnected waterfalls, streams, and lakes. Qinglongtan Waterfall is magnificent, while Yuanyang Waterfall is gentle and beautiful. You can also visit the Bifengxia Giant Panda Base to see adorable pandas up close. Tickets are CNY 95. Opening hours: 08:30–16:30. 2. Mengding Mountain: The birthplace of world tea culture, it is one of the three famous historical and cultural mountains in Sichuan, along with Mount Emei and Mount Qingcheng. Stroll through the tea gardens, smell the tea fragrance, visit the ancient tea trees, and experience tea picking and roasting. Tickets are CNY 52. Opening hours: 8:30–18:30. 3. Niubei Mountain: Known for its "snow-capped mountains, sea of clouds, sunset, Buddha's light, Milky Way, and golden sunrise." Standing on the summit, you are surrounded by mountains, with the majestic Mount Gongga in view. Tickets are CNY 160. Opening hours: 8:30–17:00. 4. Dawa Gengza: A 360-degree viewing platform, offering views of Mount Emei to the east, the Gongga peaks to the west, Mount Pagla to the south, and Mount Siguniang to the north. At sunrise, the golden sunlight bathes the mountains, creating a fairyland-like scene. Tickets are CNY 140. Sunrise hours: 02:00–06:00; regular hours: 08:30–17:00. 5. Wanggangping: Recommended by Chinese National Geography, it offers a prime location to view Mount Gongga and witness the stunning golden sunrise. The scenic area features forests, meadows, and streams, creating a pristine and beautiful landscape. Tickets are CNY 138. Opening hours: 08:30–17:00. Historical and Cultural Sites 1. Shangli Ancient Town: A national 4A scenic area and an important station on the Southern Silk Road. The ancient town is nestled against the mountains and rivers, with well-preserved ancient bridges, streets, and buildings. Han Family Courtyard and Shuangxiao Memorial Arch are worth visiting. Free admission. 2. Wangyu Ancient Town: Built in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, it prospered due to the Ancient Tea Horse Road. The town's streets are simple and ancient, with many buildings from the Ming and Qing dynasties, such as Wangyu Old Street and Zhougong Temple. Specialty Foods 1. Lan Shifu Dada Noodles: Handmade noodles that are chewy and flavorful, with savory toppings such as beef and ribs. It is a representative of Ya'an's specialty noodles. 2. Qingxi Tribute Pepper Fish: Fresh fish paired with local tribute pepper, offering a fragrant and numbing flavor. The unique aroma of the tribute pepper blends into the tender fish, leaving a lasting impression. 3. Shimian Barbecue: Unlike regular barbecue, it is grilled on an iron plate with a variety of ingredients, including tender beef and special Shimian mini-pigs. The dipping sauce is spicy and refreshing. 4. Ya'an Ya Fish: A specialty fish of Ya'an with tender meat. Clay pot Ya fish is the most classic dish, with a fresh and delicious soup. You can also find a bone resembling a sword in the fish's head. 5. Yingjing Bangbang Chicken: The chicken is firm and chewy, and the seasoning is spicy and appetizing, making it a local specialty cold dish. Itinerary Three-Day Itinerary - Day 1: Arrive in Ya'an and head to Bifengxia. In the morning, explore the Bifengxia Valley Scenic Area and enjoy the waterfalls and streams. In the afternoon, visit the Giant Panda Base. In the evening, stay in a guesthouse near Bifengxia and experience the tranquility of the mountains. - Day 2: Go to Mengding Mountain. In the morning, experience tea picking and tasting, and learn about tea culture. In the afternoon, visit attractions such as Yongxing Temple. Then, head to Shangli Ancient Town, stroll through the ancient streets, see the ancient buildings, and sample local snacks. Stay overnight in the ancient town. - Day 3: Drive or take a bus to Dawa Gengza. Get up early to watch the sunrise and sea of clouds, and enjoy panoramic views of the mountains. If time permits, on the way back, you can visit Longmen Cave in Lushan County to see unique landscapes such as underground rivers and stalactites. Five-Day Itinerary - Day 1: After arriving in Ya'an, go to Bifengxia to explore the valley and panda base. Stay near the scenic area. - Day 2: Head to Wanggangping to enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mount Gongga and experience the fun of hiking. Stay around the scenic area. - Day 3: Go to Shimian. In the morning, visit Menghuo City to see the alpine meadows and herds of cattle and sheep. In the afternoon, go to Anshunchang to learn about the history of the Red Army crossing the Dadu River. Stay in Shimian County. - Day 4: Head to Hanyuan and visit Hanyuan Lake, where you can take a boat trip. Then, go to Jiuxiang Town to see the ancient streets and stone archways. Stay in Jiuxiang. - Day 5: Go to Niubei Mountain to see the sea of clouds, sunrise, and other wonders. Return in the afternoon. Transportation Guide External Transportation - Plane: Ya'an does not have an airport. You can fly to Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport and then take a bus from the airport's long-distance bus station to Ya'an, which takes about 2 hours. - Train: You can take a train to Ya'an Station, which is currently connected to Chengdu, Chongqing, and other places. - Long-distance bus: Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station, Shiyangchang Bus Station, and other stations have buses to Ya'an. - Self-driving: Chengdu to Ya'an is about 140 km via the Chengya Expressway, which takes about 1.5–2 hours. Internal Transportation - Bus: Ya'an city and some scenic areas have bus lines, but it is inconvenient to go to some remote scenic spots. - Taxi/Ride-hailing: Taxis are readily available in the city. Negotiate the price in advance when going to scenic spots. - Direct bus to scenic spots: During peak tourist seasons or between popular scenic spots, there may be direct buses. You can inquire at local travel agencies or hotels. Accommodation Recommendations - Ya'an City: There are many accommodation options, such as Ya'an Xikang Hotel. It is convenient for travel and dining, making it suitable for staying at the beginning or end of your trip. - Bifengxia Scenic Area: Places like Ya'an Muyun Chunshu Homestay offer mountain treehouses and private forest hot springs, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature. - Shangli Ancient Town: Many of the guesthouses in the ancient town are converted from Ming and Qing dynasty buildings, such as some riverside guesthouses, where you can enjoy the night view of the ancient town and the scenery of the early morning. Travel Tips - Ya'an is rainy, so bring rain gear and pay attention to the weather forecast. If you are going to Niubei Mountain, Dawa Gengza, etc. to watch the sunrise and sea of clouds, choose a sunny day. - Some scenic areas have high altitudes, so be careful to prevent altitude sickness and avoid strenuous exercise. - When driving, the mountain roads have many bends and steep slopes, so drive carefully and control your speed. - When tasting Ya fish, you can ask the restaurant to help you find the "sword" bone to keep as a souvenir.