Two-Day In-Depth Self-Driving Tour of Heizhugou|Exploring the Mountain Secret Realm, Encountering Marilengjiu in the Misty Clouds
Heizhugou in Ebian, Leshan, is known as the Bermuda Triangle of China’s deep mountains, carrying a mysterious aura. Within the scenic area lies a poetic secret place called Marilengjiu in the Yi language, meaning a meadow full of blooming flowers. Because of the mountain springs winding around it all year, it also symbolizes a flower-covered meadow surrounded by flowing water. Driven by curiosity about this mountain secret, we embarked on a two-day short mountain trip, shedding the suspense from rumors and encountering the serene and tranquil forest scenery, here is the itinerary of this trip.
🚗 Arrival & Transportation
Self-driving is the most suitable way to travel the whole route, about a 4-hour drive from Chengdu. After the highway, you will drive on a winding mountain road with smooth and well-maintained conditions, accompanied by continuous green mountains and forest scenery along the way.
Travel tip: Although it is widely said that there is no mobile signal throughout the deep mountains of Heizhugou, our personal experience shows that the signal within the Marilengjiu scenic area and resort is stable throughout, so normal travel is completely unaffected.
📅 Two-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Drive into the mountains, stroll in the rain
Depart in the afternoon and arrive at the Ebian mountain area. It was raining as we entered the mountains, with fine rain misting the entire valley and the primeval forest shrouded in layers of fog.
Leisurely stroll around the forest outskirts, wandering along the wooden plank paths. The greenery after the rain is especially lush, with moist and fresh vegetation and abundant natural plants. Expansive alpine meadows and quiet mountain lakes are hidden in the dense forest. The lake water is clear, reflecting the trees, creating a cool and healing atmosphere.
The ecology here is well preserved, rich in flora and fauna. Along the way, we encountered cattle and sheep leisurely grazing on the grassland, adding to the strong mountain vibe. The rainy forest naturally adds a hazy filter, making photos especially beautiful. In the evening, quietly wait for the mountain mist to drift and flow, experiencing the unique slow pace of deep mountains.
Day 2: Check in at Marilengjiu, walk through the primeval forest
The rain stopped the next day, but the mountains were shrouded in mist all day, the most beautiful moment for Marilengjiu.
In the morning, enter the core scenic area of Heizhugou, Marilengjiu. This flower meadow, given a romantic meaning by the Yi people, is embraced by continuous mountains. The entire forest is an untouched primeval forest, with dense and deep trees, cool and refreshing mountain air, perfect for summer heat relief.
Walk slowly along the wooden plank path around the lake, weaving between the forest sea and grassland. Scattered solitary trees dot the lush and gentle alpine meadow. The lake surface is calm and peaceful, with clouds and mist rolling through the valley. From a high vantage point, overlook the layered green mountains, a sea of verdant scenery. The scenic area is sparsely visited, so there’s no crowding, allowing for relaxed photography and exploration. After visiting the alpine wetland meadow, head to the Beehive Rock primeval canyon to immerse yourself in the deep and quiet original mountain forest. In the afternoon, start the return journey, ending the two-day mountain trip.
🍜 Local Specialty Food
Mountain ingredients are all local and natural wild ingredients, mainly featuring farmhouse home-style dishes. Recommended dishes include mountain cured meat, native chicken soup pot, seasonal wild vegetables, and alpine potatoes. The ingredients are fresh and simple, with a light and natural taste.
💡 Travel Tips
1. Mountain weather is changeable, often cloudy, rainy, and foggy, with large temperature differences between morning and evening. Bring a light jacket and carry an umbrella.
2. After rain, the forest plank paths are slippery; it is recommended to wear non-slip sports shoes.
3. Avoid venturing alone into undeveloped remote dense forests; try to hike with companions.
🏨 Accommodation Experience
This trip stayed at the Ebian Zen-style Resort Hotel, built on the mountain and part of a local poverty alleviation project, employing many villagers from surrounding areas. The overall style is new Chinese Zen, with large floor-to-ceiling glass windows facing the valley and forest. The hotel offers a tea room, viewing terrace, and leisure lounge. The rooms are quiet, with only the sound of wind and insects at night. Opening the window in the morning, mountain mist flows in, immersing you in the mountain wilderness and away from city noise.
The overall itinerary is relaxed, leaving behind the mysterious legends of Heizhugou, and encountering forests, meadows, and mist in the flower meadow of Marilengjiu. It’s perfect for a weekend short trip to unwind and clear your mind in the deep mountains.