[2025 Pengzhou Attraction] Travel Guide for Jiufeng Mountain Scenic Area (Updated May)

1. Trip highlights - Wild deer interaction: Asia’s largest wild water deer habitat, feed carrots along the road (10 CNY each), 90% chance to see deer from 6:00 to 8:00 am - Alpine water sliding spectacle: Asia’s highest-altitude alpine water slide (200m drop), kayak downstream for an adrenaline rush, open through October in summer - Starry sky camping at its best: Ye Zhou Island campsite offers a night view of the Milky Way spanning snowy mountains, with professional telescopes available for rent - Seasonal wild charm: May’s Paulownia flower sea, September’s red leaves covering the hills, December’s frost and ice formations, each season offers unique scenery --- 2. Route plan (2 days 1 night highlights) Day 1: Easy hike + alpine water slide - Morning: - Self-drive/shuttle: Depart Chengdu via Chengya Expressway → Yakang Expressway → National Highway 318 (3 hrs), navigate to “Laba River Scenic Area East Gate” - Longyin Trail hike: Walk along wooden boardwalk through primeval forest, spot wild monkeys (do not feed), pass the 30m Kaimen Stone Waterfall - Afternoon: - Explore Red Stone Beach: Photograph red sandstone and turquoise reflections, wear non-slip shoes (slippery in rainy season) - Alpine water slide experience: Slide from 2,000m to 1,500m altitude, about 15 min (ticket + gear 198 CNY), bring waterproof phone case - Night: - Ye Zhou Island starry sky camp: Stay in a tent (300 CNY per tent including breakfast), Milky Way clearly visible after 8:00 pm, professional photography guidance provided Day 2: Jiao Mountain sunrise + return exploration - Early morning: - Jiao Mountain viewing platform: 3,700m altitude, watch sunrise with rolling sea of clouds and snowy mountain silhouettes (arrive before 5:30 am, bring oxygen tank) - Morning: - Deer Pool stroll: Visit wild deer drinking spot, autumn lake reflects stunning red leaves (best light 9:00–11:00 am) - Return and rest: After descending, visit Tianquan Cilangyi Homestay (30 min drive from scenic area), experience Tibetan Tea Horse Road culture --- 3. Accommodation recommendations (pitfall guide) 1. Ye Zhou Island starry sky camp - Features: Transparent dome tents, star-gazing equipment rental (50 CNY/hr), includes bonfire party - Pitfalls: Be cautious of “private guide night hikes” with hidden costs; bring electric blanket in winter 2. Blue Crystal Grand Hotel - Highlights: Lake view rooms facing Deer Pool, outdoor hot spring included (600 CNY/night), restaurant serves wild mushroom hot pot - Pitfall warning: “Tibetan family visits” at scenic entrance are often shopping stops, participate carefully --- 4. Food guide (must-try list) - Mountain delicacies: - Mushroom hot pot: At scenic restaurant “Luming Shifu” (80 CNY per person), combination of matsutake, boletus, and bamboo fungus - Cured meat bamboo rice: Freshly baked at Hetaoping Homestay (30 CNY per serving), cured meat with balanced fat, rich bamboo aroma - Snacks to try: - Mom’s meat pie: Mobile food cart inside scenic area (10 CNY each), crispy crust, best with wild mushroom soup - Spicy pepper chicken: Tianquan county “Old Brand Spicy Pepper Chicken” (40 CNY per person), fragrant pepper oil without harshness --- 5. Photography guide (95% success rate) - Recommended shots: - Red Stone Beach aerial: DJI Mavic 3 Pro + 200mm telephoto, top-down shots of red rocks and turquoise water, side lighting enhances texture - Deer interaction: Macro lens to capture antler details, use telephoto over 200mm to avoid disturbing animals - Starry sky time-lapse: Tripod + wide aperture (f/2.8), ISO 1600–3200, capture Milky Way movement trails - Outfit tips: Wear a windbreaker + bright scarf (contrast with Red Stone Beach background), non-slip hiking shoes for slippery sections --- 6. Practical tips (safety first) 1. Transportation: - Self-drive: Chengdu → Yakang Expressway → National Highway 318 (3 hrs), winding mountain roads require cautious driving - Shuttle: Daily 7:30 am departure from Xinnanmen Bus Station to Laba River (50 CNY ticket), last return bus at 3:00 pm 2. Gear checklist: - Essentials: Non-slip hiking shoes, trekking poles, 1.5L water + energy bars, sunscreen (SPF 50+) - Recommended: Knee pads (protect knees on long steps), raincoat (rainy season landslide prevention), offline maps (no signal in some areas) 3. Safety notes: - Wildlife: Keep over 5m distance, no feeding meat, gently scare monkeys by tapping tree trunks with sticks - Weather alerts: Frequent summer showers, bring waterproof shoe covers; winter snow on some roads requires traction chains - Environmental rules: Carry out all trash, no open flames (strict forest fire control period) --- 7. Trip options (flexible choices) - Half-day quick tour: East line hike (Longyin Trail → Kaimen Stone Waterfall) + Red Stone Beach (4 hrs) - In-depth experience: Day 1 Jiao Mountain sunrise + starry camping; Day 2 Deer Pool exploration + alpine water slide --- 8. Best travel times - May–June: Paulownia flower sea in full bloom, 15–25℃, occasional sea of clouds spectacle - September–October: Hills covered in red leaves, perfect for aerial photography, golden photography season - December–January: Frost and ice wonders, but watch for road closures - Avoid: July–August heavy rains, after November vegetation yellows and scenery dulls --- Summary: Laba River is the “last ecological secret of Western Sichuan.” Spend 2 days crossing snowy mountains, seas of clouds, and primeval forests, feeling the symbiosis of nature and life with the rhythm of dawn and dusk. Avoid tourist traps and measure this underdeveloped Western Sichuan gem on foot.

After being trapped in the hustle and bustle of the world for a long time, my heart is like a kite with a broken string, longing to float to the free mountains and sea of clouds. Hearing about the magnificence of the sea of clouds at Jiufeng Mountain, I resolutely embarked on this hiking trip to pursue the dreamlike sea of clouds. At dawn, I stood at the starting point of Jiufeng Mountain. The mountain, in the dim morning light, is hazy and majestic, like a sleeping giant. The breeze gently kisses, bringing the unique breath of the mountains and forests, which is a symphony of the freshness of pine needles, the simplicity of the soil, and the sweet fragrance of wildflowers, instantly waking me up, eager to start this journey of chasing clouds. Walking along the winding path, it is as if I have stepped into a poetic painting. At first, the surroundings are quiet, with only the whispers of footsteps and fallen leaves. The sunlight, like slender golden threads, penetrates the mottled branches and leaves, drawing strange light and shadow on the ground. The trees beside me stand tall, some like old men with strong branches, and some like young girls with graceful postures. The birds' songs are melodious and add a lively rhythm to the quiet mountains and forests. As the altitude rises, the mountain becomes steeper, and my steps become heavier. But every time I look up, there are new surprises. On the way, I encounter a clear spring, like the eyes of the mountains and forests, crystal clear. The spring water flows between the stones, making a crisp sound, as if whispering an ancient ballad. I gently scoop a handful, and the coolness instantly dispels fatigue. When I finally reach the viewing platform, the sea of clouds rushes towards me like surging waves. The continuous mountains float in the sea of clouds, like the fairyland of Penglai, looming. The clouds sometimes roll like a giant dragon, majestic; sometimes dance like a light veil, gentle and moving. The sunlight shines down, and the sea of clouds is gilded with a layer of gold, dreamlike, as if stepping into a fairyland. Continuing to climb, the wind becomes more biting, but it cannot extinguish the desire in my heart. Finally, standing on the top of Jiufeng Mountain, the panoramic view of the sea of clouds is fully presented in front of me. The magnificent scene makes me feel awe. I am like a tiny speck of dust, deeply shocked by the power of nature. This hiking trip to Jiufeng Mountain, chasing the sea of clouds, is a physical tempering and a spiritual redemption. In the vastness of the sea of clouds, I find inner peace. This moment of embracing the sea of clouds will forever be engraved in the depths of my memory, becoming a shining treasure in my life.

No tickets required, beautiful snowy destinations around Chengdu❗❗ Free snowy destinations around Chengdu Only 2 hours away, perfect for a day trip No tickets required, thick snow and beautiful scenery Build snowmen, have snowball fights, and have fun! ✅ Xingfu Valley 📍Navigation: Xingfu Valley, Wenchuan County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture 🚙Travel time: 2 hours 💰Cost: Cleaning fee of CNY 10 per person, free for children A little-known snowy destination with a smooth road. As the core area of the panda ecosystem, it has a large forest coverage and fresh air. The snow-covered branches and rime along the way, set against the surrounding peaks, make it even more mysterious and stunning. - ✅ Nibashan Pass 📍Navigation: Nibashan, at the border of Yingjing County and Hanyuan County, Ya'an City 🚙Travel time: 3.5 hours 💰Cost: Free Endless snowy mountain forests, deserted snowfields, and a secluded place to enjoy! Drive up the mountain from the direction of Yingjing, head straight to the pass, and enjoy the snow-covered national highway and rime on both sides. Travel through the snow-covered mountains and forests, and enjoy the quiet romance. - ✅ Daping Village 📍Navigation: Daping Village, Tongji Town, Pengzhou City 🚙Travel time: 2 hours 💰Cost: Free Pengzhou in winter is definitely a beautiful scenery around Chengdu, with the unique snowy mountains of Jiufeng Mountain, Tiantai Mountain, and Taiyang Bay. The forest next to the village is also covered in silver, and the wide road is covered with thick snow. You can have snowball fights and build snowmen without hiking. · ⚠Notes: ① In winter, snow chains are essential for self-driving on icy roads. Safety first. ② Bring crampons and trekking poles to avoid slipping. ③ Bring your own food and hot water.

Chengdu's Jiufeng Mountain is a scenic area that combines natural beauty and historical culture. • Location and Composition: Jiufeng Mountain is located in Dabaoxiang, northwest of Pengzhou, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, about 97 km from downtown Chengdu. It consists of nine steep peaks, including Huoyan Peak, Baihu Peak, Beiguang Peak, Yuanwu Peak, Xianren Peak, Zhuque Peak, Changnian Peak, Tianya Peak, and Long Peak, with altitudes ranging from 1,200 m to 4,500 m. The main peak, Taizicheng, is 4,812 m high. • Natural Scenery: Jiufeng Mountain is famous for its misty and towering natural scenery. The ancient Shu people believed that the nine peaks blocked the path of the sun and moon, and called the valley between the nine peaks "Menggu," where the sun sets. The scenery here varies with the seasons: in spring, the mountains are covered with flowers; in summer, waterfalls cascade down; in autumn, the forests are ablaze with color; and in winter, the mountains are covered with snow. • History and Culture: Jiufeng Mountain is not only a treasure trove of natural scenery, but also a gathering place of cultural landscapes. Many monks and sages have visited here throughout history, and the story of the Jiufeng Patriarch has been passed down since the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties. In the past, Jiufeng Mountain was revered by officials and civilians alike, and it was believed that sincere prayers at the mountain would bring blessings, such as protection from disasters, rain, and children. • Religious Buildings: There are many religious buildings in the mountains, including Leizu Temple, Qingliang Temple, Haihui Hall, and Patriarch Hall, as well as Leiyin Temple, built during the Tianqi period of the Ming Dynasty. These temples are not only of religious significance, but also important places for studying history and culture. • Travel Experience: At Jiufeng Mountain, visitors can enjoy the sunrise, sea of clouds, and Buddha's light on sunny days, and the spectacular "waterfall clouds" on cloudy days. In addition, Jiufeng Mountain is an ideal place for hiking, trekking, and camping, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. • Protection and Development: Since 1985, Jiufeng Mountain has been developed into a provincial-level natural scenic area, and the religious community has actively restored temples, adding infinite charm to Jiufeng Mountain. With its unique natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, Jiufeng Mountain has become a rare tourist destination around Chengdu.

Address: Red House Leisure Villa, Jiufeng Mountain Start at 9:00, descend at 19:00, total time: 10 hours Route Red House - Suspension Bridge - Zushi Hall - First Landslide - Second Landslide - Guanyin Rock - Huosan Niangniang Temple - Nantianmen - Leiyin Temple (Golden Summit). Tickets: We bought tickets online for 75 per person (same price on site). Cars can drive into the scenic area parking lot. We set off from Baotou. The road up the mountain was said to be under construction recently, so we took another road, which was also a mountain road. Jiufeng Mountain is shrouded in clouds and mist, reaching high into the sky. It is the sacred mountain mentioned in the Classic of the Great Wilderness: West. Ten shamans, including Wu Peng, Wu Wei, Wu Ji, Wu Gu, Wu Gu, Wu Zhen, Wu Li, Wu Di, Wu Xie, and Wu Luo, ascended to heaven and descended to earth from here. Various kinds of herbs grow here, and when they ascend to heaven and descend to earth, they also pick some to treat people. Therefore, this mountain is also known as the Ladder to Heaven, the Road of Immortals, and the Paradise on Earth... It is said that this mountain is a mountain that can make you spiritual, divine, immortal, and able to control the wind and rain, and produce immortal medicine. During the hike on Jiufeng Mountain, you will be able to enjoy the magnificent natural scenery and charming mountain views. The mountain is covered with dense forests, clear streams and waterfalls, and various wild animals and plants. During the climb, you can feel the tranquility and beauty of nature. There are various hiking routes on Jiufeng Mountain, and you can choose the one that suits you according to your physical strength and time. Generally speaking, the whole hiking process takes a whole day. I love hiking! Keep it up, the scenery is great! The cold wind is nice.

Jiufeng Mountain detailed guide is here~ If you want to see the sea of ​​clouds at Jiufeng Mountain, it depends on the weather! If the weather is too good, you won’t be able to see the sea of ​​clouds. It was cloudy, but friends on the mountain managed to see it. Navigation: Jiufeng Mountain Red House Leisure Villa P parking: 10 yuan/car Driving: I left Huayang after get off work on Friday night and drove about 140 kilometers, which took two and a half hours. Accommodation: Choose a mountain resort near Jiufeng Mountain, eat a bowl of noodles in the morning and leave Climbing distance: The round trip route is about 22 kilometers; 5 hours to climb the mountain and 3 hours to descend the mountain (climb after 7 o'clock, reach the top after 12 o'clock, start descending after 2 o'clock, and arrive at the bottom of the mountain at 5 o'clock) Difficulty level: ★★★★☆ Altitude: No altitude sickness, the altitude rises more than 1,000 meters Road conditions: cement road at the beginning, stone ladder road at the end, stone road at the end, mountain road at the end Mobile phone signal: No (no signal after climbing the mountain) Hiking weather: Try to avoid rainy days, as the road is slippery and there are stone steps and stone roads, which can easily cause you to fall. Route signs: Jiufeng Mountain Gate (Red House) -> Cable Bridge -> Zushi Hall -> Slippery Slope (There are several) -> Guanyin Rock (White House) -> Thunder God Hall -> Nantianmen (Cihang Pudu) -> Summit Precautions 1. Consumption at the top of the mountain: Water is collected at the top of the mountain, 10 yuan per bottle, it is packed in a bucket, not good to drink, it is best to bring enough water with you (I brought three bottles for me); Accommodation is available at the top of the mountain 2 Signal: There is no signal in the mountains, so report to your friends and family in advance before going up the mountain; you can bring some cash to buy water and instant noodles 3. Can beginners climb this mountain? It is not recommended. It requires a certain amount of physical strength, otherwise it will be annoying to climb. You can practice it before climbing. 4. See the sea of ​​clouds: It is easy to see the sea of ​​clouds in cloudy weather; it is impossible to see it in good weather. 5. Mountain closure news: everyone should pay attention to the news in advance to avoid a wasted trip Mountaineering equipment: 1. Trekking poles - Most of the stone steps at the beginning of the mountain are used for support and leverage, which is effective for cheating; a must-have for the subsequent single-loop climbing. 2. Knee pads - there are many stone steps on the road, you can wear them when going down the mountain to protect your knees 3. Shoes - Non-slip sports shoes are very important, there will be stone stairs and stone roads to avoid slipping (if it snows on the mountain, you need to bring crampons, just in case) 4. Mountaineering bag - put the necessary items on your back so that your hands and feet can play a better role Food needed: Mineral water, bread, braised vegetables, spicy noodles (roast on the way) 5. Garbage bags: pack your own garbage, climb without leaving any trace, and respect nature - I wish us a happy life and seamless mountain climbing!

On November 7, 2023, nine hikers from Chengdu and Guizhou lost contact while climbing Jiufeng Mountain in Pengshi Prefecture, Sichuan Province. Eight of the missing persons were not found until the morning of November 9, and one person fell off a cliff and his whereabouts are unknown. In recent years, safety accidents have continued to occur among hikers in Pengzhou Jiufeng Mountain. What kind of mountain is this? What is the charm that attracts so many hikers? Why do hikers venture into Jiufeng Mountain? Pengshi Prefecture, a county-level prefecture under the jurisdiction of Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, is located at the junction of the northwestern Sichuan mountainous area and the Chengdu Plain. The Longmen Mountains extend from Motianling in Guangyuan City, Sichuan Province to the southwest and end at the Minjiang River. It is like a natural screen, stretching across the northwest edge of the Chengdu Plain. It is the dividing line between the Sichuan Basin and the western Sichuan Plateau. The Longmen Mountains are composed of Danjing Mountain, Yinchanggou Mountain, Jiufeng Mountain, and Mazongling Mountain. The highest peak, Taizicheng, is 4,812 meters above sea level. According to legend, Dayu "carved Longmen, cast nine tripods, and controlled floods", hence the name Longmen Mountain. Jiufeng Mountain is located in the middle section of Longmen Mountain Range. "There are nine strange peaks standing tall against the sky, which is the crown of all the mountains in Pengyi", so it is named Jiufeng Mountain. The nine peaks, Qinglong, Zhuque, Flame, Tianya, Beiguang, Xianren, Huanglong, Yuanwu and Baihu, stretch out in a long and winding way, with tall trees, strange rocks and steaming clouds. Jiufeng Mountain is a popular place for mountaineering, snow viewing, adventure, sea of ​​clouds viewing and sunrise viewing, which is close to Chengdu city. It belongs to Longmenshan Town, Pengzhou City. It was called Dabao Town before 2002 and Dabao Township before 1992. Wild animals such as giant pandas and monkeys can be seen in the mountains from time to time. In recent years, waves of outdoor enthusiasts have come here from far away to adventure here. In the eyes of local people, Jiufeng Mountain is extremely sacred. "It is the crown of all mountains in Pengzhou, a sacred and mysterious area, and a place shared by Taoism and Buddhism. Ancient pilgrims said that those who are not sincere will often encounter wind, rain, thunder and lightning, and will not survive or have a good end." Currently, the open area of ​​Jiufeng Mountain Scenic Area can only climb up to the Zushi Hall and cannot go any higher. Jiufeng Mountain is adjacent to Wenchuan County, Aba Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province. It was severely squeezed, deformed and collapsed in the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. The rocks became loose and the mountain became unstable, causing a series of geological hazards. On November 7, 2023, nine hikers climbed the Flame Peak of Jiufeng Mountain, which is 3,315 meters above sea level. It has strange peaks and dangerous rocks, and the ridge is steep with a slope of more than 70°. The narrowest part of the ridge can only accommodate one person. The rocks underfoot are loose, the terrain is dangerous, there is a blind spot for signals, and wild animals are present. It is an unopen wild mountain, so climbing is prohibited. The nine hikers were almost all novice mountain climbers. They did not enter the Jiufeng Mountain Scenic Area from the main gate, but took a detour through Yushigou to go up the mountain, crossed the Golden Summit, and finally lost contact while passing through the Flame Peak route. After an emergency search, even using a helicopter to search, the missing hikers were found on the evening of November 8, but due to the steep terrain, they could not be approached. It was not until the morning of November 9 that the eight missing persons were found and escorted down the mountain. Another person fell off a cliff and his life or death is unknown. There is still no news about the last hiker who fell off the cliff and lost contact, and his whereabouts are unknown. In Jiufeng Mountain, there was an accident in 2023 where a hiker fell off a cliff and died while climbing. On January 19, 2023, a man and a woman lost contact while climbing a mountain. On January 20, rescuers found the two and confirmed that they had fallen off a cliff and died. On May 19, a group of seven people were climbing a mountain when two of them got separated. They called the police for rescue at around 3 a.m. on May 20, and the rescue was successful at 10 a.m. on the same day. On May 20, three college students went into the mountains to watch the sunrise the next morning. As there was no cell phone signal on the mountain, their classmates at school could not get in touch with them for a long time and thought something had happened, so they called the police for help. Rescuers found the three college students safe and sound, and it turned out to be a false alarm! As autumn turns to winter and mountain climbing and snow viewing arrive, a large number of hikers will venture out to enjoy the scenery. There are risks behind the scenery. Please do not venture into dangerous areas. Life safety comes first.

Jiufeng Mountain is located in Dabao Township, Chengdu, northwest of Pengzhou City. It has an altitude of more than 3,000 meters. The scenic spots have not yet been developed. The road to the mountain is very immature. People who like to hike like mountain climbing like self-abuse will appreciate the beauty. Transportation: It is most convenient to drive or charter in the past. There is no direct shuttle bus. Take the shuttle bus to Pengzhou in Chengdu Wuzhishi Bus Station, take the shuttle bus from Pengzhou to Baishui River, take the van from Baishui River to the red house, and start at Jiufeng Mountain. The journey from Chengdu to Jiufengshan takes about 4 hours. I set off from Chengdu very early in the morning, and started climbing at the mountain at noon, and went to the top of the mountain in the evening. Jiufeng Mountain is no car to the top of the mountain, the whole journey can only walk! If the middle foot is abolished, you can ask someone to go down the mountain, and the cost is very high. There is no place to live on the top of the mountain. There are only 2 small houses where you can sleep, but there is usually nothing. It is best to bring your sleeping bag and moisture pad. The top of the mountain is very cold at night, so be sure to bring thick clothes. Bring your own food and water. If there are many people going up the mountain on weekends, there will be an uncle on the top of the mountain to cook and boil water, but it is best to bring your own food just in case. Look at the night scenes, stars, sunrises, clouds and seas to fight for the character, the beauty will be left to the lucky ones.