I Discovered a Real-Life Wizard of Oz Near Chengdu

Who can relate? There's a heavenly summer retreat hidden at the foot of Erlang Mountain! 25°C summer + color-changing lakes + wild deer companions, this is the perfect way to escape the heat! Save this comprehensive guide and embark on a three-day, two-night adventure into a real-life fairy tale! 🚗 Itinerary Day 1: Depart from Chengdu → Enter the Forest Oxygen Bar - Morning departure from Chengdu, 3-hour direct drive to Ya'an - Enjoy a bowl of fragrant Dada noodles in Ya'an for lunch, beginning your culinary journey - Check into Blue Crystal Hotel, with emerald lake views and waterfalls right outside your window - Head straight to Five-Color Sea in the afternoon, watch the lake water change between blue, green, purple and other colors in the sunlight, like God's spilled palette - Hike the 4.5 km Longyin Plank Road, listen to the babbling streams, and capture atmospheric photos at the viral suspension bridge - Savor wild mountain cuisine at the hotel in the evening, fall asleep to the sound of insects Day 2: Secret Exploration → Healing Return Journey - Visit Kaishimen Waterfall in the early morning to feel the refreshing mist on your face - Depart from Walnut Flat Visitor Center to encounter the gentle blue-green of Deer Pool; with luck, you might spot wild water deer - Red Stone Beach is absolutely a visual feast! The collision of crimson rocks and emerald water flows creates scenes that look like movie posters with every casual shot - Order a signature latte at "Hug Coffee" and take in the mountain forest scenery through floor-to-ceiling windows - Drive back in the afternoon, bringing the mountain romance home with you 🌟 Must-Visit Magical Spots ✅ Longyin Trail: A 4.5 km hiking route surrounded by greenery, with crystal-clear streams along the way and a suspension bridge that's perfect for photos! ✅ Deer Pool: A sapphire nestled among mountains, like a fairyland when morning mist surrounds it, encountering deer is incredibly healing ✅ Red Stone Beach: The riverbed is covered with red rocks with water flowing over them—nature's masterpiece is truly breathtaking ✅ Hug Coffee: Wooden cabin + unbeatable mountain views, enjoy a coffee and relax in the perfect atmosphere ✅ Five-Color Sea: The lake water shimmers with multiple colors in the sunlight, like falling into a dream world—you won't be able to stop taking photos! 🏡 Accommodation Recommendation Highly recommend Blue Crystal Hotel! Excellent location by the river facing the lake, with Blue Crystal Lake and waterfall views right outside your window. Taking morning and evening walks by the lake, breathing in the negative ions—completely rejuvenating! ⚠️ Super Useful Tips 1️⃣ Mosquito repellent is a must! There are many insects in the forest, and don't forget a light jacket as temperature differences between morning and evening are significant 2️⃣ Wear light-colored clothes for better photos, and comfortable hiking or non-slip shoes are recommended 3️⃣ The scenic area has many wild animals! If you encounter monkeys or deer, don't feed them—just observe quietly 💌 Summary: Erlang Mountain's Laba River is absolutely the ultimate summer retreat near Chengdu! You can hike and breathe fresh air, visit stunning scenic spots, encounter wildlife, and enjoy healing coffee shops. A heavenly trip for just 300+ yuan per person—this summer, grab your friends and venture into this enchanted forest together!