Erlang Mountain Laba River Deer Feeding & Monkey Watching Hiking Guide – Got Attacked by Monkeys!

Just returned from Laba River in Ya'an's Erlang Mountain! Must say, this place is a hidden gem near Chengdu for lung-cleansing oxygen therapy and wildlife spotting! Though I almost got "robbed" by roadside monkeys... Sharing my firsthand experience and practical tips 🌲 🚗 Super Easy Transportation: Just a 3.5-hour drive from Chengdu, with beginner-friendly roads. But beware! The stretch near the scenic area is packed with monkeys! 🐒 They lurk by the roadside and may even cling to car windows—keep doors/windows closed and drive slowly! 🌳 What to Do? Two Routes with Unique Charms: **East Route – Perfect for Forest Hiking!** A pure oxygen-rich forest! Stroll along the trails, breathe in the crisp air, and feel your urban fatigue melt away. Lush greenery everywhere—super therapeutic. Ideal for nature lovers who enjoy quiet walks. **West Route – Leisurely Sightseeing:** Requires a shuttle bus (direct to the mountaintop's Latitude 30° Plaza). Scenic ride with minimal effort. We missed the cable car to Heart Lake (my friend feared altitude sickness), but heard the views are breathtaking! Adventurous folks should go for it. 🏠 Stay Overnight for a Fuller Experience (But Mind the Conditions): Only three hotels in the area: Blue Crystal, Luming, and White Pigeon. We stayed at Luming Hotel. Pros: At night, wild sambar deer come to lick salt near the hotel's Deer Watching Tower! Magical! They appear around 8:30 PM (stay quiet!). Their BBQ is delicious too! Cons: Outdated facilities, and no AC! Nights get chilly—I slept wrapped in my jacket... Cold-sensitive folks, pack warm pajamas or consider other options. 🎖 Hidden Achievement: Hiking Medal! Visit all 6 spots across both routes to claim a commemorative hiking medal 🏅! We got ours at Blue Crystal Hotel—no crowds, no wait. ⚠ Monkey Survival Guide: 🐒 **Beware the Monkeys! Top Priority!** Driving in: Keep windows/doors shut! No feeding! Monkeys clinging to cars is normal—stay calm and drive slowly. Hiking/outside: Store all food in backpacks—no plastic bags! Monkeys spot them instantly (learned the hard way... almost lost my snacks!). Avoid carrying food/drinks in hand. Good news: Compared to Emei Mountain's "bandits," these monkeys are "gentler" (they only steal food, rarely attack), but keep your distance! 🍔 Pack Snacks & Water! Few shops in the area—hiking hungry is miserable. We brought bread, energy bars, and water. 🌧 Carry an umbrella/raincoat! Ya'an, the "Rainy City," lives up to its name—mountain showers are sudden! 🧥 Bring a jacket! Bring a jacket! Bring a jacket! Much colder than the city, especially at Luming Hotel (no AC). Even daytime hikes need windproof layers. 👟 Wear comfy, slip-proof shoes! Hiking requires some stamina. ✨ Laba River is perfect for a weekend city escape! Forest hikes, wild deer salt-licking, and thrilling monkey encounters... Though lodging is basic, the unique nature experience is worth it. Just remember: Monkey defense first!