Ya'an: The off-season from May to June is truly amazing, with fewer crowds and beautiful scenery!
🏛️Brief introduction to Ya'an
Ya'an, located in the central part of Sichuan Province, is a city with profound cultural heritage and rich natural landscapes. It is not only the starting point of the Sichuan-Tibet Ancient Tea Horse Road, but also an important habitat for giant pandas, and is known as the "Hometown of Giant Pandas." With its unique climatic conditions and ecological environment, Ya'an attracts many tourists to visit, relax, and experience.
🌸Features of May to June
In Ya'an, from May to June, the climate is mild and humid, with an average temperature between 15℃ and 25℃, which is very suitable for outdoor activities. At this time, the natural landscapes of Ya'an are vibrant, and Bifengxia Gorge, Mengding Mountain, and other places are full of greenery, making them great places for spring outings and hiking. In addition, Ya'an will also hold various cultural activities in May, such as intangible cultural heritage performances and tea art displays, allowing tourists to deeply experience the local cultural charm while enjoying the natural beauty.
🚌Transportation Guide
• High-speed train: Ya'an Station is the main high-speed train station. It takes about 30 minutes from Chengdu and costs about CNY 30.
• Self-driving: Starting from Chengdu, take the Chengya Expressway to Ya'an, which takes about 1.5 hours.
• City transportation: The city has a well-developed public transportation network, which can directly reach the urban area and major attractions. From Ya'an Station to the urban area, you can take a bus or taxi.
🗺️Three-day and two-night tour route
🌅Day 1: Nature and Culture Tour
• Morning: After arriving in Ya'an, go to Bifengxia Gorge Scenic Area, which has the first ecological wildlife park in the country, where more than 100 kinds of wild animals are freely raised, as well as a giant panda base covering an area of more than 1,000 mu. You can observe giant pandas eating bamboo, playing, and sleeping up close.
• Noon: Taste local specialties at a restaurant near Bifengxia Gorge Scenic Area, such as casserole Ya fish.
• Afternoon: Go to Shangli Ancient Town, where the stilted buildings of the Ming and Qing Dynasties are preserved. The Han Family Courtyard has exquisite architecture, and the Red Army stone carvings witness history. Stroll through the ancient town and feel the strong historical atmosphere.
• Evening: Take a night tour of Panda Green Island Cultural and Tourism Characteristic Block, which integrates food and beverage, leisure and entertainment, cultural and creative check-in, and intangible cultural heritage experience. It is an open block in Ya'an with style, warmth, and vitality.
🌞Day 2: Nature and Ecology Tour
• Morning: Go to Mengding Mountain Scenic Area, which is an important birthplace of tea culture, where you can experience the fun of picking and making tea. Taste an authentic cup of Mengding Ganlu at Tiangai Temple and feel the overflowing tea fragrance.
• Noon: Taste local specialties at a restaurant near Mengding Mountain Scenic Area, such as Mengding Mountain tea banquet.
• Afternoon: Go to Niubei Mountain, which is known as "China's largest 360-degree viewing platform," where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of snow-capped mountains, sea of clouds, starry sky, and sunrise.
• Evening: Stay overnight at a homestay near Niubei Mountain and experience the romance under the stars.
🌕Day 3: Leisure and History Tour
• Morning: Go to Erlang Mountain・Labahe Scenic Area, where the original forest is dense, and there are many streams and waterfalls, as well as wild sika deer, macaques, and other animals. You can get close to nature and observe wild animals here.
• Noon: Taste local specialties at a restaurant near Erlang Mountain・Labahe Scenic Area, such as Tianquan Tusi Banquet.
• Afternoon: Depending on the time, choose to go to Dawa Gengza, where you can see the full view of Mount Gongga, as well as starry sky camping and cable car sightseeing. After that, end the pleasant journey and return to your warm home.
📸Check-in attractions
• Bifengxia Gorge Scenic Area: It has the first ecological wildlife park and giant panda base in the country.
• Shangli Ancient Town: It preserves the stilted buildings of the Ming and Qing Dynasties and is full of a simple and peaceful atmosphere.
• Mengding Mountain Scenic Area: An important birthplace of tea culture, where you can experience the fun of picking and making tea.
• Niubei Mountain: Beautiful scenery of snow-capped mountains, sea of clouds, starry sky, and sunrise.
• Erlang Mountain・Labahe Scenic Area: The original forest is dense, and there are many streams and waterfalls.
• Dawa Gengza: You can see the full view of Mount Gongga, which is suitable for starry sky camping.
🏨Accommodation recommendation
• City hotels: There are many hotels in Ya'an city, with convenient transportation and complete facilities. It is recommended to choose a hotel in Yucheng District, which is convenient for visiting Bifengxia Gorge Scenic Area and Shangli Ancient Town.
• Scenic Area Homestays: Staying in a homestay near Niubei Mountain or Erlang Mountain・Labahe Scenic Area will allow you to get closer to nature.
🍔Local food recommendations
• Casserole Ya Fish: A traditional famous dish in Ya'an, made with Ya fish as the main ingredient and cooked in a Yingjing casserole. The finished dish has a milky white soup and tender meat.
• Hanyuan Jar Meat: Pork is marinated, then deep-fried, and then sealed in a jar for preservation. It has a rich aroma.
• Shimian Barbecue: Diverse in form and unique in taste, it mostly uses natural, green, and healthy local ingredients.
• Tianquan Tusi Banquet: Based on the traditional "Nine Bowls" cuisine, it integrates a variety of Sichuan cuisine techniques.
• Lushan Smoked Pork: Marinated and then smoked, the meat is firm and has a unique aroma.
📌Tips
• Sun protection measures: The sun is bright from May to June, so remember to protect yourself from the sun.
• Dress comfortably: The climate is mild, but the temperature difference between morning and evening is large, so it is recommended to bring a light jacket.
• Respect customs: When visiting historical and cultural attractions, pay attention to respecting local customs.
• Book in advance: During the peak tourist season, it is recommended to book tickets and accommodation in advance.
• Experience activities: You can participate in tea picking and tea making, intangible cultural heritage experiences, and other activities.
Ya'an in May and June has a pleasant climate and picturesque scenery, making it an excellent time to travel. Come here and start a poetic journey! 🌿