Weekend Plans | Encounter Mountains, Lakes, and Seas Around Chengdu

Chengdu's surrounding areas are rich in tourism resources, perfect for short trips, weekend getaways, or holiday vacations🥳 Below is a practical guide covering natural scenery, cultural ancient towns, and food experiences for your reference: 1. Natural Scenery 1. Mount Qingcheng-Dujiangyan Highlights: A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring Mount Qingcheng (divided into Front Mountain with Taoist culture and Back Mountain with natural landscapes) + the Dujiangyan Irrigation System🏞️ Activities: Dujiangyan: Visit the Fish Mouth Levee and Flying Sand Weir, recommended with a guide📝 Mount Qingcheng: Hiking the Front Mountain takes about 3 hours; the Back Mountain is more pristine (great for summer escapes🌿) Transport: Take Metro Line 2 to Xipu Station, then transfer to the intercity train to Lidui Park/Mount Qingcheng Station (~30 mins)🚄 Tips: Can be done as a day trip; watch for slippery paths in summer on the Back Mountain⚠️ 2. Mount Emei-Leshan Giant Buddha Highlights: A sacred Buddhist mountain + the world's largest stone-carved Buddha🗿 Activities: Mount Emei: Watch the sunrise and sea of clouds at Golden Summit (requires overnight stay)🌅, and encounter monkeys along the way🐒 Leshan Giant Buddha: Recommended to take a boat for a full view to avoid crowded hiking trails🚤 Transport: High-speed train from Chengdu East Station to Mount Emei Station (~1.5 hours); Leshan and Mount Emei can be combined✨ 3. Siguniang Mountain Highlights: Known as the "Oriental Alps," featuring Shuangqiao Valley (well-developed) and Changping Valley (for hiking enthusiasts)⛰️ Transport: ~4-hour drive or take a bus from Chadianzi Bus Station to Xiaojin County🚗 Tips: Altitude 3,000+ meters; beware of altitude sickness; autumn foliage is stunning🍂 2. Ancient Towns & Culture 1. Huanglongxi Ancient Town Highlights: A Western Sichuan-style ancient town; enjoy water play and splashing in summer💦 Food: Must-try "One Noodle" and sesame cakes🍜 Transport: ~1-hour drive from downtown or take a bus from Xinnanmen Station🚌 2. Anren Ancient Town Highlights: Republic of China-era charm, featuring the Liu Family Manor + Jianchuan Museum Cluster (WWII-themed)🏛️ Activities: Dress in cheongsam for photos, ride the vintage tram🚃 3. Pingle Ancient Town Highlights: Nestled under Qionglai Mountain, quaint and peaceful; pair with Western Sichuan Bamboo Sea (glass walkway)🎋 3. Leisure & Relaxation 1. Panda Base (Dujiangyan Panda Valley) Highlights: Fewer crowds, natural environment; watch pandas climb trees and munch bamboo🐼 Transport: Drive or take the high-speed train to Dujiangyan Station, then a taxi🚕 2. Sansheng Flower Town Highlights: Chengdu’s backyard garden, featuring farm stays, flower markets, and artsy cafes🌸 3. LUXELAKES Water City Activities: Man-made lake area ideal for camping, kayaking, and weekend markets⛺ 4. Food Routes 1. Leshan Day Trip for Foodies Must-eats: Beef Hotpot (Suji Town), sweet-skinned duck, "bowl bowl chicken," and fried skewers🍢 Transport: 1-hour high-speed train from Chengdu; recommend early departure and late return🚄 2. Pi County Highlights: Sichuan Cuisine Museum (learn about chili bean paste making), Zhanqi Village farmhouse dishes🌶️ 5. Hidden Gems Mengzhu City + Yele Lake: Highland meadows and lakes, ideal for road trips (~4.5 hours)🚙 Qionglai Tiantai Mountain: Summer fireflies and waterfalls✨ Pengzhou Zhongba Forest: "Chengdu’s Twilight Forest," a hiking and photography paradise🌲 Tips 1. Transport: For nearby spots like Mount Qingcheng or Huanglongxi, driving is recommended; high-speed trains suit Leshan and Dujiangyan🚗 2. Seasonal Highlights: - Spring: Peach blossoms at Longquan Mountain, magnolias at Yaowang Valley🌸 - Summer: Escape the heat at Mount Qingcheng or Hongkou Rafting🌊 - Autumn: Red leaves at Miyaluo and Bipeng Valley🍁 - Winter: Skiing at Xiling Snow Mountain🎿 3. Alternatives: If short on time, prioritize Mount Qingcheng-Dujiangyan + Panda Base🐼