3 hours to the Land of Oz, a 10℃ drop in temperature, and you can still pet deer—reverse tourism is a total win

Chengdu, stop stressing over the city! Just 3 hours to the Land of Oz, a 10℃ temperature drop, and you can still pet deer—reverse tourism is a total win. Crowded Kuanzhai Alley and Chunxi Road during National Day? No way! Locals have already driven 3 hours out to wild secret spots. As soon as the phone signal weakens, you feel like you’re flying—this is how National Day should be enjoyed! The moment you get off the car, the cool scent of Korean pine fills your nose, and the temperature is 10℃ lower than downtown, the cool air slipping down your collar instantly washes away the frustration from the highway traffic. But don’t think that’s all—Er Lang Mountain’s Labah River has some serious highlights hidden in its east and west routes. Choosing the wrong path means a wasted trip; choose right and you’ll be legendary! Let’s start with the east route, which is all about “family-friendly + amazing photo ops.” Starting from the Hetaoping Visitor Center, follow the Longyin Trail inside. The path is paved and smooth, with a babbling stream beside it, so kids can play in the water as they walk. When you reach Bishui Bend, your eyes will be glued—the S-shaped river winds around green trees on both banks, sunlight sparkling on the water’s surface. Any photo you take looks like a masterpiece shot in “Little Switzerland.” Further ahead, you’ll find the “Tree of Life,” with ancient cedar roots tangled and intertwined, light filtering through the branches onto the moss below, instantly evoking the mystery of a primeval forest. The whole route is 4.5 km, a leisurely 2.5-hour walk. Kids won’t get tired, and parents can snap tons of photos—this is a total win! But the real surprise is the west route! First, take the sightseeing bus up the mountain road. As the altitude rises, your ears might feel a bit full, but look out the window—the rolling sea of forest is right there, green waves layered upon layers, so spectacular it leaves you speechless. Then switch to the cable car going higher. The treetops below look like a green velvet carpet. The wind sneaks in through the cable car gaps, chilling you to the bone, blowing away all your warmth. At Jiaoshan Viewing Platform, clouds float right beside you, and you feel like you can reach out and touch them. Squatting down to look at the dewdrops on the grass, you even hold your breath, afraid to disturb the peacefulness. The best part is the evening! On the way back to the Deer Viewing Platform, the sika deer arrive right on time. Two little ones lower their heads to nibble the grass, the sunset dyes their fur warm yellow, and the surroundings are so quiet. Just sitting there watching softens your heart. Oh, and there’s also the Red Stone Beach and Heart-shaped Lake. The stones on Red Stone Beach shine bright red, contrasting beautifully with the surrounding green trees—perfect for atmospheric photos. The Heart-shaped Lake is hidden in the forest, and finding it feels like discovering a secret just for you. Finally, some practical info: the entrance ticket is only 50 yuan, great value! Stay at the Blue Crystal Hotel, nestled by the mountain and water, perfect for families with kids. If you want to see the sika deer up close, choose the Luming Hotel. At night, you can watch the deer feeding safely through the window at the Deer Viewing Tower—so healing. But a quick reminder: the temperature difference between day and night in the mountains is big, so bring a jacket; don’t take food out around the monkey groups, or you might get “robbed”; and bring mosquito repellent because there are quite a few mosquitoes on the boardwalk at dusk. But none of these little things compare to waking up to birdsong in the morning and opening the window to see endless forest happiness! Friends in Chengdu, stop stressing about where to go for National Day. Just 3 hours away you can escape the crowds, enjoy a 10℃ temperature drop, pet deer, see waterfalls, and take amazing photos. This reverse tourism trip will definitely make you the star of your friend circle! When are you planning to go? Share your plans in the comments, and I can give you even more hidden tips!