Step into a 20°C summer with a same-day round trip from Chengdu

Complete Guide to Erlangshan Labah River in Ya'an: A 23°C Summer Escape Just 3 Hours from Chengdu While Chengdu is wrapped in a 38°C heatwave, Erlangshan Labah River in Tianquan County, Ya'an, maintains a refreshing 23°C. This hidden gem, only a 3-hour drive from Chengdu, is a top summer retreat with its "jelly blue" river water, dense waterfalls, and adorable wild animals. Below is a detailed guide based on the latest information to help you easily explore this treasure route along National Highway 318. 📍Key Information at a Glance - Location: Zishi Township, Tianquan County, Ya'an City, Sichuan Province, north of G318 - Ticket Policy: Adult ticket 50 RMB, concession ticket (children/elderly/Ya'an residents) 25 RMB; round-trip sightseeing bus on the west line 35 RMB, round-trip cable car 90 RMB - Opening Hours: 8:00-18:30 (peak season starts August 2025, policy will be adjusted accordingly) - Best Season: Summer (June-August) for cooling and water activities, Autumn (Oct 15-Nov 20) for colorful forest viewing - Temperature Reference: Average 23°C in summer, large day-night temperature difference, bring a jacket 🚗 Transportation Guide Self-driving Route Chengdu → Jingkun Expressway → Yaye Expressway → National Highway 318, navigate to "Erlangshan Labah River Scenic Area," about 210 km total, 3 hours to reach. The mountain road has many bends and some narrow sections; an SUV is recommended and drive cautiously, especially in the rainy season to avoid slipping. The scenic area has free public parking and charging spots. Public Transport 1. High-speed train + direct shuttle: Take the high-speed train from Chengdu to Ya'an Station, then transfer to the scenic area shuttle (includes round-trip bus fare + ticket for 100 RMB/person). Departure at 09:00 daily, return at 18:00. Advance reservation via the "Bashi Yazhou" WeChat public account is required. 2. Bus route: From Chengdu Shiyang Bus Station to Tianquan Bus Station, then transfer to the shuttle bus to the scenic area at 9:00 or 13:00 daily (advance phone reservation required). 🌟 One-day Highlight Route (East Line Water Play) Trip Highlights: 4.5 km gentle boardwalk along the river, suitable for families and beginners - 08:00 Depart Chengdu, arrive at the scenic area before 11:00 - 11:30 First stop at [Five-Color Lake] for photos; under sunlight, the lake water shows emerald gradient colors, with viewing platforms along the boardwalk - 12:30 Walk to [Tiansi Waterfall], which flows like a white ribbon in summer when water volume is abundant; get close to feel the cool mist - 13:30 Lunch: bring your own snacks (limited hot water supply in the scenic area) or try wild mushroom soup at the visitor center restaurant - 14:30 Key visit to [Longyin Trail], a 4.5 km cement boardwalk along the "jelly blue" stream; if lucky, encounter water deer and white-bellied golden pheasants - 17:00 Return to Chengdu, avoiding evening rush hour Monkey Warning: Monkeys are active at the Longyin Trail entrance and parking lot. Male monkeys (especially those with facial scars) are aggressive. Travel in groups, carry trekking poles to deter them, do not open bags or expose food in front of them. If a monkey tries to snatch your bag, stay calm; it will leave after finding nothing. 🌙 Two-day In-depth Tour Guide Day 1: East Line Exploration + Night Deer Watching - Follow the one-day east line route above - Dinner recommendation: Blue Crystal Hotel's "Tusi Restaurant" for spicy pepper chicken and stir-fried Chinese toon with eggs (one meat and one vegetable dish for two people is enough) - After 19:00, wait near the hotel for the water deer to appear; request a mountain-facing room at check-in to increase observation chances Day 2: West Line Hiking + Red Stone Wonder - 08:00 Take the sightseeing bus to [Deer Pond]; early morning mist is best for reflection photos, and you may see water deer drinking - 10:00 Take the cable car to [Red Stone Beach], where the red stones are naturally stained by cinnabar deposits; it is recommended to explore deeper into the scenic area for photos - 12:00 Return to the hotel for lunch and check-out; you can try alpine water sliding (summer only, 60 RMB/person) and other recreational activities Accommodation Recommendations: - Blue Crystal Hotel: Benchmark accommodation inside the scenic area, includes breakfast, 20-25㎡ rooms for 2 people, with floor heating suitable for autumn and winter - Luming Hotel: Cost-effective choice, close to the deer activity area 🍲 Food Guide - Must-try specialties: - Tianquan Spicy Pepper Chicken: free-range native chicken, spicy and fragrant - Wild Mushroom Hotpot: local seasonal ingredients, rich umami flavor - Mom’s Meat Pie: scenic area specialty snack, freshly made and sold on-site - Dining Locations: - Inside the scenic area: Blue Crystal Hotel Tusi Restaurant, visitor center snack area - Outside the scenic area: Farmhouse restaurants at Labah River exit in Xiaorenyan Village (recommended Yanzi Fish Manor) ⚠️ Important Notes 1. Safety Precautions: - The boardwalk has many steps and can be slippery; do not use your phone while walking - The river is rapid during the rainy season; crossing the warning line for photos is strictly prohibited - Recently, there was a vehicle accident near the scenic area where a car fell into the river; drive carefully if self-driving 2. Items to Prepare: - Clothing: non-slip hiking shoes, windbreaker (for temperature changes and showers), sun protection gear - Equipment: trekking poles (for monkey deterrence and support), sealed bags (to store food and keep monkeys away), common medicines 3. Booking Tips: - Accommodation inside the scenic area must be booked in advance; no entry after 18:00 - During peak season (August to February next year), it is recommended to enter before 9:00 to avoid crowds This hidden gem connected by National Highway 318 offers crystal-clear waters comparable to highlands and accessible wild animals. Whether a relaxed single-day water play or a two-day deep nature exploration, it lets you rediscover awe and love for nature in a 23°C summer.