Gulu Village: A Sky City on Cliffs

Venture into a real-life "Sky City" with a hike to Gulu Village in the Clouds Still wondering where to go for the weekend? Why not embark on a spontaneous hiking trip to Gulu Village! Departing from Chengdu, a 3-hour drive will take you to this Yi village hidden on the cliffs of the Dadu River Grand Canyon. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by the spectacular canyon scenery. With towering cliffs and the Dadu River rushing through, you can't help but marvel at the wonders of nature. There are two routes to ascend Gulu Village. For hiking enthusiasts with good stamina and a thirst for challenge, you can choose to start from the "Yixiantian" parking lot and climb along the ancient road once used for transporting goods via mules and horses. This path, carved into the cliffs, is approximately 3 km long with a vertical drop of nearly 1,000m. You'll need to use both your hands and feet to climb, taking about 3 hours to reach the summit. Despite the arduous journey, the scenery along the way is stunning, and every step allows you to feel the awe and charm of nature. If you're not in good shape, you can choose to take the cable car directly to Bajiuzui, and then walk for 10 minutes to enter the village. The cable car is suspended high in the air, allowing you to overlook the entire canyon and experience a different kind of thrill. Arriving at Gulu Village is like stepping into a paradise. The village is dotted with stone houses, rich in Yi ethnic customs, and the villagers are warm and hospitable. Don't forget to check out the Couple Trees, a 700-year-old Magnolia tree with intertwined branches, like lovers embracing, romantic and picture-perfect. If you're tired from walking, have a bowl of stone-ground tofu pudding, a portion of cured meat, or crispy fried potatoes to instantly conquer your taste buds with local delicacies. Friendly reminder: Remember to wear non-slip hiking shoes, bring hiking poles and knee pads, and protect yourself from the sun. Although there are farmers selling food and water along the way, it's more reassuring to bring your own supplies. There are more tourists on weekends, so if you want to enjoy a quiet time, it is recommended to go up the mountain before 8am. Hiking in Gulu Village is a challenge, a healing experience, and a wonderful journey back to nature. Come and start this adventure on the cliffs!