Moxi Ancient Town | Wind Blowing Over the Hills, Time Flowing Like a River

Here is an in-depth travel guide to Moxi Ancient Town, combining natural landscapes and cultural charm, covering core experiences and practical information: 1. Recommended Core Attractions 1. Moxi Old Street - Strolling Through Time: The cobblestone paths connect century-old Sichuan-Western residences and Tibetan-style architecture, with exquisite carved doors and windows under flying eaves and dougong brackets. It is recommended to experience the tranquility in the early morning when fewer people are around or enjoy the Republic of China-era ambiance at night when lanterns are lit. - Red Memories: The Catholic Church (built in 1918 by French missionaries) blends Gothic and Chinese styles. Inside, it displays relics from the Red Army’s Long March. Mao Zedong once held the "Moxi Meeting" here. The teahouse on the second floor opposite the church (5 yuan per person) offers an excellent vantage point for panoramic photos. 2. Hailuogou Glacier Forest Park - In-depth Activities: - Glacier Wonders: Take a sightseeing bus to Camp No. 4, then hike to Viewing Platform No. 1 to photograph the Gongga Snow Mountain and sea of clouds, or challenge the City Gate Ice Crevasse hike (non-slip shoes required). - Hot Spring Therapy: After descending, you can choose a private hot spring room at the "Long March Grand Hotel" or visit hot spring spots within the park to relax surrounded by snow-capped mountains. - Hidden Gems: Bring an empty bottle to collect glacier meltwater or search for unique rocks covered with red moss at the Red Stone Beach. 3. Nearby Secret Spots - Yajiageng Pass: Drive along Route 434 Moyu Road, crossing the 3,850-meter-high pass to enjoy views of the sea of clouds, frozen lakes, and snow-capped peaks. In June, alpine rhododendrons bloom along the way. Some sections may have residual snow, so a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. - Red Stone Park: The valley is filled with rocks covered in red moss, creating a unique landscape. The colors are most vibrant in autumn; sun protection is advised in summer. 2. Accommodation Picks 1. High-End Experience - VALATOMS Hotel: Within walking distance to the ancient town, some rooms feature private hot spring pools with views of the snow mountains. The concierge offers free airport pick-up and travel route planning. Latex mattresses enhance sleep quality, offering excellent value at around 100 yuan per person. - Hailuogou Yixi Yun·Shanye Homestay: A secluded residence by Yanzi Valley, with mountain views from the window and customized Tibetan dinners, ideal for visitors seeking tranquility. 2. Unique Homestays - Hailuogou Town Cottage Homestay: Tatami twin rooms start at 168 yuan, surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery, suitable for family trips. - Yunshuiju Homestay: A log-style homestay in the heart of the ancient town, clean and comfortable rooms, just a 5-minute walk to the Catholic Church. 3. Hot Spring Hotels - Long March Grand Hotel: Adjacent to the Red Army Memorial Hall, private hot spring rooms face the snow mountains, with underfloor heating to combat the damp cold of the mountain area. - Tianci Hot Spring Resort: Large hot spring pools combined with snow mountain views, suitable for group or family relaxation. 3. Food Map 1. Must-Try Specialties - Yak Meat Feast: - Bieyuan Tibetan Banquet: The signature "Yak Meat Cover" features stewed yak meat covered with highland barley pancakes, paired with ginseng fruit barley cakes, about 60 yuan per person. The restaurant courtyard is decorated like a secret garden and requires advance booking. - Yak Mushroom Hot Pot: Made with highland yak meat and wild mushrooms, recommended with matsutake and boletus mushrooms, warming and nourishing. - Specialty Snacks: - Moxi Roast Chicken: Slow-roasted over charcoal until golden, marinated with spices, served with local chili powder. - Shimian Barbecue: Recommended grilled beef skewers and pork belly, about 50 yuan per person, full of smoky flavor. - Tibetan Desserts: Butter tea with highland barley cakes, or try yak milk curd made into caramelized pastries for a rich Tibetan taste. 2. Old Street Food - Lao Zhuangjia: A local favorite pork leg restaurant, with firm and chewy meat, paired with homemade barley wine. - Double Pepper Mixed Sauce Noodles: Spicy and fragrant Sichuan-style noodles, perfect for waking up your taste buds in the morning. 4. Transportation Guide 1. External Transportation - Self-Driving: From Chengdu, take the Yakang Expressway to Luding, then Provincial Road 211 to Moxi Ancient Town, about 4 hours total. Avoid holidays and monitor weather on the Yajiageng section (road closures possible in rain or snow). - Public Transport: - Direct Shuttle: Departs from Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station at 7:30 AM, about 7 hours, ticket price 113 yuan. - High-Speed Rail + Transfer: Take high-speed rail from Chengdu West Station to Ya'an, then transfer to a bus to Moxi (about 3 hours). 2. Internal Travel - Park Shuttle: Shared rides from the ancient town to Hailuogou Park entrance cost 10 yuan per person, or self-drive (15 minutes). - Nearby Self-Drive: Car rental about 300 yuan/day, four-wheel-drive SUVs recommended for exploring Yajiageng, Red Stone Park, and other routes. 5. Travel Tips 1. Preparation Before Travel - Clothing: Onion-style layering (down jacket + fleece + thermal underwear), mountain top feels like -5°C, non-slip hiking shoes essential. - Sun Protection: Strong UV rays on the plateau, bring SPF50+ sunscreen, sunglasses, and wide-brimmed hats. - Gear: Carry cash (some areas have weak signal), thermos (free hot water available in the park), and self-heating food (limited dining options inside the park). 2. Practical Information - Tickets: Hailuogou entrance + sightseeing bus 170 yuan, round-trip cable car 135 yuan, half price for students and seniors. - Opening Hours: Sightseeing bus runs 7:30-14:30, cable car stops at 17:00. Early departure recommended to avoid crowds. - Cultural Etiquette: Remove hats when entering Tibetan temples, avoid touching Buddha statues and prayer flags; do not honk when yaks block the road, wait patiently. 3. Best Seasons - Seasonal Highlights: June-August for cooling and waterfall viewing, September-November for red leaves, December-February for skiing and hot springs, March-May for rhododendron blooms. - Special June Experience: Yajiageng Pass alpine rhododendrons in full bloom, glacier meltwater forming streams in Hailuogou, ideal for photography and light hiking. 6. Sample Itinerary 3 Days 2 Nights Classic Route - Day 1: Chengdu → Moxi Ancient Town, check-in, stroll old street and Catholic Church, dinner with yak meat hot pot, overnight at hot spring hotel. - Day 2: Full day at Hailuogou (glacier hiking + hot springs), return to taste Moxi roast chicken, night walk along lantern-lit street. - Day 3: Self-drive to Yajiageng Pass and Red Stone Park, shop for yak jerky, matsutake sauce, and other specialties before returning. 4 Days 3 Nights In-Depth Tour - Day 3: Add Yanzi Valley or Lover’s Lake hike to experience pristine forest and alpine lakes. - Day 4: Try Tibetan tie-dye or handmade butter tea, return in the afternoon. 7. Pitfall Avoidance Guide - Shopping: Choose yak jerky with about 70% dryness for best texture, bargain around 30%; be cautious when buying silver jewelry to verify purity. - Transportation: Avoid unlicensed "black cars," book official shuttle services through hotels. - Altitude Sickness: Moxi Town is at 1,580 meters with most people experiencing no obvious discomfort, but Camp No. 4 in Hailuogou is at 3,600 meters; prepare oxygen bottles in advance. This millennium-old town at the foot of the snow mountain carries the red legacy of the Red Army’s Long March, the fusion of Tibetan and Yi cultures, and the ultimate glacier hot spring experience. Take this guide with you and let the wind and lively scenes of Moxi become the most unforgettable chapter of your journey through Western Sichuan.