Chengdu Outskirts | Niche Hiking Route with Natural Beauty and Cultural Significance

| A niche hiking route featuring both natural beauty and cultural significance. I first learned about Zhongyan Temple from the saying "Visit Zhongyan first, then Emei" when I was at Mount Emei. I initially thought Zhongyan Temple was just a temple, but it turned out to be an entire forested mountain, perfect for a day hike from Chengdu. · Zhongyan Temple is located on the banks of the Min River and is divided into Upper, Middle, and Lower Temples. Known for its beautiful mountains and waters, serene forests and valleys, and rich history, it is praised as the "Best Mountain in Southern Sichuan" and the "Best Place for Springs and Forests in Western Sichuan." This is where Su Dongpo studied and experienced his first love in his youth. It is also a Buddhist holy site with abundant natural landscapes and cultural relics. · The hiking route at Zhongyan Temple focuses on natural scenery and cultural relics. The entire loop is about 6 km, suitable for casual hikers: Lower Temple - Huanyu Pool - Up and Down Hill Tiger - Thousand Buddha Corridor - Reclining Buddha Grotto - Yuquan Liushang - Middle Temple - Platform Subduing Tiger - Lingshi Bamboo Shoots - Upper Temple Ruins - Back Mountain Return Route - Huanyu Pool - Lower Temple · 📸Points of interest along the way: ✅Lower Temple: The starting point of the hike. The temple is newly built and doesn't have many highlights, but here you can overlook the beautiful Min River and enjoy the magnificent scenery where the mountains and rivers meet. ✅Huanyu Pool: One of the most famous attractions in Zhongyan Temple. Legend has it that Su Dongpo and Wang Fu met because of "Huanyu Pool." There is a stone inscription of "Huanyu Pool" written by Su Dongpo himself by the pool. Below Huanyu Pool, there is a relatively rare statue of Guanyin carrying a basket, dressed in peasant clothing. ✅Thousand Buddha Corridor: From here is the core area of the nationally protected Zhongyan Temple cliff carvings. Along the way, you can see cliff carvings of Buddha statues from the Tang and Song dynasties, totaling 48 niches and 2,492 statues. The exquisite craftsmanship showcases the splendor of ancient Buddhist art. ✅Reclining Buddha Grotto: The only undamaged cliff carving in Zhongyan Temple. ✅Xianchuang Lingxu (Fairy Bed Hanging in the Void): A branch of the hiking route. You need to climb over a hundred steep steps to reach the precarious cliffs. ✅Yuquan Liu Bei (Jade Spring Flowing Cup): Famous for its "Tai Chi Pool." Huang Tingjian from the Song Dynasty once drew water here to make tea and left a stone inscription of "Yuquan." ✅Middle Temple: Also known as Jingde Chan Monastery. Now, apart from the archway, only one main hall remains, which houses a statue of Thousand-Hand Guanyin. ✅Platform Subduing Tiger: Legend says that Su Shi once persuaded a monk here. It mainly consists of inscriptions, especially the two large characters "Zhongyan" inscribed by Li Shi of Gaoling during the Southern Song Dynasty's Zhenghe period. ✅Lingshi Bamboo Shoots: Three stone peaks stand tall, resembling bamboo shoots. There used to be cliff carvings here, but now only some inscriptions remain. ✅Upper Temple: Only ruins remain. The inscription of Zhongyan Temple on the cliff next to it is quite famous. The newly built Dongpo Reading Tower next to it is said to be where Su Dongpo studied in his youth. ✅Back Mountain Return Route: Descend from the small path next to the Upper Temple ruins, which is the return route. This section is very similar to the桫椤Valley in Leshan. Walk along the stream in the canyon, and you can see waterfalls and桫椤trees along the way. It is considered the section with the best natural scenery in Zhongyan Temple and should be very comfortable in summer. · ⚠️Important Notes 🚶🏻‍♂️Hiking duration: The entire journey takes about 3-4 hours and is suitable for casual hikers. 👟Equipment recommendations: Wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring mosquito repellent (there are many mosquitoes in the scenic area), and bring enough drinking water. ⏰Best time to visit: Suitable for all seasons. Spring and autumn have mild weather and the best scenery. You can also see fireflies around the Qingming Festival. 🎫Ticket information: Tickets are 27 yuan/person. Students and seniors can enjoy half-price discounts. Children under 1.4 meters, people with disabilities, active military personnel, etc., are free of charge.