Winter Fairy Tale at Yinghua Mountain

"The most underrated secret spot around Chengdu! In December, Yinghua Mountain in Shifang is shrouded in snowy mist like a fairyland. The ticket is only 10 yuan, and I accidentally stepped into a real-life version of 'Frozen'!" Who says winter means crowded snowy mountains? Just a 2-hour drive from Chengdu lies a hidden gem so off the beaten path that even GPS almost loses its way, yet its beauty takes your breath away—Shifang’s Yinghua Mountain. Here, there’s no noisy influencer hotspots, only ancient pines draped in snow, rolling seas of clouds, and hot springs tucked away in the forest, as if nature secretly reserved a "healing ward" for weary city dwellers. The best part—tickets ¥10, parking ¥10, and soaking in wild hot springs is free! Suggested itinerary: 3 days 2 nights, perfect for a short escape, couples’ getaway, or family oxygen boost. 🌨️ Day 1: Entering a painting × Winter prelude through the primeval forest 📍Self-drive departure｜Chengdu → Shifang → Yinghua Town (about 1.5 hours) → 30 km winding mountain road to the summit area The higher you go, the thicker the fog, frost on fir trees, frozen streams, and wild monkeys occasionally darting by the roadside—instantly stepping into the set of "Investiture of the Gods." 🏨 Accommodation recommendation｜Mountain homestay or foothill hot spring hotel - [Tianpu Hot Spring Resort] Mid-mountain location, rooms with private hot springs, water sourced from geothermal vents, soak while watching the snowy scenery, ¥600+/night; Budget travelers can stay at farmhouses like [Yinghua Mountain Residence], ¥200–300/night, clean and simple, with owners who cook authentic cured meat. 📌 Tips: Mountain roads may be icy in winter; an SUV or snow chains are recommended! 🍽️ Dinner｜Three treasures of farmhouse cuisine Smoked pork ribs stewed with radish: full of smoky aroma, the best for warming your stomach; Wild mushroom stir-fried with local eggs: freshly picked mushrooms from the mountains, so fresh your tongue will dance; Old cured meat stir-fried with garlic sprouts: goes perfectly with rice, you can eat three bowls, and it makes a great take-home gift! 🏔️ Day 2: Summit to admire the sea of clouds × Check in at Wudao Lake and the sparkling ice waterfall world 📍Full-day hike｜Yinghua Mountain core scenic area [Wudao Lake] + [Grand Canyon] + [Ancestral Hall Ruins] Wake up at 6 a.m., brew a cup of hot tea, and wait for the sea of clouds sunrise—when sunlight tears through the morning mist, the entire valley glows golden, like a divine revelation. A 40-minute walk uphill leads to Wudao Lake, five alpine lakes arranged in a row. In winter, the lake surfaces are covered with thin ice, reflecting snowy peaks and bare branches, so peaceful it feels like time has paused. Keep going and you’ll encounter natural ice waterfalls—water frozen into crystal curtains, shining with rainbow colors under the sun, perfect for phone wallpapers with just a snap! 📌 Tips: -Bring trekking poles and anti-slip shoes; some sections require using hands and feet; -Bring your own lunch (beef jerky, chocolate, thermos with ginger tea), no restaurants on the mountain. 📌 Hidden activity: Find the "wild hot spring eye"! Warm water bubbles out from cracks in rocks by the stream; dig a small pit and soak your feet—locals call it a "fairy foot bath." Day 3: Descend for food × The "carb feast" in Shifang city 📍Return to Shifang city｜Must-try three soul foods Yinghua Mountain is vegetarian-friendly, but you must replenish after descending! 🔥 Red and white fermented tofu hotpot: a Shifang intangible cultural heritage dish, using fermented tofu as the base, sour and spicy, perfect for dipping local beef and potato slices. Recommended at the old brand [Jiahewei]. 🍢 Shigu Nanqiao Night Market: stalls open at dusk, smoke and fire rise: Grilled rabbit head: marinated to the bone, irresistible; Fried spring rolls: crispy skin, tender filling, ¥3 each; Fermented glutinous rice balls: fragrant with wine aroma, one bowl makes you sweat all over. 🛍️ Grab some souvenirs: Yinghua Mountain honey (¥80/bottle, pure wild collection); Shifang sausage and cured meat (vacuum packed, ¥60 per jin). Estimated total cost (per person): Transport: fuel + tolls ≈ ¥400 (round-trip self-drive) Accommodation: 2 nights mid-range homestay ≈ ¥1000 Meals: ¥100/day × 3 = ¥300 Tickets + parking: ¥20 ✅ Total: about ¥1700–2000 (excellent value, suitable for families or small groups of friends) 📌 December travel tips: -Temperature 0℃–8℃, be sure to wear down jackets and thermal underwear; -Weak signal in mountainous areas, download offline maps in advance; -Respect nature, carry out your trash, and do not disturb wildlife. In this season when everyone rushes to Jiuzhaigou or Emei, why not take a detour to Yinghua Mountain— listen to the wind through the treetops, watch snow fall on your shoulders, let your feet sink into the earth, and your soul soak in the hot springs. It’s not bustling, but sincere enough; It’s not expensive, but full of healing. This winter, don’t just hide in air-conditioned rooms scrolling short videos, go to a mountain where no one steals the spotlight, and be the protagonist of your own life.