Hiking Around Chengdu - A Light Hiking Guide to the Western Qiang Gorge

People often say that hiking is one of the effective ways to combat mental exhaustion. The Western Qiang Grand Canyon in Sichuan, known as the 'Tiger Leaping Gorge' of Sichuan, is also acclaimed as 'the First Grand Canyon of Western China'. The entire village lies quietly on the hillside at an altitude of over 2000 meters. When cautiously proceeding along the canal-side path built into the cliff of the gorge, one will find that although the path has an end, the gorge seems bottomless, with its narrowest point being only about 1 meter wide. Location: Wenchuan - Western Qiang Gorge Navigation Positioning: Yueli Village, Yanmen Town, Wenchuan County Driving Distance: About 2.5 hours Hiking Distance: 10 kilometers round trip Hiking Time: About 4 to 5 hours Total Ascent: 400 meters, with an altitude of about 2500 meters Ticket: Free Difficulty Level: Hiking Terrain: Dirt paths, gravel roads Road Highlights: It is located within the territory of Yanmen Township, Wenchuan County, Sichuan Province, and is a distinctive grand canyon in western China, with straight sections reaching up to 400 meters high. The peaks here are majestic and magnificent, towering and elegant. Standing on the cliffside path, one can appreciate the unique beauty of the grand canyon and see the villages below. At the end point, there is a waterfall with a pleasant view, perfect for taking photos and checking in. For those seeking thrills, it is worth experiencing this place, as the roads are quite narrow and one must rely on the canal for walking. Different seasons offer the chance to pick corresponding fruits, such as cherries in May and crisp red plums in September. Hiking Route: Village Committee - Ancient Pagoda Tree - Cliffside Path - White Dragon Waterfall - Return Downhill Travel Equipment: Sun hat, sunscreen clothing, long sleeves and pants, waterproof hiking shoes, trekking poles (their importance should not be underestimated). Considering that there are almost only villagers and few outsiders here, it is recommended to travel with companions. Precautions: 1. Although the route is relatively simple, it is not suitable for those who are afraid of heights. 2. The last section of the village road is not recommended for vehicles with low chassis to avoid scraping; you can park your car halfway up the mountain and take a local's vehicle up. 3. There are service areas and tourist centers along the way, and many farmhouses in the village where you can use the toilet. 4. There is no need to carry too much food, as it can be purchased along the way, and there are small shops in the village. 5. The signal in the mountains is poor, and drones are prone to crash. 6. Please take care of the environment and properly pack and take away your trash.