A Poetic Encounter of Scenery and Cuisine

Ya'an, a small city in western Sichuan known as the "Rain City," blends natural wonders, panda culture, millennia-old tea heritage, and vibrant local cuisine. From magnificent gorges to misty tea mountains, from adorable giant pandas to intangible cultural heritage delicacies, Ya'an invites you to slow down and savor every moment. Must-Visit Attractions 1. Bifengxia Gorge — Panda Sanctuary and Natural Oxygen Bar Highlights: A national 5A-level scenic area with 98% forest coverage, it is one of the world's largest giant panda breeding bases, home to over 80 giant pandas. Activities: Observe giant pandas up close and experience the joy of being a "pooper scooper." Hike through the gorge to admire the multi-layered rock waterfalls and the legendary Nuwa Mending the Sky site. Enjoy summer rafting and winter rime viewing; suitable all year round. Ticket: About 118 RMB (including panda base). 2. Mengding Mountain — The Origin of Thousand-Year Tea Culture Highlights: The starting point of artificial tea planting in China and the hometown of the Tang Dynasty tribute tea "Mengding Sweet Dew." Activities: Climb to the summit to view the sea of clouds over tea gardens and visit the ancient Yongxing Temple. Experience intangible cultural heritage tea-picking and tea-making techniques, and taste authentic Mengding tea. Enjoy ginkgo in autumn, azaleas in spring, and poetic rainy day strolls. Ticket: About 45 RMB. 3. Shangli Ancient Town — The "Ink-Wash Jiangnan" of Western Sichuan Highlights: A thousand-year-old town on the Southern Silk Road, featuring Ming and Qing stilted buildings, stone-paved streets, and the ancient charm of Erxian Bridge. Activities: Avoid crowds early in the morning and wear Hanfu for vintage-style photoshoots. Taste yam stewed black-bone chicken and Tatta noodles while listening to elders tell stories of the Tea Horse Road. Nearby Eighteen Arhats Mountain is perfect for sketching and photography. Ticket: Free. Ya'an Must-Try Foods 1. Claypot Ya Fish Specialty: One of Ya'an's "Three Wonders" (Ya Fish, Ya Girl, Ya Rain), the fish soup is fresh and tender, cooked in a black claypot from Yingjing, an intangible cultural heritage dish. Recommended Restaurant: Ya'an Old Brand Fish House. 2. Tatta Noodles Specialty: Handmade, hand-pounded noodles with a strong chewy texture, served with secret minced meat sauce, a breakfast must-have. Recommended Restaurant: Yingjing Old Street Tatta Noodle Shop. 3. Bangbang Chicken Specialty: Over 200 years of history, the chicken slices are paper-thin, drizzled with chili oil, spicy, numbing, and fragrant. Recommended Restaurant: Yingjing Zhouji Bangbang Chicken. 4. Shimian Barbecue Specialty: A visual feast of teppanyaki-style barbecue, with beef and fish dancing in flames, dipped in secret chili sauce for an extraordinary taste. Recommended Restaurant: Shimian Old Street Barbecue Stalls. Budget Accommodation Recommendations (100-200 RMB/night) 1. Near Bifengxia Scenic Area Biyuan Leisure Villa (from 101 RMB, near the wildlife park). Tianlin Villa (from 87 RMB, walking distance to the scenic area). 2. Shangli Ancient Town Juxian Farmhouse (from 163 RMB, near the river, quiet environment). Xishui Dongjia Inn (from 145 RMB, central location in the ancient town). 3. City Budget Hotels Dushi 118 (Ya'an Zhongda Street Branch) (from 161 RMB, near the covered bridge). Ya'an Jiayuan Hotel (from 75 RMB, opposite West Gate Bus Station). Transportation Suggestions From Chengdu: High-speed train 1.5 hours (52 RMB), self-driving 2 hours. Between scenic spots: It is recommended to charter a car or rent a vehicle; some attractions have dedicated tourist shuttle lines. Best Travel Seasons Spring and autumn (April-May, September-October): Pleasant climate, ideal for hiking, tea tasting, and photography. Summer (June-August): Cool off at Bifengxia Gorge, and enjoy Shimian barbecue with beer for a refreshing experience! Ya'an, this underrated small city in western Sichuan, offers both the spirit of mountains and waters and the flavor of local life. Whether you are following the footprints of pandas, savoring millennia-old tea aromas, or wandering the stone-paved streets of the ancient town, you will find your own travel rhythm. Pack your bags and set off!