The heat of autumn has not yet dissipated. What is the problem with the 21℃ temperature in Wenchuan?
👉A weekend trip to Wenchuan is addictive! Just 1.5 hours from Chengdu, you'll encounter adorable rolling snakes; enjoy a relaxing hike in the mountains; and discover a rich variety of local delicacies. To escape the summer heat, gather your friends and head to Wenchuan!
✅️[Hiking in the Mountains, Enter the Wizard of Oz]
Aergou → Wuyou Huaguoshan → Luobuzhai
With the "autumn heat" still raging, why not plunge into Wenchuan's 21°C (14°F) warm weather? Hiking and breathing in the fresh air is simply breathtaking!
✨️[Aergou]
On my first day in Wenchuan, my first stop was Aergou, a popular online photo spot.
The pristine natural scenery and unique geographical features here attract countless hiking enthusiasts.
The hike is approximately 10 kilometers round trip, with a cumulative elevation gain of 1,000 meters. The entire route is paved with wooden plank roads, making it a great trail for casual hikers. The scenic area is densely forested, with tall trees, thick moss, and clear streams visible along the way. Some areas still retain their pristine ecological features, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.
The destination, Longchi, at an altitude of 3,900 meters, is the scenic area's core attraction, resembling a "sapphire" set into the mountainside.
The lake's crystal-clear waters reflect the snow-capped mountains and drifting clouds. Herds of cattle and sheep graze leisurely on the grass, creating a leisurely scene. Wildflowers bloom along the lakeside meadows until mid-to-late August.
✨️[Wuyou Huaguo Mountain]
The next stop is Wuyou Huaguo Mountain, a scenic area designed around the core concept of pristine ecology, flower viewing, fruit picking, and mountain touring.
This season is the peak season for Wenchuan plums. Along the way, you can see plum trees with branches bent heavy with plums, their densely packed fruits making you salivate. In the evening, you can witness the magnificent sea of clouds resembling a waterfall, the glorious and dreamy Sunshine Golden Mountain, and the cool, clear sun and moon shining together. This area boasts historic Qiang watchtowers and the unique charm of ancient Qiang culture.
✨️[Luobo Village]
Continue your journey and stay in Luobo Village.
High on the hillside of the Minjiang Grand Canyon, the gently sloping Luobo Village offers the perfect spot for a bird's-eye view of the canyon. The village's simple folk customs and boundless charm await your exploration.
In your free time, stroll here to experience the peaceful beauty and return to tranquility. The slow-paced rural life offers a sense of ease and tranquility rarely found in the city.
✨️[Meet the Giant Panda and Have Fun in the Ancient Town]
Wolong Shenshuping Base → Misty Sanjiang → Shuimo Ancient Town
Wenchuan's excellent ecological environment provides an ideal habitat for the national treasure, the giant panda. It's a perfect place to visit their home! Wolong China Giant Panda Garden Shenshuping Base
The Shenshuping Base at the Wolong China Giant Panda Garden is home to over 70 giant pandas, including star returnees like Fubao and Little Miracle, as well as numerous local pandas. Visitors can observe their daily lives up close.
They cuddle fresh bamboo, feasting on it with relish; or playfully frolicking with their friends; or even climb a tree and find a comfortable branch to lounge in, adorably charming.
Misty Sanjiang
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city, enjoying a mild climate and surrounded by natural wonders: mountains, water, and forests. It offers both coolness and beauty, making it a desirable summer retreat.
With its gentle river and lush green mountains, the beauty of Misty Sanjiang resembles a natural ink painting, a fairyland on earth that will leave you spellbound. Strolling along the riverside path, you'll find the allure of Jiangnan, with its small bridges, flowing water, and Tibetan villages. It's like discovering the charm of Jiangnan, making you want to stop and stare blankly.
✨️[Shuimo Ancient Town]
Continuing on, you'll arrive at Shuimo Ancient Town, where you can take photos of the ancient buildings and alleyways reminiscent of the Ming and Qing dynasties, brew a pot of Shuimo aged tea, and take home a variety of ethnic ornaments and Wenchuan specialties.
Shuimo is also a foodie's paradise, with unique delicacies aplenty in every corner. Enjoy Qiang walnut cakes, stone-ground tender corn cakes, Shuimo wild vegetable king, Guandu baba, Shuimo pickled cabbage and meat tofu pudding... the list is endless!
✅️[Enjoy Qiang Cuisine]
Wenchuan's cuisine is diverse and unique. From traditional snacks to signature dishes, they all incorporate elements of Qiang and Tibetan culture and are well worth a try. -
🎉[Qiang Family's Great Harvest]
In the center of a large winnowing basket lies a steaming earthen hot pot, surrounded by a vibrant array of ingredients, overflowing with "magnanimity"!
The hot pot base, in particular, is meticulously prepared with a variety of mushrooms, resulting in a rich, refreshing taste that makes every bite a true indulgence.
🎉[Mianwei Tofu]
A tofu feast offers a taste of the world's delicacies. Mianwei tofu is prepared through a variety of cooking techniques, including stir-frying, deep-frying, roasting, stewing, steaming, pan-frying, and blending, creating a delicious feast that attracts countless diners.
🎉[Yingxiu Banfang Chicken]
One of Wenchuan's "Five Great Delicacies," Banfang Chicken uses authentic Wenchuan ecological free-range chickens slow-cooked over low heat with herbs such as angelica and Chinese yam. The meat is tender and juicy, with a fragrant aroma. Every bite is filled with juicy juices, leaving you intoxicated and leaving a lasting aftertaste.
🎉[Qiang Snacks]
As one of the largest Qiang ethnic group settlements in China, Wenchuan's cuisine naturally includes the unique flavors of the Qiang people. The various Qiang snacks are uniquely ethnic and incredibly delicious.
🎉Corn stir-fried balls, potato glutinous rice cakes, pickled cabbage noodles, and Dada Xiangpi Happy Stew...guaranteed to fill your XXXXXL stomach.
Source: Sichuan Department of Culture and Tourism Official Account
Sources: Wuyou Wenchuan, Panda Home Health Care Wenchuan