Leisure Time in Chengdu

Ya'an, located at the confluence of the Qinghai-Tibetan plateau, Sichuan basin and Yunnan plateau, is the main pass on the ancient southern Silk Road. It is an area steeped in history and natural beauty with sights such as Bifeng Gorge scenic area, Baima Spring and Shangli Ancient town, which is well worth a look. Travel to the area is suitable all year round as the average temperature is 15 degrees Celsius (59 degrees Fahrenheit). If you prefer a quiet and pristine atmosphere of the ancient town, you're suggested to come here in autumn and summer as it's during the rainy season and wandering along the rain drenched Shangli ancient path will put you in a wonderfully peaceful state of mind.

It is convenient to head to Ya'an from Chengdu by public transportation. The tourist bus is available to Bifeng Gorge directly from Chengdu New South Gate Tourist Terminal, which takes around 2 hours on the way. Bifengxia tourist area consists of two valleys forming the letter V. The left valley is 7 kilometers (4.3 miles) long and the right 6 kilometers (3.7 miles). With its charming natural beauty, Bifengxia is a great place to spend a summer holiday. Walking on the 1.5 meters (59 inches) flagstone path, you can visit the Huanglong Gorge, Tianxian Bridge, the natural miniascape, the Waterfall with thousands of terraces, the Bailong Pond as well as the Qinglong Pond. Bifeng Gorge Safari Park is a must see attraction, as it is the first ecological wildlife park in China and the only one in Sichuan. The park has a planned area of 10,000 acres (40 square kilometers), which is composed of a wild animal sightseeing area by vehicle, a tame animal sightseeing area on foot and an animal behavior display area. There are over 300 species of wildlife, among which more than 30 species are under the first-grade State protection, about 50 species are under second-grade State protection and 4 species belong to the rare animal category. After visiting the Safari Park including the Giant Panda base, return to Ya'an for the night by the minibus at a fee of CNY6. Please kindly note that the latest one departs at 18:00. The entrance fee is CNY100 for the scenic area including the panda base and CNY180 for the Safari Park. If you would like to visit the Zoo in the evening and take part in the bonfire party, you can stay in the Xiaoxitian area on the mountain. In Ya'an, it is recommended to stay at the Yudu Hotel.

On the next day, take a taxi for around 40 minutes to Shangli ancient town, which is a historical and cultural ancient town in Sichuan. This small town lies under a mountain and near a river. Numerous small frame houses are preserved perfectly in the architectural style of the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 - 1912). Nowadays, it has become famous as the shooting location of many film and television programs, among which the most famous one is the Ghost Stories. Along Shangli's main path, the elegant shops and houses are all made of wood.  There are as many as ten bridges in different styles to be found through the small town. Some date from as far back as the Ming and Qing dynasties. You can also admire the three toriies in the town. If you are interested, you can also visit the Hang's Compound, which boasts a unique layout and various delicate carvings. In the afternoon, take a taxi to Baima Spring, which is located in the Baima Temple, 4 kilometers to the north of Shangli. Baima Spring is a geyser with a water temperature of around 15 degrees Celsius. After visiting, return to Ya'an city.