Itinerary :2 days of Chengdu - Ya'an - Bifengxia - Baima Spring - Shangli Ancient Town

Pandas in Bifengxia Reserve Center, Chengdu

Ya'an city is located in the west of Sichuan province. As the junction of Tibetan plateau, Sichuan basin and Yunnan plateau, Ya'an is the main pass of South Silk Road from the ancient time. It bears abundant historical sights and natural sceneries, such as Bifengxia scenic area, Baima Spring, Shangli Ancient town etc. There is suitable to visit all year round, the average temperature is 15 Celsius. If you prefer the quiet and clearness of the ancient town, you are suggested to visit there in autumn and summer as they are rainy seasons. Wandering along the rainy Shangli ancient path, you may get peace in your mind.

The transportation to Ya'an is very convenient. From Chengdu New South Gate coach station, take a bus directly to Bifengxia. Bifengxia tourist area consists of two valleys as a letter V. The left valley is 7 kilometers and the right one is 6 kilometers long. With the charming natural beauty, Bifengfxia is the best place to spend summer holiday. Wandering around the 1.5 meter flagging path, you can visit the Huanglongxia, Tianxian Bridge, the natural miniascape, the Waterfall with thousands of terranes, Bailong Pond, Qinglong Pond etc. Bifengxia Safari Park is the must see there, as it is the first one based on zoology in China. In total, there are about 263 acres public visit section, including wild lion, bear and tiger areas and the mild animal sections. In this Safari Park, there are as many as 400 species of wildlife, among which, more than 30 species are under the first-grade State protection, about 50 species are under second-grade Sate protection and 4 species belong to the rare animals. After visit the Zoo including the Giant Panda base, get back to Ya'an for overnight. The entrance fee of Bifengxia is CNY80. If you would like to visit the Zoo in the evening and take part in the needfire evening, you may stay at the Xiaoxitian area on the mountain. In Ya'an, you are suggested to settle down at the Yudu Hotel.

Shangli ancient town in Ya’an

The next day, take bus or taxi to Shangli ancient town, which is a historical and cultural ancient town in Sichuan. This small town is nestling under a mountain and near a river. Numerous small frame house are preserved perfectly with the architecture style in Ming and Qing Dynasties. Nowadays, it become the famous Shooting scenes in many film and television programs. Along Shangli's main path, the elegant shops and houses are all made by wood.  There are as many as ten bridges with different styles passing through the small town. Some is even made in Ming and Qing dynasties. You can also appreciate 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 taxi to Baima Spring, which is located in the Baima Temple, 4 kilometers to north of Shangli. Baima Spring is a geyser. The temperature is around 15 Celsius. After visiting, get back to Ya'an city.