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Yinchanggou, located in Longmenshan, is a national scenic area within the Baishuihe National Forest Park and Baishuihe National Nature Reserve, in Longmenshan Town, Pengzhou City, 89 kilometers from Chengdu. It is named after the silver mines opened there by Liu Yuliang, the celestial empress of the Ming Dynasty Emperor Chongzhen. At an altitude of approximately 2,000 meters, Yinchanggou boasts temperatures that are about 4°C cooler than Chengdu, with summer highs never exceeding 24°C. Evenings are cooler and more tranquil, making it the closest and highest natural destination to Chengdu, offering a relaxing summer retreat, a tranquil retreat, and a place to rejuvenate and cultivate your health.
Baishuihe National Nature Reserve is located in the south-central section of the Longmenshan Fold Belt. Geologically, it belongs to the eastern part of the Hengduan Mountains and is a typical landform zone in the transition section from the Sichuan Basin to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Longmen Mountain, where Yinchanggou is located, was one of the first national geological parks designated by the state. The scenic area boasts the world-renowned Longmenshan thrust tectonic period, richly developed strata. The numerous Feilai Peaks, ancient glacial relics, and typical stratigraphic sections make it a geological museum park.
Yinchanggou is the essence of the Longmenshan Grand Canyon Scenic Area, with towering peaks rising into the sky and deep canyons crisscrossing each other. It is famous for its surging rapids and sheer cliffs, suspension bridges and plank roads, strange rock formations in the canyon, and waterfalls and rainbows.
free
All day
Yinchanggou is a picturesque area known for its natural beauty, including lush forests, clear rivers, and cultural landmarks. It also features ancient temples and traditional villages, making it a blend of both natural and cultural heritage in Sichuan Province.
Yinchanggou is located in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. It can be accessed by bus or taxi from the city center of Chengdu, with approximately a 2-hour drive to reach the destination.
Yinchanggou is open year-round. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months, when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its best. Weekdays tend to be less crowded than weekends.
The entrance fee is typically around ¥40-¥60. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or through local ticketing platforms online.
Booking tickets in advance is not strictly necessary but is recommended during peak seasons. Booking 1-2 days in advance should be sufficient.
To fully explore Yinchanggou, allow 3-5 hours. This includes time for hiking, visiting temples, and enjoying the natural surroundings.
Guided tours are available in Mandarin. Audio guides are not widely available, but some local guides may offer English explanations on request.
Start from the main entrance, head towards the riverside for a peaceful walk, then hike towards the temples located higher up the mountain. Complete the visit with panoramic views from the summit.
Night visits are not available, and light shows or special tours are not a major feature at Yinchanggou.
The site can be crowded during weekends and holidays. Weekdays, especially in the early morning, are the best times to visit to avoid crowds.
There are basic facilities available, including toilets, small food stalls offering local snacks, and rest areas. It's advisable to bring your own water for hiking.
The site has some paths suitable for elderly and children, but the more rugged trails may not be accessible for those with mobility issues.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments such as Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used at most points in the area.
There are a few small local eateries near the entrance that offer Sichuan cuisine and snacks, but more dining options can be found in Chengdu city center.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at local eateries, but halal food options may be limited.
There are a few guesthouses and mid-range hotels in Chengdu city center. For more comfort, it's best to stay in the city and travel to Yinchanggou as a day trip.
There are small souvenir shops at the entrance selling local handicrafts, such as bamboo items, incense, and traditional clothing.
After visiting, you can take a taxi, bus, or train back to Chengdu. The Chengdu-Chongqing high-speed rail line is a good option for further travel within Sichuan province.
