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Wawu Mountain is known for its stunning natural beauty and offers various outdoor activities, including hiking, photography, and enjoying the fresh air and scenic views. Popular activities include visiting the ancient temples, exploring the mountain's rich flora and fauna, and taking a cable car ride to admire the vast landscape. You can also visit the famous Wawu Mountain Scenic Area, known for its serene environment and picturesque spots.
Wawushan National Forest Park is located in Hongya County, Meishan City, on the western edge of the Sichuan Basin, 180 kilometers from Chengdu. Spanning 988,000 mu (approximately 1,000 acres), it comprises a series of scenic areas, including the Wawushan Primeval Forest Adventure Area, the Yuping Artificial Forest Resort, and the Bamianshan Ancient Scenic Area. With its fresh air and high visibility, the park resembles a fairyland, with the Mihuntang Pond being its greatest attraction. The core scenic area, Wawushan, is a renowned historical and cultural mountain in China and one of the birthplaces of Taoism. It is known as the "Home of the Chinese Dove Flower" and the "Kingdom of the World's Azaleas." It has been awarded the titles of China's largest national forest park, a national key ecological scenic area, one of the top ten model national forest parks, and a national civilized forest park.
Mid-subtropical humid climate zone, mountain climate type
1. Yanu Lake
Lush mountains and clear waters nurture beautiful women. The beauty of Yanu women is renowned throughout Sichuan and Sichuan. Yanu Lake, also known as the Wawushan Reservoir, was formed following the completion of the Wawushan Hydropower Station. This plateau lake, at an altitude of 1,080 meters and covering an area of 14 square kilometers, covers an area of 14 square kilometers.
The lake is 19.04 kilometers long, 13.31 kilometers wide, and 106 meters deep at its deepest point. The dam is 277 meters long and 143 meters high, equivalent to a 48-story building, with a water storage capacity of 600 million cubic meters. A flat lake emerges from a high gorge, and the lake is as flat as a mirror, reflecting the light of the sky and the shadows of the clouds, just like the gentleness and tranquility of a lady, hence the name Yanu Lake. Yanu Lake has 7 canyons, 18 peninsulas, and 24 large and small docks. The green mountains on all sides are like a painting screen, and the lake is vast with green waves. This is a beautiful symphony of mountains and waters. Sitting on a bench at a small table by the Wawushan Reservoir, drinking Xianger Villa tea, and looking at the bright white lake in the distance, there is a special feeling in my heart.
2. Jinhua Bridge/Tourist Reception Center/Wawushan Hotel
Jinhua Bridge, located on the banks of Shenkeng Creek at the northeastern foot of Wawu Mountain, is home to the Wawu Mountain Gate, the Tourist Service Center, and the Wawu Mountain Residence Hotel. In the past, a wooden trestle bridge constructed from large fir trees spanned the Shenkeng Creek, with railings made of mortised wooden planks. From a distance, it resembled the "golden flowers" worn on ancient officials' hats, hence the name Jinhua Bridge. Jinhua Bridge/Hotel (2 photos total)
Wawushan Hotel was built in 1998 and renovated in 2016-2017. It is a comprehensive hotel integrating conference, tourism and vacation. It officially opened to the public on July 1, 2017. The decoration style is positioned in an ecological and natural style, which is coordinated with the theme of the scenic area.
3. Shuangdong Creek
Shuangdong Creek, the scenic area's main attraction, lies northeast of Wawu Mountain. Two kilometers long, it epitomizes the mountain's "water world." Formed by the confluence of streams from Dafa Cave and Sanxing Cave halfway up the mountain, it boasts picturesque forests and gurgling mountain springs. A four-kilometer journey southwest from Jinhua Bridge leads to Shuangdong Creek. Green Leaf Pond, Butterfly Waterfall, Pearl Waterfall, Shuanglong Waterfall, Zhangling Manggou, and Moon Pond Waterfall form a natural gallery. Along the creekside, exotic trees, intertwined with vines and covered in moss, create a sense of stepping into a "Wuling Wonderland."
4. Qianwozi/Waterfall Viewing Pavilion
Qianwozi and the Waterfall Viewing Pavilion. Legend has it that this is where Emperor Wen of Han granted Deng Tong the privilege of casting copper coins. There are seven large cenotes, each three or four acres wide, filled with copper slag. From a bird's eye view, the seven cenotes are clearly visible. The surrounding hills are covered in Davidia involucrata trees, and in April and May, dove flowers bloom across the mountains. Waterfall (3 photos total)
Standing quietly in the Waterfall Viewing Pavilion, we hear the rumbling sound of water and the crisp chirping of birds, transporting us to a fairyland far removed from the mundane world. The two majestic waterfalls, like two strands of white gauze fluttering across a jade cliff, are a scene of extraordinary beauty. Nearly 100 meters apart and each 100 meters high, they echo each other. This is the famous "Flying Sha Waterfall," one of the 72 hanging streams of Wawu Mountain. "Flying Sha Waterfall" originates from the Yuanxi and Yangxi streams at the mountaintop, extending and developing them.
5. Gufoping
The Gufoping Cableway has an intermediate station. Visitors can disembark at this station and follow the walking trail towards Swallow Cave. Along the way, visitors can admire the azalea forest, red leaf forest, and Bison Street, looking up at Yuanxi, Yangxi, and Lanxi streams. Alternatively, visitors can ascend directly to the mountaintop's primeval forest, view Yuanyang Pond, visit Xiang'er Rock, and witness the sunrise, sea of clouds, and Buddha's light.
6. Guangxiang Temple
The Duguang Terrace at Guangxiang Temple is another excellent spot for viewing the sunrise, sea of clouds, and Buddha's light. He Shaoji, a famous Qing Dynasty poet, eulogized this scene in a poem: "Instantly, white mist rises, like cotton and waves. Dissolving into a sky cloud, it conceals the thousands of peaks."
7. Mandarin Duck Pond
Located at the center of the Wawu Mountain plateau, Mandarin Duck Pond, covering 100 mu (approximately 100 mu), resembles a precious mirror set in a vast forest. Clear springs flow year-round, and fir and azalea forests surround it. In May, azaleas adorn the lakeside with a vast garland, their fragrance intoxicating, and cuckoos sing melodiously. In June, the lakeside is bustling with tourists, the cool air chilling, the murmur of the Milky Way, and the pounding of wind and waves thrillingly. In late autumn, the wind and smoke billow, creating an ever-changing world. In winter and spring, the lake is blanketed in snow and illuminated by a myriad of radiant clouds. The thousand-year-old Laojun wood carving by the pond is lifelike, extremely popular, and imbued with a dreamlike charm. This Taishang Laojun wood carving, dating from the Tang Dynasty, is a millennium old, yet remains remarkably well-preserved, its carvings expertly crafted, and its charm undiminished, making it a unique Wawu Mountain wonder. The poet He Shaoji once lamented, "Mandarin ducks of the Dharma Realm soar to the sky, and the long bridge rests eternally on the waves. The plateau is open and uninhabited, and the misty rain and cold make it impossible to farm."
Ticket price: 50 yuan per person
Sightseeing bus 40 yuan/person
07:30-17:30
Wawu Mountain has a rich history, and it is known for its Buddhist cultural heritage. The mountain is home to ancient temples and historical sites, making it a significant cultural and religious destination in Sichuan. Wawu Mountain is also famous for its natural landscape, including lush forests, waterfalls, and diverse wildlife, attracting both nature lovers and spiritual seekers.
Wawu Mountain is located in Meishan, Sichuan Province. To get there, you can take a bus from Chengdu or Meishan, which takes around 2-3 hours. Alternatively, taxis or private cars are also available, offering a more direct route. For those in the area, walking is an option once you are within the scenic area itself.
The Wawu Mountain Scenic Area is open year-round. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild, and the views are at their best. Avoid the summer and Chinese New Year holidays, as these periods can be crowded with tourists.
The entrance fee for Wawu Mountain Scenic Area is around ¥100-¥150, depending on the time of year and the activities you plan to engage in. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance, and some platforms also offer the option to buy tickets online in advance.
It is not mandatory to book tickets in advance, but it is advisable during peak seasons, such as holidays or weekends. Booking a few days in advance is recommended if you want to avoid long lines or ensure availability for specific tours or activities.
A visit to Wawu Mountain typically takes around 4-6 hours, depending on the activities you choose. If you're hiking or exploring the temples and natural spots in detail, it could take a full day to fully enjoy the area.
The must-see highlights at Wawu Mountain include the Wawu Temple, the spectacular views from the cable car, the scenic hiking trails, and the lush forest areas. Don’t miss the ancient inscriptions and the waterfalls scattered around the mountain.
Guided tours are available at Wawu Mountain, with most tours conducted in Mandarin. Audio guides are not typically available, so arranging a tour in advance is recommended if you prefer to have a guide with a more personal touch.
The best viewpoints for photography are from the cable car ride, where you can capture the vast landscape. Other great spots include the mountain’s highest peaks, the ancient temples, and areas with waterfalls and clear lakes. These offer scenic and tranquil spots for nature photography.
A recommended route would be to first take the cable car up to the mountain top for panoramic views. From there, explore the temples and hiking trails, making sure to visit the Wawu Temple and other historical sites. You can also spend time in the forest areas for a more relaxed, nature-filled experience.
Night visits are generally not available at Wawu Mountain, as the area is more suitable for daytime exploration. However, some special cultural events or tours may be organized during festivals or holidays, so it's best to check local event calendars.
Wawu Mountain can get crowded during peak tourist seasons, such as Chinese New Year and the summer months. The least crowded times are weekdays outside of holidays, especially in the morning hours when visitors tend to be fewer.
Basic facilities, including toilets, food stalls, water refill stations, and rest areas, are available throughout the scenic area. There are also small shops where you can buy souvenirs or snacks. Some restaurants offer local Sichuan dishes.
Wawu Mountain’s terrain may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors, especially in the hiking areas. However, the cable car and some of the temple areas are accessible for visitors with mobility challenges. Children will enjoy the open spaces and can explore the natural surroundings.
Cash is widely accepted at most small shops and food stalls, but mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat Pay) are commonly used throughout the mountain. It’s recommended to carry some cash in case mobile payment is not available at certain remote spots.
There are a few local restaurants offering Sichuan-style dishes, such as hotpot and noodles, within the scenic area. More dining options can be found in Meishan city, which is around 30-40 minutes away by car.
Vegetarian options are available in some restaurants around the mountain, though vegan and halal options may be limited. It’s best to inquire directly with restaurants about specific dietary requirements.
There are a few guesthouses and hotels in the nearby town of Meishan, which is about 30-40 minutes away by car. For more luxurious accommodations, visitors can stay in Chengdu, about 2 hours away.
Nearby attractions include Mount Emei, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Buddhist temples, and the Bifengxia Giant Panda Base. Both are popular day trips that can be combined with a visit to Wawu Mountain.
Yes, there are souvenir shops selling local crafts, traditional Chinese tea, and other handmade goods. Typical souvenirs include Wawu Mountain-themed items, such as paintings, incense, and bamboo products.
After visiting Wawu Mountain, taxis or buses can take you back to Meishan or Chengdu for onward travel. If you're heading to other attractions like Mount Emei, it’s best to arrange private transportation or join a guided tour for convenience.
