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Mount Mengding is located in Ya'an City, Sichuan Province, in the southwestern Sichuan Basin. It stretches northwest of Mingshan District, rising in the north and declining in the south, forming a northeast-southwest belt that extends into Ya'an. The mountain is approximately 10 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide. Mengding's five peaks, arranged in a circle, resemble a lotus flower. The highest peak, Shangqing Peak, stands at 1,456 meters. Located in Mingshan District, it is 110 kilometers from Chengdu and 15 kilometers from Ya'an. National Highway 318 runs through the scenic area, and two ramps from the Chengdu-Ya'an Expressway directly connect to Mount Mengding and Baizhang Lake, providing convenient transportation. It is a National AAAA-level scenic spot.
Mount Mengding, also known as Mengshan, is one of Sichuan's first provincial-level scenic spots. It lies between Yucheng District and Mingshan District in Ya'an City, known as the "Sky Leak." Its highest peak, Shangqing Peak, stands at 1,456 meters. It is 110 kilometers from Chengdu and 15 kilometers from Ya'an. National Highway 318 runs through the scenic area, and two ramps from the Chengdu-Ya'an Expressway directly connect to Mount Mengshan and Baizhang Lake, making transportation very convenient. Stretching northwest of Mingshan County, Mount Mengshan rises in the north and declines in the south, forming a northeast-southwest belt that extends into Ya'an. The mountain range is approximately 10 kilometers long and 4 kilometers wide. The five peaks of Mengding, circling each other, resemble a lotus flower, with Shangqing Peak as the highest peak. From Mengding, one can see Mount Emei, Mount Wawu, and Mount Zhougong to the west. Looking east, one can see flat plains, rolling hills, and crisscrossing streams, creating a picturesque landscape. Existing ancient temples such as Yongxing Temple, Qianfo Temple, and Jingju Temple are nestled amidst lush tea plantations and forests, their red-walled Buddhist temples adding a unique charm.
Ya'an is known as the "Rain City," and its scenic area is also characterized by frequent rainfall and humidity. Winters are mild, and summers are mild. The average annual temperature is around 15°C (15°F), with January averaging around 5°C (9°F) and July averaging around 23°C (23°F). The frost-free period is 308 days, while rainy days can reach as many as 200. Autumn is characterized by frequent drizzles, while summers experience showers. Please bring rain gear when visiting.
Royal Tea Garden
The Imperial Tea Garden is nestled among the five hills of Mengding Peak. Because the surrounding peaks resemble lotus flowers, the garden sits at the heart of these lotuses, making it a prime location for feng shui. Wu Lizhen, the founder of Meng tea during the Han Dynasty, planted seven "spiritual tea" plants here. Hu Bingyan's poem "Immortal" also evokes this description of this tea: "Fairy mist lingers on the mountaintops, sacred springs boil the emerald green tea. Purple clay tea brims with jade dew, its fragrance nourishing the heart."
Tribute tea has been harvested here since the Tang Dynasty, and it was officially named the "Imperial Tea Garden" in the 13th year of the Chunxi reign of Emperor Kaozong of the Song Dynasty. The garden is surrounded by stone railings and features a double stone gate at the front, flanked by stone couplets that read "Water from the heart of the Yangtze River, tea from the top of Mount Meng." The horizontal banner reads "Imperial Tea Garden."
Ganlu Stone Chamber
Located on Ganlu Peak to the left of the Imperial Tea Garden, the Ganlu Stone Chamber is a Ming Dynasty double-sloped-roof, single-room stone structure. Its unique architectural style, featuring stone pillars, stone halls, stone brackets, and a stone roof, allows light to penetrate without leaking rain.
Mengquan Well
Located next to the Imperial Tea Garden, Mengquan Well, also known as Ganlu Well, is flanked by two stele tablets inscribed with the inscription "Ancient Mengquan." A stone railing depicts two dragons playing with a pearl. This is where Master Ganlu drew water when cultivating his tea. The county annals record that "the well holds a large volume of water, never overflowing in rain or drying up in drought, and its mouth is covered with stone." Tea brewed with water from this well has a unique fragrance.
Standard price: 60 yuan (peak season April to October), 45 yuan (off-season January to March),
A. Free Ticket Policy: Children under 1.1 meters in height are free of charge; senior citizens over 70 years old and military officers are free of charge with their IDs;
B. Preferential policy: Children between 1.1 and 1.4 meters in height can purchase half-price tickets; senior citizens aged 60 to 70, persons with disabilities, and students must obtain a receipt to purchase half-price tickets;
C. On the anniversary of the 5.12 Wenchuan earthquake, the Mengding Mountain Scenic Area will offer free admission to all visitors. 8:30-18:00
Cable car ticket: 30 yuan for round trip.
08:30-17:00 (all year round)
Mount Mengding is known as the birthplace of tea in Sichuan Province. It has a long history of tea cultivation dating back over a thousand years and is culturally significant for its connection to Chinese tea culture and local religious heritage.
Mount Mengding is located in Ya'an, Sichuan Province. To get there:
The mountain is open year-round, usually from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit for pleasant weather and beautiful tea gardens.
The entrance fee is typically around CNY 60–80. Tickets can be purchased offline at the entrance, or online via local travel platforms.
Booking in advance is not required except during peak holidays. If visiting during national holidays, it is recommended to book a few days ahead.
Exploring Mount Mengding typically takes 4–6 hours depending on hiking plans and visits to tea gardens and temples.
Guided tours are available mainly in Chinese. English-speaking guides are limited, so using a translation app or hiring a bilingual guide is recommended.
Night visits and light shows are generally not available. Special tours can be arranged through local guides, particularly focusing on tea culture or cultural experiences.
The area can be busy on weekends and public holidays. Weekdays, especially in spring and autumn, are the least crowded times.
Facilities include public toilets, small restaurants or tea houses, rest areas, and souvenir shops within the scenic area.
Some areas are steep and may be challenging for elderly or disabled visitors. Children can explore easily under supervision, and some flat paths near the entrance are accessible.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted. Credit card use may be limited.
Several local restaurants serve Sichuan cuisine, and tea houses are available for refreshments within the scenic area. More dining options are in Ya’an city nearby.
Vegetarian options are available in some local restaurants and temples. Halal options are limited, so planning ahead is recommended.
Souvenir shops sell local tea leaves, bamboo crafts, traditional snacks, and small handicrafts.
