Live Your Best Lives
In the Erlang Mountain Laba River Scenic Area, visitors can enjoy scenic hiking along the river, explore natural landscapes, visit the ancient bridges, and relax by the riverside. Adventure enthusiasts can try white-water rafting or take in the beautiful mountain views from various viewpoints. The area is also famous for its lush greenery and diverse wildlife, perfect for nature lovers.
Erlang Mountain Laba River is located in Tianquan County, Ya'an City. As a national 4A-level scenic spot, it is located in the world natural heritage "Sichuan Giant Panda Habitat". It has ancient geology, unique landforms, complete distribution of flora and fauna, and a mixture of north-south winding paths. The scenic area is full of connected mountains, beautiful peaks, waterfalls, springs, and cascading lakes. It has been named "Sichuan Ecological Tourism Demonstration Zone" and "National Forest Park". It is known as "China's Erlang Mountain, Wild Laba River" and is well-known for its wild water deer viewing, water skiing, and autumn red leaves.
Laba River is a natural gene bank for rare wild plants and animals. At Suosuopenggou, Luzigou, Mofanggou, and Yinchangping, you can witness hundreds of wildebeests licking saltpeter and herds of water deer playing in the water, a truly spectacular and fascinating sight. Monkeys frolic in the forests, pheasants flit, and the azalea forests are a vibrant spectacle. The "Four Treasures Forest," a mixed collection of Davidia involucrata, Ficus microcarpa, Tetracarpus truncatum, and various maple trees, creates a beautiful forest landscape. The area is a veritable green treasure trove and an animal paradise.
Subtropical monsoon climate;
Spring and autumn are the best time to visit, as the climate is cool and suitable
Laba River entrance fee: 55 yuan (including insurance);
Sightseeing bus: 35 yuan;
Alpine water skiing: 80 yuan;
High mountain zipline 65 yuan (insurance included);
Jungle Crossing: 45 yuan;
Cable car: 110 yuan (peak season price);
6:00-23:00
The Erlang Mountain Laba River Scenic Area is significant for its natural beauty and historical importance. The region is named after Erlang Mountain, which is associated with ancient Chinese myths and legends. It’s a popular destination for outdoor activities, providing access to pristine nature and rich biodiversity, as well as offering a glimpse into traditional mountain life.
The Erlang Mountain Laba River Scenic Area is located in Ya'an, Sichuan Province. To get there, you can take a bus from Ya'an city center or hire a taxi for a more direct route. There is no metro service to the area, but the scenic area is accessible by road. It is about a 1.5-hour drive from Ya'an.
The scenic area is open year-round, from 8 AM to 6 PM. The best time to visit is during spring and autumn, when the weather is mild, and the area is less crowded. Avoid peak tourist seasons, such as major Chinese holidays, to enjoy a more peaceful experience.
The entrance fee to the Erlang Mountain Laba River Scenic Area is approximately 60-80 CNY. Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance or in advance at designated ticketing outlets. There may also be online platforms where tickets are available for pre-purchase.
Booking tickets in advance is not typically necessary, especially during off-peak seasons. However, during peak tourist seasons, it is advisable to book at least 1-2 days in advance to avoid long waits or ticket shortages.
You will need approximately 3-4 hours to fully explore the Erlang Mountain Laba River Scenic Area. This time allows for a scenic hike, taking photos, and enjoying activities like rafting. If you plan to explore in more detail or take longer hikes, you may want to dedicate a full day.
The main highlights of the area include the Laba River, the ancient bridges, scenic hiking trails, and the viewpoints on Erlang Mountain. Don't miss the waterfalls and lush forests surrounding the river, which provide excellent photo opportunities.
Guided tours are available, usually in Mandarin. While some private tours may offer English-speaking guides, it's best to arrange this in advance. Audio guides are not typically provided, so a local guide is recommended for detailed insights into the history and nature of the area.
Some of the best viewpoints are near the ancient bridges, on the cliffs overlooking the Laba River, and from the summit of Erlang Mountain. The river’s flowing waters and surrounding forest create beautiful landscapes perfect for photography.
A recommended route is to start at the river’s edge and hike along the designated paths, visiting the waterfalls, bridges, and viewpoints. Afterward, you can explore the area further by rafting along the river or enjoy a rest at one of the scenic overlooks.
Night visits are not typically available in this scenic area, as it’s primarily a daytime destination. There are no regular light shows, but during certain festivals, special cultural performances or events may be hosted in the evenings.
The area can get crowded during holidays and weekends. The least crowded times are early mornings on weekdays, especially outside of major Chinese holidays. Visiting in the off-peak seasons like spring or autumn also helps avoid crowds.
Facilities in the area include public toilets, food stalls offering local snacks, rest areas, and small shops selling souvenirs. However, services are limited, so it’s recommended to bring your own water and snacks for longer visits.
While the main paths are accessible to elderly visitors and children, some of the more challenging hiking trails may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. It’s advisable to check with local authorities or tour operators for specific accessibility details.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments through platforms like WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used throughout the area. Credit cards are less commonly accepted, so it’s best to have cash or use mobile payments for purchases.
There are several small restaurants and cafes near the entrance, serving local Sichuan dishes and snacks. For a wider selection, visitors can explore Ya'an city, which is about an hour’s drive away and offers many dining options.
Vegetarian and vegan options are available at the local restaurants, including vegetable stir-fries and tofu dishes. Halal food may be limited in the area, but it is available in Ya'an for those who require it.
There are a few guesthouses and mid-range hotels near the Erlang Mountain Laba River Scenic Area. For more luxury options, visitors can stay in Ya'an city, where a wide range of accommodations are available.
Nearby attractions include the Bifengxia Panda Base, which is around 30 minutes away from the scenic area, and the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. These attractions make for a great combination for a day trip.
There are small souvenir shops in and around the scenic area, offering items like local handicrafts, traditional Sichuan tea sets, and bamboo products. Popular souvenirs include miniature panda figurines and Laba River-themed gifts.
After visiting the scenic area, taxis or buses are available to continue your trip. For longer travel, Ya'an city’s bus terminal or train station provides access to various other destinations in Sichuan and beyond.
