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Hike up to the Erlang Mountain Scenic Area's main viewpoint to enjoy panoramic views of the mountains and valleys. You can also explore the local flora and fauna, visit the Erlang Temple, and walk along the scenic paths. It's a great destination for photography, nature lovers, and those interested in Tibetan culture.
Erlang Mountain Scenic Area is a provincial-level scenic spot located in Tianquan County. It forms the watershed between the Qingyi River and the Dadu River, marking the natural geographical boundary. It boasts a majestic, precipitous, magical, beautiful, and tranquil original landscape, and a historical fusion of Tibetan and Han cultures.
Erlang Mountain Scenic Area, nestled between mountains and nestled beside the water, boasts enchanting scenery, lush green hills and turquoise waters. The scenery changes with each season, with serene forests shading the sun, steep cliffs and unusual rocks, and the chirping of birds. Visitors can hike and admire the natural landscape of mountains, water, forest, and city, watch macaques at play, or leisurely fish, boat, swim, and admire the emerald waters of Longquan. It's a natural forest oxygen bar and ecotourism park, offering a perfect place for urbanites to reconnect with nature, immerse themselves in the natural beauty of nature, strengthen their minds and bodies, and rebalance their minds and bodies.
Subtropical monsoon and humid climate;
The scenery here is different in each season. In winter, it is covered with silver and ice bars hang down; in late spring and early summer, Tuanniuping, Chahe River and Muyepeng are full of azaleas. It is a place to visit in all seasons.
The Davidia involucrata flowers on Menkan Mountain are like pigeons flying in the forest, the stone forest in Heiyanzigou is colorful, and the waterfalls in Shigangzigou and Longbagou are extraordinary.
The Laba River has maintained its original appearance, with rare animals such as wildebeest and sambar dominating the animal population.
Hongling Mountain is majestic and steep, Sleeping Buddha Mountain looks like a reclining Buddha, and the natural Buddhas on Wanfo Cliff are all different.
The Golden Summit and Duguang Terrace of Sheshen Cliff, Wangjing Terrace of Xiaoxitian Temple, and Nantianmen of Leiyin Temple are all steep and rugged, where you can watch the sea of clouds, sunrise and sunset, and enjoy the wonder of "sun and moon shining together";
The Longmen Gorge of Baisha River is winding and deep, the stalactites of the Swallow Cave in Chenxiang Rock are in various shapes, and flocks of mountain swallows fly;
It is recommended to visit for 2 to 3 days
Erlang Mountain is the main road into western Sichuan. There is no entrance fee, but there are tolls along the way.
All day
Erlang Mountain is renowned for its natural beauty and cultural significance. It is an important site in Sichuan, especially known for its historical Erlang Temple, which dates back to ancient times. The mountain is also a key part of the Sichuan-Tibet Highway, offering dramatic views along the way.
The Erlang Mountain Scenic Area is located in Ya'an, Sichuan. The most convenient way to get there is by taking a bus or taxi from Ya'an city, which is about 60 kilometers away. There is no direct metro access to the mountain, so taxi or private transport is recommended.
The scenic area is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best times to visit are during spring and autumn when the weather is pleasant and the surrounding landscapes are lush. Winter can be cold and snowy, while summer may be more crowded.
The entrance fee to Erlang Mountain Scenic Area is around 80 CNY. Tickets can be bought on-site at the entrance, or you can check for online ticket options depending on availability during peak seasons.
It is not mandatory to book tickets in advance, but it is recommended during peak seasons (e.g., holidays or weekends). You can book tickets a few days in advance if visiting during busy periods to avoid waiting in line.
You will need about 3 to 4 hours to fully explore the main sights, including the hike up the mountain, visiting Erlang Temple, and enjoying the viewpoints. If you plan to hike longer or explore the area further, you may need a full day.
The main highlights include the stunning panoramic views from the mountain's peak, the Erlang Temple, and the scenic trails that lead you through beautiful forests and past local wildlife.
Guided tours are available in Chinese. Audio guides are not commonly provided, but local guides are knowledgeable and can offer tours in Mandarin. It's a good idea to hire a guide for a more in-depth experience.
The best viewpoints are from the mountain's summit and along the main hiking trail. The clear skies and surrounding mountains make for excellent photography opportunities. The view from Erlang Temple is also popular for taking pictures of the valley below.
Start by visiting the Erlang Temple, then take a short hike to the summit for the best views. If you're feeling adventurous, explore the extended hiking trails that offer more scenic landscapes and encounters with local flora and fauna.
There are no special night visits or light shows in Erlang Mountain Scenic Area. It is best visited during daylight hours to fully enjoy the views and natural beauty of the area.
The mountain can get crowded during weekends and national holidays. Weekdays, especially early mornings, are the least crowded times to visit. Visiting during the off-peak seasons (spring or autumn) also helps avoid large crowds.
There are basic facilities at the scenic area, including toilets, water stations, and small rest areas. You can find food stalls and some shops selling snacks, souvenirs, and local products. It's advisable to bring extra water and snacks if you're planning to hike extensively.
The main paths and temple area are accessible for elderly visitors and children, but some of the hiking trails may be too steep for those with limited mobility. If visiting with elderly or disabled individuals, consider taking the main accessible routes.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are more commonly used in the area. Credit cards may not be accepted at smaller shops and food stalls, so it's recommended to have mobile payment options available.
There are a few local restaurants near the base of the mountain where you can try Sichuan dishes. For more variety, Ya'an city, about 60 km away, has a wider selection of restaurants and cafes.
Vegetarian food is available at local restaurants, but vegan and halal options are limited. It's recommended to ask in advance for vegetarian dishes, or visit Ya'an for a broader selection of dining options.
There are several accommodations in Ya'an city, including mid-range hotels and guesthouses. For those seeking a closer stay, there are a few guesthouses near the base of the mountain.
Nearby attractions include the Bifengxia Panda Sanctuary in Ya'an, the Yanjing Hot Springs, and the scenic areas around the Dadu River. These are all great to visit in a day trip if you're in the area.
Yes, there are souvenir shops selling local crafts, tea, and small tokens like keychains, wooden carvings, and Sichuan chili products. Local tea is a popular souvenir from the region.
From Erlang Mountain, you can take a taxi or private car back to Ya'an. From there, you can continue your journey by bus or private transport to other parts of Sichuan or nearby cities like Chengdu.
