Chengdu Longquanshan | Visit in March–April for a Romantic Spring Getaway!

| Visit in March–April for a romantic spring getaway! 🌸 Longquanshan, known as Chengdu's "back garden," is famed for its peach blossoms. In March and April, thousands of acres of peach trees are in full bloom. Combined with the winding roads featured in *Initial D*, ancient temples, and popular photo spots, it's a comprehensive leisure destination for flower viewing, hiking, gourmet food, and stunning night views.

Seasonal Highlights:
• Spring (March–April): The core area of the peach blossom sea (Peach Blossom Hometown, Baoshi Lake) is open, perfect for photos and picnics.
• Summer (May–August): Hiking on greenways and watching sunsets (Zhongjiashan, Danjingtai).
• Autumn (September–November): Admiring golden ginkgo leaves (Zixiashan) and camping.
• Winter (December–February): Night light shows and fireside tea (around Shijing Temple).

🗺️ Recommended Spots:
1. Peach Blossom Hometown Scenic Area (Core)
• Highlights: A 4A-level scenic area with the highest density of peach blossoms, featuring viewing platforms and popular photo spots. Pets and camping gear are allowed.
• Tips:
▶️ Arrive before 9am to avoid crowds. Wear light-colored clothing for ancient-style photos.
▶️ Bring portable tables and chairs for a picnic. The lakeside lawn is perfect for relaxing.
▶️ Be wary of "free entry" signs along the road, which are often shopping traps. Look for the official entrance.

2. Shijing Temple
• Highlights: A thousand-year-old temple known for its blessings for marriage and wealth. Free entry.
• Tips:
▶️ Arrive at 7am when it opens to avoid weekend crowds.
▶️ Try the "Kung Pao Chicken" (vegetarian imitation) at the temple's vegetarian restaurant.
▶️ The Yangtianwo Plank Road behind the temple is suitable for light hiking.

3. Fujiwara Tofu Shop (Main Branch)
• Highlights: A replica of the winding roads from Mount Akina, with a vibrant atmosphere at night.
• Tips:
▶️ Arrive before 10am to avoid traffic. Try the matcha waffles and signature milk tea.
▶️ Expect traffic jams of over an hour on weekends. Drive during off-peak hours.

4. Danjingtai Scenic Area
• Highlights: Panoramic views of Sancha Lake, a glass walkway (¥5/person), and the Danjing Pavilion (¥10).
• Avoid: Cloudy days! Visibility is extremely poor on hazy days. Sunset is the recommended time to visit.

5. Longquan Lake Peninsula
• Highlights: A niche European-style campsite with a lakeside lawn perfect for relaxing and picnics (20 minutes' drive from Peach Blossom Hometown).
• Tips: You can rent canopies and barbecue sets (approx. ¥80/person). Reservations are required.

🚗 Recommended Itinerary:
Classic One-Day Tour (March–April Peach Blossom Season)

Morning:
• 8:00–10:00am: Pray at Shijing Temple + visit the Scavenger's Tea (a new-style Chinese teahouse near the temple, where you can draw fortune sticks).

• 10:30am–12:30pm: Hike and admire the flowers at Peach Blossom Hometown (navigate to "Peach Blossom Tianchi" or Baoshi Village; picnics are recommended).

Afternoon–Evening:
• 1:00–2:30pm: Visit the Fujiwara Tofu Shop (milk tea + desserts; recommended stay: 1 hour).

• 3:00–5:00pm: Enjoy the view at Danjingtai (sunset is recommended; combine with a hike on the Rainbow Trail).

• 5:30–7:00pm: Have dinner at Shankoushao Fire Pit Barbecue (open-air barbecue on the mountaintop; recommended: pork belly + chicken cartilage; approx. ¥80/person).

Evening (Optional):
• After 7:30pm: Night hike on Longquanshan (navigate to "Fangcaoting"; team up to watch the sunrise; tent rentals are approx. ¥20/tent).

🍜 Must-Try Food:
1. Scavenger's Tea (next to Shijing Temple): Freshly brewed tea + Chinese-style drinks. The peach blossom pastries are uniquely shaped (approx. ¥35/person; some online reviews mention it's "a bit pricey").
2. Black Bear Japanese Cuisine: Freshly baked waffles and handmade Japanese dishes (the rooftop terrace offers sunset views; approx. ¥60–100/person).
3. Shankoushao Fire Pit Barbecue: Xichang barbecue + fireside chats (must-try: pork belly + chili powder; approx. ¥80/person).
4. Suxiangzhai (inside Shijing Temple): Vegetarian Kung Pao Chicken, Spicy Vegetarian Chicken Shreds (¥10–35/dish).

⚠️ Things to Avoid:
1. Traffic Warning:
• Expect traffic jams near the Fujiwara Tofu Shop on weekends from 8:00am–6:00pm. It's recommended to arrive early by car or take the subway (Line 2 to Longquan Yi Station + Bus 870).
• The last bus is at 6:00pm. For return trips after a night hike, take a taxi (carpooling is around ¥30/person).

2. Flower Viewing Tips:
• The main venue of Peach Blossom Hometown is crowded on weekends. Baoshi Lake and the 300 Steps of Changsong are less crowded alternatives.
• Be wary of "free entry" signs along the road, which are often shopping traps. Look for the official entrance.

3. Photography Tips:
• Avoid Danjingtai on cloudy days. Drone use requires prior registration (altitude limit: 120m).
• The best spot for photos of the Fujiwara Tofu Shop is the S-curve on the road outside the shop. Evening is the recommended time for photography.

🏨 Accommodation Recommendations:
• Sanshan and Si Guesthouse (convenient for Rainbow Bridge viewing and hiking; approx. ¥150/person).
• Cloud Below Camphor Courtyard (century-old camphor trees + idyllic style; courtyard rentals available).
• Affordable accommodation at the foot of the mountain: Chain hotels near Longquan Yi Subway Station (e.g., Hanting, JI Hotel; ¥200–300/night).

🚗 Transportation:
By Car:
• Downtown Chengdu → Chenglong Avenue/Chengyu Expressway → Longquanshan (30 minutes; parking fee: ¥10/day).

• Navigation: Peach Blossom Hometown/Fujiwara Tofu Shop/Danjingtai (visit at different times to avoid peak hours).

By Subway:
• Subway Line 2 → Longquan Yi Station Exit B → Transfer to Bus 870 (Peach Blossom Hometown Station/Shijing Temple Station).

📌 Tips:
1. Confirm Blooming Period: Peach blossoms are in full bloom from late March to mid-April. Call the scenic area to confirm the blooming status before your trip.
2. Safety Tips: For night hikes, go in groups and bring mosquito repellent and a flashlight. Carpooling or ride-hailing services are available for the descent (easy to book).
3. Hidden Gem: The Yangtianwo Hiking Plank Road behind Shijing Temple is a beautiful and less crowded spot, suitable for light hikers.