Taking the kids and dog out to bask in the sun—this is the ultimate autumn experience in Chengdu

This weekend, I finally didn’t sleep in, being pulled out of bed by my son and our little dog together. My wife made a quick decision: “Stop dawdling, let’s go to Qinglong Lake. If we’re late, there won’t be any parking spots left!”

Honestly, in Chengdu, finding a weekend spot where you can just go without exhausting yourself is rare, and Qinglong Lake definitely ranks high. Driving out of the city, it feels like you haven’t even finished a few songs before you see the sign for Qinglong Lake. This “not too far, not too close” distance is truly a lifesaver for weekends.

As soon as we entered the park, wow, the autumn sun here is completely different from the harsh summer one—warm and cozy, like a soft sweater wrapped around you. We didn’t rent bikes, just pushed our kid’s bicycle and strolled slowly along the lake.

“Autumn here is the kind of comfort that Chengdu people really know how to enjoy.”

The sky was unbelievably blue, that kind of blue like “the window frames the snow on Xiling Mountain,” though we didn’t see the snowy peaks today, our mood was already brightened. The lake surface looked like a large piece of cool silk, with tiny ripples forming as the wind blew. The trees along the shore were the real highlight—green, yellow, orange, red—like someone accidentally spilled a palette of colors, yet they blended perfectly.

Many leaves had turned golden, especially the rows of ginkgo trees. They weren’t fully yellow yet but were gearing up to put on a “golden armor” show in a couple of weeks. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, scattering sparkling patches of light on the ground. My son rode his bike chasing those light spots, grinning foolishly for a long time.

“There were quite a few people, but the place is so big, it never felt crowded.”

The lawn was full of tents and picnic blankets. Families, groups of friends, just lying around soaking up the sun, munching on seeds, playing cards. That relaxed vibe is contagious. We found a spot to sit and spread out the fruits and snacks we brought. The dog rolled wildly on the grass, and my son quickly made friends with a kid in a nearby tent, chasing bubbles together.

My wife and I sat side by side, staring at the lake, chatting casually. We didn’t do anything important, but it felt like all the fatigue from the workweek was smoothed out by the lake breeze and sunshine. Around Chengdu, if you want a quick place to “recharge,” an open park like Qinglong Lake is truly the best.

“It’s not like some ticketed scenic spots that are fancy but pricey; its charm is in the freedom.”

You can bike, run, take the kids out, walk the dog, or just sit there doing nothing, and no one bothers you. This kind of “zero barrier” happiness is exactly what ordinary people need on weekends.

By 4 p.m., the sunlight turned golden and soft, and we packed up to head home. My son fell asleep instantly in his car seat, probably still chasing those light spots in his dreams.

It’s only about a half-hour drive back home, so we could comfortably enjoy hotpot dinner without any rush.

Is this place uniquely scenic? Not really. But it’s the kind of “all-rounder” that’s perfect for autumn viewing, taking kids out, relaxing, exercising—everything works, and all without much effort. For Chengdu locals, Qinglong Lake isn’t some faraway spot; it’s right at our doorstep, that “old place” you can step into anytime and be happy.