Just 1 Hour from Chengdu! A Severely Underrated, Super Cool and Healing Hiking Route

📍 Overview of Yangsan Road

Location: Stretching from Heming Town to Yuelai Town in Dayi County, connecting Heming Mountain and Wuzhong Mountain (ancient name "Fog Mountain"), approximately 10 kilometers in total.

Highlights: Known as one of "Chengdu's Most Beautiful Country Roads," it's adorned with autumn red leaves and lush greenery in summer, perfect for road trips, cycling, or hiking.

Road Conditions: The mountain road has many curves; it's advisable to drive a high-clearance vehicle and proceed with caution.

🌿 Must-Visit Attractions Along the Way

Heming Mountain (Birthplace of Taoism)

Highlights: Taoist temples, thousand-year-old cypress trees, cliff carvings, and misty mornings that create a fairy-tale atmosphere.

Activities: Hike for blessings and enjoy panoramic views of Yangsan Road.

Wuzhong Mountain (Ancient Buddhist Amitabha Site)

Highlights: Kaihua Temple, Ming Dynasty stone archways, pristine forests, and a perfect summer retreat.

Tip: The section from Wuzhong Mountain to Yuelai Town is quieter, ideal for adventurous travelers.

Hongyan Mountain (Seasonal Scenery)

Autumn: Maple leaves turn the mountains red; winter occasionally brings light snow, adding a unique charm.

Agricultural Culture Museum (Yuelai Town)

Highlights: Exhibits traditional farming tools and folk customs of Western Sichuan, great for family educational trips.

🍜 Authentic Dayi Cuisine Recommendations

Pork Blood with Intestines: "You Blood Pudding" in Anren Ancient Town is highly praised for its spicy and savory flavor.

Tangchang Fermented Tofu: A local specialty, perfect as a side dish or gift.

Yam and Pork Rib Stew: Commonly found in Yuelai Town's farmhouses, nourishing and warming.

Fermented Glutinous Rice (Yang Laozao): Sweet but not cloying, ideal for breakfast.

Recommended Restaurants:

"Mountain Home" at the foot of Wuzhong Mountain (firewood chicken, wild vegetable pancakes)

Old Snack Shop near "Liu's Manor" in Anren Ancient Town

🚗 Travel Tips

Self-Drive: About 1.5 hours from Chengdu; navigate to "Yangsan Road Starting Point (Heming Town)" with Yuelai Town or Wuzhong Mountain Scenic Area as the endpoint.

Public Transport: Take Chengdu Metro Line 10 to "Wujin Station," transfer to a bus to Dayi Passenger Center, then take the "Heming Mountain-Yuelai" rural bus.

Best Seasons: Late October to mid-November (autumn foliage), May to June (lush greenery).

Gear Suggestions: Hiking shoes, mosquito repellent, binoculars (for viewing platforms), car charger.

🏡 Accommodation Recommendations

Luxury: "Plain Folk Homestay" in Anren Ancient Town (Republic of China style, near Liu's Manor)

Unique: "Cloud Dwelling Mountain Retreat" at the foot of Wuzhong Mountain (Zen-inspired design, includes vegetarian meals)

Budget-Friendly: Farm stays in Yuelai Town (50-80 RMB per person, with vegetable-picking experiences)

⚠️ Important Notes

Temperature varies greatly in the mountains; bring windproof jackets.

Some areas have no signal; download offline maps in advance.

Protect the environment; no open flames in forested areas.

Yangsan Road blends natural beauty with cultural charm, offering a leisurely and poetic experience of Western Sichuan's plains, whether for a short visit or an in-depth road trip. Feel free to ask for more details! 🌄