A Hidden Gem for Chengdu Locals! After Hiking, Relaxing in a Forest Cabin is So Healing

As a Hong Kong expat living in Chengdu, I spend every weekend exploring the natural secrets nearby. This week’s “hiking + cabin” combo is simply legendary—after hiking Dou Di Mountain, just a 20-minute drive takes you to the forest cabin at Wild Islet Homestay. This is the kind of relaxation autumn should bring!

🥾 Hiking + Cabin, the perfect weekend energy recharge formula

Dou Di Mountain is chosen for its moderate difficulty, with a 5-6 km trail. In autumn, the mountains are painted with layers of colorful foliage, leaves crunching underfoot, and along the way you’ll encounter streams and wild fruits. Even beginners can easily handle it. The best part is how close it is to the homestay—just a 20-minute drive, so no long trips after hiking. The way back to the cabin is all easy and relaxing.

Once at the homestay, take a hot shower, grab a cold drink from the fridge, and sit on the rattan chair on the cabin’s terrace to zone out. Sunlight filters through the leaves, you sip freshly ground coffee from the homestay, and the fatigue from hiking instantly melts away. This feeling of “tired but happy” is absolutely addictive!

🏡 Wild Islet Cabin Review: Secluded yet Thoughtful

The newly built cabin is a feast for the eyes, blending seamlessly with the forest in a natural wood style. The one we chose has a private courtyard, offering maximum privacy—no noise from cafes, just birdsong and insects as company.

The cabin is more spacious than expected, with soft, skin-friendly bedding, a bathroom with separate wet and dry areas, and toiletries that carry a subtle woody scent. At night, move a small table outside the cabin, lay out snacks and beer, turn off your phone, and listen to the wind, rustling leaves, and distant insect sounds. This immersive natural white noise beats any sleep playlist.

📌 Weekend Pitfall Avoidance Guide Around Chengdu

1. Itinerary Planning: It’s best to leave Saturday morning, drop off your luggage at the homestay first, have a simple lunch there (their cured meat fried rice is highly recommended—so fragrant it’s mouthwatering), then hike Dou Di Mountain around 1 PM. Return to the homestay to rest in the evening and gather in front of the cabin. Sleep in on Sunday before heading back.
2. Gear Suggestions: Wear non-slip sports shoes for hiking, bring mosquito repellent, a small backpack, and drinking water; for the cabin, bring a light jacket as it can get chilly in the mountains at night.
3. Booking Tips: The homestay is popular on weekends, especially cabins with private terraces. It’s recommended to book 1-2 weeks in advance and request a room away from public areas for better privacy.

The longer you stay in Chengdu, the more you appreciate this “half-hour escape from the city” joy. No crowded tourist spots, no rushed schedules—just a day of hiking and sweating, and a night of zoning out in a cabin. That’s a truly recharging weekend! Next time, I want to try the homestay’s barbecue—I've heard grilling skewers in the forest creates an unbeatable atmosphere~

Post by LunaDust7890123456 | Oct 16, 2025