A hidden cloud paradise at 30°N latitude! Complete Guide to Malilengjiu

Deep in Heizhugou, Leshan, lies a secret place called Malilengjiu, which means "a meadow covered with fresh flowers" in the Yi language. Situated over 2,000 meters above sea level, with more than 90% forest coverage creating a natural oxygen bar, high mountain lakes and cattle and sheep pastures complement each other. Mist and sunlight alternate to sketch a fairyland, making it the "Little Switzerland" around Chengdu. Whether you are a light hiking enthusiast or a family with children, you can encounter wild mountain romance here.

1. Pre-trip Essentials: Timing and Transportation Guide

Best Time to Visit

May to October is the golden period for Malilengjiu. In May, the Paulownia flowers bloom like white doves spreading their wings; in July and August, the meadows turn green and wildflowers bloom everywhere, making it a natural summer resort (temperature around 23°C). In October, the autumn scenery turns yellow, with colorful forests and meadows creating a charming contrast. If you prefer a mysterious atmosphere, the misty clouds on rainy days add more charm to this "30°N secret realm."

Transportation

- Self-driving (recommended): From Chengdu, take the Jingkun Expressway → Emei Mountain → Ebian → Heizhugou Town, about 4.5 hours in total. Note that driving is prohibited from the scenic area entrance to the core area of Malilengjiu; visitors must transfer to sightseeing buses (20-30 RMB/person). The mountain roads have many curves, so experienced drivers are advised.
- Public transport: Take a bus from Chengdu Xinnanmen or Chadianzi Bus Station to Ebian County (3.5-4 hours, 80 RMB/person), then charter a car to Heizhugou Scenic Area (about 100 RMB/car, 1 hour). Arrange return transportation in advance.

Basic Information

- Opening hours: 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM, last entry at 3:00 PM.
- Ticket price: A combined ticket for Malilengjiu and Beehive Rock is 90 RMB/person; buying online one day in advance saves 10 RMB. Sightseeing bus tickets are mandatory; tickets for the Fox Yard direction must be purchased separately.

2. Core Activities: Unlocking the Secret Realm in Multiple Ways

Must-do Hiking Loop: 3 km to See the Core Scenery

Malilengjiu features a gentle circular boardwalk, 3 km long, about 2 hours on foot, with no steep slopes, suitable for children over 6 years old. Recommended route:

1. Start at Still Water Lake: The lake is clear as a mirror, with a hand-holding bridge spanning the water, an excellent spot for forest-style photos, especially with front lighting.
2. Blessing at Lengxiang Spring: A hidden mineral-rich spring on the west side of the meadow. You can ask a Yi priest (Bimo) to chant scriptures and tie prayer flags for blessings (50 RMB each). The spring water is sweet but not recommended for direct drinking.
3. Walk through the Ancient Forest Corridor: Towering ancient trees with sunlight filtering through the leaves, dry leaves rustling underfoot, and occasional encounters with squirrels and birds.
4. Check-in at Still Water Pasture: Cattle and sheep graze on the vast meadow. You can rent Yi ethnic costumes for photos (30 RMB/set), use cattle and horses as backgrounds for stunning pastoral shots, and even try milking sheep (10 RMB/time).

Special Experiences: Immersive Yi Ethnic Culture

- Starry camping and bonfire: You can pitch tents in designated camping areas (100 RMB/tent, with moisture-proof mats provided). At night, the Milky Way reflects in the lake, and there is a Yi ethnic bonfire party where you can dance the Dati dance and enjoy roasted potatoes dipped in chili powder—super cozy.
- Nearby linked activities: If you have more time, visit another Heizhugou attraction, Beehive Rock. A 1-hour round-trip hike lets you experience the oxygen-rich primitive forest, with a suspension bridge and streams enhancing the atmosphere.

3. Food and Accommodation Guide: Mountain Flavors and Unique Stays

Must-try Yi Cuisine

- Tuotuo Meat: Large chunks of black pork with skin boiled in clear water, torn by hand and dipped in pepper salt. The meat is rich in flavor; a small portion is suitable for 2-3 people (about 68-80 RMB).
- Sauerkraut Potato Soup: Highland potatoes with traditional sauerkraut, fresh and appetizing soup, only 15 RMB per bowl for authentic mountain flavor.
- Grilled Snacks: Along the scenic route, grilled black pork skewers (10 RMB/skewer) and sweet flowing roasted potatoes (5 RMB/portion) are must-tries, paired with free buckwheat tea to refresh and warm the stomach.
- Dark Challenge: For the brave, try blood sausage (pork blood and glutinous rice sausage), with a strong local flavor (20 RMB each).

Accommodation Options: From Comfortable to Characteristic

- Convenient choice inside the scenic area: Midtown Hotel is the only hotel inside the scenic area, with windows overlooking the sea of clouds. Some rooms include hot springs. During peak season, standard rooms cost about 300-400 RMB/night. The Malilengjiu entrance is a 10-minute walk, ideal for those who want to sleep in.
- Yi ethnic style choice: Yi family homestays in Heizhugou Town (such as "Yi Family Courtyard") offer great value, 80-200 RMB/night. You can experience fire pit night talks and learn Yi embroidery. Some offer pick-up and drop-off services.
- High-end resort choice: Chanyi Resort Hotel in Didi Ancient Village features Yi-style rooms with mountain views. Family rooms are suitable for parent-child trips. It’s a 5-minute drive to town for local specialty dishes.

4. Practical Tips: Avoid Pitfalls and Preparation Checklist

1. Clothing and Gear: Temperature difference exceeds 10°C between morning and night; bring a light jacket and long pants. Wear non-slip sports shoes for the stone boardwalk. Light-colored clothes are better for photos. Essential items include sunglasses, hats, SPF50+ sunscreen, and insect repellent containing Picaridin due to many forest mosquitoes.
2. Safety and Prohibitions: Always stay on the boardwalk to avoid getting lost. Thunderstorms often occur after 2 PM in summer; avoid staying in open meadows then. Watch children carefully and keep them away from streams and deep water areas.
3. Pitfall Warnings: There is no public bus from Heizhugou Town to the scenic area; arrange return transportation in advance. During the Torch Festival (lunar June 24), accommodations are tight; book at least 2 months ahead.
4. Emergency Preparation: Some areas reach 2,500 meters altitude; bring oral glucose solution for mild discomfort. Supplies are limited inside the scenic area; bring drinking water and some snacks.

Just 4 hours from Chengdu, you can escape the city noise and spend your days like poetry among the meadows and forests of Malilengjiu. Here, there are no crowds, only the gentle embrace of nature and culture, making it a must-add to your weekend travel list.