This year’s discovered Sichuan hidden treasure—Huaying, this low-key small city in eastern Sichuan, holds surprises beyond imagination! It is the birthplace of Red Crag culture, featuring misty mountain and river scenery as well as captivating eastern Sichuan flavors. Nature and culture collide here, yet it’s always overlooked in the corners of Sichuan. Once you come, you can’t help but want to recommend it to everyone!
📍2 days 1 night itinerary: No detours, fully explore the mountains, rivers, and local life
- Day 1: Arrive at Gaoxing Station by high-speed rail (start by checking in at “Gaoxing” for good luck) → Visit “Pearl of the Mountains” Tianchi Lake for sightseeing → Rest and have tea at Shangshanshang·Baocui → Explore Red Crag Market to taste local life → Evening at 21 Bends Sunset Slope to watch the sunset glow;
- Day 2: Hike Huaying Mountain Tourist Area (breathe in the natural oxygen bar, watch the sea of clouds) → Visit Huaying Mountain Giant Panda Sanctuary to see the national treasure → Have fun at Huaying Mountain Happy Valley with rafting and fairy-tale photo shoots → Enjoy authentic local food before heading back.
📸Must-visit spots: 7 places to guarantee your beautiful photos and happiness
1. Tianchi Lake: Huaying’s “favorite spot,” with crystal-clear mirror-like water surrounded by green mountains. Every photo looks like stepping into a fairyland; camping here with friends is even better—lying by the lake waiting for the breeze, so relaxing you won’t want to leave.
2. Shangshanshang·Baocui: A tea space and guesthouse hidden halfway up the mountain, wrapped in bamboo forest. Drinking tea while enjoying the view is super healing; if you go now, you can also catch the hydrangeas blooming by the roadside, perfect for forest-style photos.
3. Red Crag Market: The authentic local life spot of eastern Sichuan! It has the bustle of an old market plus artistic check-in elements. When tired, find a small shop with friends to enjoy a hot pot—each bite is full of the flavor of life.
4. 21 Bends Sunset Slope: A must for sunset lovers! The winding mountain road is bathed in sunset glow, perfect for silhouette photos with a full atmosphere; if lucky, you might catch a sky full of evening clouds, so romantic it makes your heart tremble.
5. Huaying Mountain Tourist Area: A must-visit in Huaying! The whole journey is scenic, hiking and watching the rolling clouds, breathing in air rich in negative oxygen ions that makes every breath lighter; don’t miss the Huaying Mountain Stone Forest inside, with strange stones standing like a geological museum, very photogenic.
6. Huaying Mountain Giant Panda Sanctuary: A rare panda base in eastern Sichuan, no crowds, where you can watch the national treasure slowly eating bamboo and rolling around, adorably heart-melting—perfect for families with kids.
7. Huaying Mountain Happy Valley: Like bringing a fairy tale to life! The colorful houses are super healing, every photo is a vibrant masterpiece; in summer, you can also enjoy rafting, cool and thrilling, perfect for stress relief.
8. Gaoxing Station: Just the name makes you happy! Take a photo of “Welcome to Gaoxing” as soon as you get off the train for good luck, hoping every day in Huaying makes you happy.
🍢Huaying must-eats: Eastern Sichuan flavors that will make you fall in love
No need to rack your brain, just look for these authentic tastes: crispy-skinned Paifang roast goose, fresh and flavorful Huaying Mountain marinated bamboo shoots, eyebrow-raising delicious Yingshan Dendrobium chicken, chewy and tasty Mingyuetuo pig skin fish, rich Tianchi fish head hot pot, plus breakfast essentials like mashed pea noodles and Mage noodles—each bite is a unique taste of eastern Sichuan.
🏷️Practical tips: Save trouble and enjoy more
- Transportation & accommodation: Attractions are scattered, so self-driving or chartering a car is recommended for time-saving and convenience; prioritize staying at Shangshanshang·Baocui, Shilifangfei·Hongyan Beautiful Village, or Yuanshe·Heykuang Panda Guesthouse. Staying in the mountains, listening to insect sounds at night, is super healing and a great escape from the city.
- Timing & dressing: For 21 Bends Sunset Slope, go around 5-6 pm for the softest light and best photos; Huaying Mountain is high altitude, remember to bring a jacket for rain and cold.
- Food tips: For authentic flavors, go to Red Crag Market or mountain farmhouses—affordable and genuine, where you can taste the truest Huaying flavors.
Huaying is never a symbol of “hidden means ordinary.” It holds so many surprises in nature, culture, and food. This weekend or holiday, why not take a spontaneous trip to experience the unique charm of this eastern Sichuan small city and bring back a belly full of deliciousness and happiness!
Post by BLAKELY NEWMAN | Oct 2, 2025
