Hidden Gem of Eastern Sichuan! Off-the-Beaten-Path Hiking + Red History Check-ins + Zen Journey, All in One Guide!

Huaying Mountain, located on the edge of the Sichuan Basin, is the natural dividing line of the parallel ridge valleys in eastern Sichuan 🌿. Its main peak, Gaodeng Mountain, stands at 1,704 meters, making it the highest peak in the Sichuan Basin. This place is not only a treasure trove of natural wonders [Tiptop] but also a witness to red history 🌺, combining karst landforms, Buddhist culture, and revolutionary memories. It’s the perfect escape from the city hustle and bustle! 🌿

🚗 Transportation Guide

Self-driving: About 4 hours from Chengdu, about 2.5 hours from Chongqing. Navigate to "Huaying Mountain Tourist Area." The mountain roads have many curves, so drive safely~
High-speed rail + bus: Take the high-speed train to Guang'an South Station, then transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus (about 1 hour). Bus frequency is low, so check the schedule in advance.

🎫 Ticket Information

Admission: 80 RMB/person (includes scenic area transportation)
Cable car: 50 RMB one way, 80 RMB round trip (recommended to take the cable car up to save energy!)
Free policy: Free for children under 6 and seniors over 65; half price for students.

🌟 Must-Visit Attractions

1️⃣ Stone Forest Wonder — The Karst Landform Ceiling

Highlights: Couple Stones, Stone Forest Maze, Cave Clusters. Carbonate rocks eroded by water form diverse stone forests, like stepping into an alien world! 📸
Tips: Wear non-slip shoes; signal is weak inside the stone forest, download maps in advance.

2️⃣ Gaodeng Mountain Main Peak — Overlooking the Sea of Clouds

At 1,704 meters, the summit of the Sichuan Basin! Climb early morning to see the rolling sea of clouds and mountains like ink paintings. Every photo is a masterpiece. 🌤️
Route: Recommended to hike 30 minutes from the cable car upper station to the summit. For the fit, full hiking (about 2 hours) is possible.

3️⃣ Red History Sites — Remembering the Past

Huaying Mountain Red Army Martyrs Cemetery: solemn and respectful, honoring revolutionary heroes and learning about the eastern Sichuan guerrilla warfare history.
Red Army Command Post Site: well-preserved earthen houses and battle maps, as if traveling back to the years of war.

4️⃣ Baoding Zen Temple — A Spiritual Haven

Famous Buddhist temple in eastern Sichuan, bustling with incense. Experience Zen meditation, scripture copying, listen to morning bells and evening drums, and feel inner peace. 🧘‍♀️
Events: Dharma assemblies on the 1st and 15th of each lunar month, open to visitors.

5️⃣ Huaying Ancient City — Nightlife with Local Flavor

Ancient street night market: try authentic local foods (Ye’er Ba, Zhazha noodles), watch folk performances (Huaying Mountain folk songs, carrying the youngest sister on a pole).
🏮 Light Show: Every night at 7:30 PM, the ancient city wall projects red stories, super impressive!

🥾 Recommended Hiking Routes

Light Hiking (3 hours): Visitor Center → Stone Forest Scenic Area → Couple Stones → Cable Car Upper Station → Gaodeng Mountain Viewing Platform.
Deep Trekking (6 hours): Enter from the Anticline Gorge entrance, pass caves, funnel depressions, monocline mountains, ending at the Red Army site. Perfect for photography enthusiasts!

🍜 Food Guide
Must-try: Huaying Mountain cured meat (rich smoky flavor), fern root noodles (smooth and chewy), rock ear mushroom stewed chicken (wild mountain flavor).

📌 Practical Tips
1. Best seasons: Spring and autumn (March-May, September-November), summer is also great for cooling off!
2. Gear: Sunscreen, raincoat (mountain weather changes frequently), trekking poles.
3. Cultural experience: If you encounter the "Huaying Mountain Tourism and Culture Festival" (every July), don’t miss the folk feast!

📍 Location: Huaying City, Guang'an, Sichuan
📅 Suggested visit: 2 days 1 night
✨ Highlights summary: Natural wonders × Red memories × Zen culture, an all-in-one experience!

Set off for Huaying Mountain and discover a different Sichuan! 🌿