Amazed to have discovered a budget-friendly hidden gem alternative to Jiuzhaigou

Departing from Chengdu! Complete travel guide to the secluded fairyland of Tianchi in Wen County, Longnan✨

📍 Scenic spot address: Tianchi Township, Wen County, Longnan City, Gansu Province
⏰ Opening hours: 08:00-18:00 (Peak season May-October)

🌟 Reasons to recommend:
1️⃣ Only about 6+ hours from Chengdu, perfect for a weekend round trip⏳
2️⃣ Highland pearl, crystal-clear water that rivals Jiuzhaigou✨
3️⃣ Fewer crowds and beautiful scenery, every photo looks like a masterpiece without the hassle of crowds🤳
4️⃣ Scenic all year round, each season offers different beauty🌈
5️⃣ Summer resort, average temperature of 22℃ in summer, super comfortable🌿

🚗 Transportation guide
1️⃣ Self-driving (highly recommended!)
· Navigation location: Wen County Tianchi Scenic Area
· Shortest route: Chengdu → Jingkun Expressway → Lanhai Expressway → Yujiawan Exit → Wen County Tianchi (about 6-7 hours)
· Driving tips: The latter part of the mountain road has many curves, beginners are advised to drive cautiously🌀
· Parking arrangement: Parking lot at the scenic area entrance (20 RMB per time) → transfer to the scenic area shuttle bus🚌 (about 15 minutes)

2️⃣ Public transportation guide
· High-speed rail option: Chengdu East → Longnan Station (3.5 hours)
· Shuttle option: Carpool from Longnan Station (50 RMB/person) or charter car (200 RMB/car) directly to the scenic area🚗

🏞️ In-depth travel guide
🎫 Ticket information:
· Peak season (May-October): 85 RMB/person
· Off-season (November-April): 60 RMB/person
⚠️ Includes round-trip shuttle bus ticket🚎

⏳ Recommended duration: Full day
🌟 Must-try activities review:
✅ Tianchi core area
- Lake water as blue as a mirror of the sky🌊
- Surrounded by mountains like a fairyland⛰️
- Photo tip: Best lighting from 9 to 11 AM

✅ Boat tour on the lake
- Price: 60 RMB/person
- Duration: 20 minutes🛶
- Experience: Gentle breeze, rippling lake surface, very soothing💙

✅ Hiking the lakeside boardwalk
- Total length: about 5 kilometers
- Suggested route: stroll, stop, and take photos for 2-3 hours📸
- Hidden photo spot: The corner at Pier No. 5 is an excellent shooting point

✅ Viewing platform
- Walking difficulty: ★★★
- Reward: Panoramic view of the entire Tianchi🤩
- Surprise: If lucky, you can see a sea of clouds

🍜 Food guide
Recommended farmhouse restaurant at the scenic area entrance🏡:
- Highland wild vegetables🥬
- Free-range chicken stewed with potatoes🍗
- Handmade hot and sour noodles🍜

🏠 Accommodation guide
· Homestays inside the scenic area: average 100-200 RMB/night
- Recommendation: Mountain views from the window, stunning starry sky✨
- Drawback: Basic conditions

· Hotels in Wen County downtown (30 minutes by car)
- Advantage: Well-equipped facilities
- Price: 150-300 RMB/night

📌 Must-read tips before visiting
1️⃣ Best season: May-October, July-August is the coolest🍃
2️⃣ Essential gear:
- Sun protection trio: hat + sunglasses + sunscreen☀️
- Lightweight hiking shoes🥾
- Large temperature difference between morning and evening, bring a jacket🧥
3️⃣ Photography gear:
- Recommended to bring wide-angle and telephoto lenses📷
- Drones must be reported in advance✈️
4️⃣ Suggested travel routes:
- For good stamina, choose the lakeside hiking trail
- For a relaxed experience, take the boat tour + half of the boardwalk

💬 My experience:
Wen County Tianchi is truly a treasure discovered in recent years!
If you don’t want to be squeezed by crowds in Jiuzhaigou,
this is definitely the best alternative.
Plus, prices are affordable and the travel experience is top-notch💯
Chengdu friends, weekend trip, go go go!🚗💨