Just got back from Jiagenba, had a great time with just over 300 yuan per person

Weekend escape from Chengdu! A 2-day, 1-night light tour of Western Sichuan, unlocking snowy mountains, flower seas, and starry skies for just over 300 yuan

Who would have thought! The moment I dipped my feet into the glacial lake in Gunong Village, the cool sensation spread over my ankles, and looking up, there was the white peak of Gongga Snow Mountain—at that moment, I suddenly felt that spending over 300 yuan on this trip was worth more than buying ten cups of milk tea! Leaving Chengdu on Saturday, in two days we fully explored the wildflowers of Yanong Village, the snowy mountains of the Sky Garden, and the blue lake of Gunong Village, without spending a single yuan on entrance fees. Here’s a well-organized, nanny-level guide—if you want to escape the city this weekend, just copy it!

2-day, 1-night exclusive itinerary (with “wow moments” every day)

Day 1: Chengdu → Jiagenba Yanong Village → Sky Garden → Xinduqiao

- 13:00 Yanong Village creek stepping: wildflowers wrapping around ankles
Arriving at Yanong Village was stunning! By the creek, golden lotus flowers and wolf’s bane flowers in yellow and purple intertwined, and the water was so shallow you could see the small stones at the bottom. Taking off sandals and stepping in, the cool water flowed over my ankles. My bestie in a white dress squatted by the creek to capture “splashing water,” and the original photos looked like Japanese-style commercial shots.

- 15:30 Sky Garden snow mountain view: Tibetan milk tea for 20 yuan
Navigated to “Xueyin Pavilion Homestay,” where the rooftop Sky Garden offers a direct overlook of the Gongga peaks! Sitting on a rattan chair, ordering a 20-yuan Tibetan milk tea, the wind made the prayer flags flutter loudly, and the snowy mountain peaks touched the clouds in the distance. Just zoning out for half an hour was hard to leave. The homestay owner said the best time is 6 pm when the sunset dyes the snow mountains golden red—breathtakingly beautiful.

- 19:30 Xinduqiao youth hostel star photography: the Milky Way like a glowing ribbon
The youth hostel is right by the national highway, and the rooftop terrace is a perfect stargazing spot! At 9 pm, the sky is completely dark, and the Milky Way hangs like a glowing ribbon in the sky. Using long exposure on the phone to capture star trails, my bestie and I shot for half an hour. Posting it on social media, people immediately asked, “Is this abroad?”

Day 2: Xinduqiao → Tagong Grassland → Gunong Village → Chengdu

- 9:30 Tagong Grassland horseback riding: avoid crowds and shoot back views
Don’t go to the main scenic area to squeeze in! At the back mountain, you can ride a white horse, led by a herder walking on the shallow grassland, with the white peak of Yala Snow Mountain overhead. Taking a photo of the “horseback view of the snow mountain” from behind, the horse’s tail brushing my pants, the wind messing up my hair—this photo instantly became my new profile picture.

- 13:30 Gunong Village glacier lake dash: the highlight of highlights
Finally arrived at Gunong Village! The glacier lake is hidden deep in the meadow, its water as blue as shattered glass. Taking off shoes and stepping into the shallows, the water was cool but not freezing. Squatting by the lake to shoot the “snow mountain reflection,” the shadow of Yala Snow Mountain mirrored in the water, as if standing in a “double-layered world.” We also brought self-heating meals, eating by the lake while yaks flicked their tails watching us—so cozy I didn’t want to leave.

Must-bring gear for Saturday departure (regret if you miss any)

- Outfit: 3-in-1 shell jacket (15°C in the morning and evening, can tie around waist at noon) + light-colored clothes (white/light blue, great for flower sea photos) + non-slip sandals (essential for stepping in water at Gunong Village, don’t wear sneakers!)
- Survival supplies: jelly snacks (for sugar boost) + spicy strips (to stay alert while hiking) + 1.5L water (no shops along the way, once you finish, you can only envy others)
- Others: sunscreen (choose SPF50+, I forgot to apply on my neck and came back panda-black) + power bank (video shooting drains battery fast) + trash bags (protect Western Sichuan’s beauty, always take your trash with you)