Liangshan's Must-Visit Destination
by NAOMI WADE
Jun 18, 2025
Just 4 hours from Chengdu lies the "Little Switzerland of Sichuan" – Yele Lake, where breathtaking live scenery makes it the ultimate summer retreat!
Navigation Guide: Start your spontaneous journey in Yele Township, Mianning County, Liangshan. Here are the route highlights:
"Sayram Lake of Western Sichuan" Recreated: The azure lake, like a dazzling gem embedded in the earth, reflects towering snow-capped mountains and vast meadows. Every frame resembles a meticulously painted oil painting. From May to September, rhododendrons and wildflowers bloom across the meadows like a colorful carpet, with grazing cattle and sheep creating a Miyazaki-esque fairy tale world you'll never want to leave.
21°C Summer Paradise: At 2,600 meters above sea level, enjoy cool temperatures without altitude sickness worries. Escape Chengdu's heat with lakeside camping, picnics, and soothing breezes that heal both body and soul.
Hidden Yi Village Exploration: Discover ancient Yi ethnic villages by the lake, where friendly locals might share folktales about Yele Lake. Experience a slow-paced, idyllic life far from urban chaos.
7:30 PM Ancient City Feast: Savor stone-grilled barbecue with Yi ethnic song-and-dance performances under the lantern-lit Jianchang Ancient Town, transporting you back to Ming-Qing dynasty prosperity.
Photography Tips:
- Mirror-like Shigu Lake offers perfect "sky mirror" shots
- Dacaohu Lake becomes your runway in white dresses with ethnic shawls
- Jianchang Ancient Town's silhouette photos at dusk are magical
Travel Tips:
- Carry oxygen bottles above 3,600m altitude
- Book cable car tickets one day in advance
- Hanfu rentals in town cost only ¥20/hour
Seasonal Highlights:
- May-June: Alpine rhododendron seas
- September-October: Autumn foliage spectacle
Recommended Stays:
- Qionghai 17° B&B with 270° lakeview windows
- Ancient Town guesthouses in Ming-Qing courtyards
Chengdu's Nighttime Escape: Discover Sichuan's hidden "Little Jiuzhaigou" – the 4,359m Luojishan Glacier Museum. Experience:
- Asia's longest cable car (50-min ride)
- Black Dragon Pool's glacial lakes
- Ancient glacial grooves
- Qionghai Wetland's "Plateau Pearl" sunsets
- Jianchang Ancient Town night tours
Comment "Luojishan" for detailed routes – let's embark on this adventure together!
Post by NAOMI WADE | Jun 18, 2025
















