Taking the kids to explore Liangshan! A 3-day, 2-night summer escape guide with hot springs + intangible cultural heritage fun for the kids

Last week, I took the kids to check out Liangshan, with a summer temperature of 22°C and an amazing parent-child experience. Here’s a detailed nanny-level guide!

Day 1: Head straight to Qionghai Lake, first dig in the sand at Jinlin Beach — the sand here is fine and soft, not rough on the feet. The kids ran barefoot for half an hour without getting tired, while I lay under the shade watching the lake view, enjoying a breeze cooler than air conditioning. In the afternoon, rent a parent-child bike to circle the lake, only 30 yuan/day, super cost-effective. The sunset over the Dreamlike Water Town section dyed the lake golden red, every snap was wallpaper-worthy. Stay at a guesthouse by Qionghai Lake in the evening; the family room has a small tent and picture books. The owner’s fresh Qionghai fish and shrimp were unbelievably delicious, and the kids ate two bowls of rice straight.

Day 2: Rush to Luoji Mountain! Prepared a portable oxygen bottle for the kids in advance. As we slowly ascended by cable car, he excitedly pointed at the glacial relics outside the window. After getting off the cable car, we walked on wooden plank paths; over 50 alpine lakes scattered like blue sapphires in the forest. By Heilongtan (Black Dragon Pool), we even saw a little squirrel stealing food. The biggest surprise was the Jiushiuli Hot Spring Waterfall, where 40°C hot spring water flows down the cliff. We specially found a shallow area for the kids to step in the water. When he put his feet into the “Water Curtain Cave,” his eyes sparkled like stars in the pool. Stayed at Manzhou Century Hotel at night; Yi embroidery bedding was very distinctive, and the rooftop terrace offered starry sky views. The kids kept the owner busy telling Yi mythology stories until 9 pm.

Day 3: Save half a day for Jianchang Ancient City, where the kids experienced Yi embroidery — a granny in a red dress taught him hand-in-hand to sew a small fish pattern, and finally helped turn his work into a keychain, which the kid treasured and hung on his backpack. Passing by Sihe Township Parent-Child Park, we stopped in; over 30 non-powered activities are free to play, and the newly added water park lets you touch fish. The 149.9 yuan four-person ticket is an absolute bargain, and the moms traveling together were busy stocking up on coupons.

⚠️ Parent-child tips:

1. Luoji Mountain is about 3600 meters above sea level; give the kids Rhodiola three days in advance, and the scenic area medical station can provide oxygen;

2. Big temperature difference between morning and evening, even in summer bring a windbreaker for the kids;

3. Recommend trying buckwheat baba, soft and not sweet, kids can eat it as a snack, and also buckwheat liangfen, spicy enough to make the kids gasp but they can’t help taking another bite.

Liangshan is really perfect for taking kids, combining nature education + cultural experience all in one. Next time, I want to save time to visit Lugu Lake; I heard the Mosuo tribe’s small boats are super fun!

Post by FAYE DANIEL | Sep 8, 2025