The slow life in Jiaguan Town made me feel like retreating to a mountain hideaway~

On a weekend whim, our family decided to take a spontaneous trip and drove 1.5 hours straight to Jiaguan Town in Qionglai.
Before setting off, I compiled this comprehensive guide—tested and foolproof!

🌿First Stop: Tea Horse Ancient Road Heritage
Walking up the bluestone path in Gongdian Village, you can still see the clear hoofprints of the thousand-year-old post road.
Hike 1 km to the top of Xiaogu'er Mountain for a panoramic view of the tea plantations—when the mist rolls in, it truly feels like a fairyland!

🌉Second Stop: Three Bridges Over One River
Each of the three ancient bridges spanning the Baimo River has its own story.
The Yongshou Bridge's merit stele wall is inscribed with donors' names, while stone sheep guard the bridgehead through centuries of wind and rain.
The Qingyuan Bridge's legend is tied to Li Qingyuan—stand on the bridge and watch the Baimo River flow gently by!

🍵Third Stop: Picking Tea in Vast Plantations
At the Tianfu Dark Tea Park, experience tea picking and processing. Local farmers taught me how to identify the prized "one bud, one leaf" pre-Qingming tea.
Hand the freshly picked leaves to the tea workshop for roasting, watching the green leaves dance in the iron wok.
Sipping tea you made yourself—pure satisfaction!

🛶Fourth Stop: Floating Market Fun
The area under Yongshou Bridge buzzes with life on weekends!
Gondolas ferry hanfu-clad ladies along the river, while bamboo lanterns and handmade jewelry line the banks.
Sit at a riverside teahouse with jasmine tea, watching elders play cards and children chase each other across the way—this is the good life!

🏨Stay Recommendation: Tongqu Jiaguanli Hot Spring Retreat

Our last-minute booking landed us at this foothills retreat, where Western Sichuan rammed-earth walls meet dark green tiles—authentic local charm.
Our courtyard hot spring room faced the tea fields; opening the window revealed endless greenery.
Soaking under starry skies at night was pure therapy!
Premium amenities included Marriott-grade mattresses (so plush we didn't want to get up), Panasonic hair dryers, and Roomplus toiletries—flawless details!

Shared hot springs, a mini gym, mahjong room, lobby, and multi-function hall—
this place could practically be its own attraction.

Evening soaks with galaxy views through floor-to-ceiling windows.
A nightcap before bed—sheer bliss.

🍜Food Bonus:
The B&B's breakfast Zheng steamed buns had paper-thin wrappers bursting with filling, paired with rich soy milk.
Market days bring Liu's savory pork glutinous rice balls—juicy bites with broth inside.
Luo's offal is impeccably cleaned, served with dry chili dip—the ultimate rice companion!

📌Travel Tips:
1. Drive to "Jiaguan Ancient Town"—1.5 hours from Chengdu, with Tiantai Mountain en route.
2. Bring sun hats and mosquito repellent for tea picking—bugs love plantations.
3. Weekend markets start at 10am—go early for fewer crowds.
4. Book hot spring rooms ahead—peak seasons sell out fast.