🌲 Step into a real-life version of the Enchanted Forest! 2-day 1-night guide to Ya'an Laba River 🌲
No need to go to Nara—this hidden paradise is right near Chengdu! 🌿 Alpine forests, streams and waterfalls, wild water deer, playful monkeys... Easy family-friendly hikes, fresh oxygen therapy, and chances to encounter "mountain spirits" with fewer crowds and stunning views—super healing! ‼️
🌳 Why choose Laba River?
✅ 3-hour direct drive from Chengdu, good road conditions, perfect for weekend getaways
✅ Zero-difficulty hiking with gentle plank paths, family-friendly
✅ Frequent wildlife sightings: water deer, Tibetan macaques, red pandas (if lucky)
✅ Beautiful year-round: Enchanted Forest in spring/summer, colorful foliage and snow-capped mountains in autumn/winter
🗺️ 2-day 1-night itinerary
DAY1: Eastern Route · Exploring the Monkey Kingdom
📍 Walnut Flat: Stroll forest boardwalks and meet wild monkey troops (⚠️ Hide your food!)
📍 Red Stone Beach: Unique red moss spectacle, super photogenic
📍 Blue Crystal Hotel: Wait for water deer visits on the hotel lawn at dusk
DAY2: Western Route · Searching for Forest Spirits
📍 Deer Pool: Watch water deer drink at dawn (best 7-9am)
📍 Azalea Lake: Alpine lake reflecting snow mountains, like a fairyland
📌 Practical info
🎫 Ticket: ¥50 (cheaper if booked online)
🚗 Transport: Recommended self-drive, 3hrs from Chengdu
🍜 Dining: Restaurants available, or bring snacks
👗 Outfits: Light colors for better photos, pack a light jacket
💚 Ideal for: Families, hiking beginners, nature lovers, photographers
📅 Best season: May-Oct (summer escape, autumn foliage)
🏨 Accommodation recs
1. Blue Crystal Hotel ✨ Deer sightings outside your window, frequent lawn visits ✨ Rooftop observatory for stars + snow mountains
2. Deer Call Hotel 💰 More budget-friendly, hear deer calls at night
⚠️ Notes
▪️ Don't carry plastic bags in monkey areas, keep backpacks zipped
▪️ Stay quiet when deer-watching to avoid startling them
▪️ Bring waterproof shoe covers in rainy season—boardwalks get slippery
Tip: If time allows, pair with "Shenmu Ridge" or "Dawaganzha" for a mini Western Sichuan loop!
Post by Cook_43 Alexander | Jun 6, 2025
