How to Enjoy the Highly Praised Labah River Online—Let Me Explain Clearly

“The Wizard of Oz” “The Ultimate Summer Escape”... Is the wildly recommended Labah River really worth visiting? After personal testing, I found many highlights, but some detailed tips were not fully explained. This article will clarify the activities and pitfalls all at once!

📍Location: Labah River Scenic Area, Ya'an, Sichuan

📝Core Activities: Split routes for check-ins, recommend staying 2 days

Labah River is divided into east and west routes, each with its own scenic focus. If you have enough time, it’s best to explore both.

- East Route (Canyon Hiking Trail)
Route: Luming Hotel → Bishuiwan → Popular Ancient Tree → Yezhou Island → Blue Crystal Hotel
The entire route follows the riverside canyon boardwalk, 4.5 km one way, 3-4 hours round-trip hiking. If you lack stamina, you can take the scenic area shuttle back. This route emphasizes “water interaction + forest vibe,” suitable for those who enjoy easy hiking.
- West Route (Alpine Scenery Route)
Route: Visitor Center → Cable Car → Heart-shaped Lake → Red Rock Beach → Deer Pond
First take the sightseeing bus to the cable car station, then ride the cable car up to the 3500-meter viewing platform (it’s windy on the mountain, remember to bring a jacket). From the viewing platform, hike 1.5 km to Heart-shaped Lake, and on the way back, visit Red Rock Beach and Deer Pond. The natural scenery here is more magnificent.

🚗Transportation & Fees

- Transportation: Self-driving is most convenient, about 3 hours from Chengdu; if you don’t have a car, you can take a direct shuttle from Ya'an Station (advance booking required).
- Fees:
- Entrance Ticket: 50 RMB
- West Route Sightseeing Bus: 35 RMB
- Cable Car: 90 RMB

🏨Accommodation & Hidden Perks

- Recommended to stay at Blue Crystal Hotel or Luming Hotel. At night, you might encounter wild sika deer coming down the mountain, and if you’re lucky, you can observe them up close~
- Free Souvenir Badge: Check in at 6 designated photo spots to redeem. The west route has 8 check-in points, the east route has 4. If you’re doing a one-day trip and want the badge, prioritize the west route.

❓Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are there many monkeys?
There are monkeys on both east and west routes. It’s recommended to bring a trekking pole for protection. Don’t shake bags or shoulder bags in front of them, and keep your camera safely stored.
2. Can you see deer?
Wild sika deer are shy and tend to appear when there are fewer people in the early morning or evening. The west route has a higher chance of sightings.
3. Are there red pandas?
The chance of encountering them near the cable car station is high. When I visited, I saw a sleeping red panda on a tree near the cable car lower station!
4. How effective is it for summer cooling?
The river water is icy cold, and the breeze is very refreshing, but the UV rays are strong on sunny days, so be sure to apply sunscreen.
5. Can you bring pets?
Yes, but keep dogs on a leash to avoid conflicts with monkeys.
6. Is a day trip from Chengdu enough?
If you start early, it’s enough to enjoy. The west route takes about 4-5 hours, the east route about 3-4 hours, so you can choose one.
7. Will there be altitude sickness?
The altitude is around 2000 meters, so altitude sickness is basically unlikely. Feel free to go!

The beauty of Labah River is truly not exaggerated, but preparing in advance can help you avoid many troubles. Take advantage of summer to experience this refreshing coolness!