Rainy Ya'an in March: A Healing Journey to a Hidden Gem

Friends, I've discovered a treasure of a small city near Chengdu that's seriously underrated—Ya'an! In the misty rain of March, it's as if a Jiangnan filter has been applied, and you can enjoy the whole landscape for an average of 500+ RMB! Let's unlock the slow life of this "Rainy City of Western Sichuan" 💦.
📸Day 1: Immersive Experience in a Misty Wonderland
📍Bifengxia Scenic Area
"Green tiles, misty rain, empty mountains, and new fog" perfectly describe this place! As a national 5A scenic spot, Bifengxia Waterfall in March has plenty of water. Stroll along the valley boardwalk, and you'll hear the gurgling water and the sound of rain hitting the bamboo leaves. Every shot you take will look like a scene from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon! If you're lucky, you might even encounter wild pandas 🐼 (Ticket price: 95 RMB, including the panda base).
📍Shangli Ancient Town
In the afternoon, head to the "Jiangnan in Misty Rain" of Western Sichuan! With its bluestone streets, wooden stilted buildings, covered bridges, and flowing water, there's no commercial hustle and bustle here, only the everyday life of grandmothers sitting at their doorsteps weaving bamboo baskets. I recommend going to Han Family Courtyard to drink a cup of Mengding Mountain tea. The raindrops slide off the old eaves, and the fragrance of tea mixes with the scent of earth, instantly healing your anxiety 🍵.
🍜Dinner: Casserole Ya Fish
The best of Ya'an's three treasures! It's made with fresh Ya fish from the Qingyi River. The soup is milky white and sweet, and the fish is so delicate that it melts in your mouth! I recommend "Laozizhao Li Ji Casserole". You can eat until you're stuffed for an average of 50 RMB!
🌌Day 2: Cloud Top Secret Realm and Food Binge
📍Dawa Gengza
Depart at 5 AM! This "second largest 360° viewing platform in Asia" has a sea of clouds rolling like waves after the rain. At sunrise, the golden light penetrates the clouds, and the snow-capped mountains, meadows, and prayer flags awaken in the morning light. It's breathtakingly beautiful! (Ticket + sightseeing bus: 120 RMB, remember to wear a thick coat ❄️).
📍Qiaoqi Lake
Check in on the way back! The lake reflects the snow-capped mountains and Tibetan villages, and yaks graze leisurely on the shore, as if you've stumbled into a Swiss fairy tale. Tibetan people sell freshly baked potato cakes by the lake, which are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. They're amazing with a little chili powder! 🥔
🍲Lunch: Yinjiang Chicken + Dada Noodles
Hidden in the alley, "Liu Lao Er Restaurant" is a local favorite! The Yinjiang Chicken is braised with a secret bean sauce, and the chicken is covered in a rich sauce that's perfect with rice! Then, have a bowl of handmade Dada Noodles. The chewy wide noodles are topped with red oil and minced meat. It's so delicious that you'll want to lick the bowl! It's 30 RMB per person and you'll be full.
🏡Accommodation Recommendation
"Rainy City Story" Homestay: It's renovated from a century-old house in Shangli Ancient Town. Open the wooden window and you'll see a small bridge and flowing water. At night, you can listen to the sound of rain hitting the banana trees, and in the morning, you can hear the birds singing and the smoke rising from the kitchen. It's 100+ RMB per night per person, which is great value!
✨Travel Tips
1. Transportation: It's a 2-hour drive from Chengdu, or you can take a bus from Shiyangchang Station (ticket price: 50 RMB).
2. What to wear: The average temperature in March is 15°C, so I recommend a sweater + coat, and be sure to bring an umbrella and waterproof shoes.
3. Cost: The cost for 2 days and 1 night is 500 RMB per person (including food, accommodation, and tickets), which is a great value!
Conclusion:
Compared to the crowded popular cities, the rain in Ya'an is a gentle filter and a poetic footnote. Here, time slows down, slow enough to see the shape of every raindrop and taste the true flavor of every bite of food. This March, come to the rainy city and have a dream about spring! 🌿