Slow time by the Qingyi River healed my city anxiety

🚄 A hidden panda paradise just 1 hour direct from Chengdu, here’s a 3-day 2-night slow travel guide to Ya'an～ Avoid the crowds to see the panda babies, stay in a stunning riverside room by the Qingyi River, this is the real vacation vibe!

🏨【Day 1 Immersive Riverside Vacation】
After arriving in Ya'an, head straight to the Crowne Plaza Hotel, which is right by the Qingyi River. You can enjoy the river sunset view through the floor-to-ceiling windows! The panda-themed room is super cute, popular with families. The lobby is full of panda elements, and there’s free tea drinks next to the front desk.

🐼【Day 2 Off-peak Panda Viewing + Visit Sichuan Agricultural University】
Get up at 7 AM and head straight to Bifengxia. It’s best to avoid holidays; arriving before 10 AM lets you see the most active pandas! The park is divided into the Wildlife World and the Panda Base. Watching the pandas munch on bamboo will melt your heart💕
I skipped the wildlife park because I mainly wanted to hike and it requires an extra ticket, so I gave it a pass. I spent plenty of time hiking in the park and even caught a rainbow at the waterfall🌈.

🌉【Day 3 Riverside Slow Life】
Slept in and enjoyed a super rich breakfast at the hotel, with both Western baked goods and Chinese dim sum. Coffee is a must every morning. A stroll along the Qingyi River greenway is so relaxing, and afternoon tea at the hotel lobby bar while gazing at the river view—that’s what a holiday should feel like～

✨【Useful Tips】
1. Bifengxia has many steps, so wear non-slip sports shoes
2. The hotel is a 15-minute drive from Ya'an Station, about 20 yuan by taxi
3. Near Sichuan Agricultural University, there’s a "Laozihao Tata Noodles" shop, affordable and worth trying
4. For panda feeding times, visit between 9-10 AM or 2-3 PM

Post by Aiden~Anderson-Harper | Aug 28, 2025