Special Forces Stay at Hotels: Chengdu Edition 486

Escape to a valley 2 hours from Chengdu by car! Summer getaway with kids + private hot springs + firefly catching, this homestay is amazing

Where to go with kids in Chengdu during summer? Stop squeezing into the city! Drive 2 hours to Bifengxia, Ya'an, and stay at "Muyun Chunshu Homestay," where forest, private hot springs, water play, and cute pets are all included—this family-friendly laid-back vacation is simply legendary!

The moment you arrive, you’ll be amazed—the entire homestay is hidden in a valley, with lush green mountain views right outside the window. The rooms are spacious enough for kids to run around freely, and privacy is maximized. After dropping off your luggage, head straight to the infinity pool, which has a built-in shallow area for children. While kids play with swim rings, parents can relax on nearby loungers soaking up the sun; if you want to avoid the sun, there’s an indoor ball pit where even toddlers can have fun for hours.

The best part is the "wild mountain activities": during the day, take kids to swing in the tea garden, climb the forest treehouse, and enjoy the jungle slide that’s thrilling yet safe—parents must accompany kids for peace of mind. If it’s bamboo shoot season, you can even follow the host to the bamboo forest to dig fresh bamboo shoots, an experience ten times better than any amusement park. Don’t miss the tea-picking experience at dusk—kids wear bamboo hats and carry bamboo baskets, and they can take home the tea leaves they pick themselves, which is very rewarding.

Evenings bring more surprises! On clear nights, the host will take kids to catch fireflies in the woods (check the weather in advance, as fireflies hide after rain). Watching the glowing lights dance around will light up the kids’ eyes; adults can relax at the sunken bonfire area, ordering roasted chicken, rabbit, or specialty Ya fish, freshly grilled and enjoyed with the mountain breeze—super cozy.

The secret to not wanting to leave is the "bamboo forest private hot spring" in the room! We stayed in the "Bianzhu Lan" room type, with full smart home control. You can watch projections while lying in bed, and the private hot spring pool faces the bamboo forest. At night, light the fireplace, pour a glass of red wine, soak in the hot spring, and stargaze—the exhaustion from taking care of kids instantly melts away. The toiletries are high quality, and even the mattress is super comfortable; kids fall asleep as soon as they touch the bed after playing.

Even more thoughtful are the "nearby activities": the homestay is a 10-minute drive to Bifengxia Wildlife World, where kids can feed wild animals and watch animal shows; next door is the Bifengxia Panda Base, where you can see the chubby pandas up close; you can also hike the Bifengxia Gorge or visit Shangli Ancient Town and climb Mount Mengding. Two days and one night is just right to cover all the highlights.

⚠️ Tips for traveling with kids:
- The temperature difference in the mountains is big between morning and night, so be sure to bring a light jacket for the kids
- Bring extra snacks; delivery is available but pricey in the mountains
- Bring swim rings, water toys, and photo props (like straw hats and little dresses) in advance
- It’s very hard to book during holidays! Make sure to reserve at least 1 week ahead if you want to stay

The service is impeccable; the host responds to every request and even picks wild berries for the kids. When leaving, they give exclusive spring tea and rice from the homestay, showing great attention to detail. For a summer escape with kids near Chengdu, this place is a guaranteed win. Next time, I’ll bring my parents for a second visit!