Longcanggou Diecui Valley | A Poetic Hidden Gem Nestled in the Mountains

| A Poetic Hidden Gem Nestled in the Mountains. Longcanggou Diecui Valley Travel Guide (Easy Version)
📍Address: Yingjing County, Ya'an City, Sichuan Province, about 2.5 hours' drive from Chengdu
🌿Highlights: Pristine forests, waterfalls, streams, and a natural oxygen bar—perfect for summer escapes, family trips, and light hiking.

📌 Key Highlights
1. Diecui Valley Scenic Area
- Features gentle boardwalks along streams, with clear pools and small waterfalls (e.g., "Rainflower Waterfall"). No strenuous climbing required to enjoy the cool scenery.
- Recommended route: Entrance → Emerald Lake → Rainflower Waterfall → Dove Tree Valley (round trip 2-3 hours, gentle slopes).

2. Tianqiao (Natural Bridge, Optional)
- A naturally formed rock bridge, reachable via a 20-minute stair walk (low physical demand), great for photos.

3. Dove Tree Forest
- In spring (April-May), admire the blooming "dove flowers" (Davidia involucrata); in autumn, enjoy vibrant forest colors.

🚗 Transportation Tips
Self-drive: Navigate to "Longcanggou Diecui Valley Scenic Area" from Chengdu (~180 km, highways + provincial roads, good conditions).
Public transport: Take a bus from Chengdu Shiyangchang Station to Yingjing County, then taxi to the scenic area (~30 mins).

🎫 Tickets & Fees
Entry: Low season (Nov-Mar) ¥48, peak season (Apr-Oct) ¥58.
Sightseeing bus: One-way ¥20 (optional, ~5 km from entrance to core area; recommended to walk in, ride out).
Parking: ¥10-15/car.

🏡 Accommodation Recommendations
1. Inside the scenic area:
- Longcanggou Forest Hotel (tranquil setting, forest views).
2. Nearby:
- Yingjing County hotels (budget-friendly, e.g., "Yingjing Hotel").
- Homestays (e.g., "Panda Homestay" near the scenic area).

🍜 Must-Try Local Food
Yingjing Bangbang Chicken: Spicy cold chicken, a local specialty!
Ya'an Fish Hotpot: Tender fish in rich broth.
Farmhouse dishes: Cured meat, bamboo shoots, wild vegetables.

📅 Best Seasons
Summer (June-Aug): Cool retreat, 5-8°C cooler than Chengdu.
Autumn (Oct-Nov): Vibrant foliage against streams.
Spring (Apr-May): Dove trees in bloom, resembling white doves.

⚠️ Tips
1. High humidity; slippery stone paths—wear anti-slip shoes.
2. Weak signal in some areas; download offline maps in advance.
3. Protect the environment; no littering or entering dangerous water zones.

🚩 Nearby Itinerary Ideas
Day 1: Longcanggou Diecui Valley + overnight in Yingjing.
Day 2: Visit "Bifengxia" (1.5-hour drive) for pandas or canyon waterfalls.

Perfect for nature lovers seeking serenity without intense hiking—a weekend getaway made easy! 🌿