This summer, escape into the fairy-tale forest of Laba River together

🌲 Step into a real-life version of the Enchanted Forest! 2-day 1-night guide to Ya'an Laba River 🌲 No need to go to Nara—this hidden paradise is right near Chengdu! 🌿 Alpine forests, streams and waterfalls, wild water deer, playful monkeys... Easy family-friendly hikes, fresh oxygen therapy, and chances to encounter "mountain spirits" with fewer crowds and stunning views—super healing! ‼️ 🌳 Why choose Laba River? ✅ 3-hour direct drive from Chengdu, good road conditions, perfect for weekend getaways ✅ Zero-difficulty hiking with gentle plank paths, family-friendly ✅ Frequent wildlife sightings: water deer, Tibetan macaques, red pandas (if lucky) ✅ Beautiful year-round: Enchanted Forest in spring/summer, colorful foliage and snow-capped mountains in autumn/winter 🗺️ 2-day 1-night itinerary DAY1: Eastern Route · Exploring the Monkey Kingdom 📍 Walnut Flat: Stroll forest boardwalks and meet wild monkey troops (⚠️ Hide your food!) 📍 Red Stone Beach: Unique red moss spectacle, super photogenic 📍 Blue Crystal Hotel: Wait for water deer visits on the hotel lawn at dusk DAY2: Western Route · Searching for Forest Spirits 📍 Deer Pool: Watch water deer drink at dawn (best 7-9am) 📍 Azalea Lake: Alpine lake reflecting snow mountains, like a fairyland 📌 Practical info 🎫 Ticket: ¥50 (cheaper if booked online) 🚗 Transport: Recommended self-drive, 3hrs from Chengdu 🍜 Dining: Restaurants available, or bring snacks 👗 Outfits: Light colors for better photos, pack a light jacket 💚 Ideal for: Families, hiking beginners, nature lovers, photographers 📅 Best season: May-Oct (summer escape, autumn foliage) 🏨 Accommodation recs 1. Blue Crystal Hotel ✨ Deer sightings outside your window, frequent lawn visits ✨ Rooftop observatory for stars + snow mountains 2. Deer Call Hotel 💰 More budget-friendly, hear deer calls at night ⚠️ Notes ▪️ Don't carry plastic bags in monkey areas, keep backpacks zipped ▪️ Stay quiet when deer-watching to avoid startling them ▪️ Bring waterproof shoe covers in rainy season—boardwalks get slippery Tip: If time allows, pair with "Shenmu Ridge" or "Dawaganzha" for a mini Western Sichuan loop!