Hidden in Western Sichuan, Ergou is a must-visit this summer!

🔥Ergou, a place so beautiful it takes your breath away! It's expected to become the hottest travel destination this summer. Here you'll find crystal-clear Dragon Pool, spectacular flower fields, vast alpine meadows, and leisurely grazing cattle and sheep scattered throughout the landscape. Wild flowers 🌸 carpet the ground and lush green grass covers the hills. While strolling along the boardwalk, you can even enjoy the fun of foraging for wild vegetables - deer ear chives, wild onions and other delicious treats await your discovery~ 🚗 From Chengdu, it's only a 2.5-hour drive, making it perfect for a day trip. 📍 **Destination**: Ergou Dragon Pool 🎫 **Admission**: Free, parking lot fee CNY 10 🚶🏻‍♀️ **Hiking difficulty**: ★★★☆☆ 🌄 **Scenery rating**: ★★★★★ --- ### 【Itinerary】📅 * **🌅 Around 7:00 AM**: Meet and depart. * **🚗 Around 10:00 AM**: Arrive at the parking lot, transfer to local shuttle bus to the trailhead. * **🚶🏻 Around 10:30 AM**: Reach the trailhead, do some simple warm-up exercises, then start hiking. * **🌇 Around 2:30 PM**: Begin descent. * **🚶🏻 Before 5:00 PM**: Expected to complete the hike and return to Chengdu. * **🚗 Around 8:00 PM**: Arrive in Chengdu. --- ### 【Hiking Information】🧭 * **Elevation**: 1000 m elevation gain, highest point approximately 3900 m above sea level. * **Distance**: 4.6 km one way, about 10 km round trip. 👣* **Trail conditions**: Wooden boardwalk with steps. The steps are quite wide, which may be challenging for those with shorter strides. The ascent is strenuous, and the descent puts significant pressure on the knees. Trekking poles are recommended. 👚* **Recommended gear**: Rain gear, power bank, trail snacks, trekking poles; wear quick-dry shirts/tank tops with a windbreaker/sun protection jacket. No need for heavy outerwear. --- ### 【Hiking Route】🏞️ * **Starting point**: Triangle Dam Station (elevation 2969 m) ☘️* **Via**: * Rock Hollow Station (elevation 3155 m) * Grassland Station (elevation 3473 m) * Rhododendron Forest (elevation 3673 m) * **Destination**: Dragon Pool (elevation 3934 m) --- ### ❗❗❗ Important Notes: 1. **🌤️ Changeable weather**: Weather in Western Sichuan changes rapidly this time of year. It might be sunny when you start climbing but rainy when you descend. Be sure to wear waterproof clothing or bring rain gear. 2. **👟 Warmth and traction**: With significant elevation gain, shoes with good grip are recommended. It can be windy at higher elevations, so bring a windbreaker for warmth (inner layer or fleece recommended). 3. **🌸 Respect nature**: Please don't pick the wildflowers. Let's protect this beautiful pristine land together. 4. **⏰ Time management**: The ascent takes about 2 hours. Start your descent no later than 3:00 PM. 5. **🦵 Knee protection**: Knee pads are recommended as walking on steps for extended periods puts strain on the knees. 6. **🍽️ Wild vegetable paradise**: There are many wild deer ear chives on the mountain. If you enjoy foraging, bring a sack! 7. **🚗 Transportation info**: Currently, only private vehicles or scenic area shuttle buses can enter. Vehicles with more than 9 seats cannot access the scenic area at this time.