A Must-Visit Summer Retreat

Another heatwave alert has been issued recently! If you're looking for a cool escape near Chengdu, I highly recommend Ya'an - this hidden gem of a city rivals Yunnan and Guizhou with its average summer temperature of around 23°C, offering incredibly comfortable weather. Here are 3 cool and lesser-known summer retreats in Ya'an to bookmark for your next getaway! ‼ 📍 **Mengding Mountain** This is where tea was first introduced to southwest China and the starting point of the ancient Tea-Horse Road. Stroll through lush greenery for oxygen-rich air, lung-cleansing walks, and light hiking. Don't miss the ancient moss-covered stone steps that lead you through towering vegetation, like entering a primeval forest. The shaded trails keep you cool throughout. Refuel at Tiangai Temple midway, then head to Lingyun Platform for panoramic views of tea fields and the city. Easy route perfect for a day trip. 📍 **Labahua (Trumpet River)** Find your fairy-tale wonderland here with ancient trees, Tiffany-blue streams, forest trails, and wooden suspension bridges. The large scenic area deserves a 2-day itinerary: **Day 1**: Drive through the park to see Five-Color Lake and Tiansi Waterfall. Park at Hetaoping or Luming Hotel to start your 4.5km hike to Blue Crystal Waterfall, passing wildflowers, forests, bridges, and streams - perfect for camping. **Day 2**: Take the sightseeing bus + cableway to Jiaoshan Viewing Area for spectacular sea of clouds (weather permitting), then visit Red Stone Beach and Deer Pond on your descent. 📍 **Bifengxia** Skip the queues! Enjoy pandas up close! Feed lions, tigers & black bears! Hike through cool canyons with waterfalls and dense forests - one of Chengdu's most entertaining summer escapes. Recommended 2-day plan: **Day 1**: Visit the Wildlife World first. Board a feeding vehicle to get close to lions, tigers, bears, and other animals - thrilling and fun! Also interact with various smaller creatures. **Day 2**: Arrive by 9:30am for the Panda Base. Head straight to Panda Kindergarten to see adorable cubs, then visit Leopard Mountain for Xiangxiang Princess. No rushing or crowds here - watch pandas munch bamboo and play at leisure. After pandas, turn left for the 7.5km Left Canyon route (mostly downhill) with shaded trails and photogenic waterfalls. Take Qingyun Elevator back or continue to the 2.5km Right Canyon with streams and a temple. Escape the heatwave in these 23°C mountain paradises! #UnderratedGems #SummerEscapes #NoFilterTravel #TravelSnaps #EscapeTheRoutine #TravelMemories #HiddenDestinations #ChengduGetaways #WeekendVibes #BeatTheHeat