[2025 Mianyang Stay] Travel Guide for Rui lin jing xuanHotel (Mianyang High Level Zheng Station Branch) (Updated Apr)

In late spring, the crabapples in Mianyang's Fule Hall bloom as expected, as if falling into a poetic dream. Several crabapple trees lean against the ancient wall, and the branches are covered with layers of pink clouds. Yang Wanli, a poet of the Song Dynasty, once praised "The weeping crabapple has a unique scenery, who said that it is completely inferior to the Sichuan crabapple". The slender flower stalks are like purple silk threads, pulling the delicate flowers, gently swaying in the wind, like a lazy beauty waking up for the first time, "The weeping crabapple can't hold itself, and it is even more forbidden to be exposed to the sun and wind". The five petals stretch like butterfly wings, gradually dyeing from dark red to light pink, just like the watercolor smudged by the painter. The sunlight penetrates the flower gaps and casts mottled flower shadows on the vermilion corridor pillars, dancing with the falling petals, as if it is a poetic picture of "the goddess cuts the brocade and ties the red silk, like sleeping but not awake, sleepy and unable to support".

Huanglong Live Update: Take a Deep Breath of Oxygen First (oxygen tank icon)❗️ The section coming down from the Five Colored Pools viewing platform was a bit tough. I didn't experience dizziness or a headache, but my heart was racing. It felt like *thump-thump-thump*. After a few breaths of oxygen and a short rest, I felt better. However, when we returned to take the sightseeing bus, the staff created a slightly tense atmosphere, worried we might miss the bus and the cable car. We walked quite quickly, and I felt a little unwell. I came across a little girl, around five or six years old, who was almost in tears from exhaustion, but she persevered. Finally, I want to emphasize: don't be anxious, don't be anxious, don't be anxious! Allow plenty of time, and you'll get there with some stops along the way. Regarding the weather and gear: The sun was very strong today, and the reflection off the snow-capped mountains was dazzling. Sunglasses are a must 🕶️. Although it was sunny and the temperature was in the teens (Celsius), it got a bit windy as we ascended. The wind was icy. It also gets colder later in the day. By 3 or 4 p.m., it felt quite cold. It's best to wear a hat 🧢 and gloves 🧤.

Located in Tianhui Town, Jinniu District, Jinhua Temple is where the emperor turned back. According to historical records, in November of the fourteenth year of Tianbao in the Tang Dynasty (755 AD), An Lushan, the military governor of Fanyang, launched a rebellion, and the rebel army quickly captured the capital Chang'an. In the midst of the chaos, Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, along with the Yang siblings and others, quietly left the palace under the protection of the imperial guards. After discussion, they decided to go to Chengdu. When the troops passed through Maweipo, the soldiers mutinied, killed Yang Guozhong, and forced Yang Yuhuan, the imperial concubine, to commit suicide. Emperor Xuanzong was filled with grief and indignation, but there was nothing he could do. The army continued to march, traveling a long distance from Shaanxi along the Jinniu Road, and finally approached Chengdu. When they arrived at Tianhui Town, the "first major town north of Chengdu," the troops were exhausted from their continuous journey. They stopped to rest before entering Chengdu, the land of abundance, far from the flames of war. At this moment, an urgent message arrived from Chang'an, reporting that An Lushan's rebellion had been quelled. Overjoyed, Emperor Xuanzong immediately led his troops back to the capital. The line "The world spun, the dragon carriage turned back" in Bai Juyi's "Song of Everlasting Regret" refers to this event. Since then, people have changed the name of "Tianhui Mountain" to "Tianhui Mountain" (where the emperor turned back), and the town below the mountain was also named "Tianhui Town." Legend has it that Emperor Xuanzong's stopping point in Tianhui Town while escaping the An Lushan Rebellion was Jinhua Temple, so the temple's sense of history is palpable. Built in the Tang Dynasty, Jinhua Temple is little known even to locals! There are no noisy tourists here, only red walls and gray tiles, an ancient opera stage, and the chanting of monks. The Qing Dynasty murals beside the main hall vividly depict the scene of Emperor Tang meeting Xuanzang. Civil officials are bent over their desks, and palace maids lower their eyes—a detail lover's dream! You can appreciate it up close and experience the centuries-old brushstrokes firsthand. The temple's opera stage and mountain gate are integrated, and the wood carvings above are exquisite. Jinhua Temple's "Yue Lou" (Music Pavilion) is a classic work from the nineteenth year of Daoguang in the Qing Dynasty (1839). It cost 1,477 taels of silver to build and is considered the pinnacle of western Sichuan opera stages! A living fossil of Sichuan opera! Eighteen stone pillars support the "convex" shaped stage, which can be viewed from three sides. It is integrated with the mountain gate and still retains the plaque "Observe the Present, Reflect on the Past." Its axis layout, directly facing the Guanyin Hall, is solemn and respectful. Remnants of inscriptions from Qing Dynasty opera troupes, such as "Dashun Ban" and "Chuan Nan Dashun Ban," remain on the stage pillars. They performed classic Sichuan operas like "Jin Chuan Zhu" and "Hei Shui Fen Zhou," witnessing the nomadic years of performers who slept on the stage. The temple is small and very quiet. The temple masters are very welcoming, guiding visitors who come to admire the magnolia flowers and explaining the temple's stories. They have a certain "sweeping monk" demeanor, exuding a Zen-like air between the secular and the spiritual.

Bajia Weir in Mianyang has changed so much... I haven't been there for a while, and this time I found the lawn full of tents and canopies! The flowers are in bloom now, and it's very comfortable to have a picnic under the trees and bask in the sun! My phone happened to be out of battery when I went there, and I was worried that it would die. I found that there were all kinds of power banks for rent! So convenient...!! There are also all kinds of small trains and go-karts for children to play with, and there are many shops! The toilets have also become cleaner, and they should have hired someone to maintain them. Commercialization brings convenience, but it also loses the tranquility of the past. Do you prefer Bajia Weir before or now?

Didn't go to Dali!! Sichuan people have their own Haigeng Dam. I didn't expect to see seagulls without leaving Sichuan. They're right here at Mianyang's Sanjiang Peninsula. Every winter, from November to March of the following year, red-billed gulls from Siberia fly here. The sight of them flapping their wings in the sunlight is truly heartwarming.❤️🅿️Parking suggestion: Parking around here is very limited. It's recommended to take a taxi to Sanjiang Wharf.📷Photo suggestion: There are a lot of people. Using a telephoto lens or shooting upwards to avoid the crowds will give you better pictures.

🍃Spring is the season for hiking and enjoying flowers. Mianyang's magnolia season is coming soon. ⬇️Here are 4 magnolia viewing spots in Mianyang for you. You can choose where to go based on your preferences. — 1️⃣ Jiuhuangshan Huaxi Scenic Area The mountains and fields are covered with magnolias, like pink clouds sprinkled on the mountains. It's super romantic! Huaxi Scenic Area also features intangible cultural heritage such as Qiang embroidery, Qiang music, and Qiang dance. You can enjoy the flowers and learn about Qiang culture at the same time. 🌼 Blooming forecast: Mid-March to early April 🚗 Transportation: Navigate to Jiuhuangshan Huaxi Scenic Area from Chengdu, about a 2.5-hour drive. A day trip is sufficient. 🎫 Tickets: Huaxi Scenic Area ticket + sightseeing bus: 99.9 yuan/person 👣 Hiking: The sightseeing bus takes about 10 minutes to reach the halfway point up the mountain. There are flowers a short walk from the drop-off point. It's an easy climb, suitable for everyone. — 2️⃣ Zangwangzhai The magnolias in Zangwangzhai are a "hidden gem" in Mianyang! This place is super pristine. The magnolia fields in Dawuji and Maquewo are breathtakingly beautiful, especially in the morning mist! 🌼 Blooming forecast: Late March to early April 🚗 Transportation: Navigate to Gui Xingu, Jiangyou from Chengdu, about a 3-hour drive. Camping overnight on the mountain is recommended to see the magnolias in the morning mist. 🎫 Tickets: Free 👣 Hiking: Hike from Gui Xingu to Dawuji on the first day, a total of 12 km with a 1300m elevation gain. Return on the second day. This route is more suitable for experienced hikers, not recommended for beginners. — 3️⃣ Wu Jia Houshan Wu Jia Houshan is the "largest magnolia base in China," with over 60,000 ancient magnolia trees, the oldest of which is nearly 400 years old. The flowers are colorful, and the Lan Fangzi flower field is the most spectacular. 🌼 Blooming forecast: Mid-March to early April 🚗 Transportation: Navigate to Wu Jia Houshan, Jiangyou from Chengdu, about a 3-hour drive. 🎫 Tickets: Free 👣 Hiking: This route is relatively easy. The 4 km from Qidian Jiucaiyuan to Lan Fangzi Observation Deck is a paved road. — 4️⃣ Yaowang Valley Yaowang Valley is next to Jiuhuangshan Scenic Area. It has the largest century-old magnolia forest in China, covering 7,000 acres. It's super spectacular! 🌼 Blooming forecast: Mid-March to early April 🚗 Transportation: Navigate to Yaowang Valley Scenic Area from Chengdu, about a 2.5-hour drive. 🎫 Tickets: 90 yuan/person 👣 Hiking: You can choose to walk or take the sightseeing bus within the scenic area. It's not difficult and suitable for family outings. — ⚠️Important Notes ✅The overall temperature this year is lower than usual, so the magnolia blooming period may be delayed. It is recommended to plan your trip accordingly. ✅There will be traffic control in Wu Jia Houshan and Zangwangzhai during the blooming season. Please check in advance and plan your itinerary accordingly. — 🧡We are Youxiake Chengdu Station 🥾Outdoor hiking | City fun | Singles meetups | Dog travel 👭Come meet interesting new friends～

A downhill route from Luohan Temple to Shengshui Temple❗️Save this post! We took a taxi after having Mianyang rice noodles for lunch. It took about half an hour. 📍It is recommended to set your destination as the northwest gate of Luohan Temple when taking a taxi. This way, you barely need to climb uphill, and it's basically all downhill. 🚗If you depart from downtown Mianyang, you can also take a bus (such as No. 27 or No. 38) to Shengshui Temple. There is a parking lot near the temple, so driving is also quite convenient. ✨Luohan Temple is built on a mountainside and is quite large. The main attractions are the City of Ten Thousand Buddhas, the Arhat Hall, the Hall of 500 Nuns, and the 46-meter giant reclining Buddha. 🚶Suggested route: Enter through the main gate of Luohan Temple and visit the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, the Arhat Hall, and the Reclining Buddha in turn. The 1,250 Arhat statues in the Arhat Hall have different expressions and are worth taking a closer look. (The tour takes about 2 hrs.) ✨Shengshui Temple is right next door. After going down the steps, it's on your right. Shengshui Temple has a long history, dating back more than 1,300 years. It is known as the "First Zen Forest of Zhongchuan". 🚶Suggested route: Enter through the main gate of Shengshui Temple and visit the Hall of the Heavenly Kings, the Mahavira Hall, the Auspicious Gate, and the God of Wealth Hall in turn. There are vivid Buddha statues on both sides of the Auspicious Gate, which are perfect for taking photos! ✨If you have enough time, you can also participate in some Buddhist cultural activities in Shengshui Temple, such as copying scriptures and meditating, to further experience the charm of Buddhist culture. There is also a shop selling vegetarian biscuits for CNY 15 a box. They are quite delicious. 🍚Shengshui Temple and Luohan Temple both offer vegetarian meals, which are inexpensive and worth trying.