Western Sichuan's Little Switzerland

Ya Nu Lake × Wawu Mountain: A Complete Guide｜Discover the lakes and mountains of this hidden gem in Western Sichuan and unlock Sichuan's "Swiss Fairytale." 🌊 Ya Nu Lake: A Plateau Pearl Under the Clouds Location: Hongya County, Meishan City, Sichuan, a high-altitude lake at the foot of Wawu Mountain, 1,080 meters above sea level, with a water area of 15 square kilometers. Highlights: Known as "Western Sichuan's Little Switzerland," it boasts a blend of lake and mountain scenery, beautiful in all seasons, a summer retreat, a winter wonderland, and a place to experience Qiang culture. 📍 Must-See Attractions 1. Lakeside Road - The east and west lines have a total length of 82 km, with viewing platforms along the way. Cycling or driving is recommended, and every photo is postcard-perfect. 2. Fuxing Eco-Village - One of the first national eco-cultural villages, where you can experience the intangible cultural heritage performance of Qiang "Fuxing Gong and Drum," hike forest trails or tea garden paths. 3. Wangping Viewing Platform - The best spot for a panoramic view of Wawu Mountain. At sunrise, the sea of clouds churns, resembling a fairyland. 4. Ya Nu Lake Boat Tour - Choose from electric boats or rowboats, starting from 10 yuan/person, and immerse yourself in the "picturesque scenery." 🏨 Accommodation Recommendations - Lakeside Homestays: Prioritize lake-view rooms. Some homestays have private docks (like the viral homestay mentioned in Abstract 12), allowing you to enjoy mountain and lake views from your bed. - Wawu Mountain Tourist Town: "Zhiye and Fangjian Homestay" is recommended for its comfortable bedding and special breakfast. If you plan to climb the mountain, choose "Holiday Inn Express," which is close to the scenic area entrance. 🍜 Food Guide - Lechu Chinese Restaurant: Signature Ya fish tofu soup and rattan pepper carp, fresh ingredients, average price 50 yuan. - 23 Degrees Coffee Bar: Lake-view floor-to-ceiling windows + hand-brewed coffee, average price 40 yuan, perfect for relaxing and taking photos. - Fuxing Village Open-Air Feast: If you happen upon a local wedding or funeral, you can join the feast and experience authentic Qiang cuisine. 🏔️ Wawu Mountain: A Table Mountain's Winter Fairytale in Asia Location: Hongya County, Meishan City, Sichuan, known as one of the "Two Wonders of Sichuan" along with Mount Emei, with an altitude of 2,830 meters and a summit platform area of 11 square kilometers. Highlights: The world's largest dove tree forest, the 1,040-meter Lanxi Waterfall, the winter ice and snow festival, and the mysterious "Mi Hun Dang" restricted area. 📅 Seasonal Activities - Spring (March-May): 300,000 acres of azaleas + blooming dove trees ("dove flowers"). A cable car takes you directly to the flower valley. - Summer (June-August): A summer resort with an average temperature of 24°C. Hiking in the primeval forest and rafting are available. - Autumn (September-November): Colorful autumn leaves, a paradise for photographers. - Winter (December-February): The ice and snow festival opens, featuring icefalls, rime, ski resorts, and up to 2 meters of snow on the summit. 🚶 Hiking Routes 1. Classic One-Day Trip: Tourist Center → Jinhuaqiao Cable Car → Gufoping Cable Car → Xiang'er Rock (Sea of Clouds Viewing Platform) → Lanxi Ice Waterfall (winter). 2. In-depth Two-Day Trip: Day 1: Ya Nu Lake Boat Tour → Fuxing Village Hike; Day 2: Wawu Mountain Scenic Area → Summit Camping (stargazing tent/Dove Tree Mountain Villa). Tips: Crampons are needed in winter. Free hot water is available in the scenic area. It is recommended to bring your own dry food. 🚗 Transportation Guide - Self-driving: Chengdu → Jingkun Expressway → Hongya → Wawu Mountain Expressway, about 3.5 hours, good road conditions (occasional fog in some sections). - Public Transportation: Multiple daily buses from Xinnanmen Bus Station, ticket price about 38 yuan; transfer to a minibus in Hongya County to the scenic area. 📌 Travel Tips 1. Altitude Sickness: The altitude is not high, so no need to worry, but pay attention to keeping warm in winter. 2. Tickets: Wawu Mountain ticket + sightseeing bus 168 yuan, round-trip cable car 98 yuan (Abstract 2); Ya Nu Lake is free. 3. Environmental Protection: Smoking is prohibited in the forest area. Take your trash with you. 4. Special Experience: Participate in winter ice and snow mountaineering activities (Abstract 7). The first 100 participants will receive commemorative medals.