Huajian Mountain is a must-see wonder near Chengdu!

Huajian Mountain is a hot spot! I've been to western Sichuan many times, but I only recently discovered this hidden gem closer to Gongga Snow Mountain. Here, you can see a sea of clouds, shooting stars, sunrises, sunsets, snow, and more. The scenery is breathtaking! The best part is that it's free, not crowded, and perfect for a weekend hike. Here's a detailed guide: Navigation: Gutongjing Inn Time: It takes about 3 hours to drive from Chengdu to Luding County, Ganzi Prefecture. The one-way hiking distance is about 7 km, which takes about 5 hours. How to get up the mountain without hiking? You can take a local motorcycle for about CNY 100 per person one way. Stargazing guide: 1. Clear weather: Choose a cloudless night, as fewer clouds will block your view. 2. Little moonlight: Avoid the full moon and choose a time when the moon has set or has not yet risen. 3. Little light pollution: Choose a place with a wide view, such as a village, suburb, or mountaintop. Hiking tips: 1. Huajian Mountain is about 3,400 meters above sea level, and the temperature is low. Wear warm clothes, such as a down jacket, windbreaker, fleece, etc. 2. There may be black ice on the hiking trail, so bring crampons, trekking poles, and other equipment. 3. Prepare to spend the night on the mountain. You can choose to stay on the mountain or bring your own tent to camp. 4. Prepare Coke, hot water, chocolate, etc., to replenish energy. Two-day itinerary: Day 1: Chengdu - Ya'an - Lengze Town - Huajian Mountain Inn Depart from Chengdu in the morning. It takes about 4 hours to drive to Lengze Town. Take a transfer to the hiking starting point, then hike about 7 km to the inn at an altitude of 3,400 meters, which takes about 4 hours. Day 2: Huajian Mountain - Lengze - Ya'an - Chengdu Get up at 6:30 am and hike for about 10 minutes to the mountaintop viewing platform to enjoy the sea of clouds and sunrise in the east and the golden Gongga Mountain in the west. The surrounding mountains and rolling sea of clouds are as beautiful as a painting. You can return to Chengdu after 6 pm. Tips: 1. Travel light and only bring necessary items. 2. Huajian Mountain is covered in snow on New Year's Day, and the weather is stable, so there is a high chance of seeing the golden mountain and sea of clouds. 3. Keep warm and protect yourself from the sun. Bring essential equipment. 4. Accommodation on Huajian Mountain is limited. You can bring a disposable sleeping bag or consider staying at Niubei Mountain.