Escaping from 38°C into the forest, I just want to stay here forever

Er Lang Mountain Laba River Panorama Guide: Encounter Sambar Deer and Sea of Clouds in a 23°C Forest Just 3 hours from Chengdu lies an underrated summer retreat—Er Lang Mountain Laba River Scenic Area. With an average summer temperature of only 23°C and 95% forest coverage, waterfalls and streams weave a natural air conditioning system. At night, you might even unexpectedly meet wild sambar deer. This guide will take you through itinerary planning, accommodation and dining recommendations, and photography tips to unlock all the surprises of this "Y"-shaped forest. Pre-trip Essentials Transportation Guide: Departing from Chengdu, take the Jingkun Expressway to the Yaye Expressway, exit at Laba River Station, then about 15 minutes to the scenic area entrance. The total distance is about 180 km, suitable for self-driving or chartering a car (toll fees around 80 yuan). Some sections of the expressway were restricted due to weather in July 2025; it is recommended to check real-time traffic conditions of the "Yaye Expressway" before departure. Ticket Information: Starting August 1, 2025, the scenic area implements a new peak and off-peak policy. August to February is peak season (currently peak season), with ticket prices around 80 yuan (off-season prices may be lower). The west line sightseeing bus costs 35 yuan and is mandatory. The Jiao Mountain cable car round trip costs 70-90 yuan (prices vary by channel). Entry stops at 17:30, and vehicle access is prohibited after 19:00. It is recommended to arrive before 9:00 on the first day. Carry-on Gear: Mosquito repellent (many mosquitoes in dense forest), lightweight raincoat (mountain weather is changeable), waterproof shoes (stream sections are wet), telephoto lens (essential for photographing sambar deer). The summit of Jiao Mountain is at 3,700 meters; bringing a portable oxygen bottle is advised to prevent altitude sickness. Two-Day One-Night Golden Route Day 1: East Line Hiking, weaving through waterfalls and dense forest Driving route: Scenic area entrance → Luming Hotel (about 15 km, 30 minutes by car). Along the way, stop at Red Stone Beach (P4) to photograph the collision of streams and red rocks. The suspension bridge in front of Luming Hotel (P1) is a perfect start; shooting early in the morning when the mist lingers captures the forest’s reflection on the bridge surface, creating a magical scene. Hiking Highlights: From Luming Hotel, follow the boardwalk past Kaimen Stone Waterfall (P9) to Blue Crystal Waterfall (P8), a 3.8 km gentle mountain trail taking about 2 hours. Take a short break at Gongtong Mountain Residence, where the terrace offers a layered view of waterfalls and forest. Pay special attention to Ye Zhou Island (P10) in the afternoon; when sunlight filters through the canopy onto the water, it’s the best time for slow shutter stream photography. Hidden Experience: The stream behind Blue Crystal Hotel is quiet and less crowded. Between 6-7 pm, you might encounter sambar deer coming to drink water; keep quiet and shoot from a distance. The hotel features a nighttime light show where the waterfall glows in blue and purple tones, a stark contrast to the daytime scene. Day 2: West Line Ascent, chasing sea of clouds and sambar deer Sea of Clouds Viewing Schedule: Take the sightseeing bus to the cable car station at 5:30-7:00 am, then ascend to the Jiao Mountain viewing platform. May to October is the best period to see the sea of clouds, with about a 60% chance. On clear days, you can capture snow-capped mountains and sea of clouds in the same frame. Descent Route: Cable car down → Panda Trail → Deer Pool. The lakeside trail at Deer Pool (P6-7) is famous for water reflections. It is recommended to shoot before 10 am or after 4 pm to avoid harsh midday light. This area is a frequent habitat for sambar deer; staying quiet may allow you to witness their fairy-tale-like drinking scenes. Return Tips: The west line, including sightseeing bus and cable car, takes about 5 hours. It is recommended to start descending before 2 pm. If time permits, stop by the Forest Story Museum (P2), where exhibits of Gongtong specimens correspond with real scenes, perfect for children to learn about plants. Accommodation and Dining Guide Hotel Options: - Luming Hotel: Best for deer watching; from 21:00 to 23:00, the backyard deer viewing platform offers salt bricks to attract sambar deer. Some rooms have private viewing windows. - Blue Crystal Hotel: Better facilities, a 5-minute walk to the namesake waterfall, and a unique nighttime light show. - Walnut Flat Cabins: Cost-effective choice, 299 yuan package includes breakfast for two, suitable for budget travelers. Dining Recommendations: The grilled fish at Luming Hotel is a specialty. Bold sambar deer may poke their heads into the restaurant windows during meals; remember not to feed them human food. Restaurants in the scenic area charge 50-80 yuan per person. You can also bring your own simple meals to designated picnic areas (please take your trash with you). Photography and Safety Tips Shooting Tips: - Sambar Deer Photography: Active at 6-7 am or 6-7 pm; turn off flash, use ISO 800 or higher for continuous shooting. - Waterfall Slow Shutter: At Bi Shui Wan (P3), the water flow is gentle; use a tripod with a 1/10 second shutter speed to capture silky textures. - Tree of Life (P5): Find the right angle to let sunlight pass through the trunk gaps, highlighting the radiating shape of branches and leaves. Safety Warnings: The area has many Tibetan macaques; do not hold food or open bags, as there have been cases of food snatching. During flood season (June-August), stay away from low riverbed areas and follow staff instructions. Keep at least 10 meters distance when photographing sambar deer; they have sensitive hearing and loud noises may cause them to flee. Avoid Pitfalls and Extras - The west line sightseeing bus route scenery is ordinary; no need to get off midway. - Luming Hotel provides free salt bricks; when attracting sambar deer for photos, follow the rule of "no feeding other food." - Visitor density in July-August is about 0.3 people per 100 square meters, relatively uncrowded, but booking a week in advance is still recommended on weekends. - Night patrol tours may encounter porcupines, white-cheeked flying squirrels, and other wildlife; book in advance at the hotel. The most captivating aspect of this 23°C forest is its preservation of wild nature’s unpredictability—whether it’s a sudden rain shower or an unexpected encounter with sambar deer around the corner. These serendipitous moments make escaping the city truly meaningful. Pack your bags and let the negative oxygen ions and shutter clicks of Laba River leave the most healing mark on your summer.