Longcanggou Diecui Valley | A Poetic Hidden Gem Nestled in the Mountains

| A Poetic Hidden Gem Nestled in the Mountains. Longcanggou Diecui Valley Travel Guide (Easy Version) 📍Address: Yingjing County, Ya'an City, Sichuan Province, about 2.5 hours' drive from Chengdu 🌿Highlights: Pristine forests, waterfalls, streams, and a natural oxygen bar—perfect for summer escapes, family trips, and light hiking. 📌 Key Highlights 1. Diecui Valley Scenic Area - Features gentle boardwalks along streams, with clear pools and small waterfalls (e.g., "Rainflower Waterfall"). No strenuous climbing required to enjoy the cool scenery. - Recommended route: Entrance → Emerald Lake → Rainflower Waterfall → Dove Tree Valley (round trip 2-3 hours, gentle slopes). 2. Tianqiao (Natural Bridge, Optional) - A naturally formed rock bridge, reachable via a 20-minute stair walk (low physical demand), great for photos. 3. Dove Tree Forest - In spring (April-May), admire the blooming "dove flowers" (Davidia involucrata); in autumn, enjoy vibrant forest colors. 🚗 Transportation Tips Self-drive: Navigate to "Longcanggou Diecui Valley Scenic Area" from Chengdu (~180 km, highways + provincial roads, good conditions). Public transport: Take a bus from Chengdu Shiyangchang Station to Yingjing County, then taxi to the scenic area (~30 mins). 🎫 Tickets & Fees Entry: Low season (Nov-Mar) ¥48, peak season (Apr-Oct) ¥58. Sightseeing bus: One-way ¥20 (optional, ~5 km from entrance to core area; recommended to walk in, ride out). Parking: ¥10-15/car. 🏡 Accommodation Recommendations 1. Inside the scenic area: - Longcanggou Forest Hotel (tranquil setting, forest views). 2. Nearby: - Yingjing County hotels (budget-friendly, e.g., "Yingjing Hotel"). - Homestays (e.g., "Panda Homestay" near the scenic area). 🍜 Must-Try Local Food Yingjing Bangbang Chicken: Spicy cold chicken, a local specialty! Ya'an Fish Hotpot: Tender fish in rich broth. Farmhouse dishes: Cured meat, bamboo shoots, wild vegetables. 📅 Best Seasons Summer (June-Aug): Cool retreat, 5-8°C cooler than Chengdu. Autumn (Oct-Nov): Vibrant foliage against streams. Spring (Apr-May): Dove trees in bloom, resembling white doves. ⚠️ Tips 1. High humidity; slippery stone paths—wear anti-slip shoes. 2. Weak signal in some areas; download offline maps in advance. 3. Protect the environment; no littering or entering dangerous water zones. 🚩 Nearby Itinerary Ideas Day 1: Longcanggou Diecui Valley + overnight in Yingjing. Day 2: Visit "Bifengxia" (1.5-hour drive) for pandas or canyon waterfalls. Perfect for nature lovers seeking serenity without intense hiking—a weekend getaway made easy! 🌿