The Ming and Qing dynasty architecture of the ancient town was a revelation for this seasoned traveler! The Leshan Bridge, with its bluestone slabs and carved wooden buildings, exudes a strong sense of history! Changqing Street's stone-paved streets and lush greenery are a perfect match, even more charming at night when the lanterns are lit. The Ancient Tea Horse Road and porcelain-inlaid bamboo weaving are located in the core area, making them incredibly convenient to explore.
The surrounding natural scenery is a delightful surprise: the Lugou Bamboo Sea, with its 100,000 acres of bamboo forest, is like a natural oxygen bar, with such high levels of negative ions that breathing feels effortless! The Jinji Valley hiking trail is not strenuous, and along the way are many exquisite guesthouses. I highly recommend "Shouzhuo" Mountain Residence; waking up to birdsong in the morning is incredibly therapeutic.
Foodies must try the milk soup noodles and pot-boiled chicken combo! The milk soup is simmered to a rich, milky white consistency using chicken and pork bones, perfectly complemented by red broth mutton and cornbread! I love ordering covered-bowl tea at a riverside teahouse and gazing at the Baimo River in a daze—this slow pace is rare on the Western Sichuan routes, perfect for relaxing in the latter half of the trip. For those departing from Chengdu, I recommend combining it with a two-day trip to Tiantai Mountain. The ancient town isn't large, but it's full of details; it's best to avoid weekends. ⚠️ Remember to wear non-slip shoes, as some stone paths are covered in moss. I'm currently compiling a collection of lesser-known routes in Western Sichuan; what other off-the-beaten-path attractions would you like to know about?