Tired of the same old travel itinerary? Longing for an adventure with a difference? Come to Ya'an! Surrounded by mountains, this small city in Sichuan is not only the hometown of the national treasure, the giant panda, but also a destination full of surprises and treasures. Ready for a feast for both the eyes and the palate?
**Bifeng Gorge: Dancing with the Pandas
Imagine the first rays of morning sunshine on the green bamboo leaves, you stroll through the bamboo forest paths of Bifeng Gorge, with birdsong in your ears and pandas munching on bamboo in front of you. This is not a zoo, but a real home for the pandas. You can observe their habits up close, and even have the opportunity to participate in the daily work of the panda keepers and experience the fun of a “pooper scooper”!
**Shangli Ancient Town: Travel back in time for 700 years
Bidding farewell to the pandas, we traveled back in time to Shangli Ancient Town. This well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty ancient town, as if a ink painting scroll slowly unfolded. The green stone road winds and twists, the ancient colorful buildings are lined up, the gurgling water through the town. Strolling through the city, it is as if you have traveled back in time, to a time when carriages and horses were slow and letters were far away. Don't forget to taste the local specialties, such as the crispy and delicious tartar tart noodles, or have a bowl of steaming hot casserole yakitori, and feel the flavor of the ancient town on the tip of your tongue.
**Niu Bei Mountain: Stunning above the clouds**
If you are looking for the ultimate experience, then Mount Niubizi is not to be missed. Known as “Asia's largest viewing platform”, this mountain is famous for its magnificent sea of clouds, sunrise and starry sky. Standing on the top of the mountain, as if in the clouds, overlooking the rolling hills, the sea of clouds, the kind of mind-blowing beauty, enough to make you forget all the trouble.
**Ya'an food: the temptation on the tip of the tongue **
Ya'an not only has beautiful scenery, but also mouth-watering food. In addition to the aforementioned tartar noodles and casserole fish, there are also the fragrant and spicy Hanyuan peppercorns, the sweet asbestos loquats, and the unique Xingjing chicken. Each of these cuisines carries the wisdom and passion of the locals, allowing you to experience the unique charm of Ya'an in the midst of a taste bud frenzy.
**Travel Tips:**
* Best time to travel: spring and fall, pleasant climate and beautiful scenery.
* Transportation: Ya'an can be easily reached by high-speed train or car from Chengdu.
* Accommodation options: Ya'an city and major scenic spots have various grades of hotels and B&Bs to choose from.
* Attention: Ya'an is located in the mountainous area, the climate is changeable, it is recommended to bring rain gear and warm clothes.
Ya'an, a place full of surprises and charms, is waiting for you to explore and discover. Whether you want to have a close contact with pandas, feel the historical flavor in the ancient towns, or enjoy the natural wonders above the clouds, Ya'an can satisfy all your expectations of traveling. What are you waiting for? Come and start your trip to Ya'an!
