I’ve officially been in Chengdu for two months and a half now, and it seems like I’ve been here longer. It’s no joke how fast time goes the older you get, and I’m really feeling it. My weeks tend to be busy, either something is going on or I have errands to run. It’s been refreshing knowing that I have something to always look forward to, especially after living in a small city for a year and a half. The deprivation was too real.
To give you a glimpse of some of the boundless-ness I’ve been up to for the past almost 3 months, here are 5 breathtaking outdoor adventures all in Sichuan Province and some insight on how I was able to transition to my new home so easily.
Explore with Chengdu Lion Adventure
Chengdu Lion Adventure is a platform for outdoor activities, language exchange, travel, and a space to get connected with locals, ex-pats, and travelers from all over the world. It started off as a small group of friends who enjoyed planning hiking trips on the weekends, and over time the group grew exposure. It’s now the biggest travel and adventure community in Chengdu and one that is constantly growing and thriving.
Before I go on about all the exciting adventures, I’d like to extend my gratitude and recognize the Chengdu Lion Adventure, and especially the founder Nina, for the many memorable and meaningful experiences. Much of my time in Chengdu would not be as wholesome without their efforts in creating and organizing an environment for people like myself to feel more connected, grounded, and establish a sense of belonging abroad.
If you’re ever looking to visit Chengdu, I highly suggest joining one of the weekly activities they offer. You will not regret it!
Outdoor Adventures in Chengdu
Yun Zhong Wu (Cloud House)
Travel time: 2 hours
Level: Easy
Duration of hike: 1.5 hours (oneway)
Altitude: over 1,000 meters
Cloud House is located in Wushan township and is north of Dayi County. The name is an explanation of how the mountain top looks year-round, with clouds completely covering the sky. From the top, you can get a 360-degree panoramic view of the lush scenery below. As you can imagine from the pictures above, I was really feeling the view.
This was my very first hike in Chengdu. It was also my first week in Chengdu, and I was lucky enough to have been introduced to the Chengdu Lion Adventure Club. The hike was completely refreshing, something I didn’t realize how much I needed. It was the overall experience of being in nature, meeting new people, and taking in all the fresh air that I loved so much.
The day was foggy and misty, but the trail up the mountain wasn’t uncomfortably wet until we reached the peak. By then, we had to climb on slippery dirt, and there was no way around it. Meh.
Jiezi Ancient Town + Qingcheng Villa + Mt. ZhaoGong
Day 1
Travel time: 1.5 hours (to ancient town)
On the first day, we departed Chengdu to head to Jiezi Ancient Town. The ancient town is located in Chongzhou, Sichuan Province, and is about 25 km northwest of Chongzhou City. It houses a total of 32 temples and many other historical sites, which reflect the cultural style during the Qing Dynasty. Throughout the town, you’ll find traditional Sichuan-styled street food, restaurants, shops, and scenic spots. It’s definitely not to be missed!
Day 2
Level: Medium
Duration of hike: 4.5 hours (2 hours to halfway point, 2.5 hours to top)
Altitude: 1,118 – 2,434 meters
After a day of exploring the Jiezi Ancient Town, we rested at our villa in Qingcheng, and as planned headed to hike Zhao Gong Mountain the second day. According to the forecast, the rain was nowhere near stopping.
I knew right away I was going to struggle hiking this mountain the minute I heard it takes about 4-5 hours to reach the top. I’m what you call a little dramatic…
Upon hiking the mountain, there will be two temples, one at the halfway point and the other at the top. The first temple at the halfway point is the Qingyun Temple, and the second is the Zhao Gong Temple.
For my own sanity (aka I kept imaging how I would slip and die + I was hungry), I decided to rest at the halfway point and eventually head down once I and some of the others were ready. The rain and altitude also made the cold unbearable. Luckily at the temple, we were able to sit inside by the fire and warm up a little.
Alhamdulilah, I survived and I didn’t fall even once on them slippery sloppy rocks.
Wolong Ganhaizi Meadow
Travel time: 3 hours
Level: Easy
Duration of hike: 2 hours, 3.5 km
Elevation: 2,600 meters
Wolong Ganhaizi is an undeveloped meadow pasture. It was originally a mountain lake, although due to geological changes, the water outlet expanded. The meadow is completely untouched by artificial carving, and it allows you to appreciate the ecological beauty.
The hike begins on a paved road (you’ll find some people driving), then it transitions to stairs until you reach the meadow. Yes, that’s right, work them buns!
This trip was by far one of my favorites. I couldn’t get enough of the view from the top, and my heartfelt peace was so deep. I was also joined by a couple of co-workers and it made the experience more heartfelt and memorable.
Liujiang Ancient Town + Qiliping Resort Area + Mt. Wawu
Day 1
Travel time: 2 hours
This was likely the most lively trip I’ve had in a while. All 10 of my co-workers attended this time, and it was quite an enjoyable experience interacting with everyone outside of a work environment.
On the first day, we departed Chengdu and headed to Liujiang Ancient Town. The ancient town was constructed during the Southern Song Dynasty and has a history of over 800 years. It’s known to be one of the top ten ancient towns in Sichuan Province, with its beautiful scenery and proximity to nature. There are two rivers that run through the town, the Huaxi River and the Yangcun River.
That evening, we stayed the night at an absolutely stunning Hot Springs Resort. The Qiliping resort area is about 3.5 km from Emei Mountain located in Leshan.
Day 2
Travel time: 1 hour (Qiliping Resort to Mt. Wawu)
Level: Easy
Duration of hike: cable car to the low and middle of the mountain (not much hiking)
Altitude: 2,830 meters
The next day we drove about an hour or so to get to where we’d go up Mt. Wawu. On the way to the mountain, we visited a monkey sanctuary. It was the first time I’d ever been that close to a monkey, and it was both terrifying and exciting. I smiled at one out of excitement, and in return, I was smiled back at! And that’s how you know smiles are contagious. We stayed at the sanctuary for about 20 minutes and headed to where we’d take the cable cars to get to the top of the mountain.
We were led by a guide who took us on the trail to where we could get a complete view of the city, and it was simply a sight I couldn’t explain. During moments like these, I have a hard time concealing my emotions because of how surreal life feels. Time feels slow, and all you’re left with is the Creator’s creation. Some of the deep experiences I hope to safeguard in my heart.
Alhamdulilah.
Yaba Tibetan Village
Travel time: 2-3 hours (depending on weather)
Level: Easy/Medium
Duration of hike: 1.5-2 hours, 3.5 km
Altitude: 2,700 meters
Who would have imagined there’d be snow completely covering the whole mountain the day of our hike? It was the beginning of December, and by this time the weather was starting to get a whole lot more chilly.
Yaba Village is located in Xuecheng County of Li County and is one of the villages that were affected by the 2008 earthquake. Much of the village has been abandoned and the majority of the people had to relocate to the nearby village.
Prior to our hike, there was a Tibetan family who welcomed us into their home to warm up right before our hike. And eventually, during our hike, the local men of the village led us to the top seeing that we had gone the wrong way for a good 30 minutes. Bless them.
The trail was very narrow and slippery and completely covered in snow at one point. It was worth it, but you bet I did some whining until we got to the top.
Once we arrived at the top, we took a short rest in the run-down farmhouse owned by the family, and they started a fire for us to warm up. Ate the food we had brought, drank hot water, and shared some laughs. It was wholesome, to say the least.
Highlights
- This isn’t necessarily a highlight, but more so a laughable memory. During some of the hikes, I saw everyone sharing food, but my fat a** was too hungry to do that, so I would avoid making eye contact and eat quietly. Sometimes it be like that…
- Taking pictures of my co-workers sleeping on the bus rides. Watch out!
- During the hike at Yaba Village, one of the local men held my hand the whole 3km way down. If that ain’t love, I don’t know what love is.
- Also during the Yaba Village hike (lol everything happened here), while we were hiking down the mountain, one of the Chinese guys from our group occasionally would slip and the local man (same one who held my hand) would literally shove his palm up to his ass in an attempt to help him get up. I died.
That’s a wrap! So much love for the land and the balance it brings to our souls. As always, may we give thanks to the land and Creator who continuously nurture us to wholeness.
Stay boundless xxx
