Ya'an 雅安 — Panda Gateway — Tea Horse Road — Rain City
Ya'an (雅安) is the gateway to the panda reserves and the starting point of the ancient Tea Horse Road. Known as "Rain City" with 200+ rainy days annually. Bifengxia Panda Base houses pandas relocated from Wolong after the 2008 earthquake.
Major panda breeding center in a forest canyon. Pandas from Wolong relocated here. Viewing platforms and volunteer programs.
Hours: 8:30–17:00
Admission: ¥100
Forest canyon with waterfalls, hiking trails, and wildlife. Eco-park alongside the panda base.
Hours: 8:30–17:00
Admission: ¥80
Ya'an was the starting point of the Tea Horse Road to Tibet. Museum shows the ancient trade route history and tea culture.
Hours: 9:00–17:00
Admission: Free
Birthplace of Chinese tea culture — tea planted here 2,000 years ago. Tea plantations, ancient temples, and hiking.
Hours: 8:00–17:00
Admission: ¥30
Traditional town on the Tea Horse Road. Ancient bridges, wooden houses, and riverside setting.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
Mountain with hot springs and hiking trails. Weekend retreat from Chengdu.
Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Springs ¥80
Day 1 - Main Attractions: Visit top must-see landmarks. Try local specialty dishes at well-reviewed restaurants. Continue with museums or cultural sites. Evening city skyline lights.
Day 2 - Nature and Culture: Hiking, parks, or nearby natural attractions (3-4 hours). Local street food for lunch. Visit temples or old towns. Evening night market.
Day 3 - Hidden Gems: Explore lesser-known neighborhoods. One last meal at famous local restaurant. Souvenir shopping at pedestrian streets.
Getting local information: Visit the local tourist information center (usually near train stations or city squares). Free maps and event schedules available.
Using public transport: Most Chinese cities have affordable bus networks (2-3 RMB per ride). Buy a local transport card for convenience.
Evening safety: Chinese cities are generally safe at night. Stick to well-lit main streets after 22:00. Avoid unlicensed taxi services.
Photography etiquette: Ask permission before photographing locals, especially elderly people and children. Temples may prohibit indoor photography.
LocalSIMcards: China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom all offer tourist SIMs (30-50 RMB/week) at airport counters.