Chengdu Longchi National Forest Park Travel Guide

Things to Do, Best Time to Visit & How to Get There from Chengdu

Just 84 kilometers from downtown Chengdu, Longchi National Forest Park is a peaceful mountain escape in Sichuan. Located between the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and the Western Sichuan Plain, it is known for alpine lakes, waterfalls, snow scenery, and rich cultural heritage.

This travel guide covers the top things to do in Longchi National Forest Park, the best time to visit, and how to get there from Chengdu.

I. Natural Attractions in Longchi National Forest Park

1. Longchi Lake: The Iconic Alpine Lake near Chengdu

Longchi Lake, sitting at an elevation of 1,800 meters, is the heart of the park. Surrounded by dense forests and mountain peaks, its clear emerald water reflects the changing seasons beautifully.

• Summer: Visitors can enjoy boating while spotting swans and mandarin ducks.
• Winter: The lake freezes, transforming the area into a snowy wonderland ideal for winter photography and snow play.

The wide sub-alpine basin around the lake often sees snow depths exceeding 30 cm in winter. Four ski runs cater to different skill levels, while snowmobiles and horse-drawn sleighs add to the fun. It’s not uncommon to see wild macaques and sika deer roaming the snowy landscape—an unforgettable sight for visitors.

2. Yangguangyan Waterfall Cluster: One of the Most Scenic Waterfalls near Chengdu

The Yangguangyan Waterfall Cluster is Longchi’s most dynamic natural feature. It consists of:

• A main waterfall (100 meters high, 20 meters wide)
• A secondary waterfall with a 60-meter drop

During the rainy season, the waterfalls thunder down the cliffs. In drier months, the flow becomes gentle and misty. A wooden boardwalk leads visitors to the base, where cool spray fills the air.

One highlight is the Water Curtain Cave, where travelers can walk behind the falling water. Moss-covered rocks, narrow crevices, and filtered light create a dreamlike atmosphere, often compared to scenes from The Lord of the Rings.

3. Yulong Garden Stone Forest: A Geological Wonder Formed 190 Million Years Ago

Covering 80,000 square meters, the Yulong Garden Rock Formations showcase granite structures shaped by late Triassic geological activity.

The rocks take on dramatic forms—towering pillars, blade-like ridges, and massive animal-shaped stones—many wrapped in moss and ancient trees.

• Spring: Rhododendrons bloom among the rocks
• Winter: Snow turns the area into a natural ice sculpture park

This area is especially popular with photographers, offering stunning views during morning mist and sunset.

4. Alpine Rhododendron Garden: Best Spring Flowers in Longchi Forest Park

The Alpine Rhododendron Garden features more than 140 varieties of rhododendrons. From April to May, the hillsides burst into pink, purple, white, and crimson blooms.

While walking through the flower trails, visitors may spot Golden Snub-nosed Monkeys or Red Pandas. After rain, sunlight reflecting off dew-covered petals often creates rainbow-like effects, making spring the best time to visit Longchi for flowers.

II. Cultural and Historical Attractions in Longchi National Forest Park

1. Longwang Temple: Ancient Dragon King Temple of Shu Civilization

The Longwang (Dragon King) Temple, originally built during the Tang Dynasty, was a sacred site where ancient Shu people prayed for rain.

The complex includes:

• Temple gate
• Prayer platform with a marble Bagua diagram
• Main and side halls

Inside the main hall hangs a plaque reading “Ze Pei Chuan Yuan”, bestowed by Emperor Yongzheng of the Qing Dynasty.

Each year on the 23rd day of the sixth lunar month, members of the Qiang ethnic group gather here in traditional clothing to perform rituals, blending ancient beliefs with living culture.

2. Medicine King Valley: Traditional Chinese Medicine and Forest Healing

Medicine King Valley is associated with Sun Simiao, a renowned Tang Dynasty physician. The valley still preserves over 200 species of medicinal herbs, including Coptis (huanglian) and Gastrodia elata (tianma).

Visitors can join guided herb identification hikes, learn about traditional remedies, and sample herbal teas. The concept of healing through forests closely aligns with Germany’s forest wellness therapy, making this valley ideal for relaxation and mindfulness.

3. Ancient Battlefield Ruins: Remnants of Qin and Han Military History

During the Qin and Han Dynasties, Longchi was a strategic mountain pass used to defend Shu territory. Ruins of beacon towers and arrow turrets still hide within bamboo forests.

From the viewing platform, visitors can imagine ancient battles once fought here. The atmosphere often reminds European travelers of medieval Alpine fortresses—raw, rugged, and deeply historical.

III. Best Time to Visit Longchi National Forest Park

Longchi offers distinct scenery throughout the year:

• Spring (April–May): Rhododendrons bloom along the Floral Path Trail
• Summer (June–August): Average temperature around 13°C, ideal for escaping Chengdu’s heat
• Autumn (September–November): Colorful forests with maple, ginkgo, and liquidambar trees
• Winter (December–March): Snow season with skiing, snowmobiling, and winter festivals

Winter snow lasts up to four months, making Longchi one of the best snow destinations near Chengdu.

IV. Eat, Stay, and Travel Tips for Longchi Forest Park

1. Local Food to Try in Longchi

• Farmhouse Stew: Slow-cooked pork with wild bamboo fungus and matsutake mushrooms
• Winter Snow Grill: Yak skewers and corn buns with Tibetan butter tea
• Alpine Honey: Wildflower honey produced by local beekeepers

2. Accommodation Options near Longchi National Forest Park

• Traditional Stone Guesthouses: ¥150 per person, cultural interaction included
• Luxury Glass Cabins: Around ¥800 per night with mountain views
• Camping Base: About ¥100 per person, equipment available

3. How to Get to Longchi National Forest Park from Chengdu

By Car:
Chengdu–Guan Expressway → Dujiangyan–Wenchuan Expressway
⏱ About 1.5 hours | Parking ¥10/day

By Public Transport:

• Direct bus from Xinnanmen Bus Station (¥25)
• Or Metro Line 2 → Xipu Station → High-speed rail to Dujiangyan → Taxi to the park

Tickets:

• Low season (Apr–Nov): ¥20
• Ice & Snow Festival (Dec–Mar): ¥52
• Ski slope: ¥60 per hour

Travel Tips:

• Bring windproof clothing due to mountain weather
• Ski equipment rental available
• Respect Qiang ethnic customs and sacred objects

V. Is Longchi National Forest Park Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Longchi National Forest Park combines untouched alpine nature, seasonal activities, and deep cultural heritage rarely found in one destination near Chengdu.

Here, you might ski over Triassic rock layers, walk among ancient battle ruins, or pray under the same stars once seen by Shu ancestors centuries ago. Longchi offers a rare, authentic conversation between nature and human history.

Travel Tip: Combine your visit with the Dujiangyan Irrigation System (30 km away) to experience both wild landscapes and one of China’s greatest ancient engineering wonders. Furthermore, to explore more highlights of a Sichuan journey, don’t miss our page on Chengdu Tourist Attractions!