MileHacker Logo
Things to Do in Yaan

Things to Do in Yaan

Yaan Sichuan, China Travel Guide

Adventure in the Green City

Explore Ya'an's breathtaking scenery through various outdoor pursuits.

Trails & Treks

Mengding Mountain

Well-maintained trails from easy strolls around tea plantations to moderate hikes to higher peaks. Cable cars ease the ascent. Scenic beauty, historic tea gardens.

Bifengxia Scenic Area

Hiking trails through the gorge differ from moderate to challenging, with many steps and elevation changes. Dramatic waterfalls, lush vegetation, rewarding trek.

Longcanggou National Forest Park

Offers various hiking trails, from easy boardwalks along streams to more strenuous mountain treks. Ideal for nature lovers seeking a tranquil forest experience.

Limited High-Adrenaline Fun

  • Water Activities: Water sports limited in Ya'an. Rafting or boating on local rivers/reservoirs sometimes exists, but not main tourist activities. Inquire locally.
  • Adventure Sports: Not a prominent offering. Larger Sichuan cities or dedicated adventure regions deliver these pursuits. Ya'a focuses more on gentle nature.
  • Cycling: Opportunities for road cycling on not as busy roads around rural areas and through the countryside. Formal mountain biking trails not developed.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Main experience is giant panda viewing at the Bifengxia Panda Base. Forest parks have birdwatching, but large wild animal sightings rare.

Nature Observation

  • Birdwatching in Longcanggou.
  • Spotting diverse flora.
  • Peaceful nature walks.
  • Seasonal changes in landscape.

Designated Camping

  • Permitted in specific forest park areas.
  • Requires permits or pre-arrangement.
  • Less common for independent tourists.
  • A rustic, immersive experience.

Tea Plantation Visits

  • Walk through ancient tea gardens.
  • Learn about tea cultivation.
  • Savor scenic views.
  • Opportunity for tea tasting.

Safety in Outdoors

Always check weather conditions. Inform others of your plans, especially for remote treks. Stay on marked trails. Carry enough water and supplies. Animal sightings are rare, but maintain safe distance.

Deep Dive into Local Culture

Ya'a delivers many ways to connect with local culture, specifically through its tea heritage.

Hands-On Culture

  • Tea Ceremony/Tasting Workshops: At Mengding Mountain or dedicated teahouses. Learn traditional tea preparation, history, hints of tasting. Peaceful, enlightening.
  • Local Crafts: Shangli Ancient Town for noticing artisans. Find small shops with handicrafts, local paintings. Formal tourist workshops rare but possible by arrangement.
  • Cooking Classes: Less common than Chengdu. Some guesthouses or tour operators may offer tea-infused cooking classes if requested.
  • Food Tours: Organize privately to explore street food from the region and eateries. A guided introduction to Ya'an's culinary scene.

Live Traditions

Local Performances

Local performances sometimes occur during festivals or at cultural events centers, often for local audiences.

Tea Ceremonies

In Ya'an, traditional tea ceremonies are the most common structured cultural performance, showing a rich heritage.

Festival Celebrations

Chinese New Year, Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival have local customs and activities. Glimpse traditional festivities.

Community-Based Tourism

Guesthouses or farmhouses ('nongjiale') in rural areas deliver insights into local village life and agriculture, specifically tea farming. Support local communities directly.

Language Learning

No formal language schools for tourists in Ya'an. Carry a phrasebook with essential phrases. Use translation apps for basic communication.

Cultural Festivals

Ya'an International Tea Culture & Tourism Festival (April) celebrates tea heritage with ceremonies, performances, cultural events. Excellent time to experience local traditions.

Rejuvenation in Nature

Ya'a delivers options for relaxation and revitalization in its natural settings.

Pampering & Serenity

  • Spa and Wellness: Upscale hotels in Ya'a city sometimes offer spa services, a place to unwind after sightseeing.
  • For extensive spa experiences, larger cities like Chengdu provide a wider selection.
  • Some guesthouses in scenic areas may feature simple relaxation facilities or traditional massage options.
  • Yoga and meditation retreats are not a common offering in Ya'an. You find these in major cities or specific spiritual centers.

Warmth of the Earth

Zhougong Mountain Hot Springs

Located near Ya'an, known for its hot springs. Several resorts here for chilling out soak in mineral-rich waters surrounded by nature. A common local spot for wellness.

Traditional Healing

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinics available in Ya'an, mainly serving local residents. These offer traditional diagnostics and treatments.

Nature's Calm

The tranquil environments of Mengding Mount and Longcanggou National Forest Park have a natural calming influence for deep relaxation.

Mindful Moments

Riverside Walks

Relish quiet strolls along the Qingyi River banks. The gentle flow of water and green surroundings offer a peaceful experience.

Tea Meditation

Partake in a tea ceremony to practice mindfulness and appreciate the subtle art of tea preparation.

Forest Bathing

Immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of the national wooded parks for a calming, restorative experience.

Evening in Ya'an

Ya'an's nightlife is generally quiet, focused on local activities rather than bustling clubs.

Local Evening Sounds

  • Live Music Venues: Limited. Some local bars or KTV (karaoke) sometimes feature live performances, but not dedicated music halls.
  • Theater and Performance Spaces: Not a major feature for tourists. Community cultural centers sometimes host performances, usually for local audiences.
  • Nightclubs and Dancing: Few, if any, dedicated nightclubs exist in Ya'an.
  • KTV (Karaoke): Most popular form of evening entertainment for locals, private rooms with space for singing with friends.

Relaxed Evenings

Bar Districts

Ya'a does not have distinct bar districts or organized pub crawls. Individual bars exist, usually attached to hotels or scattered throughout the city center.

Late-Night Dining

Mainly limited to KTV, late-night restaurants (especially "chuan'er" or skewer stalls), or casual drinks at hotel bars. The city generally winds down relatively early.

Evening Strolls

Enjoy peaceful walks along the Qingyi River, with city lights reflecting on the waterfront, for a relaxed close to your day.

Traditional Markets

  • Local wet markets and street markets.
  • Excellent places to experience local life.
  • Find fresh produce, meats, spices, local snacks.
  • A sensory experience.

Artisan Workshops

  • Shangli Ancient Town provides opportunities.
  • See local artisans at work.
  • Purchase handicrafts and traditional paintings.
  • Small, unique souvenirs.

Souvenir Recommendations

  • Panda-themed merchandise (Bifengxia).
  • Ya'a Tea (Mengding Mountain tea highly recommended).
  • Local snacks and seasonings (peppercorns, doubanjiang).
  • Local handicrafts unique to the region.

Shopping Guidelines

Ethical Shopping
  • Support local artisans and farmers directly by purchasing from small, independent shops or markets.
  • This economic benefit remains within the community.
  • When buying panda-themed souvenirs, look for reputable sources like Bifengxia Panda Base that support conservation efforts.
Shipping & Customs
  • When purchasing larger items or amounts of tea, inquire about international shipping options at local post offices or specialty shops.
  • Be aware of customs regulations and duties for your home country to avoid issues upon return.
  • Declare items as per your country's import laws.

Shopping Insight

Luxury and boutique shopping options are limited in Ya'an. Large shopping malls in the city center offer mainstream Chinese and some international brands. For extensive luxury shopping, Chengdu is the main destination.

Your Ya'an Activity Planner

Top Experiences

  • Visit the Bifengxia Panda Base for giant panda viewing.
  • Explore Mengding Mountain and experience tea culture.
  • Wander through Shangli Ancient Town's historic alleyways.
  • Hike in Longcanggou or Zhougong Mountain National Forest Parks.

Travel Tips

  • Carry a a translator app for easier communication.
  • Check festival dates for unique cultural events.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for a lot of walking and hiking.
  • Capture the misty landscapes and ancient architecture.