Ya’an Travel Guide: Birthplace of Chinese Tea Culture and Giant Pandas
Ya’an in the west-central part of Sichuan province in southwestern China, is 120 kilometers (75 miles) southwest of Chengdu. It sits at the intersection of Sichuan-Tibet and Sichuan-Yunnan Highways. Ya’an is the gateway between Sichuan and Tibet, Han and Tibetan culture, and also to the ancient Southern Silk Road. It’s given the titles of the “Gateway to Tibet” and “Corridor between Cultures.”
Ya’an is best known for its natural resources with rolling mountains, valleys, and winding rivers, so Ya’an is also called “the lungs of Tianfu (Chengdu).” The mountains provide the perfect environment for tea production, making Ya’an the birthplace of tea culture in the world. You’ll also find giant pandas in their natural habitat at Bifengxia Panda Base. This Ya’an travel guide will prepare you for your trip to Ya’an.
Chinese: 雅安 yǎ ān
Location: Southwest Sichuan
Population (urban area): 1,433,000
Why Travel to Ya’an?
- Scenic Beauty and Ecotourism Adventures: Ya’an has some of the best natural sceneries in Sichuan. It has attracted countless hikers and nature lovers.
- Panda Sanctuaries: Ya’an is in fact where the world’s first giant panda was found. There are a couple of panda sanctuaries where you can see them up close and even join a panda volunteer tour.
- Chinese Tea Culture: Ya’an is known as the “City of Tea.” Join a tea culture tour to learn about Chinese tea, visit tea plantations, and try the finest tea varieties fresh, including the famous Ya’an Tibetan Tea.
- Ancient Towns and Heritage: Ya’an has a number of very well-preserved ancient towns where you can observe traditional architecture and local customs.
Top Attractions in Ya'an
Top Things to Do in Ya’an
Witness Sunrise and Sea of Clouds on Mount Niubei
Mount Niubei is the most iconic attraction of Ya’an. Many hikers and photographers travel to Ya’an just to witness it for themselves. “Niubei” means the back of a bull. It is named so because the shape of the huge rock formations at the top of the mountain resembles the head of a bull, and mountain ridge is like the back of a bull.
Mount Niubei has the reputation of being the largest viewing platform in China, because the mountain top has the most stunning panoramic view of the surrounding. It’s the perfect spot for viewing the sunrise and the sea of clouds. You might even see the morning sunlight hitting the top of a snow-capped mountain, making it a golden peak. It’s a popular destination for Chengdu side trips.
Visit Mount Erlang Laba River Scenic Area
Laba River Scenic Area is known for its high forest coverage and stunning natural beauty. There’re rivers, valleys, gorges, forests, with a rich biodiversity, including many rare endangered species. It is the best place for your mental wellness, to relax and get close to nature on your Sichuan tour.
Mount Dawa Gengza: “the Beautiful Sacred Mountain”
Dawa Gengza means “the beautiful sacred mountain” in Tibetan. It is 3,866 meters (12,684 feet) above sea level. The top of the mountain is an ideal spot for viewing the sunrise, the sea of clouds, and the snow peaks nearby. You’ll be able to see Mount Siguniang, Mount Gongga, and Mount Emei.
Step Back in Time in Wangyu Ancient Town
Wangyu Ancient Town is not as well-known as Shangli, so you’ll find fewer visitors here. It was once an important town on the Tea Horse Road, and it has preserved all of its stone-paved streets and residential houses. You’ll see the brick walls and stone steps as they actually were. This quiet town makes you forget about where you are and sends you back in time.
Ya’an Weather and Best Time to Visit
Ya’an has distinct seasons and ample rainfall, so much so that it’s known as the “city of rain.” The best time for your trip to Ya’an is during spring, summer, or autumn, especially from March to May and September to November.
The city comes to life in spring and summer with flowers in bloom and mountains covered in green. Autumn brings golden foliage across mountains and valleys. Winter might not be the best time to travel to Ya’an as there’s frequent snowfall which causes slippery roads and possible snow blockages. Learn more about Sichuan weather before planning the rest of your trip.
How to Get to Ya’an
Getting to Ya’an from Chengdu
By Bullet Train
- Chengdu East Railway Station to Ya’an Railway Station – 1-1.5 hours
By Bus
- Chengdu Xinnanmen Bus Station to Ya’an – 2 hours
Getting to Ya’an from Mount Emei
By Bus
- Mount Emei North City Bus Station to Ya’an Bus Station – 2 hours
Getting to Ya’an from Leshan
By Bus
- Leshan Bus Station to Ya’an Bus Station – 2 hours
