Things to Do in Ya'an

Ya’an is known as the Panda’s home. Surely the top things to do in Ya’an is joining the panda volunteer program at Bifengxia Panda Reserve.

Apart from Bifengxia Panda, the scenery in Bifengxia Valley is another one of Ya’an Attractions, following with Mount Mengding and Shangli Ancient Town, where you can see tea plantation and experience the ancient Tea and Horse Road. After all the best things to do in Ya’an, wish you know more about the history of Ya’an City.

Ya'an Attraction Map

Bifengxia Panda ReserveBifengxia Panda Reserve

No.1: Bifengxia Panda Reserve

Type: Nature/ Wildlife Areas

Distance from Downtown Ya’an: 16 km

In Bifengxia Valley, the most famous is the Bifengxia Panda Reserve. It is without doubt the best place to see pandas in the natural scenery they inhabit.

Moreover, it operates a panda volunteer program for who wants to get a bit more up close and personal with the pandas. There are various activities to learn more about the cuddly bears, this is ideal.

Please Note: There is also a Bifengxia Ecological Zoo on the way to the Panda Base that houses other animals but it is totally separate.

Recommended Tour Packages:

>> 2 Days Bifengxia Panda Volunteer Program with Chengdu Tour

>> 2 Days Inspiring Ya'an Bifengxia Panda Volunteer Experience

>> 5 Days Panda Volunteer Tour at Bifengxia Panda Base

Bifengxia Valley

No.2: Bifengxia Valley (Bifeng Canyon)

Type: Canyons

Distance from Downtown Ya’an: 16 km

Bifengxia Valley is referred to as “a Small Jiuzhaigou”. The scenic area is composed of two gorges, which stretch into the deep forest. The left gorge extends 7km and the right extends 6km. The two gorges form a “V” shape along with an enclosed, circular area.

There are over 60 mysterious scenic spots related to Nvwa: the verdant green Cuiping Mountain, Bifengxia Temple, deep and serene gorges, one-ray sky, rhythmically flowing springs with emerald green water, waterfalls and green ponds. It is good to do 2-3 hours’ hiking after seeing the pandas in Bifengxia Valley.

Mount Mengding

No.3: Mount Mengding

Type: Mountains

Distance from Downtown Ya’an: 15 km

Mengding Mountain is the birthplace of Chinese tea civilization and the cradle of tea culture. As the saying goes “The Yangtze River tops the waters, the Mengding tea is best of its kind.” It has a history of more than one thousand years in tea planting, tea making and tea sipping art. Range upon range of tea plantations are found on the hillsides and the woods, which are like billowing green waves. It is good to visit Mengshan during April to October every year.

The famous scenic spots with tea culture include Royal Tea Garden, Mengquan Well, Tianti Ancient Trail, Museum of Tea History, Ganlu Stone Chamber, and Taingai Temple etc.

Recommended Tour Packages:

>> 3 Days Bifengxia Panda Volunteer Tour with Ya’an Essence

>> 2 Days Tea Culture Tour in Sichuan

Shangli Ancient Town

No.4: Shangli Ancient Town

Type: Historic Sites

Distance from Downtown Ya’an: 27 km

Shangli Ancient Town is the perfect combination of history, culture and tradition with natural beauty. It used to be a very important post on both "South Silk Road" and "Tea and Horse Road" which played a very important role on development of Sichuan economy and culture. Now, it is ranked as one of the "Top 10 Ancient Towns" in Sichuan.

Visitors commented on tripadvisor saying “Shangli Village is the place to complete relaxation”, “A step back in time”, “Stunning, picture perfect” etc.

Recommended Tour Packages:

>> 2 Days Inspiring Ya'an Bifengxia Panda Volunteer Experience

>> 3 Days Bifengxia Panda Volunteer Tour with Ya’an Essence

Recommended Ya'an Tours

Top 3 Ya'an tours chosen by most customers to explore Ya'an in the best way. Check the detailed itinerary, or tailor your own trip now with us.

Bifengxia Volunteers Taking Group Photos

5 Days Panda Volunteer Tour at Bifengxia Panda Base

Chengdu / Bifengxia Panda Base / Chengdu

Bifengxia Panda Base

3 Days Bifengxia Panda Volunteer Tour with Ya’an Essence

Chengdu / Ya'an / Chengdu

Picking fresh tea leaves in the Tea Plantation

2 Days Classic Tea Culture Tour with Giant Panda Visit

Chengdu / Mengdingshan / Chengdu

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