Underrated Treasures of Western Sichuan

Hey everyone, here’s a travel guide for Bipenggou and Lixiaolu! During this trip, we stayed at the Zhui Shan Ming Jing Hot Spring Resort Hotel, which turned out to be a delightful surprise! If you’re planning to visit, two days are enough to cover all the essential spots. 💖 Day 1: Starting from Chengdu, after a few hours of driving, we arrived at Lixiaolu. Known as the "Sichuan version of the Duku Highway," this hidden gem of a self-driving route offers breathtaking scenery along the way! It connects snow-capped mountains, forests, valleys, glaciers, and meadows, with every view looking like a wallpaper-worthy masterpiece. We strolled through Haizi Valley, enjoying the tranquility of the forest, and picnicked by the creek in Ma Cao Valley, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, forests, and streams—it was so relaxing! In the evening, we checked into the Zhui Shan Ming Jing Hot Spring Resort Hotel. This hotel, set to officially open in 2024, is full of design flair. The rooms are clean and tidy, the bedding is comfortable, and it features underfloor heating and smart toilets—attention to detail is top-notch! 💖 Day 2: After breakfast, we headed to Bipenggou Scenic Area, where we took a sightseeing bus to explore attractions like Hailongwang Lake, Queen’s Peak, and Ham Lake. Walking through the pristine forest, gazing at majestic snow-capped peaks, and watching waterfalls cascade down—it felt like stepping into a dreamlike world. After a day of exploring, we returned to the hotel and indulged in some hot spring relaxation! The hotel’s hot springs are free, and soaking in the steamy waters while gazing at the snow-capped mountains above melts away all the day’s fatigue. In the evening, there’s a bonfire party (weather permitting), where everyone gathers to sing and dance—the atmosphere is fantastic! 🏨 Tips for Zhui Shan Ming Jing Hot Spring Resort Hotel: ✔️ The hotel is conveniently located near Bipenggou Scenic Area, making it easy to get around. ✔️ The service is incredibly thoughtful, with staff who are warm and attentive. ✔️ The hotel restaurant serves delicious local specialties—be sure to try the yak meat and mushroom soup! Zhui Shan Ming Jing Hot Spring Resort Hotel (Lixiaolu Branch)