Things to do in Danleng

Many thanks to Professor Meng for the explanation! Professor Meng is very knowledgeable about Su Dongpo's life and poetry, and recounted it in a clear and engaging manner. Visiting the Three Su Ancestral Hall, the birthplace of Su Dongpo, and listening to the explanation filled me with emotion. I was deeply moved and gained a profound understanding of Su Dongpo's character. I highly recommend it!

Throughout history, Sichuan has boasted countless famous mountains, but Lao'e Mountain is truly a treasure trove. Behind its "Lao" (old) name lies a secret—a popular saying goes, "Lao'e Mountain existed before Emei Mountain." The spark of Buddhism in Sichuan was first ignited here, before spreading to the present-day Emei Mountain, thus earning it the title of "The First Mountain of Buddhism Entering Sichuan." It is a hidden gem, a place of profound cultural heritage. 😪😪 Get up early in the morning and head directly to the [Lao'e Mountain Scenic Area]. Since you'll be climbing, be sure to bring comfortable shoes and plenty of time to fully enjoy the mountain's beauty. 👣👣Walk along the 999 steps of Lao'e Mountain, located on the core scenic "Prayer Avenue." Its ingenious design—999 steps, 99 gentle platforms, and 9 sharp turns—deeply embodies the health and longevity culture associated with the number nine, hence its nickname, the "Longevity Ladder." The number "999" in the steps is considered auspicious in traditional Chinese culture, symbolizing supreme power and longevity. * "Nine times nine equals one, achieving enlightenment": This signifies perseverance and fulfillment; sincerity brings results. * "Longevity and good fortune": This echoes the longevity culture of Peng Zu in Meishan, praying for the health of elders and family members. After ascending the Prayer Avenue, you'll pass through [Buddha's Affinity] and finally reach the expansive [She Shen Cliff], where you can fully experience the magnificent view of "all mountains appearing small." Continuing to the highest peak, [Golden Summit], the view from the top is breathtaking. Gazing at the surrounding mountains, the sea of ​​clouds, the sunrise, rainbows, and the Buddha's light, the hardship of the climb will instantly become worthwhile. In terms of experience, climbing these 999 steps is a double test of physical strength and perseverance. The steps, like life itself, are sometimes steep and sometimes gentle; only through perseverance can one reach the summit. Take your time to slow down, breathe deeply, and soak in the abundant forest cover and fresh air, listening to the chirping of insects, birds, and the babbling of water. 👣👣【Chenghuai Lake】The lake boasts clear water and shady trees along its banks, making it a picturesque spot, perfect for relaxing with tea. It's also a great place to cool off in the summer with some water activities. There's even a "shouting spring" to help you release stress. 🤜🤜The aerial glass walkway and glass bridge slide will test your courage. ⭐Leisure Experience⭐: The scenic area offers a sightseeing bus to help visitors with limited stamina or those with pets or large luggage travel between various attractions. There are also rest stops along the mountain for refreshments. 👣👣At noon, head to 【Lao'e Mountain Residence】located within the scenic area. It's a great value, close to the area, and offers delicious food such as: small street-style pounded chicken, deep-fried beef steak, Huanian roasted goose, roasted dried beef, and beef (or mutton) hot pot… (Vegetarian meals are also available on the mountain).

The drive from Huangwan Leidongping took nearly two hours, navigating winding mountain roads. I suffered from motion sickness and altitude sickness, and my head throbbed terribly. There's even a KFC at the Golden Summit. I stayed overnight there, but missed the sunrise the next day – pure luck!

The mountain is a Buddha, and the Buddha is a mountain. Three rivers surge forth, and the ancient Buddha sits serenely on the cliff face, carved over ninety years, silently watching over Jiaozhou's thousand-year history. Walking slowly down the winding plank road, looking up, one truly feels this profound compassion and awe. The river's roar never ceases, time passes silently; may this journey bring peace and tranquility.

正如其名，幸福古村超级幸福的地方。有山有水，物华天宝，人杰地灵。梯田悠悠情，小河潺潺流，绿树成荫，瓜果飘香，樱桃是最大亮点，不容错过……农家乐美食多，民宿客栈规格高，爬山遛弯，闲逛览景，读书看报，喝茶聊天，打牌下棋……这里可以满足你逃脱城市喧嚣的所有梦想，在田间地头收获不一样的美好。值得前往，值得漫步，值得推荐，值得入住……

Great place to visit if you want to see Pandas. But during the time we went, most of them were sleeping. In afternoon, some of the Panda did wake up and were playing with each other. There is a lot of walking though, nevertheless it was a good experience. And the washrooms are super clean, my only issue is that the many locals ignored the no smoking rule and is blowing smoke into peoples face.

The autumn break was perfect, avoiding the crowds of the main holidays. The tour guide we hired had a drawing board, diagrams, and even small experimental tools in his bag, explaining the magnificent water conservancy projects in the simplest language possible – very nice!

At Du Fu Thatched Cottage, one feels transported back to the Tang Dynasty. Du Fu's position as "Minister of Works" was merely a nominal post. The four years he spent here, seeking refuge from the chaos of war, were a rare moment of peace in his turbulent life, during which he penned over two hundred poems. His representative works include "A Joyful Rain on a Spring Night" and "My Thatched Hut Is Broken by the Autumn Wind." At Du Fu Thatched Cottage, one enters the grand hall, encountering poets of all ages. I deeply admire Tao Yuanming's refusal to bow to the demands of a mere five pecks of rice, I also love Li Bai's cup-raising gesture to the moon, Wang Wei's poems that blend painting and painting, and I especially appreciate Su Shi's carefree life amidst mist and rain. A thousand years of poetic tradition, all gathered in one hall—a visit to the thatched cottage is truly worthwhile.

Gorgeous place but wow what a lot of people. Went to get cable car and 45-60 min queue (not that I could buy tickets anyway as insisted on Chinese mobile number). Beautiful scenery and would have been even better if the visibility was clearer. Oh and all those people with the bamboo walking canes- don’t give them to your kids 😂 nearly got whacked in face a couple of times!

Highly recommend our tour guide, Xiaoyu! She led us on a tour of the Wuhou Temple, providing a clear and organized explanation. From the Hui Mausoleum, the Tang Dynasty steles, and the Qing Dynasty steles to the Wuhou Temple itself, she eloquently recounted the figures and stories behind the Three Kingdoms period. Her explanations were accurate and to the point, and she patiently answered all our questions. The pace was comfortable, and we learned a great deal – a truly wonderful tour experience! [Roses][Roses]