Tucked away in the western part of Sichuan Province, Ya'an is a city that encapsulates the charm of both China's rich history and enchanting natural beauty. Renowned as the "Rain City" due to its humid climate, Ya'an serves as the home to the famous giant pandas and offers a delightful mixture of modern life and traditional culture. With a backdrop of lush mountains and tea plantations, it's a haven for explorers looking to delve into the heart of China's serene landscapes and biodiversity.
| Rank | Booking Site | Price Compared to Average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Cheapest | Trip.com | -9% | |
| 2. Cheap | Agoda | -7% | |
| 3. Average | Booking.com | -2% | |
| 4. More Expensive | Expedia | 4% | |
| 5. Most Expensive | Hotels.com | 8% |
Tianquan County: A stay here places you in the midst of serene tea plantations and close to the Lushan Mountain scenic area. Ideal for nature lovers and peace seekers.
Mingshan District: The urban center of Ya'an, the Mingshan District offers a variety of accommodations, shopping centers, and restaurants. It's close to several attractions like the Shangli Ancient Town.
Baoxing County: Stay here if you're a wildlife enthusiast, as it's in close proximity to Fengtongzhai Nature Reserve, known for its biodiversity and giant pandas.
Yucheng District: The political, economic, and cultural center of Ya'an, Yucheng offers convenient access to city amenities and attractions like the Ya'an Tea Culture Park.
Shimian County: This county, located near the Dadu River, is a fantastic place for adventure seekers interested in water sports. Accommodations range from resorts to budget-friendly hotels.
Bifengxia Panda Base: An absolute must-visit, this Panda Base is where you can witness the enchanting giant pandas in their natural habitat. It also houses a panda kindergarten and rescue center.
Shangli Ancient Town: Step back in time by visiting this picturesque town. With its well-preserved ancient architecture, cobblestone streets, and quaint wooden bridges, it's like a living painting.
Mengding Mountain: Renowned as the birthplace of tea cultivation, a trip up the mountain offers scenic vistas and the opportunity to learn about ancient tea culture.
Fengtongzhai Nature Reserve: Explore the diverse flora and fauna of the reserve, which also offers a chance to spot giant pandas in the wild.
Ya'an Tea Culture Park: Dive into China's tea culture with a visit to this park. It's a beautiful spot to learn about tea processing, taste different teas, and even pick your own leaves.
Ya'an Fish: Don't miss out on this local specialty - fish fresh from the local rivers, seasoned with local spices, and grilled to perfection.
Bamboo Rice: A fragrant dish where rice is steamed inside bamboo tubes, imparting a unique flavor. It's often served with local side dishes.
Ya'an Kebab: Enjoy this popular street food item, with skewered meat (often lamb) seasoned with a spice blend and grilled over an open flame.
Stuffed Pancake: This savory pancake is filled with a mix of minced meat, vegetables, and seasonings. It's a delicious local snack that's satisfying any time of the day.
Wild Mushrooms: Ya'an's mountains and humid climate make it an ideal place for wild mushrooms. Try them in soups or stir-fries for a taste of the local forest bounty.