Daytrip From Chengdu: Dujiangyan
Are you planning a day trip from Chengdu and wondering where to go? Look no further than Dujiangyan, a historic and picturesque destination just a short train ride away. In this blog post, I'll guide you through an exciting itinerary filled with panda encounters, ancient towns, scenic spots, and delicious local cuisine.
Getting There: First things first, make sure to buy your train tickets in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles. Dujiangyan is easily accessible via the high-speed train, taking roughly 45 minutes from Xipu Station. Remember to book your tickets early or use convenient third-party booking platforms like trip.com to secure your seats. My friend and I learned this the hard way when we tried to purchase tickets on the spot and ended up catching a later train.
Exploring Dujiangyan: Once you arrive at Li Dui Gong Yuan Station, head towards exit D where you'll be greeted by a monumental panda statue, perfect for snapping some memorable pictures. From there, hop on a cab to visit the Dujiangyan Panda Base, a must-see attraction housing adorable giant pandas and red pandas. Remember to respect the pandas' tranquility by refraining from calling out their names or disturbing them.
After enjoying the panda encounters, we made our way to Zhongshuge Bookstore to capture some Instagram-worthy shots. The aesthetic setup of this bookstore, reminiscent of the Korean drama "My Demon," provided the perfect backdrop for our photos.
Lunch and Sightseeing: Next, we headed to Dujiangyan Jing Qu for a delightful lunch experience. The scenic journey to the restaurant, passing by a beautiful bridge, heightened our anticipation for what awaited us. Pro tip: return to the bridge after dark to witness the mesmerizing sight of the illuminated waters, resembling blue tears flowing beneath the bridge.
Don't miss out on trying some local delicacies while exploring Dujiangyan. We indulged in Tian Shui Mian (sweet water noodles) and Bing Fen (ice powder), along with street food favorites like Kao Mian Jin, a chewy and fragrant BBQ-ed gluten stick snack.
Conclusion: A day trip to Dujiangyan from Chengdu is not only convenient but also filled with unforgettable experiences. Whether you're a nature lover, history enthusiast, or foodie, Dujiangyan has something to offer everyone. So, pack your bags, book your tickets, and embark on an adventure to this charming destination waiting to be explored.