Don't Waste the Spring: A Different Weekend at Antiman in Dujiangyan
Let's talk about this trip.
Starting before the New Year, we experienced a long "winter break." Now winter is finally over, spring has arrived as promised, and everything is getting better.
After two months of staying at home, I finally stepped out and went to Dujiangyan, about sixty or seventy kilometers away, for a different kind of weekend.
Life in Dujiangyan is leisurely, and even the temperature is a few degrees lower than in the city. Every summer, it's a go-to place for Chengdu people to vacation. This time I chose the Antiman Resort in Dujiangyan.
The reasons I chose this place are as follows:
1. Dujiangyan was already a low-risk area, and now that the situation is improving, it's even safer.
2. Antiman is located in the mountains, with a refreshing environment, making it a great place for wellness.
3. The accommodations at Antiman are individual villas, spaced far apart, and the entire resort is quite open, so there is no issue of large crowds gathering.
4. It offers both accommodation and activities, with great value for money.
1. Playing at Hubaba
At the Antiman Eco-Tourism Resort, besides accommodation, there is an entertainment area perfect for families and outdoor adventures.
Hubaba Planet is an adventure park combining water, land, and air sports. Both adults and children can enjoy a full day of fun here.
It features five major IP characters of Hubaba Planet: Hubaba, Little Fox, Dr. Fox, Cute Fox, and Magical Card. These cute IP characters are refreshing and children will love them.
Currently, the main activities here are non-powered adventure projects, which are environmentally friendly but no less fun and engaging. The first thing you see upon entering the park is the Flying Fox Net Array.
The challenge has three levels. Children mostly gather on the first level. This activity requires you to wear protective clothing and a helmet, and there are safety ropes, so there's no need to worry about safety.
The challenge is not too difficult; you just need to be careful and brave.
This child was quite bold and quickly reached the third level.
Many people were experiencing the activities, which was also a chance to challenge oneself.
There are many signposts like this throughout the park. Follow them, and you won't get lost.
At the archery range, there were round targets and arrows scattered on the ground.
Although we can't gallop and shoot arrows like the ancients, we can occasionally experience it here.
I have to say the bow was quite tight, and my arm strength wasn't enough to draw it fully. Aiming and shooting the arrow while controlling the angle is indeed a skill that requires long training.
Across from the archery range is the ATV track. Since it's for children, the speed is specially controlled. The ATVs here are like a slowed-down version, which is quite fun.
For children, it's safe and enjoyable. Even though we can't experience speed and excitement, it's still nice to take a ride.
The lakeside area is very suitable for children, with safe and fun facilities. Kids can have a great time and make new friends here.
Walking along the quiet path, you encounter various activities. In fact, even if you don't try them, just strolling through the mountains feels very pleasant.
The trampoline area gathered many people, including me as an adult. In the city, trampolines are usually only for children. It's rare to find one for adults, so I had to play to my heart's content.
Outside the trampoline venue is a lake, surrounded by mountains, water, and bamboo—a quiet and lively place.
Currently, you can experience kayaking on the lake, with professional instructors and safety measures like life jackets. You can sail across the lake and enjoy the sunlight.
The instructor was indeed skilled, quickly launching into the water and soon out of sight.
Kayaks come in single and double versions. Singles are easier to control speed and direction, while doubles require teamwork.
We also got on a kayak, feeling like we were boating on the lake. In a fast-paced life, I really enjoy this slow rhythm.
Kayaking is actually a competitive sport—a "brave person's game" combining speed and passion, strength and endurance, balance and water sense. It's also very environmentally friendly, helps you exercise, and offers a unique experience.
By the lake, there is also a RV accommodation area, which is another lifestyle experience for city dwellers.
I saw the big Hubaba again. Walking in here, there are outdoor adventure activities like zip-lining, rock climbing, and mountain hiking, allowing you to experience nature while challenging yourself.
Currently, these activities are scheduled in sessions, usually starting on the hour, led by instructors. Everyone must wear a helmet and gear. With instructors present, safety is fully guaranteed.
Our session had many families. Parents brought kids to experience and build their courage and strength.
In the mountains, we also encountered tent camping sites. Staying here would bring you closer to nature and more primitive.
The first activity was zip-lining. This eco-high tree-top zip line is suitable for ages 4 to 65. The sliding equipment is very safe. Traveling through the woods, you can feel nature, enjoy the scenery, and also get an adventurous thrill.
The second activity was rock climbing. After zip-lining, you need to change equipment and then wait for the instructor. Rock climbing is also a training for arm and leg strength. The 11-meter climbing wall has three difficulty levels: high, medium, and low.
I had never tried rock climbing before. It looks simple but is actually difficult. Without professional training and lacking arm strength, it was really hard to reach the top.
In comparison, children were more flexible and climbed higher.
2. Staying at Tixing Valley
As a famous resort, accommodation is definitely a highlight of Antiman. Although you can visit Hubaba and return on the same day, it's better to stay overnight and enjoy the freedom. Especially at night, when the weather is good, you can see a sky full of stars and experience the rare tranquility of the city.
The first thing you see when entering Antiman is the multilingual "I love you." The parking lot on the left also has a canopy, maybe to block the sun in summer.
This place has been rated as an eco-green hotel by National Geographic, showing its excellent ecological environment.
Currently, the accommodations in Tixing Valley mainly consist of tree houses and jungle cabins. Because the accommodation areas are widely dispersed, it's relatively safe to stay.
Tixing Valley stretches along the road, with different room types on both sides. Electric carts can take you in, and you can call for a ride if you don't want to walk. Of course, walking and breathing fresh air is also fine.
In such a beautiful environment, how could I miss the chance to take some photos?
The constellation tree houses are named after different constellations, each with its own style. Every tree house is "grown" in the jungle, surrounded by bamboo, making them very distinctive.
Looking from a distance, these tree houses seemed to be "hiding half of their face behind a pipa," partially visible but not entirely clear. Very interesting.
Most tree houses are built high, and you reach them via these paths. The rooms are wrapped by bamboo groves, falling asleep to the sound of wind through bamboo leaves and waking up to birds and insects. This quiet environment is why nearby visitors love it, and why the ancients said, "Better to eat without meat than live without bamboo."
When the sky just darkened, the rooms lit up with warm yellow light, creating a strong contrast with the dark blue of the night. In the contrast of warm and cool, nature's colors became even more beautiful.
When the sky was half dark, it became a great place for photos.
Hiding behind the curtains, I watched the wind blow through bamboo leaves and the sky gradually deepen.
At the end of the road was where we stayed for the night.
We stayed in a jungle cabin here. Compared to the romance of the tree house, this place felt more open and suitable for families.
The special Hubaba room card—opening the room, we enjoyed our "mountain time."
A wooden cabin with standard twin beds, clean and tidy.
During this special period, every room is thoroughly disinfected after checkout, so you could still smell the disinfectant when entering, which was reassuring.
There was a sofa in the corner. When I had nothing to do, I liked to curl up on the sofa, listening to music and typing.
The room was equipped with a small machine that combines aromatherapy and dehumidification. Living in the mountains, humidity is higher. With the dehumidifier, you can sleep well all night.
The water, drinks, and snacks in the room were complimentary.
I also found a capsule coffee machine, which I like. In the morning, I brewed a cup of pure coffee to start a fresh day.
The bathroom had wet and dry areas and was quite spacious.
Behind the large mirror was a cabinet storing toiletries and bathrobes, clean and tidy.
The toiletries were custom-made, including shower gel, shampoo, conditioner, and body lotion.
In the evening, the visitor center lit up with warm yellow light, warm and healing.
This is the entrance of the resort and the check-in area.
3. Dining at Rock Bar
Currently, when staying at the resort, dining is mainly here. It was originally an old stable but has been converted into a distinctive restaurant.
The dining environment is elegant, just the way I like it.
There is both indoor and outdoor seating. In this season, I find outdoor seating more comfortable. Under the umbrella, with a gentle breeze, eating is quite pleasant.
The indoor area is more refined. Sit down for a cup of coffee or a special meal, and enjoy the time with family and friends. With Antiman's unique "flavors," we warmly welcome those seeking the countryside.
Sichuan-style deboned chicken feet—spicy, fresh, and with a hint of sweetness in the aftertaste, which I really like.
After finishing the chicken feet, the cucumber and wood ear inside, soaked with the dressing, were crispy and delicious.
Ordinary vegetables paired with a special secret dipping sauce instantly elevated the taste—refreshing and appetizing.
Special dried tofu, both in appearance and taste, resembled beef jerky, and was spicy.
Pumpkin mousse—soft and sweet, combined with the spicy cold dishes, created a nice contrast.
Avocado-filled egg rolls. When I bit into them, the refreshing taste of avocado filled my whole mouth. This is a taste of summer.
This is a signature dish at Rock Bar. Growing up in Jiangsu, I wasn't surprised, but after tasting it, the broth's flavor pleasantly surprised me.
Wensi tofu tests the chef's knife skills, while the broth tests the chef's technique. It seems simple but is actually very challenging.
Grilled pork neck with a special sweet chili sauce—the meat aroma burst in my mouth. Delicious!
Pepper and numbing beef tongue—chewy and with a great numbing sensation from Sichuan peppercorns. I liked it.
If you eat too much, your lips might feel a bit numb, but it's really appetizing. You just want to keep eating.
Orange-flavored shrimp—sweet and sour, different from traditional dishes. Those with a sweet tooth would probably like it.
How can a meal in Sichuan be without water-boiled beef? This dish covers all the spicy, fresh, and numbing flavors. The beef was tender, and the bean sprouts were well-seasoned. With this dish, we could eat several more bowls of rice!
Dry-pot cauliflower—very aromatic, with a crispy texture that I loved.
The final dessert was a special peach mousse. It was made in the shape of a peach and looked like a real one. The outer layer had a strong peach flavor, with mousse inside, cold and refreshing, and fruit pulp in the middle. It had rich layers of texture. After a heavy meal, this dessert was a great palate cleanser.
Breakfast was also served here. There were many choices, both Chinese and Western. You could also order a bowl of Sichuan-style noodles, served hot.
Besides bread and ham, there were also fried dough sticks, steamed buns, soy milk, milk, porridge, etc. You could choose according to your needs.
After hibernating all winter, at the beginning of spring, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, I came to Antiman to enjoy my own two days.
After returning to the city, I still miss the air and the flavors there.
I will come back in summer.