Dujiangyan: A Niche Two-Day, One-Night Getaway—Enjoy a Luxurious Vacation on a Budget of 1,000 Yuan per Person
It is the perfect season to enjoy autumn in Chengdu. Ginkgo leaves flutter in the air, and the streets and alleys are bathed in gold. Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, take time to appreciate the tranquil landscapes and enjoy the joys of the park. This weekend, embark on a unique “Two-Day Trip to Dujiangyan” with your bestie. From a scenic old town with few visitors, to a remote ancient temple favored by celebrities, to a five-star poetic retreat—explore mountains and waters, make pilgrimages and pray for blessings, savor delicious cuisine, and enjoy a relaxing holiday.
Day 1: Chengdu – Jiezi Ancient Town – Puzhao Temple – Wanda Vista Chengdu
Day 2: Wanda Vista Chengdu – Hotel’s Instagram-worthy Floating Afternoon Tea – Chengdu Sunac Mall · Zhongshuge Bookstore
A Water Town of Western Sichuan at the Foot of Mount Qingcheng
Around Chengdu, many leisurely ancient towns dot the outskirts, offering a paradise for locals to spend their free time. At the back of Mount Qingcheng in Chengdu lies an ancient town famous for being a “water town of Western Sichuan”. Once bustling with crowds, it now seems forgotten by the world, gradually becoming a “degenerate street” for college students.
This town is Jiezi Ancient Town, located 25 kilometers outside Chongzhou City. Jiezi Ancient Town sits at the foot of Fengqi Mountain, connected to the back of Mount Qingcheng and adjacent to Jiulong Mountain. To the northeast, it borders Dujiangyan, close to two of Chengdu’s 5A scenic spots. Despite its advantageous location, the ancient town is often deserted.
For thousands of years, the Wei River, a tributary of the Min River, flows through the flat terrain at the entrance of Jiezi Town, forming a green pool known locally as “Dragon Pool”. With a well-developed water system and abundant groundwater, the stone-paved roads and the areas in front and behind houses are constantly washed by clear water, earning it the name “Water Town of Western Sichuan”.
Jiezi Ancient Town has weathered a thousand years of wind and frost. At its worst, only one street—Hejiezi—remained, hence the name “Jiezi Field” (marketplace). Over the Qing Dynasty and the Republic period, it went through repeated rises and falls. During the Wenchuan earthquake, it suffered heavy damage. After more than two years of post-disaster reconstruction, it regained its current appearance and was designated a national 5A scenic area.
In its heyday, it served as a county seat; in decline, it shrank to a single small street. Standing resilient through storms, Jiezi Ancient Town exudes a charm of unyielding strength through its mottled bluestone slabs. Later, it became famous for its ancient dwellings and long-time indigenous residents.
When people talk about ancient towns near Chengdu, they often mention Huanglongxi, Luodai, Anren, and Pingle—the “Big Four”. This water town, known as the “back garden of Qingcheng”, is frequently overlooked. Until one person appeared and revived the town for a few short years: Gu Shaoqiang, the woman who famously wrote, “The world is so big, I want to see it.” Her resignation letter, hailed as the most sentimental in history, awakened the nation’s desire to see the world.
After resigning, Gu Shaoqiang came to Jiezi Ancient Town and opened a small inn with her lover, enjoying a leisurely, slow-paced Chengdu lifestyle. Many tourists flocked here after hearing the news, and Jiezi Ancient Town gained brief fame by riding the trending topic. As time passed, it gradually faded from travelers’ sight.
Locals often joke, “What’s there to do in Jiezi Ancient Town? It’s just one street!” In fact, the town now has two main crisscrossing streets. One runs from the memorial arch to the covered bridge, and the other from Ginkgo Square to Guangyan Zen Temple. The streets are lined with snacks such as cold jelly noodles, grilled gluten, tofu puffs, cured pork, crisp pastries, and beggar’s chicken.
A grove of thousand-year-old ginkgo trees guards the tranquil little town at the foot of the sacred Shu mountains. Persimmon trees tower high, their branches hovering over the green tiles and vermilion roofs of ancient courtyards. In the rippling streams, light boats float quietly; clear streams gently flow, and the mountains are colorful. Fortunately, students from nearby universities often wander through the streets, unknowingly turning the area into their “degenerate street”. Otherwise, it would truly be a remote and rustic place.
Over the centuries, eminent monks and famous scholars of various dynasties have stopped here, leaving behind the Jin Dynasty ancient temple “Guangyan Zen Temple”, as well as relics of the Tang Dynasty Master Yipiao and more than twenty other cultural and historical sites. Among them, the Guangyan Zen Temple, shaded by towering ancient trees, is also a prime spot for plum blossom viewing, attracting endless pilgrims and sightseers.
Strolling through Jiezi Ancient Town, you’ll find an antique charm, high walls and low courtyards, embodying the simple rural life of the Shu people. At the end of the town’s alleys, market days are bustling, much like a small city’s countryside. On the outermost edge of the town, the Wei River flows. In summer, boats crowd the entire river surface, creating a spectacular scene.
By the Wei River stands an ancient-style covered bridge called Ruilong Bridge, also known as Wind and Rain Covered Bridge—one of the town’s most worthwhile sights. Originally a chain bridge, it was damaged and later rebuilt into its current form. The bridge features exquisite relief carvings and lifelike murals. Jiezi Ancient Town, surrounded by green hills and clear waters, is perfect for daydreaming, meditating, sipping tea, painting, and whiling away the hours.
Check in at “Puzhao Temple”—a Favorite Among Celebrities
The landscapes of Shu are countless. Within Chengdu’s territory, Mount Qingcheng is world-renowned. Though Mount Qingcheng is famous far and wide, the ancient temples and towns at its foot are known mainly to Sichuan locals. One ancient temple, whose founding date cannot be traced, has become an Instagram-worthy destination for travelers. What surprises visitors most is that this temple actually keeps peacocks!
The forests and hills on the outskirts of Chengdu are interwoven with yellow and green. A tranquil ancient temple echoes with the chanting of monks, without crowds, only monks worshipping Buddha. Though not opulent, it has attracted numerous famous domestic stars and celebrities to visit and explore. This is Puzhao Temple, located at the foot of the front side of Mount Qingcheng.
Puzhao Temple at the foot of Mount Qingcheng is situated in Daguan Town, Dujiangyan, adjacent to Jiezi Ancient Town. Hidden deep in the mountains, it’s easy to miss. Although the year of its founding is unknown, historical records indicate that the ancient temple was destroyed by Zhang Xianzhong during the Ming Dynasty, not spared from fire.
In its early years, Puzhao Temple was called “Golden Flower Temple” (Jinhua Miao), dedicated to Master Yinghua. This small temple was originally a humble shrine converted from an abandoned local clan hall. It had “no food to support monks, no room to house deities”. Later, during the Qing Dynasty, the poor little temple underwent massive construction, acquiring farmland and expanding continuously over a hundred years, eventually becoming one of the four great forest monasteries of Western Sichuan.
After leaving the asphalt road, the first thing you see is a small stone pagoda for burning incense, opposite small stalls selling incense and prayer items. Following a winding path through fir trees, treading on mossy stone slabs, you ascend gently for about ten minutes until you reach the mountain gate of Puzhao Temple. Just below the stone steps near the gate, a large golden dragon coiling among the mountains seems to guard the land.
Entering the mountain gate, you are greeted by several towering Zhennan trees. The entire temple runs north-south, with three deep courtyards. The mountain gate has three bays, flanked by “Shuilu Temple”. The first courtyard inside the gate is the main hall, built with blue bricks and composite tiles, with wide doors and an impressive presence. On the east side is the proud Puzhao Bell, and on the west side is the passage leading deeper into the temple. The second courtyard houses the sutra depository; the third is the monks’ living quarters.
This temple is not as gilded or expansive as others, but a majestic golden Buddha attracts many pilgrims. This is likely the “Shan County Giant Buddha Temple” mentioned in historical texts. As the book says, it is famous for its large hall, tall Buddha, and long history. Even today, the giant Buddha remains unchanged, standing in the center of Puzhao Temple. Without exaggeration, this Buddha is the tallest and largest outdoor Buddha in all of Chengdu, one of the wonders of Puzhao Temple.
The second wonder of Puzhao Temple lies in the possibility that it hides the treasure of the “Great Western Kingdom”. A popular folk rhyme in Chengdu—“Stone ox facing stone drum, silver coins countless fifty-five thousand”—points to the geographical features of Zhang Xianzhong’s Great Western Kingdom treasure, which coincidentally match some characteristics of Puzhao Temple. Could this inconspicuous ancient temple actually be a treasure trove? Truth and falsehood intertwine, and the treasure tale eventually fades into the long river of time.
The third wonder of Puzhao Temple is that this ancient temple also offers elegant lodgings (viharas) for lay Buddhist practitioners. These lodgings are located at the far right of the mountain gate. From a distance, they resemble a Zen-style hotel; up close, they reveal themselves as refined retreats. No wonder celebrities and famous figures come to worship and stay here.
Puzhao Temple deep in the mountains is exceptionally quiet, with shaded hills and occasional Buddhist chants. Most amazing of all, the temple keeps four peacocks—two males and two females. If not for the incense smoke and chanting, one might mistake it for a zoo. Perhaps they are messengers of the divine, guiding people to hold fast to their true nature and follow goodness.
Seas change, mulberry fields turn. The once poor little temple, after vicissitudes, expansion, destruction, and restoration, has reappeared before the world. Without gaudy golden halls, it exudes a profound Zen atmosphere. This ancient temple at the foot of the sacred mountain in Shu is well worth a visit.
Dujiangyan Five-Star Hotel Villa: The Ideal Elegant Residence Pursued by Ancient Scholars
In Dujiangyan, known as the “back garden of Chengdu”, lies a hidden retreat that offers both seclusion amid mountains and waters and the convenience of urban bustle. Not only is it adjacent to the world-famous Dujiangyan scenic area, but it also provides a 180-degree unobstructed view of the highest peak of Mount Qingcheng, “Caishen Mountain” (God of Wealth Mountain). It is considered the closest place to fortune and blessings, attracting merchants and travelers alike.
This spiritually rich and blessed hidden gem is the five-star hotel within the Chengdu Sunac Cultural Tourism City: Wanda Vista Chengdu. With the opening of the Sunac Park in Chengdu, fun-loving locals have gained another weekend getaway spot.
It is well known that three things can trend in Chengdu: earthquakes, snowfall, and sunny days! Located in the southwest of China, Chengdu is damp and cold in autumn and winter, with misty rain and fog; seeing the sun is a rare event. Dujiangyan, a “three-world-heritage” site, is beloved by both out-of-towners and locals. The recent opening of the Sunac Park in Dujiangyan has filled a gap in the local tourism calendar, offering a year-round snow play destination. And the high-end hotel cluster within the Sunac Cultural Tourism City meets travelers’ needs for comfortable accommodation.
?? The Most Elegant Resort Hideaway in Chengdu
Among the luxury resort hotels of the Sunac Cultural Tourism City, the most popular is the Wanda Vista Chengdu, which uniquely incorporates the charm of Western Sichuan’s water culture. It blends the “water essence” of Dujiangyan with the “serenity” of Mount Qingcheng, in artistic forms, into the hotel’s environment. It is both ancient and modern, featuring the unique Western Sichuan vernacular architecture, panda culture, and Han-Tang culture.
From the Dujiangyan high-speed rail station, it is only a 12-minute drive to the Wanda Vista Chengdu. Before entering the hotel, you will first see a magnificent memorial archway—the main gate of the hotel. Across the street lies the Chengdu Sunac Mall, and a stone’s throw away is the Instagram-famous bookstore “Zhongshuge”.
Following a winding bamboo-lined path for a short distance, you arrive at the hotel lobby. Looking back from the lobby building, rows of standalone villas are scattered among the lush greenery and flowers on this blessed land. The overall style of the Wanda Vista is dominated by Han-Tang aesthetics, combined with local Western Sichuan vernacular architecture, creating elegant yet accessible luxury resort villas that offer a refined, leisurely, and graceful lifestyle.
Entering the lobby, a refined and noble aura greets you. There is no flashy or gaudy decoration; instead, the lobby features lacquer craftsmanship imbued with scholarly elegance. Artworks such as seals, ancient zithers, stone lions, and carved screens incorporate the essence of Han-Tang culture, perfectly embodying the elegant realm pursued by ancient literati. If ancient poets and painters were still alive, they would likely compose thousands of poems to express their love for this place.
The most exquisite aspect of this hotel lies in the two breathtaking murals on the left and right sides of the lobby. Using exquisite lacquer techniques, they depict lifelike scenes of “Paying Homage to the Water of Dujiangyan” and “Seeking the Tao on Mount Qingcheng”. Each mural is 12 meters long and 3 meters wide, creating a stunning visual impact.
The hotel comprises 86 villa-style courtyard guest rooms, ranging from standard one-bedroom single-level hot spring villa rooms to superior one-bedroom duplex hot spring villa rooms, and top-tier three-bedroom pool private hot spring villas. They offer views of the mountains, streets, gardens, rivers, or lakes, catering to different traveler needs. Each guest room is an independent courtyard with its own private hot spring and garden; some rooms also feature private swimming pools, with excellent soundproofing and high privacy.
Five-Star “Prince’s Mansion”
This time, my bestie and I stayed in a garden-view one-bedroom single-level hot spring villa. After taking the hotel shuttle from the lobby, we arrived at our room in no time. Each guest room is a standalone unit with its own courtyard. Passing through the antique courtyard gate, we saw a wooden carved screen; beside it was a path paved with bluestone steps. Interwoven flowers and trees, blue tiles and thin eaves, a subtle garden style filled the entire courtyard.
Upon opening the door, a spacious one-bedroom, two-living-room layout greeted us, with a sofa area for relaxation and a mahjong table for leisure. Behind the TV wall lay a spacious bedroom, with a two-meter bed and an elegant plum blossom painting behind it. The entire ceiling of the guest room is a column-and-tie wooden structure, characteristic of Han Dynasty architecture.
In addition, the room features a study area with the four treasures of the study (brush, ink, paper, inkstone) and a modern minimalist bathroom. Behind the guest room is the bathroom with a dry-wet separation design. The central vanity has two sinks, so it’s not crowded when my bestie and I do our makeup together. It even provides a makeup mirror that can be used while sitting or lying down. The most surprising feature is an oversized bathtub, perfect for a relaxing soak and for taking photos.
The spacious living and lounge area in the room feels like having a home living room moved into the hotel. The large area and soft fabric sofas meet basic reception needs. Since Chengdu locals love playing mahjong, the mahjong table next to it is a thoughtful touch. There is also a guest bathroom near the entrance, also dry-wet separated. The bathroom includes children’s toiletries, and the guest bathroom can be used by friends, catering to the modern preference for private living. One bedroom, two living rooms, two bathrooms, and two courtyards—this private villa is “a courtyard in the forest, and the forest in the courtyard,” full of poetry. It is more like a noble’s mansion than a hotel.
In the evening, the hotel provides turndown service: adjusting the lights, lighting soothing incense, and preparing disposable slippers. A super cute little panda toy was also placed on the bed to accompany us. I had heard about the panda-themed hotel nearby, but I didn’t expect to enjoy the surprise of being accompanied by a cuddly panda here.
Instagram-worthy Private Hot Spring & Floating Afternoon Tea
Chengdu locals love to see snow and also enjoy hot springs. The former requires luck, the latter requires wealth. The hotel rooms have private hot springs, so you can enjoy the pleasure of soaking without extra cost. The hot spring water here is piped from a hot spring outlet at the foot of Mount Qingcheng, unlike some cheap “fake hot springs” that just heat up regular water. If you’re a couple, the hotel can provide rose petals to decorate the pool, creating a romantic atmosphere. In the damp and cold Sichuan region, a hot spring soak can dispel dampness, and sleeping on the soft bed afterward is especially restful.
The spacious backyard is filled with flowers and trees, every plant and tree carefully arranged by landscape architects. Besides the private hot spring pool, there are lounge chairs for relaxing after a soak and stargazing, or you can sit in the tea area next to it, sipping tea in great comfort. Next to the carved courtyard wall, there is an outdoor tea break area where friends can gather for afternoon tea—a very thoughtful design.
People from inland areas have a deep yearning for the sea. Every winter, they want to fly to the seaside for a vacation. Hence, Sanya’s “floating afternoon tea” became hugely popular for its uniqueness and rarity. Now, you can enjoy the same floating afternoon tea at the Wanda Vista Chengdu. Soak in the warm private hot spring while enjoying delicious desserts—such a holiday experience is incredibly pleasant and joyful, making you forget to go home.
A Feast in a Landscape Painting
This hotel is a rare luxury resort hotel along the lake in the Sunac Cultural Tourism City and even among all Dujiangyan hotels. Nestled among mountains and waters, it is full of poetry. You don’t have to leave the hotel to enjoy delicious food. The hotel has both Chinese and Western restaurants, meeting different dining preferences.
The Western restaurant is stylish and elegant, with views of the beautiful garden. The meals here are not buffet-style but à la carte, with more refined ingredients, so the quality of the Western cuisine is exceptionally high. For a couple on a romantic escape, a candlelight dinner under the dim night sky would be romantic and warm.
At the Western restaurant, you must not miss three dishes: rosemary French lamb chops with black garlic herb sauce, nutty pumpkin soup, and Hokkaido double-layer orange cheesecake. The French lamb chops are extremely tender, and the sauce perfectly balances the mutton’s aroma, delivering a great taste. The nutty pumpkin soup combines the sweetness of pumpkin with the crunchiness of nuts, making every sip delightful. The Hokkaido double-layer orange cheese dessert is inspired by Princess Elsa from Frozen. The whole dessert is light blue, with sweetness decreasing from the outer layer to the inner filling (full sugar, half sugar, low sugar), offering a layered experience for the palate.
However, older guests tend to prefer traditional Chinese cuisine. The hotel’s Chinese restaurant is on the second floor, antique and elegant, with excellent views. It has both large private rooms that can accommodate 20 people and smaller rooms suitable for family dining. One side of the Chinese restaurant offers views of a Western Sichuan-style courtyard, while the other side has a 180-degree unobstructed platform overlooking “Caishen Mountain” (Zhaogong Mountain). On clear days, the silhouette of Zhaogong Mountain, the highest peak of Mount Qingcheng, appears. Without going far, you can pay homage to Zhaogong Mountain while dining, praying for blessings and fortune.
The Chinese restaurant’s cuisine mainly features authentic Sichuan dishes and Cantonese cuisine. You can enjoy the spicy and numbing flavors of Sichuan and the delicate sweetness of Cantonese food. Not wanting to choose, we left the ordering to the head chef, who prepared a refined two-person Chinese meal based on seasonality and the hotel’s specialties. Each dish, from serving to tasting, felt like opening a blind box—full of fun.
From a health perspective, the Chinese restaurant emphasizes freshness and safety. If the selected ingredients do not guarantee quality and safety, the chefs prefer to make them by hand, such as the old pickle used for the local fish dish, which is homemade.
My bestie and I tried the “blind box” Chinese meal and found four dishes most unforgettable: sesame walnuts, pumpkin mousse with sauce duck, small radish peel (Xiaowei Buyi), and “Huotu Shui Feng Yu” (local fish in sour broth). The sesame walnuts were crispy, sweet, and refreshing. The pumpkin mousse with duck was vibrant in color, tasty, and sweet. Pumpkin mousse is nutritious and healthy, eliminating girls’ concerns about gaining weight from sweets, while the duck is Leshan’s famous sweet-skinned duck, excellent in taste. The small radish peel is made from Sichuan red-skinned radish, using only the outer skin. Usually, one serving requires ten jin (5 kg) of radishes, showing meticulous ingredient selection. Prepared in the style of Sichuan “bath pickles,” it tastes sweet and refreshing. The most unforgettable was the local fish in sour broth, made from a unique small fish from Dujiangyan, shaped like a triangular peak, extremely tender. It is cooked with aged pickled cabbage and a broth made from ham and black-boned chicken, resulting in a sour and spicy flavor. Not only is the fish delicious, but the broth over rice is also amazing. While savoring the beauty of the landscape and the cuisine, we enjoyed a dual feast for the eyes and palate, truly wonderful.
“Amusement Park” Amid Mountains and Waters
After indulging in the feast, take a stroll around the hotel’s lake to digest. Watch the black swans skimming the water, listen to the babbling brook. In the autumn days of yellow leaves, encounter the pink muhly grass by the lake, take photos, and weave a romantic pink fairy tale. If time permits, head to the Sunac Cultural Tourism City park for some childlike fun or play in the snow world; visit Zhongshuge to dive into a sea of books, or go to the bar street for a drink... endless enjoyment.
Instagram-worthy Bookstore Zhongshuge: A Real-Life “Inception”
It is said that “Books hold beauty like jade, and houses of gold.” Young people nowadays love to visit bookstores, not necessarily to read, but more to take photos and check in. With the rise of urban tourism, Instagram-worthy parks and bookstores have become popular, sometimes even requiring reservations. On the second floor of the Chengdu Sunac Mall, there is a bookstore that netizens call the “real-life Inception”.
This bookstore is Zhongshuge. The designer drew inspiration from the ingenious design of the world-famous Dujiangyan irrigation system, creating this 8D magical world of Zhongshuge. The bookstore spans two floors, using a sci-fi concept of leaping into a vast expanse of books. Every bookshelf is neatly filled with books. The bookshelves are arranged in cylindrical, arched, curved, and boat-like shapes... Mirror reflections enhance the spaciousness of the bookstore, paired with trendy spiral staircases, window-side book bars, and other Instagram-worthy landmarks, making it a benchmark of bookstore fashion.
This unique, palace-like bookstore full of artistic charm is loved by travelers for its distinctiveness. Immersed in it, you feel an 8D magical sensation, and some call it a “Hogwarts” magic castle. On both floors, there are many reading areas for visitors, some free and some paid. If you want to visit the popular Zhongshuge, avoid holidays and choose a workday. Slowly appreciate its wonders and enjoy the joy of being surrounded by books.
Escape the city’s noise and take a vacation at the picturesque Mount Qingcheng–Dujiangyan area. Enjoy the mountains and waters, savor beautiful scenery. From poetic retreats to bustling commerce, start a different kind of resort life in the Chengdu suburbs. Immerse yourself in nature and relieve stress at the Sunac Park. Here, waiting for time to pass—how wonderful it is!
