Autumn Getaway: Three Days and Two Nights in Ya'an

A short healing trip from Chengdu that I just can't keep to myself! This time, a friend recommended an "autumn-exclusive route": from the vast tea gardens to Zhougongshan Hot Springs, then to Haizi Mountain to see the maple leaves. In three days and two nights, I felt completely reset and relaxed. 🚗【Itinerary Overview｜Departing from Chengdu】 DAY 1: Vast Tea Gardens → Check-in at Tea Lodge DAY 2: Zhougongshan Hot Springs → Relaxing stroll at Shili Fangfei DAY 3: Haizi Mountain Maple Viewing → Light therapy and return 🫖DAY 1: Step into the vast tea gardens and give your heart to the wind Driving from Chengdu to Ya'an takes about 2 hours, and once you roll down the window, it’s all autumn breeze and tea fragrance. The vast tea gardens are truly enchanting in autumn: layers of tea ridges stretch into the valley like green waves. I recommend arriving around 3 PM when the light is just right, so you can casually pick a small path between the tea bushes for a walk and photos—every shot is a winner. ⛺ For accommodation, I chose a local tea lodge. The wooden cabins and tea aroma instantly calm you down. Guests can also enjoy a pot of autumn tea while listening to the wind and daydreaming—that’s the true meaning of this trip. ♨️DAY 2: Zhougongshan Hot Springs + Ya'an Shili Fangfei = Ultimate relaxation I only did two things all day: soak in the hot springs and take walks. Zhougongshan Hot Springs is a natural, unpretentious hot spring hidden in the forest. When the mist rises, it really feels like a fairyland. My favorite pool is around 38°C, warm just right, where you can soak until you feel completely relaxed and like you’re melting away. After the hot springs, I headed straight to Ya'an Shili Fangfei to continue relaxing. It’s a “slow life space” with a French countryside vibe. Lying in the autumn garden soaking up the sun, watching little animals wander by, time slows down to a standstill. That day, I completely regained my “sense of breathing.” 🍁DAY 3: Haizi Mountain Maple Viewing | Embrace autumn in your arms Haizi Mountain in autumn is absolutely stunning! The hillside is covered with vast seas of red maple leaves, interwoven with golden yellow, fiery red, and deep orange. As I walked through the forest, I kept thinking, “Wow… so beautiful…” Find a patch of grass to sit on, feel the breeze, bask in the sun, and listen to the wind in the valley—this is the simplest form of healing. If your usual pace is fast, this place will help you realign with yourself. 💡Practical Tips ✔ Driving from Chengdu to Ya'an takes about 2 hours, and the road is easy to drive ✔ Autumn has big temperature differences between day and night, bring a jacket ✔ Hot springs are best booked in advance ✔ The best light at Haizi Mountain is from 10 AM to 2 PM If you want to hit the pause button on life during the autumn holiday, come stay in Ya'an for three days. Tea fragrance, hot springs, maple leaves—everything romantic about autumn is here.