Chengdu’s version of “Twilight” has been found!
At Zhonglin Boundless Forest, summer is 22℃, perfect for photos and escaping the city vibe.
Ladies, listen up!
If your impression of water play around Chengdu is still crowded Huanglongxi, you’re really missing out!
This time, I discovered a hidden gem at the border of Dujiangyan and Chongzhou, known by netizens as the “Chengdu Wizard of Oz” — Zhonglin Boundless Forest. This isn’t just an ordinary grove; it’s a deep forest wrapped in tall cypress and alder trees. In summer, stepping inside instantly cools you down by 5-8℃, with sunlight filtering through the canopy casting dappled golden shadows, making every photo look like it has a soft light filter. The best part — it’s just a 1.5-hour drive from Chengdu, tickets cost only a few dozen yuan, and you can camp, fish, and take photos. It’s the perfect one-day, one-night weekend escape from the city vibe! 🌲
1. Why is Zhonglin Boundless Forest called the “Chengdu version of Twilight”?
Deep forest + light and shadow secret spot, every shot looks like a forest masterpiece
The most famous feature here is the tall, straight cypress forest. The trees aren’t perfectly aligned but thrive wildly with strong life force. Sunlight leaks through the leaves creating beams of light (photographers call it “God rays”). Wearing white and standing in the light, your photos will look cinematic straight out of the camera. The ground is covered with thick pine needles, soft to step on, and the air is filled with the fresh scent of plants.
Wading and fishing — this is what summer should be like
The core area of the park has a shallow stream with crystal-clear water. Set up your camping chair in the water, soak a watermelon in the natural “fridge,” and feel the cool mountain spring water between your toes. Bring a small net, flip over stones, and you can find little crabs. Experienced visitors can catch a small bucket.
Year-round 22℃ natural air conditioning, no need for AC in summer
The forest coverage here is very high, and the average summer temperature is much lower than the city. No need for umbrellas inside; the shade is a natural sunshade. Spend a day here on the weekend, and your blood pressure will be stable when you get home.
So many ways to play, from budget to luxury
This isn’t just a quick photo stop. You can bring your own canopy for a forest picnic; rent a tent to stay overnight and stargaze; this year they added a high-altitude swing and other activities for the brave.
2. How to play? Follow this one-day, one-night “relax and enjoy” itinerary
Transportation guide (self-driving recommended)
🚗 Self-drive: Navigate to “Zhonglin Boundless Forest” (Chongzhou City). From Chengdu, take Chengming Expressway, pass Chongzhou to Daoming Town, about 1.5 hours direct. Road conditions are good, no problem for sedans. The park has parking.
🚄 High-speed train + taxi: Take high-speed train from Chengdu West Station to Chongzhou Station (about 20 minutes), then taxi about 30 minutes to the park.
🎟️ Ticket reference: about 30-50 RMB/person (subject to actual park announcement). Camping overnight may have extra fees.
⏰ Best times:
· 9-11 AM: slanting light, “God rays” in the forest most visible
· 3-5 PM: soft light, best reflections by the stream
· Summer June-August: perfect for cooling off and water play
· Avoid weekends: weekends are crowded, weekdays recommended
One-day, one-night highlight route (follow to avoid getting lost)
Day 1: Enter forest in afternoon → stroll in the forest → wade in the stream → stay in park or nearby
Arrive around 2-3 PM. After parking, slowly walk along the forest trail. Tall straight trees on both sides block the sky, light filters through the treetops onto the pine needle floor. Find a spot with good light and shadow, wear light-colored clothes, stand in the light beam, and have friends snap photos — get ready for tons of questions on social media!
Walk to the shallow stream in the core area, set up a camping chair, soak your feet in the cool water. Bring a watermelon to chill in the stream, and after half an hour, you’ll have a naturally chilled watermelon.
Photo spots to lock in your album:
· Under the “God rays”: wear white, stand in the center of the light beam, shoot side profile silhouettes
· Stream reflections: crouch to capture symmetrical reflections of trees on the water surface
· Wooden boardwalk depth: stand in the middle of the boardwalk for a sense of extension
If staying overnight, you can camp in the park or stay at nearby guesthouses. Senjing·Shanyin Hot Spring Inn is a new luxury private hot spring guesthouse opening in 2025, not far from the park, with outdoor pools and private hot spring baths. Soaking in the private bath in the yard at night, you can look up and see the stars.
Day 2: Morning forest bath → Bamboo Art Park / Baita Lake → Return trip
Highlight! In the morning, before the mist clears, take another walk in the forest. Mist drifts among the trees, sunlight pierces through, and the air is full of the fresh scent of plants and moist earth — this is the true “forest bath,” free but highly effective.
After checkout, you can visit:
· Bamboo Art Park (about 10 minutes by car): Daoming bamboo weaving is a national intangible cultural heritage, you can try weaving and buy bamboo crafts as souvenirs
· Baita Lake (about 15 minutes by car): fishing, boating, and lakeside hiking
· Yuantong Ancient Town (about 20 minutes by car): an ancient town like the Qingming Riverside Scene painting, free entry, try the pepper duck
Have lunch in Daoming Town with Chongzhou specialties: Shiguan Yin smoked duck, Catholic Church chicken slices, and Ye’er Ba. Return leisurely in the afternoon.
3. Accommodation recommendations + outfit tips
🏡 Senjing·Shanyin Hot Spring Inn (new in 2025, light luxury first choice)
Not far from Zhonglin Boundless Forest, a new luxury private hot spring guesthouse opening in 2025. Modern light luxury design, floor-to-ceiling windows framing the forest. Each room has a private hot spring bath with mountain spring water. The yard has a swimming pool for summer fun. You can also barbecue in the yard, perfect for gatherings.
Guests say: “The environment is very quiet and nice, the private hot spring is very comfortable, soaking while stargazing is so healing.”
💰 Price reference: about 600-1000 RMB/night (varies on holidays).
🏡 Other nearby accommodations
If camping or Senjing·Shanyin is full, you can choose hotels in Daoming Town or Chongzhou city, with many options and affordable prices, about 150-300 RMB/night. It’s also convenient to drive to the park the next day.
👗 Outfit formula
· 👗 White/light-colored long dress: super photogenic against the deep green forest background, white in “God rays” acts like a reflector
· 👟 Non-slip sports shoes: forest trails have gravel and some mossy spots, wrong shoes can cause slips
· 🧥 Light jacket: cooler than the city, can get chilly in the evening
· ☀️ Sunscreen + hat + sunglasses: even in the forest, UV rays are strong
· 🦟 Mosquito repellent (must bring!): lots of mosquitoes in the forest, especially fierce at dusk
· 👙 Swimsuit/quick-dry clothes: essential for water play and swimming
· 👕 At least one change of clothes: you’ll get wet playing in the water
· 🍉 Bring your own snacks and water: limited food options inside the park, better to bring your own
Final words
Zhonglin Boundless Forest isn’t a “trendy check-in spot,” it’s Chengdu locals’ secret “Twilight,” a 22℃ summer forest bath, wading, and fishing freedom, a healing escape just 1.5 hours from the city vibe.
Here, you can shoot a forest-style photo set in the “God rays,” soak in the cool stream all afternoon, and melt away fatigue in a private hot spring courtyard. Tickets cost only a few dozen yuan, 1.5 hours from Chengdu, and a day and night trip costs under 100 RMB per person — this kind of “slow down” luxury can’t be bought in the city!
Before summer officially arrives and the forest turns fully green, ladies, bring this ultimate guide and just go for it! 🌲💚