#Hehuahai National Forest Park Travel Recommendations for 2024 (Updated in Jun)
Lakes
Grasslands
Snow Mountains
Address:
Pusharong Country, Kangding County 626007, China
Recommended sightseeing time:
3-4 hours
Drive to the Moon Lake in western Sichuan and experience the stunning beauty of nature
The Moon Lake in western Sichuan, a beautiful lake hidden in the secret land of western Sichuan. Here, you can feel the unique charm of nature and admire the breathtaking lake and mountain scenery.
Coordinates: Navigate to the Lotus Sea National Forest Park, starting from Chengdu, passing through Kangding, and getting off the 318 National Road near Xinduqiao towards Jiulong County. Along the winding road, you will come to this beautiful lake hidden in the secret land of western Sichuan. The lake is clear and bottomless, reflecting the surrounding snow-capped mountains and forests, as if you are in a beautiful painting.
The Moon Lake has a rich natural landscape around it, which is very suitable for camping. Set up a tent on the grass by the lake, enjoy the sunshine and breeze, and feel extremely comfortable and relaxed.
NathanReed*42
The Moon Bay hidden in the secret realm
Secret realm exploration! The hidden version of Moon Lake in Jiuzhaigou is breathtakingly beautiful!
Hi, friends! Did you know? Right near the well-known Jiuzhaigou, there is a stunningly beautiful, less-known secret place - Moon Lake!
Before setting off, I specifically checked the navigation. It takes about 6-7 hours to drive from Chengdu city center to reach this mysterious Lotus Sea National Forest Park. And if you have already arrived at Xinduqiao Town, it's only a 2-hour drive!
As soon as I entered Moon Lake, I was shocked by the scenery in front of me! The lake water is a charming blue-green color, as if it's a beautiful color mix from nature's palette. The distant snow mountains, cattle, sheep, and forests reflect each other, forming a beautiful picture scroll.
Here comes the travel strategy! First of all, be sure to bring your aerial photography equipment! Overlooking the entire Moon Lake from the air, you will find its color patterns clearer and breathtakingly beautiful!
Moreover, whether it's sunny, cloudy, or rainy, Moon Lake has its unique beauty. Personally, I think it's even more atmospheric on rainy days, as if the whole world is shrouded in a mysterious and romantic aura.
In addition to aerial photography, this place is also very suitable for light hiking, camping, and hot springs! However, remember to bring your own food and water, as there are no restaurants to dine in. And, there is no pressure for sedans to travel here, as the road conditions are quite good, so you don't have to worry about driving difficulties.
Overall, Moon Lake is a stunningly beautiful secret place that makes you want to linger. If you are tired of crowded hotspots, why not come here to experience the charm of nature!
OrionOracle_789
The upcoming Moon Lake is hailed as the pinnacle of camping in China!
Sichuan's Moon Lake, also known as: Lotus Sea National Forest Park!
📍 **Location Secret** 📍
Tucked into the heart of Western Sichuan's splendor, the Lotus Sea National Forest Park quietly sits within the territory of Kangding City in the Garze Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan Province, nestled in the embrace of the Hengduan Mountains. This place is far from the hustle and bustle, with an altitude of over 3000 meters, it is a natural wonder whose veil has not been completely lifted, waiting for every soul yearning to explore.
🏞️ **Attraction Introduction** 🏞️
The Lotus Sea is not named for the actual blooming lotuses, but because the shape of the lake resembles a lotus leaf, coupled with the surrounding wildflowers in full bloom, hence the name. On a clear summer morning, the lake is shrouded in mist, resembling a fairyland; in autumn, the layered forests are dyed with gold and green, creating a breathtakingly beautiful tapestry. The park is not only home to mirror-like lakes but also features waterfalls, springs, primeval forests, and alpine meadows among various landforms. Trekking through, every step is a view, and every breath is a gift from nature.
🚗 **Transportation Strategy** 🚗
Departing from Chengdu, travel along the Yaxi Expressway to Kangding, then transfer to local vehicles or drive through the winding mountain roads, passing through Zheduo Mountain, with a total distance of about 350 kilometers, taking about 7 hours. It is recommended to drive yourself or join a professional tour group to ensure a smooth and safe journey.
🛤️ **Nearby Attractions Recommendation** 🚂
- **Mugecuo Scenic Area**: Not far away, known for its high mountain lakes and hot springs, it is a nearby beauty not to be missed.
- **Tagong Grassland**: Drive there to experience the vast grassland scenery and the magnificent view of Yala Snow Mountain up close.
- **Xinduqiao**: A paradise for photography, the golden autumn and the interplay of light and shadow make it an excellent place for capturing natural landscapes.
🍲 **Food Recommendation** 🍲
- **Tibetan-style Hot Pot**: Made with fresh local ingredients, steaming hot, warming both body and heart.
- **Butter Tea and Zanba**: Experience authentic Tibetan meals, with rich butter tea to cut through the grease, and nutritious Zanba to fill the stomach.
- **Wild Mushroom Chicken Stew**: A delicacy from the forest, delicious in taste, and a nourishing specialty.
⚠️ **Precautions** ⚠️
1. **Prevention of Altitude Sickness**: Take anti-altitude sickness medication in advance, do not plan an overly tight schedule, and get plenty of rest.
2. **Environmental Protection**: Please take your trash down the mountain, protect the natural environment, and respect wildlife.
3. **Equipment Preparation**: Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, cold-weather clothing (low temperatures at night), hiking shoes, and rain gear.
4. **Cultural Respect**: When entering Tibetan areas, please abide by local religious customs and seek consent before taking photos.
James Thackeray
Discover the Gem of Western Sichuan: An Ultimate Two-Day Tour of Moon Lake
✨When you are tired of the hustle and bustle of the city and long for a breath of fresh air from the mountains, Moon Lake in Western Sichuan awaits you like a fairyland lost in the world. It is not just a lake, but a palette bestowed by nature, deep blue and intoxicating green, every view is enough to purify the soul.
🏞️**Attraction Focus: Moon Lake in Western Sichuan (Lotus Sea National Forest Park/Lotus Lake)**
A hidden gem in Lotus Lake Village, Pusharong Township, Kangding City, the 3000-meter-high Moon Lake is a dazzling pearl within the Lotus Sea National Forest Park. Surrounded by pristine forests, the lake is mirror-like, reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and distant snow-capped mountains, a beauty that seems otherworldly.
🚗**Convenient Transportation:**
Departing from Chengdu, it takes about 6-7 hours by car. Take the Chengya Expressway to Ya'an, then switch to National Highway 318 to Kangding, and finally take Provincial Highway 215 to reach Moon Lake. For non-self-driving tourists, you can take a bus from Chengdu to Kangding, then rent a car or hire a car to get there.
🗺️**Travel Itinerary Planning:**
Day 1: **Entrance—Moon Lake—Wild Hot Springs**
- Arrive at Moon Lake in the morning, take a leisurely stroll by the lake, and feel the tranquility of the lake and mountains.
- In the afternoon, hike to explore the nearby wild hot spring area, experience the natural hot springs with alternating hot and cold, and enjoy the gifts of nature.
Day 2: **Moon Lake—Lotus Lake—Return**
- Get up early and head to Lotus Lake, admiring the highland meadows, streams in the forest, and the natural scenery along the way.
- Return to Moon Lake in the afternoon, you can choose to camp by the lake or take a short rest before heading home.
📸**Essential Photo Spots:**
1. **Lakeside Morning Mist**: In the early morning, a veil-like mist rises from the lake, an excellent opportunity to capture a dreamy scene.
2. **Mountain Top Viewing Platform**: From the top, you can overlook the entire Moon Lake and the surrounding mountains.
3. **Hot Spring Waterfall**: Capture the dynamic moment where the hot spring water intertwines with the waterfall.
🌟**Must-Visit Attractions:**
- **Lotus Lake**: A mountain-top lake at an altitude of 4000 meters, more mysterious than Moon Lake, it is a paradise for adventurers.
- **Wild Hot Spring Area**: Enjoy the natural hot springs while also witnessing unique geological landscapes.
⚠️**Travel Tips:**
1. **Prevention of Altitude Sickness**: Take anti-altitude sickness medication in advance, and do not move too hastily.
2. **Sun Protection and Warmth**: The high-altitude UV rays are strong, and the temperature difference between morning and evening is significant, so prepare adequate sun protection and warm clothing.
3. **Eco-friendly Travel**: Do not litter in the scenic area, protect the natural environment.
4. **Safe Driving**: The mountain roads are rugged, please drive carefully to ensure safety.
🌈**Closing Words:**
With every breath at Moon Lake in Western Sichuan, there is a purification of the soul. When the journey ends, what you take away is not just the scenery captured in your camera, but also the indescribable peace and beauty in your heart. Don't forget, the best scenery in life is often on the road. Next time, let's explore the unknown together and discover more wonders of the world.✨
EILEEN HORN
I thought Jiuzhaigou was beautiful enough until I came to this lesser-known secret spot
I thought Jiuzhaigou was beautiful enough until I came to this lesser-known secret spot, Moon Lake. Moon Lake is a relatively obscure attraction with not many people knowing about it, and there's no need to jostle with crowds. You can camp, hike, and cook outdoors. Navigate to Moon Lake (Hehua Sea National Forest Park) in Kangding City. It takes about 6-7 hours to drive there from Chengdu city center, and about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Xinduqiao town.
Play strategy:
1. Definitely bring a drone for some amazing aerial shots. You can capture the entire Moon Lake's color patterns from above, with the lake presenting shades of blue and green, and the ground allowing for shots of snow-capped mountains, cattle, sheep, and forests all in one frame!
2. Don't check the weather; sunny, overcast, and rainy days each have their unique beauty. Personally, I find rainy days to offer the ultimate atmospheric scenery.
3. This place is great for light trekking, camping, and hot springs. However, you need to bring your own food and water, as there are no restaurants.
4. Sedans can make the trip without any trouble as the road conditions are quite good. No need to worry about the altitude, which is around 3600 meters—not very high compared to others. Note that the area is closed in winter and reopens in spring.
JULIANNA BLAIR
The azure lake, herds of cattle and sheep, the tranquil stream, are you sure you don't want to visit Moon Lake?
The address: Lotus Sea Forest Park, also known as Moon Lake
Altitude: 3500m (rich vegetation, not prone to altitude sickness) It's the best gift for everyone
Ticket: A fee of 20 RMB per person is collected when ascending the mountain, as a cleaning fee
Parking costs 25 RMB, and camping by the lake is allowed, with tent prices ranging from 50 to 100 RMB
There is a grassy corridor that leads into the heart of the lake, fallen old trees by the lake, small meadows in the middle of the lake, and herds of horses and cattle, all perfect for taking photos without the need for filters, and they come out superbly. Camping by the lake is possible, and since the area is still under development, the facilities at Moon Lake are not yet complete. It's best to prepare some dry food, self-heating meals, and clean water sources for camping. It is recommended to hike in, and don't forget to leave enough time. The scenery along the way is enchanting, with the lake water shimmering with blue-green light under the sunshine, breathtakingly beautiful. If you want to go to the large lawn in the heart of the lake, it takes a half-hour walk. For safety, don't forget to bring bottled water, and definitely do not drink the lake water.
As the area is still under development, the facilities at Moon Lake are not yet complete, which also suggests that the scenery here is almost pristine.
Environmental protection is crucial, don't forget to bring garbage bags and pack your trash to take away.
NomadWanderlust
The upcoming Moon Lake is truly breathtakingly beautiful!!
Hidden in the western part of Sichuan in Ganzi, there lies a stunning secret paradise
It boasts dreamlike lakes and fields of flowers
Moon Lake is too beautiful! The beauty that can't be captured by a phone
Primitive and tranquil, with forests, lakes, wetlands, meadows, and galloping horses
The area has high oxygen content, usually without altitude sickness
Perfect for friends who love camping!
Location: Lotus Sea Forest Park or Moon Lake
Ticket: 25 yuan/person
Once you get to the mountain base, there's a gate where they collect the ticket fee, then a few dozen minutes' drive will get you there, parking is free but far, parking by the lake costs 10 yuan
About Moon Lake
It's an unspoiled natural landscape with incredibly beautiful scenery, herds of cattle and sheep, and because it's not fully developed yet,
there's basically nothing to eat inside, so you need to bring your own provisions. If you're driving from Chengdu, it takes about seven or eight hours,
It's recommended to stay overnight in Xinduqiao first, then head there in the morning when the light is better, and the photos will look nicer.
JetsetNomad$22
After the rain, the Moon Lake
The Moon Lake in western Sichuan is located in the Huhai Sea National Forest Park of Pusharong Township, Kangding City, Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan. Hidden in the deep mountains at an altitude of over 3000 meters, in recent years, Moon Lake has become a popular spot for camping check-ins. There is no admission fee for the scenic area, but the nearby villagers will charge a fee of 25 yuan per person, and an additional 20 yuan for parking. You can take a stroll around the lake, and if you have time, you can also find a flat grassy area by the lake to camp, which is also very nice.
HenryMcCallister59
I thought Siguniang Mountain was the pinnacle until I discovered this place
In Kangding Shada Township, a secluded spot long ignored by the outside world,
there lies a hidden gem.
Last year, many treasure-seekers found their way here through various means.
This year, we are committed to continuing to introduce this treasure of a scenic spot to friends who would enjoy it.
On sunny days at Moon Lake, you can see the glittering emerald surface of the water,
and on cloudy days, you can see the calm, sapphire-like waters.
Step into the forest trail🌲, immerse yourself in the fresh air and the tranquil beauty.
There's no high altitude sickness, steep climbs, or physically demanding sections,
the entire path is smooth, suitable for both the elderly and children to enjoy with ease.
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Hehua Sea National Forest Park, Moon Lake is just one of the 'seas' within.
It takes about 2 hours to drive from Xinduqiao to Moon Lake.
📍Navigation | Hehua Sea National Forest Park
💰Ticket | Cleaning fee 25/person
Camping | Tent rental 50/tent
🚗Road conditions | There is a short section of unpaved road, passable by sedan
🏘️Accommodation | You can stay in Shada Town or Xinduqiao
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🎪Scenic Area Details
1️⃣Moon Lake is an undeveloped scenic area, with a toll toilet by the lake
2️⃣Some sections of the road to Moon Lake have no signal, so set your navigation in advance
3️⃣The scenic area has shops and dining, but the facilities are rather basic
4️⃣Follow the dirt road inside, you can find your own camping spot, it is recommended to camp at the end of Moon Lake
5️⃣Campsite No. 1 at Moon Lake is right at the entrance, and Campsite No. 3 is the core scenic spot, 2-3 kilometers from the parking spot
6️⃣You can take a local van to Lotus Lake and the hot springs
7️⃣The west bank of the lake has a lawn suitable for photography, the east bank is forested, and the lake is almost invisible, only accessible by walking along the road
8️⃣Moon Lake has rich vegetation, and altitude sickness is almost non-existent
9️⃣For photo ops, it's recommended to wear solid or bright colors to stand out
JEFFERSON GRANT
Sichuan West Moon Lake| Regretted like crazy after coming here!!!
| Regretted like crazy after coming here!!!. www Why didn't I come earlier!!!
Location: Hehuahai Forest Park, Kangding City, Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan
Surrounded by high mountains, the trees under the mountain waist are in various shapes, cattle and sheep are everywhere. In the summer of July-August, when the flowers are in full bloom, the fragrance of flowers hits the nose, and autumn is even more charming. Red, yellow, blue, and green seem to be spilled here from a palette 🌾🍃🌸
🎫: 25/person (sanitation fee)
🚗: Self-driving from Chengdu to Hehuahai takes about 7-10h. It is recommended to play in Xinduqiao on the first day, and go to Moon Lake the next day, 2 hours
🍃: After entering the small road, there are many small farmhouses above, the yard is full of Russian color flowers, the scenery is charming
🏠: The tent by the lake is 50/tent
🌸Tour season
1⃣July-August, these two months, don't be too healing!! It's like walking into Miyazaki Hayao's comics. If you have 3-7 days, you must camp here and slowly experience the life in the dream
2⃣September-October, it's two scenes, different from summer, autumn forest dyed, Moon Lake is more like an oil painting
Ms. Corrine Dicki
Exploring Moon Lake: An underrated secret place in Western Sichuan, a perfect choice for camping and autumn viewing
Destination: Secret Place in Western Sichuan - Moon Lake
Review: A lesser-known secret place in Western Sichuan, with colorful forests, snow-capped mountains, and lakes, suitable for camping and autumn viewing.
Transportation Suggestions:
- Location: Moon Lake
- Navigation: Lotus Sea National Forest Park
- Admission: 25 yuan/person
- Parking fee: 10 yuan
Accommodation Recommendations:
- There is accommodation at Moon Lake, with a standard room price of 150 yuan/room.
- Camping is available at the entrance of Moon Lake, with each tent costing 50 yuan, providing toilets and charging facilities.
Dining Suggestions:
- There is a Chinese restaurant at the accommodation, but the price is slightly expensive, it is recommended to bring your own dry food.
Photography Spots:
- On the way to Moon Lake, you can enjoy the colorful forests, which are picturesque.
- Hiking in Moon Lake, you can take pictures of horses leisurely eating by the lake.
Tips:
- Western Sichuan is dry in winter, please keep moisturizing and sun protection, drink more water. It is recommended to bring lip balm and sunscreen.
- Western Sichuan is cold in winter, it is recommended to bring down jackets, and the sleeping bag for camping needs to withstand temperatures below -10°C.
- Please note that some places may not have internet, please download offline maps and prepare some cash in advance.
- There may be horse dung on the hiking trail, please pay attention to distinguish.
Itinerary:
Day 1:
- Depart from Chengdu, take a car to Kangding, pass through Zheduoshan and Xinduqiao on the way, and stay in Xinduqiao.
Day 2:
- Depart from Xinduqiao, go to Jiagenba Town and Riche Village, and stay in Riche Village.
Day 3:
- Depart from Riche Village, go to Moon Lake, visit the lake view, and stay at Moon Lake.
Day 4:
- Depart from Moon Lake, visit Tagong Grassland, Ge Ri Ma Village, Muya Big Temple and Sidingcuo.
- Finally return to Kangding, take a car back to Chengdu.