"The Ark in the Clouds" offers scenic boat rides amidst the clouds, praising the lines, "Clouds rise from beneath your feet, the sun ascends to the treetops. A mountain floats in a sea of clouds, its square peak reaching the heavens." Wawu Mountain (Meishan City, Sichuan Province)
If you're short on time, listen carefully to my advice! 👍👍
👣👣I suggest departing around 8:00 AM, driving or taking a taxi to the Wawu Mountain scenic area. Have some steamed buns, mantou, or tatami noodles for breakfast along the way. 💪🏻Remember to bring some snacks and water for the climb.
Arrive at the scenic area entrance around 10:00 AM. There are two options: cable car or hiking. Hiking the whole way will make you homesick ❤️❤️, so I recommend taking the cable car to the summit first. Looking up at the top of Wawu Mountain, you'll see a surging sea of clouds below, like being on the shore of a vast ocean. Looking towards Gongga Snow Mountain, when the sun shines on it like gold, it seems as if only this sacred peak remains between heaven and earth.
Enjoy lunch and a scenic stroll at the summit. Dining near Yuanyang Pond and Zhengjue Temple at the mountaintop is a great option.
You can try [Washan Courtyard Farmhouse]. Their signature dishes include crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside iron eggplant and tangy-sweet cowpea fish, made with fresh and authentic ingredients. The restaurant boasts an elegant ambiance with views of the lake and mountains, and private rooms offer privacy, making it perfect for tourists. After your meal, continue your stroll among the clouds.
The alpine lake at Yuanyang Pond and the sunrise over the sea of clouds at Zhengjue Temple create breathtaking natural scenery that's a must-see for photos. In winter, the mountaintop is draped in a white snowdrift.
Afterwards, stroll to Taiqing Palace for a panoramic view of Mount Gongga and Mount Emei. The lakes surrounding Taiqing Palace have excellent water quality, their surfaces shimmering in the sunlight. The deep blue water, like jewels, reflects the distant snow-capped mountains and sea of clouds, creating a scene of ethereal beauty.
In seasons when snow-covered or shrouded in mist, this place gains an added layer of mystery and tranquility, allowing visitors to experience the enigmatic geological charm of "Enchanting Pool." Here, many leave behind not just photos, but also beautiful wishes for the future.
👣👣In the afternoon, we hiked down the mountain, passing the cliffside viewing platform of Xiang'er Mountain Villa. The villa is renowned for its cliffside viewing platform, offering an extremely expansive view—a perfect vantage point for overlooking the magnificent scenery of Wawu Mountain and gazing at the distant Gongga Snow Mountain. We took out our cameras and snapped away. Besides the stunning natural landscape, the area also offers recreational services such as fishing, allowing visitors to experience a moment of peace and tranquility high in the mountains. We took a break.
Finally, we arrived at the Lanxi Cliffside Plank Road, considered the most challenging section of Wawu Mountain, often referred to as the "ceiling" of Wawu Mountain hiking. With a sheer cliff on one side and a bottomless valley on the other, it's the best spot to experience the magnificent sight of "waterfalls cascading down overhead." The boardwalk extends in a Z-shape, offering panoramic views of the primeval forest and sea of clouds. A must-see along the way is the Kalanxi Waterfall, a two-tiered waterfall cascading down a sheer cliff, creating a fairyland-like atmosphere when shrouded in mist, and even offering a chance to witness a rainbow on a clear day.
Summer is the peak season for rhododendrons, with red, pink, and white blossoms dotting the lush green forest. At the end of the Half-Mountain Gallery, you can also enjoy a panoramic view of Ya'nü Lake, experiencing the tranquil beauty of this high-altitude lake. Witness the awe-inspiring sight of Asia's highest waterfall.
😍😍 In the evening, return to Wawushan Town and savor local delicacies. Enjoy dinner at a specialty restaurant near the scenic area entrance.