2026 May Day: A Family Journey Through Emerald Forests and Snowy Highlands at Danleng's Lao'e Mountain and Tianquan's Laba River

Meta Description: Escape the May Day crowds! Discover a family-friendly 4-day Sichuan itinerary under 1,000 RMB per person. Hike Lao'e Mountain's emerald forests, explore Tianquan's Laba River, and collect scenic area medals. Perfect for nature lovers seeking a peaceful holiday.

Introduction: Why This Hidden Sichuan Gem Is Your 2026 May Day Escape

While your social media feed fills with photos of overcrowded tourist hotspots, imagine spending a truly "peaceful holiday" with your family at Lao'e Mountain in Danleng County, Meishan, and the Laba River area in Tianquan, Ya'an, Sichuan. No shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, no hours-long queues—just lush primeval forests, babbling streams, and unexpected wildlife encounters.

This four-day, three-night family trip cost less than 1,000 RMB per person, yet we came away with three scenic area medals, countless delightful surprises, and a treasure trove of mountain memories. If you're tired of the "sea of people" holiday mode, this Sichuan off-the-beaten-path itinerary offers fresh inspiration for your 2026 May Day travel plans.

[Link: Best family-friendly hiking trails in Sichuan]

Day 1: Lao'e Mountain—The "Sister Mountain" of Mount Emei, Perfect for Family Hiking

First Impressions: An Underrated "Natural Oxygen Bar"

We set out from Chongqing at 6:55 AM. The weather was on our side—Chongqing's morning light was especially bright. Heading west, we passed the Anyue White Pagoda service area (under construction, but restrooms were usable). After leaving, the opposite lane was already backed up—May Day travel truly is a battlefield everywhere.

At 8:45 AM, we passed through the Ziyang service area, then made a brief stop at Meishan. When the car finally turned into the entrance of Lao'e Mountain Scenic Area, the winding mountain road ahead got my son so excited he pressed his face against the window. Around noon, we arrived at our accommodation: Lao'e Mountain Residence Hotel.

The moment we opened the door to Room 8620, everyone let out a "wow." Floor-to-ceiling windows overlooked endless tea plantations and bamboo groves, while the interior was tastefully decorated with a scholarly atmosphere—a wall of books by the front desk. The hotel kindly gifted us two scenic area tickets. We dropped our luggage and immediately set off for a hike.

Hiking Lao'e Mountain: 999 Steps, but Easier Than Expected

Lao'e Mountain is a national 4A-level scenic area in Danleng County, Meishan, Sichuan. Known as the "sister mountain" of Mount Emei, a local saying goes: "First came Lao'e, then came Emei." The main peak, Jinding (Golden Summit), stands at approximately 1,142 meters above sea level. It's renowned as "the first mountain where Buddhism entered Sichuan" and "the first peak south of Chengdu." With a forest coverage rate exceeding 90%, it's a true natural oxygen bar.

The scenic area designed a thoughtful "silver note" game—each visitor receives twenty taels of "silver notes" at the entrance, can earn more by participating in activities along the way, and can join a small gift auction upon exiting. Our child was thoroughly engaged throughout, making this far more enjoyable than a simple climb.

The trail was paved with dark asphalt, winding along the mountain contours like a ribbon embedded in greenery. To the left, camphor branches were lush and green; to the right, ferns cascaded down the cliff face in layers, glowing vivid fresh green. A stone wall thickly covered in moss stretched alongside the path—dark brown rocks softened by the green blanket, like a velvet carpet soaked in time. Looking up, everything was a green barrier, and even the wind carried the damp fragrance of grass and trees.

Along the way, we encountered a "tree-wrapped rock" —a boulder tightly embraced by tree roots, like a sculpture by nature itself. Another protruding rock was called the "Echo Wall" ; shouting at it produced an immediate echo, and my son had a blast.

The real challenge was the 999 steps. Fortunately, we had brought trekking poles. Taking breaks along the way, it turned out to be easier than expected. After about an hour and a half, we reached the summit. At the top, the "Buddha's Hand Holding a Flower" sculpture, inspired by the Buddhist parable of the "Flower Sermon," looked especially Zen-like in the mist. Dense fog obscured the view from Sheshen Cliff, but it felt like being amidst the clouds. The thousand-year-old ginkgo tree clung to the cliff face, its trunk gnarled and powerful.

For the descent, we chose the Fairy Lake Walnut Gully route, avoiding the 999 steps back down—much kinder on the knees. The forest path wound through dense woods, with bamboo groves and ancient trees intertwining on both sides, casting dappled light and shadow through the branches. The moss-covered "Jade Seal" boulder stood silently, with red silk ribbons gently hanging, exuding rustic spirituality and a Zen-like atmosphere.

The biggest surprise was the Squirrel Paradise by Chenghuai Lake—several large interconnected cages, each filled with many little squirrels. Our son couldn't tear himself away.

[Link: Best family activities at Lao'e Mountain]

Medal Collection and Dinner: The "Little Joys" of Family Mode

At 3:50 PM, we completed the full circuit and collected our medals at the exit. I chose the family mode (where children appear in photo check-ins to receive two medals), and my husband chose the single mode, so we ended up with three medals in total. At the entrance, an auction was underway, and we used our silver notes to bid on a luggage tag and a refrigerator magnet.

Back at the hotel, we caught a sachet-making activity—just register with your room card. We made a calming sleep sachet; my son picked a yellow pouch and was overjoyed.

Dinner was at the hotel's second-floor restaurant: three dishes plus a plate of stir-fried lettuce leaves, totaling 170 RMB. A bit pricey, but the food was tasty. After dinner, we took a stroll outside the hotel. Tiny purple flowers dotted the roadside, and the tea plantation behind the hotel was especially serene in the twilight. Wind chimes hung from branches with newly sprouted leaves, their tinkling mingling with the scent of grass and trees. There were even cherries scattered on the ground; my son picked up a few, delighted as if he'd discovered treasure.

Day 2: Danleng's Daya Hall and Tianquan's Sichuan Peppercorn Chicken—A Journey from Culture to Cuisine

Daya Hall: So This Is Where "Not Fit for the Hall of Elegance" Comes From

The hotel breakfast was generous—bamboo shoot and beef noodles, fermented rice cakes, various stir-fried vegetables, and oatmeal porridge. We ate to our hearts' content. Instead of rushing off, we took another walk through the tea plantation behind the hotel. It had rained overnight, and the morning air was fresh and invigorating. Two geese were warming up their voices, and my son picked a few wild raspberries to taste. Beyond the tea plantation was a bamboo grove, and beyond that, a villa area with a cherry tree laden with fruit—unfortunately too high to reach, so we could only watch the birds enjoy their feast.

Heading down the mountain, we drove to Daya Hall in Danleng County. This is the only cultural landmark in China named after "Daya" (Great Elegance), and the true origin of the idiom "not fit for the hall of elegance." After Huang Tingjian was exiled to Sichuan, he admired Du Fu's "concern for the country and the people" poetic style and hand-copied over 800 of Du Fu's poems from the Two Rivers and Kuizhou regions. Danleng scholar Yang Su funded the carving of over 300 poetry steles and built a hall to house them. Huang Tingjian personally inscribed the plaque "Daya Hall" and wrote "The Record of Daya Hall."

The museum was filled with lush greenery and flowing water, and also housed the Peng Duanshu Family Education Hall. After the visit, we headed toward Tianquan for lunch.

Tianquan's Sichuan Peppercorn Chicken: A Must-Try Local Specialty

No trip to Tianquan is complete without sampling its famous Sichuan Peppercorn Chicken (花椒鸡) . This dish is a celebration of Sichuan's signature málà (numbing and spicy) flavor profile. We found a local eatery near the Laba River area that served it with fresh bamboo shoots and wild vegetables. The chicken was tender, the peppercorns fragrant and numbing, and the broth perfectly balanced—a true taste of the highlands.

[Link: Best local Sichuan cuisine near Tianquan]

Day 3: Exploring the Laba River—Emerald Waters and Snowy Peaks

The Laba River: A Hidden Gem of Tianquan

The Laba River (喇叭河) in Tianquan, Ya'an, is a lesser-known treasure that offers stunning contrasts: emerald green waters against snow-capped highland peaks. The river winds through primeval forests, creating a series of cascading pools and waterfalls that are perfect for family exploration.

We spent the morning hiking along the river's edge. The trail was well-maintained and relatively flat, making it accessible for children. Along the way, we spotted wild monkeys playing in the trees and a family of deer drinking from the river. The water was so clear you could see trout swimming against the current.

Wildlife Encounters and Photography Opportunities

The Laba River area is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. We saw: - Golden monkeys (Sichuan's endemic species) swinging through the canopy - Red pandas (if you're lucky) foraging in the bamboo - Numerous bird species, including the golden pheasant

For photography lovers, the early morning light filtering through the mist creates ethereal scenes. We captured some of our best family photos here, with the snowy peaks reflecting in the emerald pools.

[Link: Wildlife spotting tips in Sichuan's highlands]

Day 4: Final Morning and Departure

We spent our last morning revisiting our favorite spots—a final walk through the tea plantation, one last look at the Laba River's turquoise waters, and a quick stop at a local market to buy Sichuan peppercorns and mountain tea as souvenirs.

The drive back to Chongqing was smooth, and we arrived home with tired legs but full hearts. Total cost for four days: under 1,000 RMB per person, including accommodation, meals, tickets, and gas.

FAQ: Your Questions About This Sichuan Family Itinerary

1. Is Lao'e Mountain suitable for young children?

Yes! The 999 steps can be challenging, but the trail is well-paved and manageable with breaks. The "silver note" game and Squirrel Paradise keep kids engaged. We recommend trekking poles and plenty of water.

2. What is the best time to visit Lao'e Mountain and Laba River?

April to June and September to November offer the best weather—mild temperatures, clear skies, and vibrant foliage. May Day (early May) is ideal, but expect some crowds at the entrance.

3. How do I get to Lao'e Mountain from Chengdu or Chongqing?

From Chengdu, it's about a 2-hour drive via the Chengdu-Ya'an Expressway. From Chongqing, it's approximately 4 hours. Public buses are available from Meishan to Danleng County, then a local taxi to the scenic area.

4. Can I visit both Lao'e Mountain and Laba River in one trip?

Absolutely! They are only about 1.5 hours apart by car. This itinerary combines both destinations perfectly for a 4-day trip.

5. What should I pack for this trip?

• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Trekking poles (recommended for the 999 steps)
• Light rain jacket (mountain weather is unpredictable)
• Insect repellent
• Snacks and plenty of water
• Camera for wildlife and scenery

[Link: Essential packing list for Sichuan mountain trips]

Conclusion: Your 2026 May Day Adventure Awaits

This Sichuan hidden gem itinerary proves that you don't need to battle crowds to have a memorable family holiday. From the emerald forests of Lao'e Mountain to the snowy highlands of Tianquan's Laba River, every moment was filled with discovery, laughter, and connection with nature.

Ready to plan your own escape? Start by booking your accommodation at Lao'e Mountain Residence Hotel (ask about the family room with floor-to-ceiling windows) and download the scenic area's app for the silver note game. Pack your sense of adventure—and your trekking poles—and prepare for a May Day you'll never forget.

Book your trip today and discover why Sichuan's "hidden corners" are the best-kept secret for families seeking a peaceful, affordable, and unforgettable holiday.

[Link: Book family-friendly accommodation near Lao'e Mountain] [Link: Compare car rental options for Sichuan road trips]