Dangling Hiking Guide: Mountain Kitchen Adventures & Chengdu Sights for Your First Anniversary

Meta Description: Discover the ultimate Dangling hiking guide with mountain cooking, Chengdu zoo & Sichuan University tips. A nine-year-late journey through Sichuan's wild beauty, complete with DIY hotpot and star photography.

Foreword: A Hike Nine Years Overdue – Finally Conquering Dangling

Some journeys are like seeds planted by fate. Nine years ago, the name "Dangling" was already etched onto my travel list, but circumstances conspired, and I chose Qizanggou instead. That missed opportunity stretched into nine long years.

It wasn't until October 2016 that I finally set foot on this journey that should have begun much earlier. This hike wasn't just about seeing the scenery—it was also a tribute to two of my idols: Bear Grylls of Man vs. Wild and Jamie Oliver of The Naked Chef. So I set myself some rules: no horseback riding, carry my own gear, cook my own meals over a fire, and take great photos.

To be honest, the landscapes of Dangling did not disappoint. But what surprised me was that along the way, beyond the beautiful views, there was so much to ponder about humanity's relationship with nature and the philosophy of travel itself.

One: A Day in Chengdu – Zoo, Sichuan University, and DIY Hotpot

Urban Roaming Along Metro Line 3

Since Chengdu's Metro Line 3 opened, it has connected the city's most interesting spots. I decided to follow this line and start with the zoo.

The ticket was cheap—just 20 RMB. But honestly, after walking through the whole place, I felt mixed emotions. The parrots in the aviary had melancholy eyes, huddled together but utterly lifeless. The small reptiles in the reptile house curled up in corners. The flamingos had lost their vibrant color, their feathers faded and dull.

What broke my heart most was the old bear. It had lived here for many years, and its polar bear companion was already gone—probably passed away from old age. Even in its old age, it was still greedy for food, shuffling over whenever visitors tossed treats. And then there was the gloomy little meerkat, not knowing where to dig its burrow.

As a child, visiting the zoo was pure excitement and curiosity. Now, looking again, I felt only pity and sorrow. Compared to the zoos in Chiang Mai or Taipei, Chengdu Zoo falls far short. I hope the authorities will invest more effort to make these animals' lives happier.

Right next to the zoo is Zhaojue Temple, which holds a higher status among locals than Wenshu Monastery. If you're interested in Buddhist culture, it's worth a visit—there's a small gate from the zoo that leads directly there.

Sichuan University: My Hundred-Plant Garden and Three-Flavor Study

From the zoo, I took Metro Line 3 to Mozishi Station and walked 200 meters to Sichuan University's Wangjiang Campus. This is my old stomping ground—my grandfather taught here, my father grew up here, and I later studied here myself.

The old campus buildings are steeped in history, with towering trees and small flowers blooming along the pathways. If you come in mid-November, you'll see golden ginkgo leaves complementing the vintage teaching buildings. For me, this place feels like Lu Xun's "Hundred-Plant Garden" and "Three-Flavor Study"—the fish and shrimp in the summer ponds, the strange insects in the grass, the fallen leaves of autumn, the rain-soaked bluestone paths, and the vibrant teaching buildings in winter. These all accompanied me through childhood and adolescence.

After wandering through the university, it was about time to head to Chunxi Road for food. But instead, I chose to go to Qingshiqiao Seafood Market to buy ingredients and cook at home. If you're staying in a homestay, I recommend trying it—making your own Chengdu hotpot tastes far better than eating out.

Chengdu sunsets are a matter of luck. On clear days, the sky is unbelievably beautiful. If you're extraordinarily lucky, you can even see the distant Siguniang Mountains in the background. One morning, a massive rainbow appeared—a rare sight in Chengdu.

Two: On the Road – From Chengdu to Dangling

Balangshan Tunnel: Breaking Through the Fog to Sunshine

I woke up at 6 AM, packed my bags, picked up my cousin, and hit the highway at 7:10. Heading west, the expressway was shrouded in fog. After exiting at Yingxiu, I took Provincial Road S303, which had just been repaired and was in excellent condition—the shortest route to Danba.

After passing Wolong, the scenery improved dramatically. The leaves on the mountains were a patchwork of red and yellow, though the weather remained overcast. The Balangshan Tunnel had been completed, meaning we only needed to climb halfway up the mountain before entering the tunnel, saving over an hour compared to the old route.

The mountain was completely fogged in, visibility barely ten meters. Fortunately, we reached the tunnel entrance halfway up. Emerging from the other side was like stepping into another world—blue skies and white clouds, with all the fog trapped behind Balangshan.

Not far from the tunnel exit is Maobiliang viewpoint. With such clear weather, the Siguniang Mountains were laid out before us in full view. Seeing them up close for the first time left me speechless—majestic and powerful, yet exquisitely beautiful.

Danba to Dangling: Rough Roads and Hot Springs

We followed the road toward Xiaojin County, then drove another 40 kilometers to reach Danba. Xiaojin belongs to the Aba Prefecture, while Danba is part of Garze Prefecture, sitting right at the border between the two.

After lunch in Danba and filling up the gas tank, we set off for Dangling Village. The 70-kilometer journey was nearly half unpaved, rough roads. We arrived at Dangling around 4 PM, checked into our room, dropped off our luggage, and headed straight for the hot springs.

The village chief's house was beautifully built, and the view from our window was stunning. On the way to the hot springs, the Tibetan-style houses were exquisitely detailed. Wildflowers, moss, and gnarled trees along the path filled me with excitement. After climbing a small hill, we reached a little pasture where a few adorable baby yaks were grazing.

The hot springs weren't far—just a short walk away. The water at the outlet of No. 1 Spring was piping hot, so I jumped right in for a soak. By the time I finished, it was already dark, and the stars had come out. Seeing so many stars for the first time filled me with pure joy.

Back at the chief's house, even more stars had appeared. I set up on the terrace to photograph the night sky. My first shot was slightly out of focus, but the result was still pretty good.

Three: Hiking Dangling – From Ganhaizi to Hulu Lake

Early Start, Heading Straight for Hulu Lake

I woke up at 6:30 AM, had breakfast, and set off at 7:00. My cousin was too slow, so I told him to join other hikers and go at his own pace while I forged ahead alone.

Following a small path, I soon reached Feijiping (Airplane Meadow). There's a small pond here, but I'd advise not to linger too long—many travelers miss Ganhaizi because they waste time at this pond, and it's just not worth it.

Past Feijiping, the trail became a continuous climb. I pushed myself to reach Ganhaizi in one go. Located below Hulu Lake, Ganhaizi is a wetland area with beautiful scenery of its own. In the morning, there was no wind, and the lake water was crystal clear, teeming with tadpoles and small fish. The lakeshore was lined with golden firs, giving it a feel reminiscent of Xinjiang. Dangling's landscape is quite different from many other valleys in Sichuan—it has a distinct Xinjiang-like character.

Hulu Lake: The Iconic View of Dangling

After Ganhaizi, it took me just over ten minutes (at my pace) to reach Hulu Lake. Many people boast about making it up in six or seven hours. I did it in three hours, cursing myself for being too slow. Everyone has different standards.

Hulu Lake reflects the snowy peaks—this is Dangling's signature view. The water surface was still calm, perfect for capturing reflections. Honestly, it's hard to find such scenery in other mountain valleys. The lake was full of small fish, and the surrounding firs created a postcard-perfect scene.

[Link: Best hiking trails in Sichuan]

FAQ: Dangling Hiking & Chengdu Travel Tips

1. How difficult is the Dangling hike to Hulu Lake?

The hike is moderately challenging. Most hikers complete the round trip in 6–7 hours. With good fitness, you can do it in 3–4 hours. The trail involves continuous climbing, especially after Feijiping Meadow. Proper hiking boots and poles are recommended.

2. What is the best time to visit Dangling?

October to November is ideal for autumn colors, with golden firs and clear skies. May to June offers spring wildflowers. Avoid the rainy season (July–August) due to landslides and rough roads.

3. Can I cook my own meals on the Dangling hike?

Yes! That's part of the adventure. Bring a portable stove, lightweight cookware, and ingredients. Many hikers enjoy mountain kitchen style cooking—just remember to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack out all waste.

4. How do I get from Chengdu to Dangling Village?

Drive via Yingxiu on Provincial Road S303, passing Wolong and Balangshan Tunnel. The total distance is about 330 km, taking 6–7 hours. The last 70 km from Danba to Dangling are unpaved and rough.

5. What should I pack for a Dangling hiking trip?

Essentials: warm layers (temperatures drop at night), waterproof hiking boots, headlamp, first-aid kit, camera with tripod (for star photography), portable stove and fuel, high-energy snacks, and plenty of water. Don't forget a power bank—there's limited electricity in the village.

Conclusion: Your Dangling Adventure Awaits

This journey was nine years in the making, but every moment was worth the wait. From the Chengdu zoo to Sichuan University's ginkgo-lined paths, from DIY hotpot to Balangshan's dramatic fog-to-sunshine transition, and finally to the pristine beauty of Hulu Lake—this is a trip that feeds both the body and soul.

Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a first-time visitor to Sichuan, Dangling offers something unique: raw nature, star-filled skies, and the satisfaction of cooking your own meal in the mountains.

Ready to plan your own Dangling adventure? Start by booking your accommodation in Dangling Village early, especially during peak autumn season. Pack your gear, set your intentions, and prepare for a hike that will stay with you long after you've returned home.

Share your Dangling hiking photos with us – tag your mountain kitchen creations and starry night shots. Your journey might just inspire someone else to take that overdue trip.

[Link: Best Sichuan hiking destinations] [Link: Chengdu travel guide for first-timers] [Link: How to cook in the wilderness]

Produced by Pi Lan | First published on Mafengwo