Geographical Location & Access

Xiling Forest Park sits in the western part of Chengdu’s Dayi County, nestled in the Xiling Town area. It’s about 107 kilometers (roughly 2 hours by car) from downtown Chengdu and 50 kilometers from Dayi’s city center. The park’s address, 7 East Haogou, Jinyuan Street, Dayi County, might sound remote, but it’s easily reachable by private car or organized day tours. For adventurous travelers, combining a visit with a stay in nearby resorts makes for a perfect mountain escape.

Natural Wonders: Snow, Water, and Mystery

As Chengdu’s tallest peak, Xiling Forest Park towers at 5,364 meters, with snow-capped summits visible even on clear days from downtown Chengdu. The park divides into front and back sections: the front offers gentle trails and waterfalls, while the back challenges hikers with steeper paths.

One of its crowning glories is the Da Fei Shui Waterfall—a roaring cascade that plunges 360 meters from a cliff on 1,400-meter-high Bai Que Mountain. On sunny days, rainbows form in the mist, making it look like “a river of stars falling from the sky” (as locals describe it). Another highlight is the Yin-Yang Boundary, a ridge where one side basks in sunshine while the other cloaks in fog. Standing here feels like straddling two worlds!

Cultural Ties: A Name from Poetry

The park owes its name to Tang Dynasty poet Du Fu, who famously wrote, “The window frames snow-capped Xiling for a thousand years.” This line inspired the name “Xiling,” linking the mountain to China’s literary heritage. Though the original poem celebrates seasonal beauty, today’s visitors can see those very snow-dusted peaks year-round—a living testament to Du Fu’s words.

Adventure & Relaxation: Something for Everyone

Xiling Forest Park isn’t just about hiking. In winter, the Xiling Snow Mountain Resort transforms into a skiing hub, with slopes for all levels. Year-round, cable cars whisk visitors up for panoramic views, while lower trails host families picnicking beside crystal streams.

For nature lovers, the park’s “Nine Falls Under One Sky” trail winds through narrow cliffs, and the Leopard’s Roar Spring (a thunderous waterfall) adds drama. Don’t miss the Azalea Forest, which blooms in vibrant reds and purples during spring, or the Stone Grave Forest, where rock formations resemble ancient tombstones.

Practical Tips: Plan Your Trip

  • Best Time to Visit: All seasons! Winter for skiing, summer for cool escapes, autumn for foliage, and spring for flowers.
  • Stay Options: Resorts, ski lodges, and eco-hotels dot the area. Some offer hot springs to soothe muscles after hikes.
  • Eat Like a Local: Try Sichuan-style hotpot or mountain trout fresh from nearby streams.

Why Visit Xiling Forest Park?

Just a short drive from Chengdu, Xiling Forest Park packs everything from poetic landscapes to adrenaline-pumping activities. Whether you’re snapping photos of snow-topped peaks, chasing waterfalls, or simply breathing alpine air, it’s a reminder that Chengdu’s backyard hides some of China’s wildest beauty. Come for the views, stay for the stories—and don’t forget your camera!