Bifengxia is located in Bifengxia Town, Yucheng District, Ya'an City, Sichuan Province. It is a national 5A-level tourist attraction. The main body of the scenic area is an ecological rift valley, with a vegetation coverage rate of over 95%. It is characterized by canyons, water scenery, and vegetation, and gets its name from the lush forests that remain green throughout the year. The scenic area covers 20 square kilometers, of which 13.3 square kilometers are forested, consisting of the Wildlife World, Ecological Canyon Scenic Area, and Giant Panda Base.
History and Culture
Legend has it that Bifengxia is where Nuwa repaired the sky. In ancient times, when the Water God and Fire God clashed, the Water God broke the pillar supporting the sky in anger, causing a leak. Nuwa repaired the sky with multicolored stones and stitched it with a seven-star needle, working day and night to save all living beings. Her body became the canyons of Bifengxia, and her hands turned into the Ten-Finger Butian Peak. The "Nuwa Pool" in Bifengxia is said to be where Nuwa bathed while repairing the sky.
In addition, Bifeng Temple on the top of Cuiping Mountain in Bifengxia was first built in the Tang Dynasty and rebuilt in the Ming Dynasty. The temple buildings follow the mountain's terrain, originally including front halls, middle halls, Mahavira Hall, Huiling Pavilion, rear halls, and other structures along the central axis. Despite several renovations, the existing buildings include the Guanyin Hall, stone archways, stone lions, incense burners, etc.
Main Attractions
Qiancengyan Waterfall
About 120 meters high and 10 meters wide, the waterfall rushes down from the mountain top, falls into the dense forest on the mid-cliff platform, then flows slowly down the Qianceng Rock, also known as the "Three-Tiered Beauty". Legend has it that there are 1,026 knife marks left by Nuwa on the rock wall, which are the original marks of counting days when repairing the sky.
White Dragon Pool Waterfall
30 meters high and 10 meters wide, it rushes down from the cliff, splashing sky-high water flowers with mist curling and waterfall sounds shaking the canyon. A 10-meter-deep pool forms at the bottom. From a distance, it looks like a huge waterfall, and up close, it resembles a dragon coiling on the mountain top, showing great momentum.
Qingyun Valley
Located at the bottom of the Qingyun Staircase, it is the junction of two canyons. Steep cliffs rise into the clouds on both sides, with clear streams singing in the valley, lush forests, deep canyons, flying waterfalls, murmuring brooks, fresh air, and high negative ion content, known as a "natural oxygen bar". There is also a purple-red folk-style tea culture corridor built along the river, displaying sculptures of historical scenes from the Tea-Horse Road, tea art performances, and tea culture pictures.
Yuanyang Waterfall
The downstream water splits into two halves on both sides: the left flow is larger (representing yang), and the right flow is smaller (representing yin), merging into one during the summer high flow. Next to it is a "Heartless Tree", forming a striking contrast with the waterfall's interdependence.
Green Dragon Pool Waterfall
About 40 meters high and 6 meters deep, it flows down from the canyon forest, passing through layers of strange rocks into the valley. Legend has it that this is where the Green Dragon moaned and transformed. The pool is bottomless, with blue scales shimmering in the light.
Giant Panda Base
Officially opened to the public on December 28, 2003, covering 1,074 mu, it integrates scientific research, breeding, and tourism, divided into three exhibition areas: Baixiongping, Kindergarten, and Returned Giant Panda Paradise. As of February 2025, there are more than 60 giant pandas in the base.
Local Cuisine
Yayu (Ya Fish)
A special fish in Ya'an, with tender and delicious meat and rich nutrition, often used to make dishes like casserole Yayu.
Tata Noodles
A traditional local noodle dish with thick and chewy noodles, available with various toppings such as beef and pork, offering a rich flavor.
Baoxing Fragrant Pig Leg
A special food in Baoxing area, made by pickling the legs of local fragrant pigs, with a red color and mellow taste, suitable for steaming or stir-frying.
Cai Duck
A well-known braised duck dish in Ya'an, the duck is well-marinated, with fragrant skin and tender meat, and a rich flavor.
Entrance Tickets
Bifengxia Scenic Area is divided into three visiting areas: Ecological Canyon, Giant Panda Base, and Wildlife World, with different ticket prices for each area.
Ecological Canyon ticket: 100 yuan/person.
Wildlife World: 180 yuan/person.
Giant Panda Base: 90 yuan/person.
Subject to the actual prices of the scenic area.
You can search for the official WeChat public account "碧峰峡景区" on WeChat for the latest updates. As of May 26, 2025, the official public account does not provide an online ticketing function.
Opening Hours
Usually open from 08:30 to 17:00. The specific opening hours may be adjusted according to seasons and special circumstances. It is recommended to check the official website of the scenic area or consult by phone in advance.
Tour Routes
Whole journey route (6-7 hours): Elevator → Qianceng Waterfall → Red Lantern → Youfeng Bridge → Longevity Hill → White Dragon Pool (Guanlong Platform) → Nuwa Pool → Tianweng Bridge → Cuiping Mountain (Xiaoxitian Ethnic Village) → Nuwa Temple → Yanvuyuan → Bifeng Temple → Primeval Forest Adventure Reception Station → Scenic Area Exit → Reception Center.
Short route 1 (1 hour): Reception Center → Elevator → Qiancengyan Waterfall → Yuanyang Waterfall and Heartless Tree → Yanvuyuan → Scenic Area Gate Exit.
Short route 2 (2-3 hours): Elevator → Qianceng Waterfall → Red Lantern → Youfeng Bridge → Longevity Hill → White Dragon Pool (Guanlong Platform) → Nuwa Pool → Tianweng Bridge → Cuiping Mountain (Xiaoxitian Ethnic Village) → Nuwa Temple → Yanvuyuan → Scenic Area Exit → Reception Center.
Panda Base + Left Canyon (3-4 hours): Take a sightseeing bus from the scenic area entrance to the Panda Base → Xiaoxitian → Tianweng Bridge → Taojin Beach → Nuwa Pool → Tianlong Lingyun → Red Lantern → Hanging Coffin → Ten-Finger Butian Peak → Qiancengyan Waterfall → Qingyun Ladder → Return to the tourist center.
Panda Base + Right Canyon (2-3 hours): Take a sightseeing bus to the right canyon entrance → Yuanyang Waterfall → Pingcui Small Waterfall → Green Dragon Pool Waterfall → Guanlong Platform → Yanvuyuan → Fushan Bridge (take a sightseeing bus) → Panda Base.
Right Canyon + Panda Base + Left Canyon (4-5 hours): Qingyun Ladder → Yuanyang Waterfall → Pingcui Small Waterfall → Green Dragon Pool Waterfall → Guanlong Platform → Yanvuyuan → Fushan Bridge (take a sightseeing bus) → Panda Base → Xiaoxitian → Tianweng Bridge → Taojin Beach → Nuwa Pool → Tianlong Lingyun → Red Lantern → Hanging Coffin → Ten-Finger Butian Peak → Qiancengyan Waterfall → Qingyun Ladder → Return to the tourist center.
Transportation
- Public transportation: There are tourist special line buses from Ya'an urban area to Bifengxia Scenic Area. You can also take a bus to Bifengxia Town first and then transfer to a local transport vehicle to the scenic area.
- Self-driving: Starting from Chengdu, via Chengya Expressway, exit at Ya'an North, then follow the road signs to Bifengxia Scenic Area, which is 146 kilometers away from Chengdu.
Must-Visit Attractions
- Giant Panda Base: You can see more than 60 lovely giant pandas, divided into three areas: Baixiongping, Kindergarten, and Returned Giant Panda Paradise, allowing close observation of pandas' living conditions.
- Qiancengyan Waterfall: About 120 meters high and 10 meters wide, the spectacular waterfall combines with the legendary Nuwa sky-repairing marks, presenting a unique scenery.
- White Dragon Pool Waterfall: 30 meters high and more than 10 meters wide, like a white dragon flying, with momentum shaking the canyon.
- Qingyun Valley: A "natural oxygen bar" with beautiful natural scenery and rich tea culture displays.
Tour Tips
- If time permits, it is recommended to spend a day fully experiencing each attraction in the scenic area.
- Tourists with elderly people or children can choose short routes or take sightseeing buses to save energy.
- When watching giant pandas, try to keep quiet and do not disturb their lives.
- When visiting in summer, pay attention to sun protection and mosquito prevention; when visiting in the rainy season, remember to bring rain gear and watch out for slippery surfaces.
Precautions
- The scenic area has many mountain roads, and the ground is occasionally slippery. It is recommended to wear comfortable sports shoes or hiking shoes.
- Abide by the scenic area regulations and do not feed animals at will, especially in the Wildlife World and Giant Panda Base.
- Keep personal belongings safe and be cautious about thieves in crowded places.
- The scenic area has some steep cliffs and canyons. Pay attention to safety when playing and do not approach dangerous areas.