Overview

A 2-day private nature getaway from Chengdu to the 'Kenya of West Sichuan' alpine meadows of Menghuocheng and the sapphire-blue plateau Yele Lake.

About This Tour

Nicknamed the 'Kenya of West Sichuan', Menghuocheng is the largest and most accessible high-alpine meadow in southwest China, a sweep of soft green grassland framed by distant peaks and white clouds, every frame a living desktop wallpaper. On this easy private tour you leave Chengdu along the scenic Yaxi 'expressway in the clouds' and arrive at this thousand-acre meadow, where you can walk barefoot on the turf, fly kites, wander into primeval spruce and fir forest and find the legendary thousand-year 'sacred tree' while your guide shares the tale of strategist Zhuge Liang's famous campaign. The second day brings Yele Lake, a sapphire plateau lake at over 2,600m that mirrors snow peaks and blue sky, with grazing cattle and sheep on its shores, a filming location for the TV drama Suoma Blossoms. Travelling with your own English-speaking guide and private vehicle, this trip suits families and nature lovers who want big alpine scenery at a gentle pace. Best from late spring to early autumn when the grasslands are greenest. Itinerary may adjust based on weather, road and local regulations. Good to know: • Best season: May to October for green meadows and clear lake views • Fitness level: easy, gentle walking on grassland; family-friendly • Yele Lake sits above 2,600m; the meadow is breezy and cool, bring warm and windproof layers • Long drive days (Chengdu-Shimian approx 4-5h); not ideal for those very prone to car sickness • Default rooms are twins; solo travellers share same-gender or pay a single supplement

Itinerary

Day 1: Chengdu | Shimian to Menghuocheng Meadow

Depart Chengdu by private vehicle and drive about 4 hours to Shimian county, travelling the scenic Yaxi expressway often called the 'highway in the clouds' as it threads through mountains and river-spanning bridges. Enjoy a local lunch in Shimian, then continue roughly one hour to Menghuocheng, the largest and most accessible high-alpine ecological meadow in southwest China. Ride the sightseeing cart into the reserve, then walk barefoot on the soft turf, fly kites and stroll into the primeval forest of towering spruce and fir to find the legendary thousand-year 'sacred tree', tying on a prayer flag while your guide recounts the Zhuge Liang legend. In the evening return to a clean, comfortable hotel in Shimian and try the famous local Shimian barbecue. Meals: none included. Overnight in Shimian.

Day 2: Shimian | Yele Lake & Return to Chengdu

After breakfast, drive about 1.5 hours to Yele Lake, a sapphire-blue plateau lake set above 2,600m and a filming location for the TV drama Suoma Blossoms. Deep in the mountains, its clear water mirrors distant snow peaks and a sky of blue and white, while herds of cattle and sheep graze along the shore; children can gently approach the lambs under adult supervision and there is space to fly kites. After a relaxed lunch, begin the journey home, with the kids sharing the trip's highlights along the way. Arrive in Chengdu in the evening, where the tour ends at the South Railway Station area. Drive times are estimates. Meals: none included. Drive approx 5h.

What's Included

✓ Included

English-speaking guide Private air-conditioned vehicle & all transfers Hotel in Shimian (1 night, twin room) Youxiake on-trip service staff

✕ Not included

International & domestic flights China visa Travel insurance All meals Scenic-area sightseeing carts Single-room supplement Personal expenses Tips

Cancellation Policy

Free cancellation is available on most tours up to 24 hours before the start time. The exact cancellation terms for this tour are shown during booking.

Traveler Reviews

4.6★★★★★Based on 74 reviews

Ben K.🇦🇪 UAE★★★★★2026-04

I went in most excited about Menghuocheng Alpine Meadow & Yele Lake 2-Day. Funny enough, Chengdu is the part I kept talking about afterward.

Emma J.🇬🇧 UK★★★★☆2025-03

What helped was simple: there was no theatrical “VIP” treatment, just useful organisation and a guide who noticed when we needed a pause. That suited us. I would rather keep the pause at Menghuocheng Alpine Meadow & Yele Lake 2-Day than add another stop.

Felix K.🇮🇪 Ireland★★★★★2025-06

Looking back, I would check the weather and dress in layers. We moved between the vehicle, open spaces and indoor sites often enough to notice the difference. My only advice is not to shorten the time at Menghuocheng Alpine Meadow & Yele Lake 2-Day.

James P.🇪🇸 Spain★★★★★2024-05

Looking back, I had a long list of things I thought I needed to see. After Chengdu, I was happier slowing down and noticing fewer things properly. The time around Menghuocheng Alpine Meadow & Yele Lake 2-Day was not the part I would cut.

Menghuocheng Alpine Meadow & Yele Lake 2-Day Private Tour