What are the fun places to visit in Ya'an?

Though not large in size, Ya'an enjoys widespread fame. Sitting between the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Sichuan Basin, it has long been a melting pot of diverse ethnic cultures. Ancient stone monuments scattered along mountains and roads, including the Hejun Pavilion Stele, the Gaoyi Que Towers and stone beasts from the Han Dynasty, bear witness to the city's splendid history and culture.

National Highways 108 and 318 intersect here. A giant panda conservation center lies on the outskirts of the city. More importantly, Ya'an is a strategic gateway from Sichuan to Xizang, earning it the reputation of a border town. In many ways, it is no different from other cities. What makes it unique are the mountains standing right before your eyes and the gentle ripples of the Qingyi River.

After nightfall, the outlines of the surrounding mountains remain clearly visible. The sound of flowing water mingles with lamplights from riverside residences and teahouses, swaying softly amid fine drizzle. Ya'an exudes an understated grandeur. Life here moves at a slower, more leisurely pace than in Chengdu, a charm to be savored gradually.