Not visiting Sayram Lake is truly a regret in life

Not visiting Sayram Lake is truly a regret in life. A recommended three-day short trip around Chengdu: Yele Lake, the essence of the secret realm in Western Sichuan. A weekend escape plan for Chengdu office workers. A friend recommended the lesser-known scenic spot Yele Lake, which offers stunning views. It is reachable within three hours from Chengdu and is known as the "Little Switzerland of Sichuan," featuring snow-capped mountains, lakes, and herds of sheep on the grasslands, perfect for taking high-quality photos anywhere. Itinerary: Day 1: Depart from Chengdu to Shimian. For lunch, try authentic Shimian barbecue. Then head to Yele Lake and stay at a lakeside guesthouse. The recommended driving route is via Jingkun Expressway and then National Highway 108, passing through the scenic Yaxi Expressway section. Recommended accommodation is Yele Lake Shepherd’s Return Guesthouse, where you can see the lake view from your window, and the owner prepares authentic Yi ethnic cuisine. Day 2: In-depth tour around the lake. It is recommended to go to the lakeside before 6 a.m. to watch the sunrise; the lake covered in morning mist is enchanting. Have a picnic on the grassland at noon; bringing camping equipment is advised, and yak jerky pairs well with it. In the afternoon, you might encounter herds of sheep and cattle; wearing light-colored clothes makes photography easier. At night, enjoy stargazing; remember to bring a tripod as the Milky Way is clearly visible. Day 3: Depart from Yele Lake to Menghuo City, then return to Chengdu. Menghuo City was a filming location for the TV series "Ghost Blows Out the Light," and drone footage is spectacular. On the way back, it is recommended to try Huang beef hotpot in Hanyuan, and Qingxi Gongjiao Fish Restaurant is worth a visit. Practical tips: 1. The best time to visit is from June to October; the mountains may be closed in winter. 2. The altitude is about 2,600 meters; generally, there is no altitude sickness, but the temperature difference between day and night is large, so bring a down jacket. 3. Advance reservation is required; search for "Mianning Lingshan Tourist Scenic Area" to book. 4. Signal near the lake is weak; it is recommended to download offline maps in advance. 5. Please protect the environment and take your trash with you. Food recommendations: Shimian Yefeng Barbecue: distinctive flame iron plate barbecue. Yele Lake Yi ethnic Tuotuo meat: made with mountain spring water and free-range pork. Hanyuan cherries: fresh cherries can be tasted if you visit from May to June.