Shangli - bifengxia - mengding Mountain

Hi I was planning to visit Bifengxia and Shangli on the same day. How can I get between the two places? Is it possible to also visit Mengding Mountain on the same day?

Bifengxia, Shangli, and Mengding Mountain are all popular destinations near Chengdu, Sichuan, but visiting all three in a single day is challenging due to distances and travel times.

Travel Between Bifengxia and Shangli:

Bifengxia is primarily known for the Bifengxia Panda Base and scenic gorge, while Shangli is a historic town near Ya’an. The distance between Bifengxia and Shangli is roughly 100–120 km, taking around 2–3 hours by car depending on traffic and road conditions. Public transport options between the two are limited, so private car or taxi is the most practical choice.

  • Private Car/Taxi: This is the fastest and most flexible option, allowing you to set your own schedule.
  • Tour Service: Some local tour operators offer combined tours of Bifengxia and nearby towns like Shangli, which can simplify transportation.
  • Public Bus: There may be buses connecting Ya’an to the areas near Bifengxia and Shangli, but this requires transfers and careful schedule planning, making it impractical for a single-day trip.

Visiting Mengding Mountain on the Same Day:

Mengding Mountain, located near Pengzhou, is about 100–120 km from Bifengxia and 80–100 km from Shangli, depending on the route. Including travel time and sightseeing, visiting Mengding Mountain on the same day as Bifengxia and Shangli is generally not recommended.

  • The day would be extremely long, with most of the time spent driving rather than enjoying the sights.
  • To fully appreciate Mengding Mountain, it is better to allocate a separate day or combine it with nearby attractions that are closer.

Recommendation:

  • Option 1: Spend one day visiting Bifengxia and Shangli with private transportation. This allows adequate time for sightseeing and photography.
  • Option 2: Visit Mengding Mountain on a separate day to enjoy its tea plantations, temples, and scenic views without rushing.
  • Option 3: Consider staying overnight in Ya’an or nearby towns if you want to split the Bifengxia–Shangli route into a more relaxed schedule.

In summary, it is feasible to visit Bifengxia and Shangli in one day with a private car or tour, but including Mengding Mountain on the same day is not practical due to travel distances and time constraints.


More Chengdu Travel Questions